Krešimir Herceg, Bikademy: The basic principle of sustainable tourism is respect!

We continue to record various thinking aloud about sustainable tourism all over Croatia - hrturism espresso.

The first goal is to reach 100 hr tourism express and thus focus on the broader concept of sustainable tourism, from different perspectives and stakeholders of the tourism sector. Because live tourism is much more than one definition.

This time we bring the story and narrative about sustainable tourism from Slavonski Brod. 

Krešimir Herceg, Bikademy: The basic principle of sustainable tourism is respect

"RESPECT! This is the basic principle of sustainable tourism for me. Respect for the community we visit, their cultures and habits, gastronomy, cultural and natural heritage. However, respect also for the community in which we stay. 

I believe that, starting from that model and way of thinking, local residents would be much more satisfied, local producers would be adequately paid for their products and services, and that is only a small part of the transformation that starts with RESPECT. I believe that guided by this principle, tourism would be sustainable in itself and would bring prosperity to all stakeholders in tourism." emphasizes Krešimir Herceg, the owner of the platform for the development of cycle tourism Bikademy in response to the question of what sustainable tourism is from his point of view and action.

Respect as the foundation of sustainable tourism

Respect! This is the basic principle that must guide sustainable tourism. The beginning and end of every journey.

Without respect for the community we visit, for their cultures, customs, gastronomy, and cultural and natural heritage, tourism loses its purpose. After all, that is the primary motive of the trip. 

It is our responsibility as tourists to adapt to the local way of life, to understand and appreciate the wealth that these communities offer us. This is not only a moral obligation, but also the key to creating authentic and memorable experiences that enrich both us and the community we visit. 

However, respect is not a one-way street; it also refers to the community in which we live. If local residents feel that they are respected, that their culture and way of life are valued, they will be much more satisfied with their participation in the tourism sector. This includes adequate payment of local producers for their products and services, which contributes to the economic sustainability of the region. Ultimately, this approach transforms tourism into an instrument of social and economic progress, where all stakeholders benefit.

Imagine local producers who are adequately paid for their products and services. This not only improves their quality of life, but also raises the quality of the tourist offer. Win-win, right?

This is the primary role and responsibility of the destination itself because they manage the development, the narrative and their product. The key word is management. 

Guided by the principle of respect, tourism becomes sustainable in itself. It brings prosperity to all stakeholders in the tourism sector, from local communities and producers to visitors. By accepting these values, tourism can develop in a way that does not disrupt, but rather enriches local communities. That's how we achieve symbiosis between tourists and hosts, where both sides emerge victorious, creating lasting bonds and understanding that transcend borders and cultures.

At the end of the day, tourism that is guided by the principle of respect becomes sustainable in itself. It is not just a phrase, but a real transformation. When every tourist becomes aware of their role in preserving local communities, then we create a win-win environment. The well-being of all stakeholders in tourism becomes attainable, and we as tourists become ambassadors of a better world. So next time you're planning a trip, remember - respect is key. Let's make tourism great again, but this time with a little more heart!

Finally, as I pointed out from the first article: Let's respect ourselves, so that others will respect us. 

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