VATICAN - “The results of the policies and projects for tourism will only be successful if they are accompanied by a social and environmental, as well as economic, vision.” Letter from the Pontifical Council for Migrants to the International Tourism Exchange (BIT) Exhibition

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - “Climate change has become a priority concern on a global level. It is a problem that affects all of us who live on this Earth we call home. In fact, we are all responsible in various modes, for the present situation and we all suffer its consequences.” This is what a letter sent from the Church to the Congress participants in the BIT (International Tourism Exchange) Exhibition being held in Milan (Italy) on February 20, 2009, on the theme: “Tourism facing the challenge of climate change.” The Letter was signed by the President of the Pontifical Council for Migrants and Itinerant Peoples, Cardinal Renato Raffaele Martino, and Secretary Archbishop Agostino Marchetto.
In the Letter, the Dicastery recalls the Message for World Day of Tourism 2008, and points out that tourism is an activity of man “that contributes to climate changes and suffers its effects. With the emission of toxic gases from transportation vehicles (5% on a world level), with the uncontrolled building on natural areas and the wasting of natural resources, tourism has a significant negative effect. It also suffers the effects of this. In fact, as is the case with agriculture, tourism depends heavily on meteorology and climatology, being affected both by daily weather patterns as well as long-term climatic changes.”
We must not forget, however, that “the economic industry brings many benefits to the economy of countries, promoting the creation of jobs, the development of infrastructures, promotion of culture, and protection of natural areas. Therefore, it is a great force in fighting poverty and improving the living standards of individuals and nations.” In order for tourism to be an authentic motor in the growth of the economy, the Letter mentions the need to maintain itself within the parameters of ecological respect, as explained in the Compendium of the Church's Social Doctrine: “the results of the policies and projects for tourism will only be successful if they are accompanied by a social and environmental, as well as economic, vision. Therefore, it will be a continuous source of riches that develops towards a lasting tourism...For many countries with limited resources, tourism is a primary source of income and serious proposal for economic growth, if it respects strategies of constancy, responsibility, and solidarity...This possible benefit can falter in the present environmental crisis, and the poorest countries are the ones who suffer the worst consequences, although they are not responsible for the emission of toxic waste.”
The Letter also reflects on the climate changes in the religious experience: “tourism, which facilitates man's contact with nature, can be an occasion to learn of the wealth of Creation, which shows us the infinite goodness and mercy of its Author. Too often, the destructive hand of man opposes itself to the creative finger of the Creator, as is represented in the impressive image of the Sistine Chapel. Human activity is at the heart of climate change, whose effects are mainly seen in an increase in sea levels and in the receding of coastlines, in the more frequent torrential rains with longer and more instense droughts, and the gradual desertification, in diminishing of biodiversity and the melting of the polar icecaps...the garden has become a desert.”
In the concluding part of the message, there is an emphasis on the “need to take preventive measures and change the course of things,” adopting “a correct conception of the environment,” which considers Creation “a gift from God for all people, an inheritance for all humanity,” a “gift received but that must be transmitted to future generations.” Therefore, “progress in the area of tourism, as in other sectors, must recognize its own limits. This means service towards creation and not vice versa.” After offering several proposals (“cultivate an ethic of responsibility; recuperate the meaning of limits, recognizing the difference between like things and the transcendence of the Creator in relation to the creatures; assume personal responsibility in caring for the planet; fomenting a 'green' culture; develop a culture of tourism that is responsible in relation to climate changes”). The Letter concludes with an invitation to “recuperate the spiritual dimension in relation to creation, not reducing it to a mere object of exploitation, but moving towards what could be called an 'intelligent tourism,' i.e. one that is ethical, 'green,' and of high caliber in every aspect.” (SL) (Agenzia Fides 20/02/2009)