The last few weeks saw two unique events in Responsible tourism. Trend setting responsible tourism networking events were held during SATTE in New Delhi on 29th Jan and later on in Kathmandu on 2nd Feb 2010.Continuing the tradition of networking to bring together like-minded people in Responsible tourism to learn, share and inspire, both the event stood apart for its uniqueness.

Delhi event supported by SATTE, ITB-Berlin, The Blue Yonder ,Travel Operators for Tigers (TOFT)and International Centre for Responsible Tourism - India (ICRT India) focused more on workshops this year, whereas the event in Nepal saw experienced practioners inspiring tourism students. New Delhi discussed the role of Media in responsible tourism in a panel moderated by Sankar Radhakrishan - Independent writer, editor and attended by Charles Kao - Chairman and Publisher - Travel Mole Media group, Kai Friese - Editor - Outlook Traveller and GEO and Sopan Joshi - Managing Editor - Down to earth Magazine.

The panel on responsibility on wildlife tourism was moderated by Julian Mathews: Chairman Travel Operators for Tigers (TOFT)and well attended by Amit Shankala: Managing Director - Encounters Asia and Dr. Latika Nath Rana from Singinawa Lodge.

The discussions were concluded by a panel on Responsibility & Profitability exploring the business case for responsible tourism? The panel consisted of
Asit Biswas : Co-founder - Help Tourism, Charmarie Maalge: Founder Director / CEO - Responsible Tourism Partnership Sri Lanka, Major Murray Jones: Specialist travel advisor - Palaces and Tigers UK and Rakesh Mathur: President ITC Welcom Heritage. Panel was moderated by Lelei TuiSamoa LeLaulu: Co-Chair - Innovations for Sustainable Development Centre.

This was followed by networking event.

The Responsible Fringe Meeting held on 02 Feb 2010 at the Dechenling Garden Restaurant in Kathmandu was attended by over 50 individuals, including 17 students and faculty from three leading tourism institutes - SMSH, NCTTM and NATHM.The event was organized by socialtours.com travels and Silver Mountain Institute of Hotel Management, and sponsored by Everest Summit Lodges.