"Another tourism is possible and urgent!"

Tourism was among the issues raised at the World Social Forum (WSF) 2009, which took place from 27th January to 1st February in Belém, Brazil. Members of the Global Tourism Interventions Forum (GTIF) passed the "Declaration of Belém" in which they denounce hegemonic tourism policies. With regard to the experiences presented in Brazil and the role of WSF in supporting more sustainable forms of tourism, TourismWatch interviewed Esther Neuhaus, coordinator of the Brazilian Forum of NGOs and Social Movements for the Environment and Development (FBOMS).

Esther describes the tourism events organised on issues such as land speculation, tourism policies, climate change and community-based initiatives. She stresses that WSF brought together tourism NGOs and other groups and social movements that can strengthen each other. The interaction at WSF helped to place tourism in a larger context.

Further information: www.fboms.org.br