The pillars of responsible and sustainable tourism are environmental integrity, social justice and economic development. According to the Cape Town Declaration on Responsible Tourism (2002), it will have e.g. the following characteristics: 
1. Minimises negative economic, environmental, and social impacts 
2. Generates greater economic benefits for local people and enhances the well-being of host communities, improves working conditions and access to the industry
3. Supports local economies by purchasing local goods and participating with small, local businesses
4. Involves local people in decisions that affect their lives and life chances 
5. Makes positive contributions to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage, to the maintenance of the world’s diversity
6. Provides more enjoyable experiences for visitors through more meaningful connections with local people, and a greater understanding of local cultural, social and environmental issues; contributes to intercultural understanding and tolerance
7. Is culturally sensitive, engenders respect between visitors and hosts, and builds local pride and confidence. 

As per to the French understanding of CBST it will specifically
8. Inform the visitor in on open manner about prices and their components
9. Participate to local projects through a special Fund dedicated to finance local projects with resources generated directly by the responsible and sustainable actifity, communicate in full transparency about the Fund and the projects.