Tourism development is deeply connected with the environmental conditions in several aspects. This connection has significant environmental outputs and may affect the environment either favourably or unfavourably. Most environmental problems caused by tourism development are of local importance, and in most of the cases can be treated with the appropriate infrastructure, or an appropriate design. Both local and international authorities have taken measures and defined methods for minimising negative effects of tourism in the environment. The purpose of this study is to present a theoretical approach on the role of environmental responsibility in tourism industry. The determining parameters of the need and the ways for achieving environmental responsibility will be analysed. A critical insight on how the principles of environmental responsibility have been incorporated in tourism industry operations will be provided, through the presentation of indicative case studies.