what is sustainable tourism framework

Sustainable tourism

Related sdgs, promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable ....

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Tourism is one of the world's fastest growing industries and an important source of foreign exchange and employment, while being closely linked to the social, economic, and environmental well-being of many countries, especially developing countries. Maritime or ocean-related tourism, as well as coastal tourism, are for example vital sectors of the economy in small island developing States (SIDS) and coastal least developed countries (LDCs) (see also: The Potential of the Blue Economy report as well as the Community of Ocean Action on sustainable blue economy).

The World Tourism Organization defines sustainable tourism as “tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities".

Based on General assembly resolution 70/193, 2017 was declared as the  International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development.

In the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development SDG target 8.9, aims to “by 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products”. The importance of sustainable tourism is also highlighted in SDG target 12.b. which aims to “develop and implement tools to monitor sustainable development impacts for sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products”.

Tourism is also identified as one of the tools to “by 2030, increase the economic benefits to Small Island developing States and least developed countries” as comprised in SDG target 14.7.

In the Rio+20 outcome document The Future We want, sustainable tourism is defined by paragraph 130 as a significant contributor “to the three dimensions of sustainable development” thanks to its close linkages to other sectors and its ability to create decent jobs and generate trade opportunities. Therefore, Member States recognize “the need to support sustainable tourism activities and relevant capacity-building that promote environmental awareness, conserve and protect the environment, respect wildlife, flora, biodiversity, ecosystems and cultural diversity, and improve the welfare and livelihoods of local communities by supporting their local economies and the human and natural environment as a whole. ” In paragraph 130, Member States also “call for enhanced support for sustainable tourism activities and relevant capacity-building in developing countries in order to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development”.

In paragraph 131, Member States “encourage the promotion of investment in sustainable tourism, including eco-tourism and cultural tourism, which may include creating small- and medium-sized enterprises and facilitating access to finance, including through microcredit initiatives for the poor, indigenous peoples and local communities in areas with high eco-tourism potential”. In this regard, Member States also “underline the importance of establishing, where necessary, appropriate guidelines and regulations in accordance with national priorities and legislation for promoting and supporting sustainable tourism”.

In 2002, the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg called for the promotion of sustainable tourism development, including non-consumptive and eco-tourism, in Chapter IV, paragraph 43 of the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation.

At the Johannesburg Summit, the launch of the “Sustainable Tourism – Eliminating Poverty (ST-EP) initiative was announced. The initiative was inaugurated by the World Tourism Organization, in collaboration with UNCTAD, in order to develop sustainable tourism as a force for poverty alleviation.

The UN Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) last reviewed the issue of sustainable tourism in 2001, when it was acting as the Preparatory Committee for the Johannesburg Summit.

The importance of sustainable tourism was also mentioned in Agenda 21.

For more information and documents on this topic,  please visit this link

UNWTO Annual Report 2015

2015 was a landmark year for the global community. In September, the 70th Session of the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a universal agenda for planet and people. Among the 17 SDGs and 169 associated targets, tourism is explicitly featured in Goa...

UNWTO Annual Report 2016

In December 2015, the United Nations General Assembly declared 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development. This is a unique opportunity to devote a year to activities that promote the transformational power of tourism to help us reach a better future. This important cele...

Emerging Issues for Small Island Developing States

The 2012 UNEP Foresight Process on Emerging Global Environmental Issues primarily identified emerging environmental issues and possible solutions on a global scale and perspective. In 2013, UNEP carried out a similar exercise to identify priority emerging environmental issues that are of concern to ...

Transforming our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

This Agenda is a plan of action for people, planet and prosperity. It also seeks to strengthen universal peace in larger freedom, We recognize that eradicating poverty in all its forms and dimensions, including extreme poverty, is the greatest global challenge and an indispensable requirement for su...

15 Years of the UNWTO World Tourism Network on Child Protection: A Compilation of Good Practices

Although it is widely recognized that tourism is not the cause of child exploitation, it can aggravate the problem when parts of its infrastructure, such as transport networks and accommodation facilities, are exploited by child abusers for nefarious ends. Additionally, many other factors that contr...

Towards Measuring the Economic Value of Wildlife Watching Tourism in Africa

Set against the backdrop of the ongoing poaching crisis driven by a dramatic increase in the illicit trade in wildlife products, this briefing paper intends to support the ongoing efforts of African governments and the broader international community in the fight against poaching. Specifically, this...

Status and Trends of Caribbean Coral Reefs: 1970-2012

Previous Caribbean assessments lumped data together into a single database regardless of geographic location, reef environment, depth, oceanographic conditions, etc. Data from shallow lagoons and back reef environments were combined with data from deep fore-reef environments and atolls. Geographic c...

Natural Resources Forum: Special Issue Tourism

The journal considers papers on all topics relevant to sustainable development. In addition, it dedicates series, issues and special sections to specific themes that are relevant to the current discussions of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD)....

Thailand: Supporting Sustainable Development in Thailand: A Geographic Clusters Approach

Market forces and government policies, including the Tenth National Development Plan (2007-2012), are moving Thailand toward a more geographically specialized economy. There is a growing consensus that Thailand’s comparative and competitive advantages lie in amenity services that have high reliance...

Road Map on Building a Green Economy for Sustainable Development in Carriacou and Petite Martinique, Grenada

This publication is the product of an international study led by the Division for Sustainable Development (DSD) of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) in cooperation with the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs and the Ministry of Environment, Foreig...

Natural Resources Forum, a United Nations Sustainable Development Journal (NRF)

  Natural Resources Forum, a United Nations Sustainable Development Journal, seeks to address gaps in current knowledge and stimulate relevant policy discussions, leading to the implementation of the sustainable development agenda and the achievement of the Sustainable...

UN Ocean Conference 2025

Our Ocean, Our Future, Our Responsibility “The ocean is fundamental to life on our planet and to our future. The ocean is an important source of the planet’s biodiversity and plays a vital role in the climate system and water cycle. The ocean provides a range of ecosystem services, supplies us with

UN Ocean Conference 2022

The UN Ocean Conference 2022, co-hosted by the Governments of Kenya and Portugal, came at a critical time as the world was strengthening its efforts to mobilize, create and drive solutions to realize the 17 Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

58th Session of the Commission for Social Development – CSocD58

22nd general assembly of the united nations world tourism organization, world tourism day 2017 official celebration.

This year’s World Tourism Day, held on 27 September, will be focused on Sustainable Tourism – a Tool for Development. Celebrated in line with the 2017 International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, the Day will be dedicated to exploring the contribution of tourism to the Sustainable Deve

World Tourism Day 2016 Official Celebration

Accessible Tourism for all is about the creation of environments that can cater for the needs of all of us, whether we are traveling or staying at home. May that be due to a disability, even temporary, families with small children, or the ageing population, at some point in our lives, sooner or late

4th Global Summit on City Tourism

The World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and the Regional Council for Tourism of Marrakesh with support of the Government of Morroco are organizing the 4th Global Summit on City Tourism in Marrakesh, Morroco (9-10 December 2015). International experts in city tourism, representatives of city DMOs, of

2nd Euro-Asian Mountain Resorts Conference

The World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and Ulsan Metropolitan City with support of the Government of the Republic of Korea are organizing the 2nd Euro-Asian Mountain Resorts Conference, in Ulsan, Republic of Korea (14 - 16 October 2015). Under the title “Paving the Way for a Bright Future for Mounta

21st General Assembly of the United Nations World Tourism Organization

Unwto regional conference enhancing brand africa - fostering tourism development.

Tourism is one of the Africa’s most promising sectors in terms of development, and represents a major opportunity to foster inclusive development, increase the region’s participation in the global economy and generate revenues for investment in other activities, including environmental preservation.

• January 2017 International Year of Tourism In the context of the universal 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the International Year aims to support a change in policies, business practices and consumer behavior towards a more sustainable tourism sector that can contribute to the SDGs.
• January 2015 Targets 8.9, 12 b,14.7 The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development commits Member States, through Sustainable Development Goal Target 8.9 to “devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products”. The importance of sustainable tourism, as a driver for jobs creation and the promotion of local culture and products, is also highlighted in Sustainable Development Goal target 12.b. Tourism is also identified as one of the tools to “increase [by 2030] the economic benefits to Small Island developing States and least developed countries”, through Sustainable Development Goals Target 14.7.
• January 2012 Future We Want (Para 130-131) Sustainable tourism is defined as a significant contributor “to the three dimensions of sustainable development” thanks to its close linkages to other sectors and its ability to create decent jobs and generate trade opportunities. Therefore, Member States recognize “the need to support sustainable tourism activities and relevant capacity-building that promote environmental awareness, conserve and protect the environment, respect wildlife, flora, biodiversity, ecosystems and cultural diversity, and improve the welfare and livelihoods of local communities” as well as to “encourage the promotion of investment in sustainable tourism, including eco-tourism and cultural tourism, which may include creating small and medium sized enterprises and facilitating access to finance, including through microcredit initiatives for the poor, indigenous peoples and local communities in areas with high eco-tourism potential”.
• January 2009 Roadmap for Recovery UNWTO announced in March 2009 the elaboration of a Roadmap for Recovery to be finalized by UNWTO’s General Assembly, based on seven action points. The Roadmap includes a set of 15 recommendations based on three interlocking action areas: resilience, stimulus, green economy aimed at supporting the tourism sector and the global economy.
• January 2008 Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria The Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria represent the minimum requirements any tourism business should observe in order to ensure preservation and respect of the natural and cultural resources and make sure at the same time that tourism potential as tool for poverty alleviation is enforced. The Criteria are 41 and distributed into four different categories: 1) sustainability management, 2) social and economic 3) cultural 4) environmental.
• January 2003 WTO becomes a UN specialized body By Resolution 453 (XV), the Assembly agreed on the transformation of the WTO into a United Nations specialized body. Such transformation was later ratified by the United Nations General Assembly with the adoption of Resolution A/RES/58/232.
• January 2003 1st Int. Conf. on Climate Change and Tourism The conference was organized in order to gather tourism authorities, organizations, businesses and scientists to discuss on the impact that climate change can have on the tourist sector. The event took place from 9 till 11 April 2003 in Djerba, Tunisia.
• January 2002 World Ecotourism Summit Held in May 2002, in Quebec City, Canada, the Summit represented the most important event in the framework of the International Year of Ecosystem. The Summit identified as main themes: ecotourism policy and planning, regulation of ecotourism, product development, marketing and promotion of ecotourism and monitoring costs and benefits of ecotourism.
• January 1985 Tourism Bill of Rights and Tourist Code At the World Tourism Organization Sixth Assembly held in Sofia in 1985, the Tourism Bill of Rights and Tourist Code were adopted, setting out the rights and duties of tourists and host populations and formulating policies and action for implementation by states and the tourist industry.
• January 1982 Acapulco Document Adopted in 1982, the Acapulco Document acknowledges the new dimension and role of tourism as a positive instrument towards the improvement of the quality of life for all peoples, as well as a significant force for peace and international understanding. The Acapulco Document also urges Member States to elaborate their policies, plans and programmes on tourism, in accordance with their national priorities and within the framework of the programme of work of the World Tourism Organization.

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Coral reforestation helps restore desolated reefs around Landaa Giraavaru Island on Baa Atoll in the Republic of Maldives.

For travelers, sustainability is the word—but there are many definitions of it

Most people want to support sustainable tourism, even though the concept remains fuzzy.

The word “overtourism” is a relatively new term—but its novelty has not diminished the portent of its meaning: “An excessive number of tourist visits to a popular destination or attraction, resulting in damage to the local environment and historical sites and in poorer quality of life for residents,” according to the Oxford Dictionary .  

As travel recovers from pandemic lows, travelers are once again experiencing the consequences of overtourism at enticing, but crowded, destinations. The UN World Tourism Organization, along with public and private sector partners, marks September 27 as World Tourism Day and uses this platform to discuss tourism’s social, political, economic, and environmental impacts.

This day highlights the importance of sustainable tourism —a framework for engaging travelers and the travel industry at large in supporting goals that include protecting the environment, addressing climate change, minimizing plastic consumption , and expanding economic development in communities affected by tourism.

Getting the facts

A National Geographic survey of 3,500 adults in the U.S. reveals strong support for sustainability. That’s the good news—but the challenge will be helping travelers take meaningful actions. According to the survey—which was conducted in 2019—while 42 percent of U.S. travelers would be willing to prioritize sustainable travel in the future, only 15 percent of these travelers are sufficiently familiar with what sustainable travel actually means.  

( Learn about how to turn overtourism into sustainable global tourism .)

In the National Geographic survey, consumers most familiar with sustainable travel are young: 50 percent are 18 to 34 years old. Among travelers who understand the sustainable travel concept, 56 percent acknowledge travel has an impact on local communities and that it’s important to protect natural sites and cultural places.

The survey has informed National Geographic’s experiential travel and media businesses and sparked conversations for creating solutions around sustainability. Our travel content focuses on environmentally friendly practices, protecting cultural and natural heritage, providing social and economic benefits for local communities, and inspiring travelers to become conservation ambassadors. In short, we see every National Geographic traveler as a curious explorer who seeks to build an ethic of conserving all that makes a destination unique.

Building better practices

National Geographic Expeditions operates hundreds of trips each year, spanning all seven continents and more than 80 destinations. Rooted in the National Geographic Society ’s legacy of exploration, the company supports the Society's mission to inspire people to care about the planet by providing meaningful opportunities to explore it. Proceeds from all travel programs support the Society’s efforts to increase global understanding through exploration, education and scientific research.

National Geographic Expeditions offers a range of group travel experiences, including land expeditions, cruises, and active adventures, many of which take place around eco-lodges that are rigorously vetted for their sustainability practices.  

These independent lodges incorporate innovative sustainability practices into their everyday operations, including supporting natural and cultural heritage, sourcing products regionally, and giving back to the local community.

For example, South Africa’s Grootbos Lodge launched a foundation to support the Masakhane Community Farm and Training Centre. Through this program, the lodge has given plots of land to local people who have completed the training, increasing their income and access to local, healthy foods; so far the program has benefitted more than 138 community members.

As a media brand, National Geographic encourages travelers to seek out and support properties that embrace a mission to help protect people and the environment. Not only do these accommodations make direct and meaningful impacts in their own communities, but staying at one helps educate travelers in effective ways to preserve and protect the places they visit.

Supporting sustainability

The travel industry is crucially dependent on the health of local communities, environments, and cultures. As many experts note, we need to invest in the resiliency of places affected by overtourism and climate change to achieve sustainable tourism.

( Should some of the world’s endangered places be off-limits to tourists ?)

National Geographic’s coverage stresses the importance of reducing our carbon footprint and encourages travelers to step off the beaten path and linger longer, respect cultural differences and invest in communities, reconnect with nature and support organizations that are protecting the planet. Here are 12 ways to travel sustainably , reported by our staff editors.

Storytelling can help by highlighting problems brought on by tourism and surfacing practices and technologies to mitigate negative impacts. A key goal of our storytelling mission at National Geographic Travel is to dig deeper into the topic of sustainable tourism and provide resources, practical tips, and destination advice for travelers who seek to explore the world in all its beauty—while leaving behind a lighter footprint.

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Understanding Sustainable Tourism

• First Online: 01 September 2022

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• Florian Kaefer 2  

Part of the book series: Future of Business and Finance ((FBF))

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What is sustainable tourism? This question might seem easy to answer, but it really is not, as there exist many different interpretations of the term. While there is no ‘exact’ definition (and academics love to come up with new concepts all the time), I know from my conversations with practitioners that they tend to find some more useful than others. Chapter 1 offers you a summary of the meaning and purpose of ‘sustainability’, in the context of tourism—based on what I have learned through the interviews and the panel sessions which we have conducted at SLP. We will also explore how ‘sustainable’ tourism differs from responsible, transformative or other forms of tourism, what the characteristics are of a sustainability leader or tourism changemaker, and what motivates some of the most successful of them to dedicate their career to tourism and sustainability.

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For full answers of all panel participants, see https://sustainability-leaders.com/sustainable-tourism-redefined/

https://sustainability-leaders.com/sustainable-responsible-regenerative-tourism-explained/

More about the book, how it came about and its key insights, in our interview with Elizabeth, available at https://sustainability-leaders.com/elizabeth-becker-interview/

https://sdgs.un.org/goals

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https://wttc.org/Research/Economic-Impact

https://wttc.org/Portals/0/Documents/Reports/2019/City Travel and Tourism Impact Extended Report Dec 2019.pdf

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Kaefer, F. (2022). Understanding Sustainable Tourism. In: Sustainability Leadership in Tourism. Future of Business and Finance. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-05314-6_2

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The global sustainability standards in travel and tourism, gstc2024 global conference, royal djurgården, stockholm, sweden - april 23-26, for hotels & accommodations, for tour operators, for destinations & governments, for corporate & business travel, for certification bodies, for travelers, recent news.

Preferred by Nature Standard gains GSTC-Recognized Standard Status

Stefi 2024-04-19T15:29:45+08:00 April 19th, 2024 |

Bioscore Standard gains GSTC-Recognized Standard Status

Stefi 2024-04-18T14:49:18+08:00 April 18th, 2024 |

Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau Joins GSTC

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“ With members spanning across the world, GSTC’s rigorous accreditation program not only elevates our initiative but also ensures that the hospitality sector worldwide moves toward a unified vision of sustainability .” Julia Simpson WTTC President & CEO

“ Japan Airlines is honored to become a member of the GSTC. JAL places ESG strategy at the core of its management plan and strives to make various efforts. We expect to learn a lot from the council and make progress in our efforts to realize a sustainable society. “ OCHI Kenichiro Managing Executive Officer of Japan Airlines

“ Certifications give travelers reassurance and orientation. However, we also know there are certifications of varying quality in the tourism sector. That’s why we have been working with the GSTC, the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, for our hotels since 2012. We only accept sustainability certifications that are recognised by the independent GSTC and meet its strict standards .” Ian Corbett Head of Sustainability in TUI Group’s international sustainability team

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“ We are honored to be among the first U.S. destinations to join the GSTC . We look forward to collaborating with GSTC and the Los Angeles City Tourism Department to build a thriving industry that improves the quality of life for all Angelenos. “ Adam Burke President and CEO, Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board

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“ The GSTC’s Industry Criteria played an important role from the very beginning in terms of how we set that measure and approached the overall development of the program. For the Travel Sustainable program and all the relevant interconnected systems we have in place at Booking.com to support it to have achieved GSTC-Recognized status is something we are incredibly proud of and encourages us to continue evolving the program further in line with these high standards .” Danielle D’Silva Head of Sustainability at Booking.com

“ The GSTC certification is a testament to Marina Bay Sands’ ongoing commitment to minimize our environmental impact while providing our guests with a luxurious experience. Being the largest hotel in Singapore to be GSTC-certified shows our commitment in raising the bar for the industry and inspiring other players to adopt more sustainable practices. “ Meridith Beaujean Executive Director of Sustainability, Marina Bay Sands

“There can be hundreds of different sustainable tourism standards to choose from. The Global Sustainable Tourism Council has a reliable guide, and maintains recent sustainability criteria for hotels, destinations and tour operators.” Erik Solheim  Previous Executive Director, UN Environment

“ Being part of the GSTC provides us with ongoing connection to a global framework and network of professionals who are looking to solve the same challenges. We are really motivated to be part of it, and to learn, share and work together to ensure the industry we all love stays protected and respected for our future generations to enjoy. “ Jemma Fastnedge  Chief Sustainability Officer, Big Red Group

“ Joining the GSTC signifies our unwavering commitment to ensuring our activities are consistent with the long-term health of the communities and ecosystems where we operate. Through the GSTC community, we look forward to further collaboration with our partners across the travel and tourism industry to pave the way for a more sustainable and vibrant future . “ Caitrin O’Brien Vice President, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

“The St. Kitts Sustainable Destination Council was founded based on the principles of the GSTC Criteria for Destinations following St. Kitts and Nevis’s GSTC destination sustainability assessment.” Diannille Taylor‑Williams St. Kitts Ministry of Tourism

“To find a destination that’s officially certified as taking sustainability issues seriously, visit the GSTC (Global Sustainable Tourism Council) website” Skyscanner

“The GSTC Criteria are the most credible global standards for sustainable tourism based on a highly inclusive development process. They provide a holistic definition of sustainability in tourism” One Planet Network

“The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) is a comprehensive resource for learning about tourism businesses and destinations that strive to protect and sustain the world’s natural and cultural resources.” The Globe and Mail

“To evaluate a certification program, check to see if it has been reviewed by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council – GSTC, an independent nonprofit that has established standards for sustainability in travel” The New York Times

“No other organization than GSTC stands for such a diverse and global group of sustainable tourism players. The regular exchange with GSTC has significantly helped us to strengthen our approach and to learn from the best practices of the international network GSTC unites.” Switzerland Tourism

“TUI encourages all hotels offered to its 27 million customers to obtain certification that meets the GSTC Criteria. Sustainability expectations for accommodation suppliers are set in contracts.” TUI Group

“For the past two years, the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) has been busy accrediting certification bodies to certify highly sustainable operators” Lonely Planet

“RCL has endorsed the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), regarded by WWF as the leading standard for global sustainable tourism” Royal Caribbean Cruises

“TUI delivered 10.3 million ‘greener and fairer’ holidays through 1,688 hotels that were certified to a standard recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council in 2019.” TUI Group

“There are lots of different certification bodies offering eco-certifications around the world. We’d recommend selecting one that is officially recognised or accredited by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)” Booking.com

“Accredited Certification Bodies certify hotels, tour operators, and destinations to the GSTC Criteria. GSTC supports destinations in implementing the Criteria through trainings and assessments” World Travel & Tourism Council

“We’re working with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) and other sustainability experts to share what properties like yours can do to make positive change in the industry.” Agoda

“The ATTA believes in the universal standards put forth by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council and that tourism businesses and destinations should adopt the criteria specifically in these four areas.” ATTA

“By the end of 2021, we aim for all tour operators used by MSC Cruises at our frequent destinations to be certified to a GSTC certification programme, or to be engaged in the process.” MSC Cruises

“We continue to identify opportunities to achieve GSTC certification for our hotels to ensure the sustainability of our operations.” Hilton

“Think carefully about where to stay. Look for leading eco certification badges, such as the non-profit Global Sustainable Tourism Council” The Guardian

“For a list of global vendors, destinations, and hotels that abide by certain sustainability standards, explore the database at the Global Sustainable Tourism Council” Condé Nast Traveler

“Planning a getaway? Consider destinations, hotels, and tour operators that meet Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) standards. By doing so, you can minimize your environmental impact and send a powerful message to the travel industry about sustainable travel choices.” World Wildlife Fund (WWF)

“Accredited Certification Bodies certify hotels, tour operators, and destinations to the GSTC Criteria. GSTC supports destinations in implementing the Criteria through trainings and assessments” McKinsey & Company

“We have aligned our LightStay management system with the criteria of the UN-founded Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), the most respected seal of approval for sustainable travel and tourism practices.” Hilton

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What is sustainable tourism?

The concept of sustainable tourism has recently gained significant traction as travellers, businesses, and communities increasingly acknowledge the far-reaching environmental, social, and cultural impacts of their journeys. Tourism serves as a vital conduit for exploration, enabling us to immerse ourselves in diverse cultures, landscapes, and experiences.

However, it’s essential to recognise that the tourism industry ranks among the fastest-growing sectors globally, contributing a substantial 8% to the world’s carbon emissions. This stark reality underscores the imperative for the tourism sector to embrace sustainability measures that mitigate its ecological footprint and preserve the delicate balance of our planet.

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By reducing carbon emissions, minimising waste, and respecting local customs and traditions, we can pave the way for a more sustainable travel experience. Moreover, sustainable tourism encompasses not only environmental considerations but also social and cultural aspects. From empowering local communities through economic opportunities to preserving indigenous heritage and wildlife conservation, sustainable tourism seeks to foster a harmonious relationship between travellers, destinations, and host communities.

The call for sustainable tourism is not merely a moral imperative but also an economic necessity. With consumers increasingly prioritising eco-conscious travel options, businesses within the tourism sector stand to gain by aligning with sustainability principles. By investing in sustainable infrastructure, promoting ethical tourism practices, and engaging in community-driven initiatives, businesses can enhance their reputation, attract environmentally conscious travellers, and ultimately drive long-term profitability.

Sustainable tourism, at its core, embodies a conscientious approach to travel that seeks to balance economic prosperity, environmental conservation, and socio-cultural integrity. It encompasses a range of practices and principles aimed at minimising the negative impacts of tourism while maximising its positive contributions to destinations and host communities.

You can find out more about the  meaning of sustainable tourism in our glossary, with further insight on the ways in which you can make improvements, from minimising your carbon footprint as a business and adopting more sustainable practices.

There are many benefits to sustainable tourism, encompassing environmental, social, economic, and cultural aspects. Some of the key benefits include:

• Environmental conservation : Embracing responsible practices such as reducing carbon emissions, conserving water resources, and protecting wildlife, tourism contributes to the preservation of natural habitats, ecosystems, and biodiversity. By minimising pollution and habitat destruction, tourism plays a pivotal role in ensuring the long-term health of ecosystems and the safeguarding of natural wonders.
• Economic growth and job creation : Tourism serves as a catalyst for economic growth and job creation within host communities by supporting local businesses, artisans, and service providers. Through tourism-related activities, communities benefit from increased income and employment opportunities, fostering economic resilience and prosperity.
• Community empowerment : Involving residents in decision-making processes and tourism development initiatives, tourism promotes community engagement and empowerment. This inclusive approach ensures that communities have a voice in shaping their tourism landscape, leading to improved standards of living, infrastructure development, and social cohesion.
• Cultural preservation and heritage promotion : Tourism encourages travellers to respect and celebrate the cultural heritage of host communities, fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation. By preserving and promoting cultural traditions, tourism contributes to the preservation of cultural identity and heritage for future generations.
• Education and awareness : Tourism serves as a platform for environmental and cultural education, raising awareness among travellers about the importance of conservation and responsible travel behaviour. By promoting sustainable practices and ethical tourism principles, tourism cultivates a sense of stewardship and responsibility towards the environment and local communities.

Despite its numerous benefits, tourism faces several challenges that can hinder its sustainability. One such challenge is the lack of awareness among travellers and businesses about the importance of sustainable practices. This often leads to unsustainable behaviours such as overconsumption of resources, disregard for local customs, and damage to natural habitats.

Moreover, tourism can have a detrimental impact on the environment, particularly through the development of infrastructure and the behaviour of tourists. The construction of hotels and resorts may lead to habitat destruction and the loss of natural landscapes. Additionally, as tourist numbers increase, so does traffic congestion, resulting in higher levels of air pollution and increased energy consumption. These environmental impacts underscore the need for greater awareness and implementation of sustainable practices within the tourism industry.

Introducing sustainable practices into the hospitality industry, specifically within hotels, has become increasingly significant in today’s tourism landscape. A sustainable hotel actively prioritises corporate social responsibility, striving to minimise its environmental impact while maximising its positive contributions to the community. This commitment is particularly crucial in an industry known for its substantial consumption of natural and man-made resources.

Examples of eco-friendly initiatives adopted by sustainable hotels include the implementation of energy-efficient lighting, intelligent water management systems to reduce water waste, and the installation of solar panels to decrease carbon emissions. Other measures may include the use of eco-friendly cleaning products, encouraging guests to reuse linens and towels, and eliminating single-use plastics through the adoption of recyclable and biodegradable alternatives. 

Beyond the evident environmental benefits, there are compelling reasons tied to business growth and development. By integrating sustainable practices into revenue management strategies, hotels can realise three significant advantages:

1. Enhanced reputation : Demonstrating a commitment to sustainability not only aligns with evolving consumer preferences but also enhances the hotel’s reputation as a responsible corporate citizen. Guests increasingly seek out environmentally conscious accommodations, making sustainability a key differentiator in a competitive market.

2. Cost savings : Sustainable initiatives often lead to cost savings in the long run. By reducing energy and water consumption, minimising waste, and implementing efficient practices, hotels can lower operational expenses and improve profitability over time.

3. Future-proofing : Embracing sustainability ensures resilience in the face of evolving regulatory landscapes and shifting consumer expectations. By proactively addressing environmental and social concerns, hotels can future-proof their operations, positioning themselves for long-term success in an increasingly sustainability-focused industry.

• Appoint a sustainability projects coordinator to plan, coordinate, implement and measure all your sustainable business activities.
• Conduct a sustainability assessment to identify your current operations and areas for improvement. Consider areas such as energy consumption and water usage, carbon emissions and community engagement.
• Develop a sustainability policy that outlines your commitment to a more sustainable tourism business. Clearly define your goals, objectives and targets and communicate them to your staff, stakeholders and customers.
• Measure and report on your sustainability efforts. Consider digital software like our sustainability management platform to monitor and measure the sustainability in your business.

By embracing sustainability as a core business principle, hotels can create shared value for stakeholders, encourage innovation and growth, and contribute to a more sustainable and resilient tourism industry. For more insight, take a look at our blog post on The benefits of a sustainable business .

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was agreed by world leaders at the United Nations in 2015, when they created 17 goals as a call to action for industries to help end poverty, fight inequality and mitigate climate change. With tourism recognised as a key sector to contribute towards the goals, it’s a significant industry within the 2030 Agenda.

The 17 goals include:

From wildlife conservation to data reporting and sustainability measurement, businesses are making changes to how they operate.

Cempedak Private Island , an adults-only ‘barefoot luxury’ resort in Indonesia, is one hotel that is using Weeva to track, monitor and report on the island’s water, waste and energy usage. Gathering and analysing data enabled them to find ways to make sustainable improvements, which in turn made the business more commercially viable. Read their impact story .

Sustainable Sri Lanka , a sustainability consulting group that assists tourism businesses to make improvements on their own sustainable operations, changed the way in which they report on their sustainability efforts. Using our platform to gather reports and insights quickly, sustainability managers were able to see live data and implement meaningful changes effectively. Read their impact story .

Small changes like this soon add up, especially with simple steps that can make your tourism business more sustainable.

Sustainable tourism is a holistic approach to travel that seeks to protect and preserve destinations for future generations. By embracing principles of environmental conservation and cultural preservation, travellers, communities and businesses alike can make changes to reduce their impact on the planet.

Through education, awareness, and collaboration , sustainable tourism has the potential to create a more responsible and resilient tourism industry that benefits both people and the planet.

If you’re looking to embark on a more sustainable tourism journey, why not get in touch to find out more about how Weeva can support your sustainability efforts.

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Unravelling the Sustainable Tourism Revolution

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‘Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints, kill nothing but time.’

In a world where every journey leaves its imprint, sustainable tourism has emerged as a guiding light towards a more balanced and mindful exploration of spaces. As the world navigates towards a more conscious era of travel, the corridors of sustainable tourism beckon us to tread a path that harmonises exploration with preservation.

From the bustling streets of tourist hubs to the serene landscapes off the beaten path, the tourism industry faces challenges galore.

The road to sustainable tourism is not without hurdles. Tourism overload, carbon emissions, and waste management remain pressing issues. Yet, businesses embracing sustainability have shown a 25% reduction in emissions, showcasing the real impact of eco-friendly practices.

……

Challenges and Solutions in Sustainable Tourism Adoption

Jessica Matthias, Global Sustainability Director, Sabre , highlights the key challenges faced by the tourism industry in adopting sustainable practices. Even though the spectres of over tourism, carbon emissions, and waste management loom large, through a concerted effort- involving regulations, policies, and community engagement- these challenges can be effectively addressed.

“Implementing sustainable tourism practices, such as limiting visitor numbers, protecting natural and cultural heritage sites, and promoting waste management systems is essential. Governments play a pivotal role in incentivising and promoting such initiatives, fostering a culture of responsible tourism at both local and national levels,” she says.

To read the rest of the story, click here .

This story was published on SME Futures

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UN Tourism | Bringing the world closer

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ESG Framework for Tourism Businesses | Context

The tourism sector has a significant impact on the environment and local communities, making it vulnerable to global stresses such as climate change and biodiversity loss. While tourism can generate valuable income and contribute to the preservation of natural, cultural and heritage sites, it can also lead to degradation . It is crucial for tourism destinations to maintain and sustain their assets, as polluted beaches and overcrowded city centre are likely to reduce the competitiveness of locations in the tourism industry.

As a result, sustainable tourism has been a topic of discussion in tourism circles since the early 1990s. The long-standing work of UNWTO in sustainable tourism is reflected in a range of contributions to policy and measurement. Using a focus on tourism destinations, UNWTO has articulated that sustainable tourism should:

• (i) Make optimal use of environmental resources and conserve natural resources and biodiversity.
• (ii) Respect the socio-cultural authenticity of host communities.
• (iii) Ensure viable, long-term economic operations, including stable employment and contributions to reducing poverty.

Given the need for implementing reliable and measurable sustainable actions on an international scale, UNWTO launched the Statistical Framework ‘Measuring the Sustainability of Tourim’ (SF-MST) .

This initiative aims to support evidence-based decision-making and acknowledge the contribution of tourism to sustainability by establishing an organized structure for integrating statistics on the economic, environmental, and social aspects of tourism. Its purpose is to address the demand for information that offers guidance on measuring tourism across various scales and dimensions.

The ESG Framework for Tourism Businesses will benefit from the structure of MST, enabling enhanced comparability between national and subnational levels, destinations, and the private sector , and providing a unique response to the needs of the sector in terms of sustainability.

Although there are several existing initiatives for ESG reporting and disclosure, they have been developed independently, resulting in a lack of standardized practices across organizations. This lack of standardization hinders the comparability and scalability of ESG reporting. The diverse nature of ESG reports has also raised concerns about ‘ greenwashing ’, where the data provided is insufficient to provide informed opinion about company performance for investors and the public.

Furthermore, this Framework responds to the sector’s need for a dedicated ESG single reference , the demand for a tailored approach to ESG issues within the sector, and the overall imperative for companies to actively engage with sustainability-related issues in the face of growing pressures and global challenges.