18 May 2009

Sustainable tourism a strong theme at global summit

Even though fears over swine flu and the global economy took centre stage at a global travel summit in Brazil, sustainable tourism had its strongest presence yet.

Not only did the Tourism for Tomorrow awards, which promote sustainable practices, have multiple sessions, but talk over the World Travel & Tourism Council’s summit in Florianopolis had a large focus on responsible tourism.

"There is a paradigm shift, people want to buy products that are not at the expense of the environment now," said Costas Christ, chairman of judges for the awards.

"Not everyone is walking into stores and saying point me to your green isle - but more people are aware that climate change and the environment is an issue."

Now in its fifth year, under WTTC's stewardship, the Tourism for Tomorrow awards recognises the best practice in sustainable tourism within the industry worldwide.

"Tourism prospers where communities and nature around properties and tourism sites prosper," explained Christ.

This year the microfinance of small tourism operations in Morocco won an award as did a community project that protects the natural habitat of the Dominican Republic - all nominees have been independently evaluated.

"Our project not only provides microfinance for small, local operations, but it offers advice and helps tourists have a real experience," said Leila Akhmisse, director of studies at the Zakoura Foundation.

While Martin West, director of Community Action Treks said: "Sustainable tourism is about encouraging local communities to take control of their lives."

Certainly there are many green initiatives in the travel sector, but also there is considerable "green-washing" going on, was the consensus.

"There are nearly 200 green and sustainable certification programmes worldwide now, who is certifying the certifiers?" said Christ.

"I believe we will see a sustainable label in the next two to three years that everyone understands whether you are in a restaurant Tokyo or a hotel in the US"

The Rainforest Alliance, along with the United Nations Environment Foundation, and the United Nations World Tourism Organisation are developing a universal certification body known as the Sustainable Tourism Stewardship Council. Due to launch later this year, it should hopefully bring everything under one roof.

Checkout the following: www.tourismfortomorrow.com

by Nick Easen