The travel industry is being urged to take a new approach to environmental issues.


The call comes from UK sustainable development organisation Forum For The Future.


The Paradise Found report demonstrates how investment in five key areas - the environment, people, community, infrastructure and finance �" can enhance profitability and highlights best practice.


It serves as a guide for tour operators, developers, hoteliers and other tourism providers involved in building new resorts or refurbishing existing buildings.


Stephanie Draper, author of the report and acting director of the Forum’s business programme, said: “The collapse of several airlines and tour operators shows that the industry needs to take long-term sustainability factors into account in its strategic planning.


“The industry has been blindsided by roller coaster fuel prices and the economic downturn. Issues like climate change and water are just around the corner.


“To be sustainable financially, as well as environmentally and socially, the industry needs a new approach.


“This report challenges the industry to see sustainability in tourism destinations as an opportunity, a chance to differentiate, innovate and save money.


“Paradise Found embodies our vision of a future where profitable tourist resorts benefit local people and exist in harmony with their environment.”


The report finds that there is no one tourism development that is yet truly sustainable, but there are resorts that are leading the way in certain aspects of sustainability.


Soneva Fushi by Six Senses in the Maldives is one of a number of destinations which are incorporating carbon management into their businesses.


Since starting to manage its energy use in 2004 it has halved its carbon footprint. It plans to go “carbon positive” by 2010 by installing a solar power plant and offsetting emissions from guest flights, resort travel and operations by building wind turbines in India, according to the report.









by Phil Davies