Observatories guiding global resilient and sustainable tourism transformation

Significant progress related to sustainable tourism is being reported by key destinations all over the world.

As the sector is focusing on recovery following the Covid-19 pandemic crisis, destinations are set to use crucial tools to accelerate targeted transition.

In this regard, over 150 experts shared their perspectives at a meeting of the International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO) of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in Madrid, with an emphasis on major issues such as the transition to a circular economy as well as limiting tourism related food waste.

Production and consumption sustainable processes were other highlighted aspects translating in a smarter, more effective use of water and energy resources supporting circular economy. The difficulties in the environmental and social spheres as well as the requirement for measures that allow for destination evaluation were also emphasized.

UNWTO Secretary- General Zurab Pololikashvili commented during the meeting:

“To ensure the sustainable transformation of the tourism sector, its development must be seen as a means to achieve the overall prosperity of a local community and the surrounding environment rather than a goal in itself. The Observatories are an excellent tool for guiding and accompany this change and ensure evidence-based decision- making.”

INSTO is currently developing and carrying out catalytic activities set to assist the industry in adopting sustainable destination developments. By utilizing the concepts of participatory methodologies, the goal of the Observatories centres around developing an inclusive and resilient sector. The availability of data from an expanding range of sources, which makes it harder to transform them into the valuable information required for informed decisions and policy-making, was another concern. As a result, INSTO will use technical talks and webinars to address each of these challenges in the future.

The recent conference also offered the chance to introduce the newest members of the network: Bogotá in Colombia, the Yukon in Canada, Mallorca, Barcelona, and Málaga in Spain.

UNWTO is a specialized organization of the United Nations that promotes equitable, inclusive, and sustainable tourism, while aiming for secure and hassle-free global travel. At the same time, the organization is leading significant efforts to fulfil the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by, among other things, fostering equality, preserving culture, natural heritage, and creating better sector employment opportunities.

 

Source: hospitalitynet.org