INTERNATIONAL. The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has marked World Environment Day today (5 June) by revealing its vision for a more sustainable global tourism sector.
The One Planet Vision for a Responsible Recovery of the Tourism Sector details how people, planet and prosperity should all be at the heart of the industry’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Sustainability must no longer be a niche part of tourism but must be the new norm for every part of our sector,” UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili declared. “This is one of the central elements of our Global Guidelines to Restart Tourism. It is in our hands to transform tourism and [ensure] that emerging from COVID-19 becomes a turning point for sustainability.”
The One Planet Vision is designed to complement the Global Guidelines to Reopen Tourism released by the UNWTO in May. It recommends action through public health, social inclusion, biodiversity conservation, climate action, a circular economy and governance/finance.
People
Public health can be integrated into tourism, the report said, by connecting epidemiological indicators to tourism and restoring trust in global travel through clear communications.
The UNWTO report said social inclusion will be a part of the tourism recovery by the sector recruiting from vulnerable and under-employed demographics, and channelling long-term support to small and medium-sized enterprises.
Planet
“The COVID-19 pandemic has raised awareness of the importance of a healthy environment as a natural barrier for future pandemics, notably in the case of zoonotic diseases,” the report noted. It, therefore, recommended renewed conservation efforts for vulnerable ecosystems and species.
Climate action should also form a part of the recovery efforts, according to the UNWTO. The organisation said tourism companies must accelerate the decarbonisation of operations, as well as monitor and report emissions.
Prosperity
Calling for a circular economy, the report argued: “Circular economy processes such as reducing and reusing (user to user), repairing, refurbishing and remanufacturing (user to business) and recycling and repurposing (business to business) can reduce economic leakages in the tourism value chain as well as waste and pollution.” It also said sustainable production should be encouraged.
On governance/finance, the UNWTO said the private sector can collaborate with governments globally to ensure the tourism sector is sustainable and prosperous. Commenting from the private sector, Iberostar Group CEO & Vice-Chairman Sabina Fluxà said: “It is imperative to be focussed on creating a more responsible and fair way to travel. Iberostar has responded by integrating sustainability in elevated safety protocols and further committing to our circular economy policies to ensure any new waste is managed properly.”
The Moodie Davitt Report is marking World Environment Day with the full launch of The Trinity Forest Project.  The Trinity Forest Project, soft launched at The Trinity Forum in Doha last year, is powered by One Tree Planted, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organisation. For every visitor to the Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo 2020, The Moodie Davitt Report will fund the planting of a tree. |
