Gonçalves Turismo

11-05-2021

Gonçalves Turismo has as its proposal the valorization of the historical patrimony of the city of São Sebastião, the preservation of the environment and actions for the development and distribution of equal income through sustainable tourism, in addition to following the guidelines of the 2030 SDG agenda. Gonçalves Turismo develops tourist itineraries that aim to value local cultural aspects, between material heritage, intangible heritage and natural heritage, working on the development of the local productive arrangement with the generation of local jobs and income distribution. We have partners who help us in the development of local activities, uniting the community and the tourist, thinking about sustainability. For each activity we have strategic partners from the community.

Earth's Edge

29-04-2021

Porter Scholarship Programme: We believe it is essential that all our staff get the opportunity to progress in their chosen careers. Each year on Kilimanjaro we reward one of our hardworking porters by paying for their training to become a guide. The course which costs USD$900, is far beyond the means of most porters who make roughly USD$115 including tips per climb. After they feed and house their families, there is very little money left at the end of the month, which makes attending guide school themselves virtually impossible. Once they qualify as guides their pay with tips will increase to roughly USD$220, which means they will have much more disposable income to feed and educate their families. Another fantastic benefit of this programme is that it has fostered a healthy sense of competition amongst the porters which has led to even better levels of service on the mountain! In May 2019 two of our porters Fuso (2018 winner) and Thomas (2019 winner) qualified as guides. Established in 2007, Earth’s Edge is a small business based in Dublin, Ireland. We offer high altitude trekking, mountaineering, and our signature tri-adventure expeditions in some of the most stunning locations in the world. We are the only company in the world who send an international guide and doctor on all expeditions while keeping group sizes sustainably small. Sending an international guide and doctor allows us to deliver an unrivalled level of safety and service for each and every one of our clients. Having smaller group sizes brings a lot of advantages including better guide to client ratios, reduced environmental impact and stronger team dynamics. While our main focus is on safety and your experience with us, we also have a robust responsible travel policy encompassing the environment, communities and people we work with. This allows us to achieve our mission of providing you with a life changing experience while being kind to the planet and her people.

Impact+

23-04-2021

By now, most people know climate change is one of the most challenging problems our society will face, with consequences being felt already today. In fact, 2020 was, along with 2016, the joint hottest year on record (source: WMO) — closing out the warmest decade on record. The global average temperatures reached about 1.2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. All this is making us get uncomfortably close to the 1.5 degrees C cap on average warming that governments committed to aiming for when they signed the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement. Isn’t it eye-opening? Although this is a worldwide issue that should be addressed by different agents with a comprehensive range of different solutions based on co-creation, everyone has a role to play. Everyone, every government, and every company. In fact, we believe that businesses have a critical role to play in the transition to a low-carbon economy by reducing their GHG emissions in an economically sustainable way. Which is why we decided to do our part. We committed to be Net Zero by 2030 and we launched our strategy to achieve that goal. We would like to share it with you today!

THE PERFORATED DESTINATION MODEL: An Economic Leakage Litmus Test for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) with a tourism dependency

21-04-2021

Tourism has become the backbone of many economies especially in Small Island Developing States, such as those in the Caribbean or South Pacific. However, a phenomenon known as Tourism Leakage is preventing tourism-dependent states from maximizing the economic benefits because the retention rate of tourist dollars is as high as 80% in some cases. While Tourism Leakage (TL) is not an unknown term, there is a lot of debate on fundamental issues such as its definition and measurability. To minimize Tourism Leakage, key decision makers must know where the tourist dollars are being “leaked”, and to what extent. However, getting an exact figure on the rate of TL is both time and resource consuming, and virtually impossible to calculate. Therefore, this study will use a case study approach to create a Tourism Leakage Litmus Test (known as the Perforated Destination Model), which gives an approximate indication of the economic leakages of tourism in a relatively quick manner. Furthermore, a theoretical model will be applied to two separate cases: The Turks and Caicos Islands, and The Cook Islands in order to assess if the model can be customized. It concludes that a theoretical model is possible; however, specific stakeholders are required to participate in order to gain a credible and more accurate picture of Tourism Leakage in an island destination. This model is most linked to the SDG Agenda through target 8.9, which states, “devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products by 2030” and target 12.B that declares, “to develop and implement tools to monitor sustainable development impacts for sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products."

Via Francigena Road to Rome 2021. Start again!

19-04-2021

Road to Rome is a relay march along the 3,200 km of the Via Francigena pilgrimage route. It is organised by the European Association of Via Francigena ways (EAVF) with its network of partners and friends: together we will depart on the 16th of June 2021 from Canterbury, km 0 of the Via Francigena, to arrive in Rome on the 10th of September and in Santa Maria di Leuca on the 18th of October 2021. The growing number of travelers from all over the world shows a new trend towards a new way of interpreting and practicing cultural and sustainable tourism: the development of intercultural and interreligious dialogue between the community of travelers and the receiving community, and the protection and conservation of cultural and natural heritage. The Via Francigena today merges the positive impacts of proximity tourism with those of slow tourism to create a sustainable model. On the one hand, it supports a form of rural tourism focused on local economies and cultures while contrasting mass tourism trends that overexploit few macro destinations (SDG 11). On the other hand, ‘slow tourism’ is a form of carbon-neutral and responsible tourism that avoids polluting transportation while prioritizing local habitats and communities (SDG 12), EAVF acts as a promoter and policy-maker in the economic and socio-cultural development of the Via Francigena, boosting jobs creation and local culture and products (SDG 8) and encourages multi-stakeholder partnerships for sustainable development. With this event, EAVF wants to restart, after the pandemic, with a sustainable and cultural tourism, and support the Via Francigena candidacy to the UNESCO World Heritage List. “Via Francigena. Road to Rome 2021. Start again!" celebrates both the foundation of EAVF, which took place in 2001 in Fidenza (Parma, Italy), and the 27th anniversary of the recognition of the Via Francigena as a "Cultural Route of the Council of Europe", granted in 1994.

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Clio Muse Tours Is Among the Winners of the UNWTO SDGs Global Startup Competition

14-04-2021

Clio Muse Tours has been selected as one of the 25 winners from 18 countries at the UNWTO SDGs Global Startup Competition for its widespread ability to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The innovative Greek startup was selected out of 10,000 initial proposals from all regions across the globe achieving a great place in a list of innovative entrepreneurs. “The winners show the power of new ideas for transforming our sector”, said UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili adding that “by embracing innovation, we can realize this potential and build a better future for people and planet through tourism. I congratulate them all and look forward to seeing these startups grow and deliver positive change.” Specifically, Clio Muse Tours was selected for generating the greatest impact in the “Decent work and economic growth” goal (SDG8). The reason why the company stood out among other similar solutions is mainly because of the company’s robust business model that promotes sustainable practices and also empowers professionals in the tourism and culture industries. “We have worked hard to develop a business plan that empowers professionals of the tourism and the culture sectors and at the same time promotes sustainable practices in tourism. We are confident that we can replicate our successful business model in any country and help professionals in tourism and culture grow through the unlimited availability of self-guided audio tours and their upselling potential,” says Andreas Fatouros, Clio Muse Tours’ CEO. The company creates and sells audio tours to travelers on its own e-shop and through the world’s online marketplaces and Online Travel Agencies. At the same time through its technological tools and platform Clio Muse assists professionals of the tourism and the cultural industries with B2B solutions to promote different aspects of our global cultural heritage to an international audience with low-cost customer acquisition strategies.

Greener Act

14-04-2021

Greener Act is the first ever App, which allows travellers to make positive changes by engaging in community projects and to support local causes, in order to create a more sustainable world. Our mission is to improve the livelihood of local communities and protect the natural environment, while contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, by Travelling and Acting in a more Sustainable way. Greener Act for Travellers: Once you have downloaded Greener Act and registered as a Traveller, you will start your sustainable journey. The more you engage, the more you will be able to raise your sustainable profile, starting as a ‘Greener Carer’ with 100 points, then reaching the status of ‘Greener Helper’ with 5.000 points, then reaching the status of ‘Greener Defender’ with 10.000 points and finally reaching the top level of a ‘Greener Activist’ with 20.000 points. You can now manifest your interest in participating in any local projects known as ‘Greener Events’, just by clicking the option “interested” and contribute to community development and environmental protection. You can also support any local charities which are close to your heart by donating towards ‘Greener Causes’. Greener Act does not take any commission on this transaction, as we believe that Sustainability is about transparency. Greener Act for Organisations: Showcase the good practices of your organisation and link them to the sustainable development goals of the United Nations. Define your own KPI’s (Key Performance Indicator) for your Greener Events so that you can start measuring effectively your positive impact on the environment. Create your own ‘Greener Cause’ so that you can support local charities which are close to your heart. Receive monthly reporting through dynamic dashboards for your own CSR reporting and share them on all social media. Measure your employee’s engagement and find out “who” is the Greener employee of the month. Create your own Cluster

Ikaalisten Matkatoimisto Oy

06-04-2021

Ikaalisten Matkatoimisto Oy (IMT) is a family owned finnish travel agent and a tour operator. We provide leisure travel packages to finnish customers. Our travel destinations are mostly picked from near countries of Finland, like Baltic and Nordic countries. We believe that by educating our customers about the local cultures, environment, and nature we enforce tolerance, equality, and sustainability. We believe that travel is one key to broader world view. On our company core, it’s written that we want to be a responsible company in every level of our operations. We have always been looking to work with responsible and sustainable partners. When choosing partners, for example, transportation or activities, we always value responsibility higher than price. For example, we have put in our effort to create bus routes for our customers' needs, so that they would have an alternative to their own car travelling. New buses are of course more expensive and more comfortable, but also way much more environmentally friendly than old ones. Actually, with the smart and efficient usage of new buses and routes, we can even beat average train transportation on environmental friendliness! During the Covid-19 crises we have brought new nature activities and local experiences to our customers. It’s been a horrible year with Covid-19 to travel industry. Nevertheless, we have still kept all of our staff and used only temporary lay-offs to be able to survive. In 2021 we are creating a CO2 emission calculator to show to our customers how much CO2 emissions are involved to travel. We have also planned to create compensation for the travel packages that consumers can pay at the same time when booking her travel package. We are also planning to have new kinds of travel experiences that would have an even bigger impact on local communities or local environments.

Initiative for accessible tourism in Switzerland OK:GO

30-03-2021

The desire to travel is in all of us. For people with disabilities and senior citizens, however, the well-deserved vacation involves intensive preparation. In order to enjoy a carefree time as much as possible, information about the accessibility of accommodations or leisure activities is needed even before departure. Many tourism providers in Switzerland have offers that are suitable for some of the people with disabilities and seniors. However, there is often a lack of publicly accessible information. The Accessible Switzerland Association helps the Swiss tourism industry address the travel requirements of senior citizens and people with disabilities appropriately and in such a way as to meet their specific needs. From the moment it was established in 2016, the FVBS has been supported by prominent service providers in the Swiss tourism industry and by disabled people’s associations. The aim of the initiative is that tourism businesses inform about the accessibility of their offers in order to facilitate travel planning for people with disabilities as well as seniors. For this purpose OK:GO provides the necessary system for recording and communication. It is by no means a matter of costly conversions or the need for an existing barrier-free infrastructure. What is new about the OK:GO approach is: All service providers can participate, even those who are "not 100% barrier-free" according to the classic understanding. It is about a commitment to the topic of "inclusion for people with disabilities" and a self-declaration for concrete and relevant information for this target group. The system for this is provided by OK:GO through its partner platform "ginto". Excerpts from the website.

Hotel Valsana Arosa

30-03-2021

The 4-star superior hotel Valsana in Arosa consistently implements sustainability. It has been Green Globe certified in 2020, making it one of the most sustainable hotels in Switzerland. Green Globe certification is a globally recognized, structured assessment of the sustainability performance of travel and tourism companies and their supply chain partners. As part of the certification process, all areas of the hotel's operations were evaluated and reviewed for the sustainability thinking behind them. This includes, among other things, employee training in the area of sustainability, integration into the local community, but also a purchasing policy that primarily takes local and regional producers into account. Valsana achieved 93 percent of the possible points in the certification process. In addition to the ice storage, the hotel's own beehive, the green roof and the majority of eco-certified and fair-trade products were particularly highlighted.

KITRO

30-03-2021

Excerpts from website: Kitro is a fully automatic food waste management solution for the food and beverage industry. KITRO provides customers with hardware and software that enables them to effortlessly reduce their food waste across the entire outlet. Reducing food costs and wasted resources for the hospitality industry is the goal of Kitro. KITRO seeks to provide a long-term solution that becomes as essential to a kitchen as a dishwasher or an oven, and helps companies track their food waste over time. KITRO delivers high quality Swiss solutions that are efficient and robust. KITRO's goal is to raise awareness and tackle food waste along the entire supply chain. For more information see links below

Innovationsgenerator 2.0

30-03-2021

Excerpts from website Tourism in Switzerland is facing major challenges in dealing with the effects of the Corona pandemic, climate change and the constantly changing needs of guests. With the Innotour project Innovation Generator 2.0, supported by SECO, a broad-based project sponsorship wants to contribute to making the change sustainable. Using co-creation methods, the Innovation Generator 2.0 brings together partners across sectors and offers development spaces for the development of innovative tourism projects. The funded projects should meet all three target dimensions of sustainability in the best possible way: Economy, Environment, Society. The Innovation Generator 2.0 builds on the experiences of the Innovation Generator 2016/18. The method for generating innovative ideas will be optimized, and the project perimeter will be extended from the Alpine region to the whole of Switzerland. The most promising ideas will be further developed and guided towards realization. The project offers the initiators personnel and financial support in the various phases of project development. Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version) Der Tourismus in der Schweiz steht vor grossen Herausforderungen im Zusammenhang mit den Auswirkungen der Corona-Pandemie, dem Klimawandel und sich ständig wandelnden Bedürfnissen der Gäste. Eine breit aufgestellte Projektträgerschaft möchte mit dem vom SECO unterstützten Innotour-Projekt Innovationsgenerator 2.0 dazu beitragen, dass der Wandel nachhaltig wird.

fairjourney - fairunterwegs - voyagéthique

30-03-2021

Excerpt from the website. fairjourney is a non-profit organisation concerned with the social, cultural, economic and ecological impacts of tourism on development. Right from it's inception, it's aim has been to promote the cause of the disadvantaged population in tourist destinations by raising public awareness, by advocating fair trade in tourism in a critical dialogue with the travel industry, and by encouraging travellers to be informed consumers. The travel portal with rules of thumb, practical tips, information and inspiration for fair encounters with people from other cultures - on the road as at home. fairjourney was founded in 1977 by a group of Swiss development agencies, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and committed tourism operators. Today, the competence center has some 130 members and, thanks to the support of government agencies, its education mandates and promotional partnerships for the operation of the travel portal fairunterwegs.org, is able to focus its activities on fair trade and the respect for human rights in tourism. Find out more in the links below

Hospitality Booster

30-03-2021

Hotelleriesuisse (proper spelling HotellerieSuisse, actually Schweizer Hotelier-Verein, SHV; also Swiss Hotel Association) is the business association of the Swiss lodging industry and represents the interests of lodging establishments in Switzerland. Innovation is needed for the Swiss lodging industry to remain competitive. With the Hospitality Booster, HotellerieSuisse enables and promotes innovation. The aim is to implement new services, products, processes or business models proactively and with high benefit for our members. For this purpose, the Hospitality Booster takes up needs from the industry, develops ideas and involves various partners. This is the only way to create new, efficient and needs-oriented solutions. For more information see links below

MYBLUEPLANET

30-03-2021

The "I AM PRO SNOW" project supports Swiss winter sports resorts and companies in reducing their carbon footprint and making their commitment to sustainable and climate-friendly tourism visible. All participants commit to switching to 100% renewable electricity by 2030 at the latest, and compile an individual action program to motivate employees and visitors to adopt climate-friendly behavior. I AM PRO SNOW is a project with international appeal. "I AM PRO SNOW" is an awareness and action campaign for climate protection aimed at mountain railroads. The campaign was launched in America by Al Gore (The Climate Reality Project) and disseminated in Switzerland by MYBLUEPLANET. Our vision is for Swiss winter sports resorts to take on a pioneering role in climate protection by committing in the campaign to switch to 100% renewable electricity by 2030 at the latest. For this purpose, there are further training offers for employees, attractive action days for guests and access to an international network." Excerpt from MYBLUEPLANET

Swisstainable

29-03-2021

"Nachhaltigkeit als Wettbewerbsvorteil für den Schweizer Tourismus und echten Mehrwert für die Gäste. Dafür bietet Schweiz Tourismus mit Swisstainable ein Programm an, an dem sich alle Leistungsträger beteiligen können." "Ziel der Kampagne sei es, mehr Orientierung für die Konsumenten zu bieten, heisst es. Eine Zertifizierung sei es aber nicht. Die teilnehmenden Unternehmen würden je nach ihrem Engagement für Nachhaltigkeit mit drei verschiedenen Signeten ausgezeichnet. Das erste Level «Swisstainable Commited» steht für Betriebe, die über keine Nachhaltigkeitszertifizierungen verfügen, ihren Betrieb aber in Richtung Nachhaltigkeit weiterentwickeln wollen. Das zweite und dritte Signet, «Swisstainable Engaged» und «Swisstainable Leading», wird an Unternehmen verliehen, die bereits im Bereich Nachhaltigkeit zertifiziert sind." "Entwickelt wurde das Konzept in Zusammenarbeit mit dem Institut für Tourismus und Mobilität ITM der Hochschule Luzern. Zudem wurde es von der unabhängigen Non-Profit-Organisation Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) inhaltlich begleitet. Ausgerollt wird es in der Sommerkampagne 2021 von Schweiz Tourismus. Vorerst wollen die Organisatoren den Begriff Swisstainable, eine Wortkombination aus Swiss (schweizerisch) und sustainable (nachhaltig) hierzulande bei der breiten Bevölkerung bekanntmachen. Kommendes Jahr wollen sie gute Beispiele einer nachhaltigen Veränderung der Reisebranche zeigen und im Jahr 2023 einen Swisstainable-Reiseführer herausgeben." "Die gesamte Tourismusbranche ist eingeladen, sich an Swisstainable zu beteiligen. Um den Gästen Orientierung zu schaffen, werden Leistungsträger, die sich in der Nachhaltigkeit engagieren, mit einem Signet ausgezeichnet. Diese Betriebe werden als Vorbilder präsentiert und in die Gästekommunikation integriert." Information in French and English is available via the links.

UNWTO Workshop on Sustainable Tourism Development Product in the Pacific Islands (hybrid)

29-03-2021

The UNWTO Workshop on Sustainable Tourism Development in the Pacific Islands will be held in a hybrid manner in Suva, Fiji on 31st March 2021. 08:00 - 15:00 (Fiji Time) The workshop is specifically designed to support tourism stakeholders from the Pacific Island Countries in the unprecedented challenge of COVID-19 that has affected all countries around the globe, but particularly Small Island Destinations in the Pacific who strongly depend on tourism as their main means of subsistence. It aims at strengthening effective and responsive sustainable tourism product development at national and destination levels, at a critical moment when most countries are struggling to restart their tourism. The objectives of the workshop are:

To support and advance the development of sustainable tourism products in the Pacific Islands
To encourage the exchange of good practices in sustainable tourism development between Pacific Islands and pioneer countries.
To promote and disseminate the findings of the UNWTO/APTEC Publication on Sustainable Tourism Product Development Opportunities in the Pacific Islands.

To find out more, please refer to the links below:

Improved skills through hospitality training in Cambodia

29-03-2021

“I felt self-confident as I had obtained substantial resources [knowledge] for myself. If I were to identify one lesson from the training that helped me achieve my development, it would be those hospitality knowledge and communication skills. For me, the hospitality training is a very beneficial project for Kampot [province], because it has provided both opportunity and knowledge to hospitality workers who did not possess enough skills, and also help them to obtain higher income” says Ms. Lihouy Tiev. Ms. Tiev participated in the Hospitality Kampuchea (HoKa), the 1st In-House training programme in the country targeted at the existing low-skilled workers of hotels and restaurants who can apply the technical skills in their workplace. HoKa has been introduced to Cambodia by the Mekong Inclusive Growth and Innovation Programme (MIGIP), implemented by Swisscontact, the Swiss Foundation for Technical Cooperation, and funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Happel Foundation and the Kuoni and Hugentobler Foundation. A story that shows the significant impact to the SDGs 1, 4, 5 and 8 that tourism can have, if developed in an inclusive and sustainable way.

Huaravito Reserve / Sacred Natural Site

27-03-2021

Our Vision: To sustainably manage the resources contained in the Huaravito Reserve / Sacred Natural Site, with the active participation of organizations, institutions and communities that are located within the protected area and in the surrounding areas, seeking increase the socioeconomic well-being of the inhabitants through the implementation of community management activities, recreation and ecotourism, environmental education, control and protection, monitoring and research of biodiversity, forest management, water resources management, ecosystem recovery, protection of cultural heritage, land use planning and rural community tourism. Mission The Huaravito Reserve / Sacred Natural Site is a private protected area that is managed with clear policies, well-defined management strategies and integrated with other international, state, non-governmental and local institutions, capable of protecting and managing natural and cultural resources. to influence the sustainable development of communities and improving the quality of life. The restoration of ecosystems is essential to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda, especially those related to climate change, poverty eradication, food security, water and biodiversity conservation. It is also a pillar of international environmental conventions, such as the conventions on biological diversity, desertification, land degradation, and climate change. By inspiring people, including visitors to our protected area, ecosystem restoration can foster collaborations to reduce degradation and contribute to the broader goals of protected areas and biodiversity conservation. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development aims to end poverty, conserve biodiversity, fight climate change and improve the livelihoods of all people in the world.

Tourism Governance and Destination Marketing in Tunisia

26-03-2021

The project contributes to diversifying and improving the competitiveness of Tunisian tourism by encouraging the development of new approaches to local tourism management and new regional tourism brands. Tourism accounts for 14% of national GDP and faces many structural and profound challenges. Tunisian tourism urgently needs reforms and measures to improve its positioning and added value in a competitive and increasingly segmented global market. Limited to a few coastal regions and heavily dependent on foreign tourism organizations, the sector is struggling to develop new offerings, while the country has real potential in terms of both product diversification and tourism regions. Swisscontact uses an inclusive approach involving tour operators, local public and private institutions, providers of ancillary and complementary activities and civil society actors, with particular attention to young people, women and small service providers. The project also aims at developing marketing techniques for tourism through new marketing approaches and methods, in particular destination marketing with digital and participatory approaches.

Green Investments for Hotel Revitalization Webinar

26-03-2021

We would like to invite you to participate in the webinar "Green Investments for Hotel Revitalization" with the purpose to provide relevant data insights and practical measures for a faster recovery of the tourism sector through the promotion of Green finance mechanisms offer by IFC. The webinar will focus on “Green Investments for Hotel Revitalization” with the purpose to provide relevant insights and green finance mechanisms available through financial institutions (FIs) for a faster recovery of the tourism sector. The webinar will invite government officials working on investments, Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs)managers, traditional investors, hotel owners with a forward-looking vision to provide liquidity and sustainability measures during COVID-19.

Date: 31st March 2021
Time: 09:30 AM CET Madrid Time (Please be aware of your time zone)
Language: English
Format: Webinar via Zoom
Speakers:
- Natalia Bayona, Director Innovation, Education and Investments at UNWTO
- Dr. Mario Hardy, CEO, Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA)
- Koto Ueda, Upstream Analyst, Financial Institutions Group at International Finance Corporation (IFC)

Register Here

For more questions, contact mafigueroa@unwto.org

Mekong Inclusive Growth and Innovation Programme (MIGIP Cambodia)

25-03-2021

Mekong Inclusive Growth and Innovation Programme (MIGIP) focuses on enterprise development in the agriculture and tourism sectors. Cambodia’s agriculture sector which is a major employer and livelihood option for the majority of the poor, is one of the key engines for economic growth and poverty reduction in the country. MIGIP recognises the critical role that agro-technologies can play in transforming Cambodia agriculture towards sustainable intensification. Tourism sector is a key driver for local economic development in Cambodia. MIGIP recognises that growth in the tourism sector has the potential to contribute to job creation, revenue generation, the improvement of people’s livelihood and poverty alleviation.

Agriculture Sector

To increase production through sustainable intensification and to increase the competitiveness of the agriculture sector, the use of improved technology and techniques are necessary. Hence, MIGIP is supporting the promotion of existing and new technologies giving special emphasis to sustainable agriculture. To achieve this vision in agriculture, MIGIP is working in the following intervention areas:

Increase efficiency of service provision: by improving functions that support agricultural technology such as access to finance, information services and extension services
Promote the adoption of agriculture technology: by increasing awareness of various agriculture technologies
Improve the quality of crops: by working on various mechanisms with the private sector and other market actors to transfer knowledge to smallholder farmers
Enhance commercial orientation of agriculture technologies: by facilitating stakeholder research on the commercialisation of agriculture technology particularly on sustainable agriculture.

Tourism sector

To increase the competitiveness of the tourism sector, MIGIP focuses on strengthening destination management structure, processes, marketing, and skills through public-private partnerships at the sub-national level. To achieve this vision in tourism, MIGIP is working in the following intervention areas:

Strengthen destination marketing: by developing sub-brands through the Visitor Flows marketing strategy
Improve service quality and skills: by providing in-house trainings aligned with the national standards for low-skilled workers
Strengthen specific visitor flows: by supporting local businesses to develop new products and activities targeted to specific market segments
Enhance destination management structure: by promoting public-private partnership in destination management.

Local Skills Development for Youth

25-03-2021

In the Local Skills Development for Youth (LSDY) project, unemployed young men and women from the Lake Victoria region, which is particularly affected by poverty, have access to modular, needs-oriented vocational education and training. Thanks to the training, they can earn their livelihood on their own as self-employed persons or employees and significantly improve their situation and that of their families. Furthermore, young entrepreneurs, who have already completed their vocational training courses in the last phase, are supported in professionalising their small businesses. Special focus is given to the access to coaching and financial services. The project makes use of innovative vocational training approaches, whether through learning methods in a company (based on a dual vocational training) or work in learning groups. Young adults acquire practical and technical skills and are equipped with financial and life skills to take on their journey into professional life. Project activities

Vocational training: basic and further training courses The project primarily focuses on vocational training and practical experience in companies.
Promotion of entrepreneurship Apart from technical skills, the project develops the business acumen of the trainees. In advanced courses, young adults learn how to plan their business, analyse customer needs, calculate profits and set prices.
Facilitate financial know-how and access to financial services The beneficiaries acquire basic financial literacy, which they can readily apply in savings and lending groups. The project also facilitates access to formal banks, savings and credit cooperatives and new innovative products, such as microleasing, tailored to the needs of young adults and entrepreneurs.
Strengthening social skills and self-competence Through its courses, the project develops social skills and self-competence of the youth, who are often caught up in a vicious cycle of poverty and frustration. For example, they learn about health, hygiene, safety and communication.
Networking young people with labour market Linkages between prospective employees with potential employers are facilitated through participation at fairs, internships etc.

Economically strong regions through sustainable tourism (MIGIP Laos)

25-03-2021

The objective of the project is to introduce new models for promoting localities that involve the social, environmental, and economic needs of local populations while creating additional income and jobs. Despite high and sustained economic growth, Laos remains one of the UN’s “Least Developed Countries” – one third of the population lives below the poverty line. The project creates jobs and income opportunities in the tourism sector, thereby contributing to poverty reduction. Swisscontact is applying an approach by which local actors can participate actively in developing the tourism sector with increasing flows of tourists. This approach not only considers economic, but also social and environmental factors: natural beauty is to be highlighted and protected; the local population must benefit from economic growth. Promoting the important tourism area of Champasak lies at the heart of our efforts. Through targeted trainings, tourism SMEs will improve the quality of services they offer, thereby enhancing their competitiveness. At the same time, the project is further developing the range of available services and activities. To this we can add new products and attractions, which we develop together with our local partners. By becoming a more attractive destination, international guests will stay for longer periods and also spend more money in the process. To find out more, please check the following links:

Pheun Than Heng A SipTraining Programme

25-03-2021

The tourism and hospitality sector in Lao PDR has expanded rapidly in recent years and the trend is set to continue. Tourism and hospitality services often drive revenues for micro, small and medium sized enterprises (MSMEs), particularly in rural areas, which in turn can provide the livelihood for people from poor backgrounds. However, often MSMEs are not able to attract and retain customers due to low service quality; and many job-seekers, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, lack the necessary skills to break into the sector. This prevents MSMEs and disadvantaged job-seekers from benefitting from the potential of the growing tourism and hospitality sector in the country. The Pheun Than Heng A Sip (PTHAS) Training Programme includes over 120 training units, each tailor-made to address the issue of low service quality in tourism and hospitality businesses. Swisscontact originally developed the programme in partnership with the Lao National Institute for Tourism and Hospitality (LANITH), and piloted it in Champasak Province with the Department of Information Culture and Tourism (DICT), and the Champasak Hotel and Restaurant Association (CHRA), under a previous project from 2013 to 2016. To find out more, check out the links below

Sustainable Tourism Destination Development

25-03-2021

The SUSTOUR project is part of the overall Sustainable Tourism Development in Indonesia (STDI) Program of SECO, led by both SECO and the MoTCE. The Program focuses to develop a sustainable and inclusive expansion of tourism in Indonesia. SUSTOUR aims to increase employment and income opportunities for the local population through inclusive and sustainable economic growth in two targeted destinations, namely in Wakatobi and the western part of Flores (Labuan Bajo). Please find more information in the linksbelow:

Destinations in South-East Tunisia: new approaches and skills in the tourism sector

25-03-2021

The main objective of the project is to contribute to the attractiveness of South-East Tunisia through new approaches and skills for the development of sustainable, diversified and inclusive tourism. This will improve the income and living conditions of the local population. Since the revolution in 2011, 2018 has seen the best tourism result with 7.5 million tourists (an increase of 17% compared to 2017). Tunisia plans to be among the top three destinations in the world by 2020. However, the sector is in urgent need of reform and diversification. This is linked to the following challenges: lack of diversity of supply - this is concentrated in all-round resorts and hotels, endemic debt which weighs on investment and the quality of infrastructure, unequal quality of services, inadequate training and working conditions, and the sector's lack of profitability. Finally, the increase in competition (Egypt, Morocco) requires new tourist offers adapted to the region. Although the occupancy rate has improved significantly over the last two years, the quality of services is regularly judged to be disappointing, and the added value of tourism is still very low. The challenge now is to promote alternative accommodation, develop inland and short-stay tourism and enhance cultural sites.

Sustainable Tourism Education Development Project (STED)

25-03-2021

Tourism is an important part of the Indonesian economy and an important source for generating employment and foreign exchange reserves. Swisscontact has been actively supporting the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism since 2009 to strengthen the competitiveness of selected tourism destinations. The Government of Indonesia has set a number of objectives to improve the role of tourism in the Indonesian economy and has allocated additional funds to the Ministry of Tourism for promotion. The remaining core areas for the Indonesian Government to be addressed are: connectivity, basic services and tourism infrastructure; workforce skills and quality standards; investment and business climate; coordination and implementation capabilities at national and sub-national level. The government of Indonesia has prioritized tourism as one of the main pillars of the country’s economic growth potential. Its strategy is to make the tourism industry Indonesia’s biggest short-term source of foreign exchange revenues. Within the overall framework of the national tourism strategy, the aim is to build up sustainability in the tourism sector through competitive and sustainable destinations and a skilled workforce. The STED project aims to contribute to this goal by working towards a better qualified workforce with relevant skills for the tourism sector. Demand driven education will ensure that graduates meet the standards required by the Indonesian tourism sector, and will equip them with better knowledge on sustainability and inclusion, thereby creating more and better jobs for local population. The project is part of a broader system. While the primary beneficiary is the tourism destination of Lombok, the broader tourism sector in Indonesia and the Indonesian TVET system will also benefit from the project´s results via strengthening of a network of education institutions under the Ministry of Tourism & Creative Economy Republic of Indonesia (MoTCE).

Science-based nature tourism as a strategy for ecosystem protection

25-03-2021

The project aims to utilise nature tourism in order to generate alternative income for local communities and mitigate deforestation and conserve biodiversity in the Santa Marta region. The National Development Plan includes the Tourism Sector Plan 2018-2022 "Tourism: the purpose that unites us", which seeks to improve Colombia's competitiveness as a tourist destination. This shall be achieved based on initiatives to strengthen productivity, the generation of value and co-responsibility among the actors in the tourism sector, and the country’s positioning in national and international markets. In this way, the Tourism Sector Plan and the present initiative are aligned in the search for the strengthening of territorial planning and management to develop nature tourism in a sustainable manner. The emphasis lies on protected areas and strategic ecosystems, aiming at the development of infrastructure for the promotion of high-value tourism and specialised products.

Skills Development Programme to Increase Employability of Youth

25-03-2021

In Nicaragua, there are 1.4 million working-age young people between the ages of 18 and 30 years; however, approximately 40% of the economically active youth do not have access to employment or do not earn a salary that meets the basic cost of living. This situation is further aggravated in rural areas and in urban peripheries where access to specialised training is difficult, especially training that facilitates incorporation into the labour market. Objective Consolidate processes to improve the quality and relevance of professional training for employability of youth and adults in prioritised sectors and territories. Currently the second phase of the project is being implemented.

Rural Market Opportunities in the Gulf of Fonseca

25-03-2021

Inclusive economic growth can break the cycle of poverty and social marginalisation in the Dry Corridor where the Gulf of Fonseca region is located. Agriculture is seen as the priority sector where efforts to address productivity, market and infrastructure issues are concentrated. Similarly, non-agricultural economic activities provide opportunities, as they generate a vigorous and diversified local economy. The Rural Market Opportunities Project in the Gulf of Fonseca contributes to the inclusive local economic development of 33 municipalities located in the region, with an emphasis on vulnerable populations, women and youth; specifically focusing on improving productivity and income. The “Rural Market Opportunities in the Gulf of Fonseca” project is sponsored by Global Affairs Canada and implemented by Swisscontact. It addresses entrenched poverty and low economic productivity in the Dry Corridor by enabling rural MSMEs, including agricultural producers, to take full advantage of the agricultural and non-agricultural market opportunities available to them. The project approach to rural private sector development, is to build strength throughout the local economic system – supporting small businesses to operate more efficiently and effectively; helping them gain access to and meet the demands of local, national and export markets; and fostering an enabling environment that is conducive to their success and sustainability of the businesses. It will also link local economic development plans to broader regional and national strategies to harmonise efforts and make them more efficient. The project will reach 7460 people and their households.

Vocational Skills Development Project

25-03-2021

The Vocational Skills Development Program (VSDP) aims to improve the access of women and men from disadvantaged groups to quality vocational skills development (VSD) programs which results in employment or self-employment opportunities in the world of work. The significant lack of an appropriately skilled workforce in Myanmar, particularly for vocational occupations, is seen as a major factor restraining the economy’s potential for growth. In order to support its economy, Myanmar needs a committed, experienced and skilled workforce. To achieve this, there is a need to improve the quality, access and relevance of vocational skills development (VSD), especially for those with limited education and economic opportunities. Strengthened public-private partnerships in VSD are essential for implementing policies and skills development related initiatives that address existing labour market needs. To tackle these challenges, VSDP contributes to improve the VSD system and to make it more inclusive and relevant in Myanmar. It works closely with the private and public sectors and targets learners in ways which ensure high relevance of training to labour market demands. Skills for Hospitality sector In areas with high tourist numbers, the Program focuses on providing skills development in selected hospitality occupations. The Program strengthens the capacity of hotel supervisors at partner hotels to deliver training to line staff and learners from disadvantaged backgrounds. The Program is working with the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism (MoHT) to support its capacity for vocational skills development within Myanmar as well as its integration of hospitality professionals into ASEAN.

Promoting Private Sector Employment

25-03-2021

SMEs that operate in competitive and well-organized economic sectors, where public policies better match private sector needs, provide increased sustainable gainful employment for women and men in Kosovo. Kosovo has grown moderately at an average rate of 3% in the last few years and is constantly facing growing labour force. The positive economic trends fall short to generate number of jobs needed to absorb those entering the market every year (around 30,000). Youth, women and minorities (particularly Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian minorities) remain most excluded groups. Formal employment makes around 75% (269,500 employees) of the overall employment, with public sector accounting for 25% of formal jobs. Lack of SME innovation as well as lack of relevant and affordable market support services are limiting SME growth. On the other hand, sustainable sector growth has the highest potential to create SMEs and employment opportunities. Therefore, private sector development and job creation remains the main goals of SDC and of the Kosovo Government. The project contributes to innovations and credible visible changes in the Food and Natural Ingredients and Tourism sectors respectively. Building upon the objectives, achievements, and lessons learned of Phase I, in this current phase 2017 – 2021 the project will tackle private sector development and job creation with more emphasis on youth, women and minorities. The Food and Natural Ingredients sector facilitates and supports opportunities in fresh and processed sectors of fruits and vegetables, medicinal and aromatic plants, and confectionary. Activities in this sector seek to improve the range and diversification of products, improve competitiveness of market actors; develop marketing and certification services, improve promotion and sales of products in local segments, and boost export. The Tourism sector aims to directly contribute to increased numbers of tourists, who spend more and stay longer in the destination, thus

Economic Empowerment of Indigenous Youth and Women (EMPODERA)

25-03-2021

The Project will improve the living conditions of indigenous men and women between the ages of 15 and 35 years, so that they can increase their income and improve their capabilities as well as improving the current conditions for autonomous decision-making; gaining access to professional technical education and market insertion opportunities; it will also the promote sustainable entrepreneurship and financial inclusion, as well as the empowerment of women.The department of Alta Verapaz is located in the north of the Republic of Guatemala. It has a total population of 1.3 million people, 50% are women and 50% men; the population is mainly indigenous (94%) and most of them belong to the Q'eqchí and Pocomchí ethnic groups; likewise, 77% reside mainly in the rural area and only 23% of the population lives in urban areas (INE, 2016). The department of Alta Verapaz has the highest indicator of extreme poverty at 53.6% and total poverty level of 83.1%. Instead of improving, as of 2014 (ENCOVI 2016) poverty has increased by 4.3%, making it the poorest department nationwide. When talking about the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), Alta Verapaz has the highest index in the country, at 0.529, meaning it has the least access to health, education and minimum quality of life conditions such as housing, electricity, sanitation, drinking water and other necessities. On the subject of reproductive sexual health, the data is alarming: According to the reflected indicators of the MSPAS (INE, SEGEPLAN, 2017), the fertility rate is 2.8 children per woman, maternity in adolescents (15 to 19 years) is 7% and there is total of 11,605 cases of young mothers from ages 10 to 19. The project will intervene in 12 municipalities in 3 key areas of the department of Alta Verapaz and in four sectors That have the greatest economic potential: The sectors of forestry, tourism, construction and environmental services.

Nuevas Oportunidades: Productive Reintegration of Returning Migrants

25-03-2021

The project seeks the productive reintegration of returning migrants through the introduction of certification of competences in El Salvador and eventually in the whole Northern Triangle (El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras). Thousands of migrants are forced every year to return to their home countries. Back in their country in the northern triangle, many returning migrants face difficulties. Although the vast majority of the returnees have no criminal background, the deportees are perceived as criminals by their fellow citizens and have difficulty integrating into the labour market. At the same time, these practically experienced skilled workers bear great potential for the labour market, as there is a demand for qualified workers in growing economic sectors such as construction and tourism.

FOMILENIO II: Review of job profiles, skills requirements and the design of training programs for the sugar, construction, poultry, tourism and coffee sectors

25-03-2021

The program FOMILENIO II included designing training programs for prioritised occupational careers in the sectors of construction, poultry, sugar, tourism and coffee, under the competence-oriented approach. The innovation here was that the programs are designed according to the explicit need of the productive sectors which are channeled through the sectorial committees. The idea was to encourage and obtain an active and broad participation of relevant actors for each stage of work, because this is how the products are validated and in fact pay for the increase in worker’s productivity or augment the job market. The FOMILENIO II program was financed by the United States government, through the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), and by the government of El Salvador.

Skills Development Programme

25-03-2021

The overall goal of the Skills Development Programme (SDP) is for disadvantaged young women and men and low-skilled workers in five rural provinces of Cambodia (Preah Vihear, Stung Treng, Kratie, Mondul Kiri and Ratanak Kiri) to gain access to decent employment and increased income. The programme pursues two main objectives: 1) The Cambodian Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system will be supported to become more effective in the target provinces, 2) Disadvantaged young men and women and low-skilled workers will improve their employability and income through technical skills, soft skills and entrepreneurship skills. SDP is an SDC-mandated project and is implemented by Swisscontact and INBAS in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (MoLVT) and the Ministry of Tourism (MoT). The programme works closely with the government at the national and the provincial level and with partners such as the National Employment Agency (NEA), public and non-governmental training providers as well as private companies and small enterprises in the hospitality and other sectors.

Colombia + Competitiva - Strengthening the Competitiveness of the Private Sector

25-03-2021

The Programme aims to support Colombia in its systematic efforts to improve the competitiveness of its private sector in the framework of the National System of Competitiveness, Science, Technology and Innovation and its Productive Development Policy. "Colombia + Competitiva" follows a programmatic and systemic approach with clear ownership of the national and subnational entities and a significant contribution to their alignment and orientation towards common objectives. Currently the government is developing an overarching Productive Development Policy that defines the country’s competitiveness objectives, such as increase in productivity growth, exports, investments and numbers of innovative firms. The main objective is to support the country in achieving sustainable growth, and to reduce poverty and inequalities among its population. One focus lies on improving competitiveness of sectors with potential to create productive and decent employment. The programme supports a portfolio of projects in four sectors – tourism, cocoa, cosmetics/natural ingredients and sustainable construction building upon previous project experiences in the domain of private sector development and trade promotion as well as close consultation with Colombian partners.

Skills for Jobs (S4J)

25-03-2021

Skills for Jobs (S4J) is a project of Swiss Agency for Development Cooperation (SDC) and is implemented by Swisscontact. The project is part of the Economic Development and Employment Domain of the Swiss Cooperation and Strategy 2018-2021 for Albania, with specific focus on employability. The main goal of ‘Skills for Jobs’ (S4J) project is to offer young people in Albania the best vocational education and training. Better skills will help young people to get a job that they love and that pays them well. More than 16,000 young people access improved VSD offers (IT-based, innovative and attractive, demand-oriented and gender-sensitive) in Tourism & Hospitality, Smart Construction, Textile, ICT and more branches in Shkodra, Lezha, Tirana, Elbasan, Berat and Vlora regions. Currently the second phase of the projects is ongoing (May 2019-June 2023).

Swiss Import Promotion Programme SIPPO

25-03-2021

The Swiss Import Promotion Programme (SIPPO) is a longstanding, well-established initiative of the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) with the overall vision of sustainable and inclusive economic growth and integration of SIPPO partner countries into world trade, through its mission of supporting Business Support Organizations (so called BSOs - which includes public or private asociations, chambers of commerce, export promotion agencies, among others) to increase their export promotion capacity and service provision to export-ready companies. The project will operate in 6 sectors: Fish & seafood Processed foods Natural ingredients Technical wood Value-added textiles Sustainable tourism Since April 2017, SIPPO is being implemented under the direction of Swisscontact in partnership with BHP Brugger and Partners and Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation.

ProJoven : Vocational training for young people at risk of exclusion

25-03-2021

The population of Honduras suffers from poverty, violence, corruption and unemployment. According to the National Statistics Institute of Honduras (INE), the unemployment rate is slightly over 7%; however, if the under-employment rate is added to this, it surpasses 40%, with young people comprising the largest group of unemployed. Furthermore, this group also faces the criminality of gangs and organised crime. Considering the lessons learned during the first phase of the ProJoven project (2013 - 2017), Swisscontact implements a second phase with the general objective of improving the effectiveness and coverage of the training system for vulnerable young people, through quality training that responds to the needs of the labour market and allows the employability of the young beneficiaries. For more information see links below.

WISATA Programme

25-03-2021

WISATA, as a landmark program, was carried out in close cooperation with the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy. The main goal of the program was to contribute to economic development through sustainable tourism, which creates employment and income to improve the livelihood of the local population. The programme was funded by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and carried out in close cooperation with the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism and in line with the national tourism development programme The WISATA programme, originally started in 2009 covering only the island of Flores. Due to the success of the first phase, it was decided that a second phase of the programme should start in June 2014, covering three additional destinations (Toraja, Tanjung Puting, and Wakatobi). Throughout this second phase, the approach, which was successfully developed and applied in Flores, was circulated. WISATA was carried out in close cooperation with the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism and in line with the national tourism development programme. The main goal of the programme was to contribute to economic development through sustainable tourism in order to create employment and income that can improve the livelihood of the local population.

Switzerland - Morocco sustainable tourism programme

25-03-2021

Swisscontact implements the Swiss-Moroccan sustainable tourism programme which aims to support the provinces of Azilal and Beni Mellal in developing sustainable tourism with integrated sectors in order to reduce poverty, create income and new jobs and improve existing jobs, particularly for young people and women. The programme is financed by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO and the Kingdom of Morocco (Ministry of Tourism, Air Transport, Crafts and Social Economy). To learn more about the programme, follow the links below.

Our goal is to make Flores a leading eco-tourism destination in Southeast Asia

25-03-2021

Through the WISATA programme in Indonesia, several Destination Management Organisations received support on various levels. Interview with DMO Flores and IWG Networks, WISATA project partner. The WISATA project, started in 2009, initially covered only the Indonesian island of Flores. Early success meant that three additional destinations were facilitated by WISATA in 2014. The initial set-up of the project was to support the establishment of a Destination Management Organisation (DMO) in Flores. Under the district Destination Management Forum, three Island Working Groups (IWGs) manage the coordination function among tourism stakeholders in each island level. IWG Networks and DMO Flores were asked about their experiences and advances within the WISATA project. Read here the interviews with DMO Flores and IWG Networks from Wakatobi. They want to develop their islands into leading eco-destinations in South East Asia.

Being young is not easy in Honduras: A story of the ProJoven project in Honduras

25-03-2021

The story is about one of the young graduates of the ProJoven Programme. Most of the students in his class that graduated with him are working, says Moisés. However, he recognizes that the majority of the young people in his immediate environment, such as friends and family, have not been able to achieve their goals. "The person’s disposition and being able to find the support of someone who motivates you, is the most difficult thing to achieve. I feel that in Honduras, they rarely give young people the opportunity to grow. On top of that, the issue of violence aggravates everything "underlines Moisés while he finishes preparing coffee for a client. At only 21 years of age, Moisés Izaguirre already knows what he wants, "in five years I hope to have my own coffee business," he says determinedly. He trained as a waiter for seven months at the National Vocational Training Institute of San Felipe (INFOP), in Tegucigalpa, as part of the of the ProJoven program, which is financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (COSUDE) and implemented by Swisscontact.

NATURAL MACONDO Colombia Inspiration Ciénaga - The Capital of Magic Realism

25-03-2021

Ciénaga is located on the Caribbean Sea below the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountain range in Colombia. It is known for its rich variety of landscapes and well-preserved architecture. Cienaga is focusing on developing ecological, cultural, and heritage tourism of indisputable value. The historic centre, an architectural mosaic featuring the church of San Juan Bautista, Centennial square, El Templete, the Freemason’ lodge, the “Devil’s House”, and a variety of republic-era buildings, testimony to the city’s old tobacco and banana booms, was declared a national heritage site in the early 1990s. The project aims to promote the "Macondo Natural" tourism product, which will be sold by the beneficiaries. This will be accomplished by improvements in the value chain, particularly creating service and marketing capacity with special attention to international tourists. In addition, special emphasis will be placed on destination management and the design of a public-private platform in order to promote the product online. “What matters in life is not what happens to you but what you remember and how you remember it.” Gabriel Garcia Marquez

How a “green job” connects different generations through their love for the environment and stories

25-03-2021

If you travel along the canals, green tunnels snake through the mangrove forests, sunlight peaks through the leaves offering beautiful natural lighting. You feel like you are in a surrealistic place. Your are going into the real landscapes of 100 years of solitude. You are getting to Macondo Natural. The Salamanca Island Road Park has been declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Across a 56,200 hectare wetland, it features three ecosystems: a mangrove forest, a tropical riparian forest, and tropical dry broadleaf forest. A canoe tour takes you through the canals, with their Aguja caymans and fiddler crabs, to Ciénaga de Marchena. With a surface area of 450 km2, it is Colombia’s largest coastal lagoon and a bird paradise with over 200 species. This is a story of the intervention in this territory carried out through the Colombia + Competitive program, financed by the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and implemented by Swisscontact.

Red Rocks Community Conservation Research Centre-Bridging Adventure, People and Nature!

22-03-2021

River Mukungwa Adventures- The source of River Mukungwa located in the Northern Province is where the foot adventures begin near the Volcanoes National Park and a true definition of co-existence showing how the people from the nearby areas and nature live in peace and harmony. The calmly surrounding region provides you with a chance to escape the crowded towns of Rwanda and get to experience the beautiful views of the lake all through to the amazing backdrop scenery of the Virunga Volcanoes. Soothe the mind with blistering sounds of the lake and the melodious sounds of the birds as you choose from a wide range of engaging activities we offer while you are here. The walk is not so physically demanding but rather an easy walk alongside the terrain of the lake. If You are looking for an exquisite way to enjoy the breathtaking views of the lake complemented by the amazing backdrop scenery of the Virunga Volcanoes and the open blue skies or perhaps for photographers looking for a natural scenario then you will be mesmerized by the beauty of the area as you get some of the best shots, or even an opportunity to watch some of the many bird species found in the region from Kingfishers, cormorants, pelicans, white egret just to mention a few. The trail gives you a superb way of meeting with the local people while they go on about their daily everyday life chores- the area also offers an abundant way of joining local fishermen for an all hands-on fishing expedition using locally made rods and if you are lucky enough you will catch your next meal. The walking safari also offers several on-road stops over’s for resting or simply a moment to eat your packed snacks. Studies on the water birds, local trees, soil, and vegetation will be carried out from this center to help us and the community better understand how to mitigate climate and environmental change. And if you are looking for ways in which you help us ensure that we continue with our conservation efforts.

UNWTO - ADB joint session: Aid for Trade Stocktaking Event 2021

19-03-2021

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is pleased to invite you to attend the UNWTO - ADB joint session in the context of the World Trade Organization's (WTO) Aid-for-Trade Stocktaking Event 2021.

Session 15: “Reviving Tourism Amid COVID-19 – The Role of Aid for Trade” jointly organized by UNWTO and Asian Development Bank (ADB), taking place Wednesday 24 March, 9.30 - 11.00 am (CET).

The tourism sector has been one of the most dynamic service sectors prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. For many developing countries, the sector also generated the largest share in services exports. The COVID-19 pandemic has hit the tourism sector particularly hard and abruptly. Reviving the sector is posing major challenges to governments around the world. With a focus on the Asia and Pacific region, the session will discuss:

options to help the tourism sector survive and how to prepare for a gradual re-opening. analyze how aid-for-trade can be used strategically to help the sector and to ensure that it delivers in terms of sustainability in the short and long run
present latest research findings on the future of tourism and how to achieve sustainable outcomes conducted by the Asian Development Bank jointly with the UN World Tourism Organization.

Interested participants are required to register here.

Red Rocks Biodegradable straws

15-03-2021

As the world is increasingly aware of the disadvantages of the plastic crisis, we declared to say no to using plastics straw, it is in this regard that we initiated the idea of planting the Lepironia Articulata wild grass to combat the issue, we have come up with new, more sustainable materials to make straws from the wild grass. To make both the fresh grass straws and the dried grass straws, the grass is harvested, washed, and cut into straw-sized tubes. Then, an iron rod is used to clean the inner part of the straws, followed by one last washing. While paper straws have seen a surge in popularity lately, many have criticized them for their lack of durability – in terms of them getting soggy. Metal straws have been popular too, they are reusable and have the ease of being washable. We found a zero-waste alternative to growing sustainable plastic straws. The straws are made from grey sedge grass of the species Lepironia Articulata. We have the intention of protecting the environment by reducing the use of plastic straws. To make both types of straws, the grass is harvested, washed, and cut into straw-sized tubes – lengths measuring 20 centimeters (about 8 inches). We plan in the future to sell the biodegradable straws, thus supporting the women and youth populations around our area.

WORLD TOURISM FORUM LUCERNE - INNOVATION FESTIVAL

15-03-2021

The event is organised by the World Tourism Forum Lucerne. "With the effect of the pandemic still ongoing, this is a difficult time for so many across the world. “Moving Forward” is our response to the huge challenges faced by our industry, as we believe the future belongs to those who can innovate, adapt and remain agile. Our Innovation Festival is dedicated to embracing change. Now more than ever, we’re forced to relinquish the past. It’s far from easy, but there has never been a more important time for our community to come together to restart the global economy and create a more resilient, healthy and sustainable world. At World Tourism Forum Lucerne, practicing what we preach and being innovative has meant modifying our own event format. Our biennial Forum is on hold for now and we are moving from Lucerne to Andermatt, an alpine tourism resort. The fabulous new venue allows the entire festival (conference, events and accommodation) to be staged under one roof. For everyone’s comfort and safety it will be a more intimate affair with a strict limitation on numbers. As well as a satellite physical event in Morocco, “Moving Forward” will also be fully hybrid, making virtual participation possible for everyone in our loyal global community across three generations who can’t attend in person." *** Hybrid event: There will be space for 250 on-site participants, with the vast majority taking part online. If we are unable to hold the event in April, we will postpone to a later date. For more information and registration see link below.

Tourism Hackdays - Innovation Festival

15-03-2021

We are happy to announce a new edition of the Open Data Hackdays on the topic of tourism! On April 28 and 29, 2021, the third Open Data Hackdays will take place online. The event will be organized and hosted by the students of the Master of Science in “Applied Information and Data Science” program of the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts in cooperation with Opendata.ch, HotellerieSuisse and the Tourist Office Lab. A look into the future reveals the issues that tourism will increasingly face but also the emerging opportunities: Ecological concern, individual tourism, globalization, technological progress, urbanization and mobility. To deal with these megatrends, the whole industry must respond with new, innovative and transparent offers and products. Registration via links below.

99 Tourist Village in the province of West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia

13-03-2021

The Governor of West Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia, Dr. H. Zulkieflimansyah, SE, MSc has established 99 tourist villages which will be focused on being developed in the next five years. In line with the above program, the Tourism Promotion Board of West Nusa Tenggara ( BPPD Nusa Tenggara Barat ) has one of the objectives to promote this initiative to the worldwide market as an initiative that needs to be supported by everyone as we do our utmost to empower our people/community to manage the tourism program with an objective of improving people welfare thru tourism. West Nusa Tenggara Province is consist of two beautiful islands : Lombok and Sumbawa; which can be reach only within 30 minutes flight from Bali to Lombok Island. We will ensure that you will have an Endless Discovery experience which will enrich your life experience. . The tourism industry on new eral will have a new face and one of them would be community-based tourism and Indonesia could lead this type of tourism as we have a huge number of villages in the rural area where they have people with their own unique culture, lifestyle and a well-reserved nature resources. Then one of our effort to list this initiative to the Tourism4SDGS platform which belongs to UNWTO so it will be an effective way to communicate to our future partner who might interest to support and collaborate to develop this community-based tourism activity in West Nusa Tenggara province. We are open to any type of collaboration to promote and to bring a lot more people to our village which has been converted as a new alternative type of tourism in the new normal era. We have a dream that tourism should bring more benefits to a larger community in the villages / rural area by highlighting their culture in a bigger perspective and nature where they live. In the end, we want sustainable tourism is implemented in a real program to support the vision and goal of SDGs 2030.

12-03-2021

12-03-2021

Values and Partnerships in Swiss Parks

02-03-2021

The Swiss Parks are unique territories that strive to promote a sustainable regional development. In order to integrate sustainability more strongly into local activities and partnerships, the Parks have defined seven core values: preservation and valorisation of nature and landscapes, regional value creation, awareness raising and communication, cooperation, innovation and quality, regional identity and culture, fairness and health. These values indicate how the Parks understand sustainability and how they implement it. They form the common basis for all Swiss Parks to enter into partnerships with local, regional or national organisations. For each value, the Parks have developed specific criteria, which are discussed and evaluated in coaching conversations with existing and potential partner companies. On the basis of these discussions, an action plan is drawn up with concrete measures that the company takes to make its business activities more sustainable. The values and criteria are thus not only a practical instrument for developing and strengthening a sustainability-oriented regional economy, but also form the basis for sustainable communication and cooperation between the park's stakeholders. The aim of this innovative process is to form a community of regional and national actors that encourage each other, share best practice examples and work together towards a sustainable future.

Fahrtziel Natur

02-03-2021

Fahrtziel Natur is a national cooperation in which the Swiss Parks work together with various local transport companies as well as environmental organisations and cantons in order to encourage tourists to travel to the Parks by public transport. In order to do so, Fahrtziel Natur develops sustainable travel offers with attractive discounts. In tourism, transportation (travelling to and from the destination) makes up for the majority of carbon dioxide emissions. By combining exciting activities and explaining how easily accessible they are, the Swiss Parks tackle this issue and contribute to reducing global CO2 emissions. Moreover, the Swiss Parks include the information on “how to get there by public transport” in all their communication. That way, they raise awareness and make people more conscious that their transportation choice is important. Finally, innovation is also a key element and new ideas are being created in order to make public transport more attractive.

RED ROCKS APES CONSERVATION ARTISTS

01-03-2021

In Kinigi , near the volcanoes national park and in Kigali, we established art galleries as a place for promoting the cultural heritage of Rwanda and disseminate information about the conservation of the great apes found within the great lakes region. The project is aimed at encouraging the local community to tell and sell the Rwandan story through art and crafts, tapping into, training and nurturing artistic talent and proper mastery of craft skills to make quality materials that can compete with and sell our culture internationally and create awareness of protecting the habitat and the rare mountain gorillas, chimps, Monkey and other species. Apart from arts and crafts, our centers also encourage performing arts like music dance, and drama which are enjoyed by visitors from all over the world that come to this center. So as a cultural center. Our project is creating alternative avenues for the local communities to earn income thereby diverting the undue pressure that had previously been put on the natural resources through illegal activities like poaching and deforestation of the national park, and also preserving our cultural heritage for future generations through art. At our center, we house conservation-themed artworks, cultural objects (material culture), and numerous handicraft items made by local women groups and youths in the Virunga massif region and even beyond. We use art projects as a way to help our local children develop their arts and crafts skills, which provide a unique, fun opportunity to learn and improve their creativity. When creating an arts and crafts piece, children are able to develop their skills and carry over into a multitude of other activities which will be especially important in giving the child a head start in school after the long holidays experienced due the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the most important benefits that arts and crafts give, is the chance to be creative. This makes the child see that their imagination has no limits

THInC 2021 - Tourism and Hospitality International Conference on “CULTURAL DIVERSITY AND TOURISM FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT”

25-02-2021

The first edition of the Tourism and Hospitality International Conference (THInC) will focus on “CULTURAL DIVERSITY AND TOURISM FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT”. The event is organized by the Lusófona University (Portugal) and the Coventry University (United Kingdom), in collaboration with 'CEO CPL Meetings & Events', to be held on 2021, May 19th-21st. The main aim of the event will be that of promoting international debate on issues relating to cultural diversity and its link to tourism development. According to Fabio Carbone, Chair of the organizing committee, "we aim to give an impulse to the scientific research in this field and, on the other side, to raise awareness about the need for models of cooperation between all stakeholders to safeguard and enhance cultural diversity and facilitate the exchange of knowledge through innovative tourism practices based on cultural diversity and the SDGs' principles". Cultural diversity, as a source of exchange, innovation and creativity, is as necessary as services or infrastructure for the development of tourism destination. Tourism thus became not only one of the fastest growing sectors, but also an activity with the potential of promoting social cohesion and understanding at global level, as well as a powerful creative force that can contribute to mutual cultural enrichment, to the consolidation of the culture of peace and to the prosperity of people. In this sense, and considering the general principles contained in the conventions and the international declarations such as the Declaration on Cultural Diversity (2001); UNESCO Conventions for the Safeguarding of the Cultural and Natural Tangible (1972) and intangible (2003) Heritage; the UNWTO Code of Ethics for Tourism and the principles underlining by the Sustainable Development Goals in the UN Agenda 2030. Scholars, practitioners and students from all over the world will exchange information both on academic advances and innovative practices.

RED ROCKS SPORTS FOR CONSERVATION PROGRAM

25-02-2021

Red Rocks Initiatives for Sustainable Development brings together the community in support of its children through conservation and health education programs. Our dedicated team of Conservation Heritage members provides education to these children and their families to attain sustainable knowledge, practice, and enhance their health and communities through artistic and experiential projects. Our main focus is conservation and health education programs in schools from communities adjacent to the Volcanoes National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas. This initiative was established not only to provide opportunities for future generations (children) who want to practice and play tennis, basketball, table tennis, and chess but also to encourage healthy living habits and unite communities in safeguarding Rwanda’s National Parks and wildlife. Children learn etiquette on and off the court, practice teamwork and proper sportsmanship, gaining strength, and being honest. They also understand how to win and lose! Competition becomes part of their life, it makes them improve and they try harder next time. We expanded our conservation education program to other places in our centers, that is in Northern, Western, and Eastern provinces where we established community centers and promoting health through sports, and create awareness of the advantages of protecting our environment. Our sports for conservation have made remarkable impacts on community members and the children providing an important role in community conservation and wellness.

Red Rocks taking care of baby steps through provision of early childhood education

18-02-2021

The early years of life are critical for a child’s growth and development. Kids who are well nurtured, instructed and cared for during their earliest years in a family and social environment are more likely to grow physically and mentally healthy, develop language, thinking, social and emotional skills and achieve their full potential when they become adults. The above statement is the premise behind establishment of Red Rocks Kindergarten in Nyakinama village, Musanze district, where 150 group of children between the age of three and five years are now enrolled to receive early childhood education. Most of the children come from vulnerable families, they provided holistic education and we initiated this program to provide the best care for these young kids from poor rural families who otherwise would not have had access to early intervention in education at this young age due to their family backgrounds. The establishment of the kindergarten is part of Red Rocks Initiatives for Sustainable Development’s efforts to integrate tourism, conservation and community development around the Volcanoes National Parks, adding that some of their parents also have been actively involved in income-generating activities like making of traditional handcrafts they sell to tourists to uplift their living standards. We realized that apart from helping their parents to market their skills and products, and initiating programs to help them support their families, their children also needed an early good start in life and this is how the idea of kindergarten was born. With the support of donors and well-wishers, we also purchase them the scholastic materials they need so that they can have the best education possible at their early age. We teach the children positive values and Rwandan culture so that they can be agents to push forward the country’s rich cultural heritage, adding that we also involve them in bible studies to instill discipline in them at early age.

Etico for sustainability

16-02-2021

The ETICO for Sustainability is a tool that assists stakeholders to adopt sustainable strategies, which guarantee an holistic integration at a social, cultural, environment and economic level. The main aim is to meet each stakeholder objectives, in line with each business environment and stakeholders, enhancing and highlighting the positive outcomes, for a sustainable future. Etico for Sustainability was established to support a wide range of different business and social areas as, Education, Sport, Tourism, Hospitality and other vital development areas, such as industry and services. Our main aim is to build resilient and inclusive societies. We are aware that Tourism and Hospitality brings a varied multitude of outcomes within the sector it operates and to external stakeholders involved. This is recognised by its vast international economic and social value and also for its remarkable environmental and sociocultural impacts. Therefore, Etico for Sustainability provides a support framework based on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). Etico for Sustainability contributes to differentiate stakeholders that commit with five main pillars, defined in line with the UN SDGs, namely People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace and Partnerships. Etico for Sustainabilty, is a referential framework which aims to assure the achievement of each UN SDGs by incorporating the Agenda 2030 within its business scope. We aim to achieve this by introducing and verifying basic management and functionality measures, that guarantee the commitment of a stakeholder with the UN SDGs and Agenda 2030.

Slow Food Travel

16-02-2021

Behind every place lie stories, gastronomic traditions, artisanal flavors, and time-honored practices, preserved by women and men whose identities and cultures have been constructed over centuries. Every gastronomic tradition can become a unique tourism experience. Slow Food Travel offers a new model for tourism, made up of meetings and exchanges with farmers, cheesemakers, herders, butchers, bakers, and winegrowers who, along with the chefs who cook their products, will be the narrators of their local areas and unique guides to the local traditions. It proposes tourist itineraries with the aim of bringing travelers closer to the conservation of food biodiversity and to the knowledge of local cultures, identities, and gastronomies. Slow Food Travel offers territories the opportunity to develop their potential as a quality gastronomic destination, in compliance with the strict guidelines and philosophy of the association, through the construction of alliances and experiences that best enhance the local gastronomic heritage.

CEnTOUR

16-02-2021

CEnTOUR - CIRCULAR ECONOMY IN TOURISM is a European project funded by COSME, with duration from September 2020 to September 2023. CENTOUR is a strategic opportunity to develop and test innovative ideas to support Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in the tourism sector towards the transition to a circular economy, fostering an integrated system at local/regional level. SMEs, in particular of the tourism sector, are slowly approaching the challenges of moving from a linear to a circular economic model and, given the average size, do not normally have the resources and skills to face it with the appropriate tools and references. Tourism systems are very tied systems that benefit from an integrated approach to business development, both in terms of efficiency and promotion. It is therefore important to support SMEs in the development and implementation of circular businesses (in terms of knowledge transfer, skills, innovation, certifications) and to realize them within an integrated system for the local development. CENTOUR fosters innovative solutions for sustainable tourism development and management of tourism enterprises, through transnational cooperation and knowledge transfer, in particular toward SMEs focused on local supply chains and developing industrial symbiosis to develop circular business models. The Consortium of CEnTOUR is consisted of 10 partner entities: P1. Marche Chamber of Commerce –ITALY P2. Marche Politechnic University UNIVPM – ITALY P3. Chamber of Commerce of Cantabria – SPAIN P4. ECORES - BELGIUM P5. ODIMM Organization for Small and Medium Enterprises Sector Development – MOLDOVA P6. BICT Business Innovation Center – NORTH MACEDONIA P7. Xanthi Chamber Of Commerce – GREECE P8. Centre for Social Innovation (CSI) – CYPRUS P9.Forum of the Adriatic and Ionian Chambers of Commerce- ITALY P10. Progetto ARCADIA - ITALY

Learn, Earn and Save (U-LEARN II)

16-02-2021

The U-LEARN Project targets economically, socially and academically disadvantaged youth between the ages of 18 and24 years from families living below or slightly above the national poverty line of $1.90 a day. It is implemented in 14 districts in the Mwanza and Mara regions of Tanzania and 11 districts in the Central, East and Western regions of Uganda. The project focuses on three broad sectors. These are agri-business, building and construction and tourism and hospitality. These sectors are fast growing and require more locally skilled personnel to meet demand and enhance growth. The project is guided by a unique youth and market-driven learning group model. Youth, particularly young women, are engaged in all aspects of the project, including design, implementation, and management. Swisscontact acts as a market facilitator; building capacity within local institutions to deliver relevant training, business, and employment services to the youth. Through learning groups, Swisscontact offers a holistic package including technical and vocational skills training, business support services, market access and linkages, social and healthy living skills training, and financial service support. To learn more about the programme, follow the links below. The programme is financed by the Mastercard Foundation

CEnTOUR

11-02-2021

CEnTOUR - CIRCULAR ECONOMY IN TOURISM is a European project funded by COSME, with duration from September 2020 to September 2023. CENTOUR is a strategic opportunity to develop and test innovative ideas to support Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in the tourism sector towards the transition to a circular economy, fostering an integrated system at local/regional level. SMEs, in particular of the tourism sector, are slowly approaching the challenges of moving from a linear to a circular economic model and, given the average size, do not normally have the resources and skills to face it with the appropriate tools and references. Tourism systems are very tied systems that benefit from an integrated approach to business development, both in terms of efficiency and promotion. It is therefore important to support SMEs in the development and implementation of circular businesses (in terms of knowledge transfer, skills, innovation, certifications) and to realize them within an integrated system for the local development. CENTOUR fosters innovative solutions for sustainable tourism development and management of tourism enterprises, through transnational cooperation and knowledge transfer, in particular toward SMEs focused on local supply chains and developing industrial symbiosis to develop circular business models. The Consortium of CEnTOUR is consisted of 10 partner entities: P1. Marche Chamber of Commerce –ITALY P2. Marche Politechnic University UNIVPM – ITALY P3. Chamber of Commerce of Cantabria – SPAIN P4. ECORES - BELGIUM P5. ODIMM Organization for Small and Medium Enterprises Sector Development – MOLDOVA P6. BICT Business Innovation Center – NORTH MACEDONIA P7. Xanthi Chamber Of Commerce – GREECE P8. Centre for Social Innovation (CSI) – CYPRUS P9.Forum of the Adriatic and Ionian Chambers of Commerce- ITALY P10. Progetto ARCADIA - ITALY

09-02-2021

We made it happen! Ado-Awaye now has electricity!

09-02-2021

#RestartTourism When my team(ComeMakeWeGo Africa) and I started marketing Ado-Awaye located in Oyo state Nigeria, as a great hiking destination, a core of our plan was to ensure overnight stay in the destination. - We knew there were challenges to face, but, we also knew the goal. We had gone to meet the managers of the two motels located in the community, our meeting with the managers led to the improvement of their facilities - new bedsheets, curtains, cleaner toilets, to mention a few. We then donated dozens of waste bins which were strategically placed around the destination. - To ensure tourists keep the destination clean. But here was the issue. - No electricity. We made negotiations with the motels to run their generators from 7 pm-12 am whenever we brought a guest. - But, this didn’t make sense in the long run. - tourist gets uneasy after 12am, also, hike in petrol price made it uneconomical for the motels to run. In partnership with the King of the destination (HRM Oba Revd. Ademola Olugbile Folakanmi, Makuledoye 11, Iludero1) we got intentional about dealing with the electricity challenge and so, work began, letters and meetings here and there. - it has all paid off. Thanks to the tourist who have visited Ado-Awaye while it was in darkness, now, there is light, let’s #RestartTourism at Ado-Awaye. Thanks to the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde who understands the value that can be generated from tourism if well harnessed by the state. Thanks to the Paramount Traditional Ruler in Ado-Awaye and Araromi LCDA, HRM Oba Revd. Ademola Olugbile Folakanmi, Makuledoye 11, Iludero1. - We at ComeMakeWeGo Africa believe that any development can only be sustainable when the locals themselves understand and accept it. - And this, of course, has been displayed by the cooperation of the King and the people of Ado-Awaye. Thanks to every tour operator who has brought in hikers into Ado-Awaye,. You also made this happen!

CUBES - Cultural Administration Boosting with the Engagement of Sustainability for the local communities

05-02-2021

CUBES - Cultural Administration Boosting with the Engagement of Sustainability for the Local Communities is a project co-funded by Erasmus+, aiming to design and develop a training program offered on an inclusive, interactive and user-friendly digital platform, to create and disseminate know-how regarding the sustainable administration of tangible and intangible cultural resources in order to empower all sectors of society, including tourism, the economy and the local communities, to own and administer their cultural resources in sustainable ways, aiming at both cultural democracy, cultural sustainability and sustainable tourism, economy and development. Main objectives of the CUBES project: - To empower local communities in the participating countries with knowledge and awareness on significant aspects of cultural administration and sustainable development - To provide target groups with all the necessary knowledge so that they can act as access point-role mentors in the local communities, taking up the responsibility of informing, guiding, mentoring the other members of the communities in a series of cultural management & sustainability framework - To give the chance to youth & women of these local communities to act as leaders in their communities - To digitize the quality of learning content as a driver for systematic change in cultural administration & sustainability and for an increase in the quality of training - To create and deliver innovative products and training digital tools based on differentiation methodologies and adult education approaches The partnership of the CUBES project consists of: Homo Eminens - Lithuania (Project Leader), Center for Social Innovation - Cyprus, MINDSHIFT - Portugal, Sarajevo Meeting of Culture - SMOC (Bosnia Herzegovina), Xenios Polis Culture, Science & Action - Greece, GRIPEN - Romania, NGO Support Center - Cyprus, University of Peloponnese - Greece, Assembly of European Regions (France)

COMMUNITY BASED TOURISM

04-02-2021

Red Rocks initiatives for sustainable development have fulfilled the dream of ensuring communities are the direct beneficiaries of all our actions. All the activities go under the name of Eco-tour have been designed to work on local sustainable development through tourism and the collaboration of external partners. The Igihoho seed bag is one of these. This project idea came with Greg from Spain in 2016, and is implementing the governmental restriction on use and manufacturing of single-use plastic items, which were banned in 2008 and finally became law in 2019. For a long time already, these bags have represented a new norm for the region’s communities. They now regularly recycle the fibre of the abundant banana trees, and even before plastic was conclusively banned by law, they were experiencing the benefits and had introduced ecological alternatives for all their tree-planting activities. All the activities linked directly to the land, like local food preparation, farming with local families and beekeeping, and the botanical tours which can be taken in the Kinigi centre, are working in two directions: generating alternative income as well as educating the locals on the eco-friendly alternatives available, often from the same products that were considered as waste. Recycling, upcycling and other circular economy concepts are available to be explored and applied. In Red Rocks currently, the workshops on the use of banana eco-paper production, the Igihoho eco-friendly seed bag and even the banana beer preparation are excellent opportunities to maintain environmental sustainable activities while providing extra income for the people directly involved and, at the same time, bringing benefits to the local environment and to the community as a whole.

COMMUNITY BASED TOURISM

04-02-2021

Red Rocks initiatives for sustainable development have fulfilled the dream of ensuring communities are the direct beneficiaries of all our actions. All the activities go under the name of Eco-tour have been designed to work on local sustainable development through tourism and the collaboration of external partners. The Igihoho seed bag is one of these. This project idea came with Greg from Spain in 2016, and is implementing the governmental restriction on use and manufacturing of single-use plastic items, which were banned in 2008 and finally became law in 2019. For a long time already, these bags have represented a new norm for the region’s communities. They now regularly recycle the fibre of the abundant banana trees, and even before plastic was conclusively banned by law, they were experiencing the benefits and had introduced ecological alternatives for all their tree-planting activities. All the activities linked directly to the land, like local food preparation, farming with local families and beekeeping, and the botanical tours which can be taken in the Kinigi centre, are working in two directions: generating alternative income as well as educating the locals on the eco-friendly alternatives available, often from the same products that were considered as waste. Recycling, upcycling and other circular economy concepts are available to be explored and applied. In Red Rocks currently, the workshops on the use of banana eco-paper production, the Igihoho eco-friendly seed bag and even the banana beer preparation are excellent opportunities to maintain environmental sustainable activities while providing extra income for the people directly involved and, at the same time, bringing benefits to the local environment and to the community as a whole.

Youth Advisory Council

01-02-2021

Travel Unity, an NGO focused on increasing diversity in the world of travel, is seeking youth (13+) and adults to join its Youth Advisory Council. Applicants from all backgrounds and those with disabilities are encouraged to apply! Travel Unity's main SDG alignment is with No Poverty (1), Quality Education (4), Decent Work and Economic Growth (8), and Reduced Inequalities (10) - More info here: https://travelunity.org/sdgs Youth Advisory Council members will work with one another and Travel Unity's staff, Board, and Advisors on Travel Unity's programs and mission. Volunteers must be able to work on a team basis, communicate regularly, be proficient with meeting programs (Zoom, Google Meet, etc.), and enjoy the excitement of collaborative output. This is a great opportunity to work with fellow youth from around the world who care about culture, travel, and inclusion, along with an array of professionals dedicated to creating a more equitable world. https://travelunity.org/TUYAC

Verona In tour

28-01-2021

Verona In Tour creates tailor-made travel experiences and sojourns, authentic itineraries, private events and celebrations. Verona In Tour was created to offer experiences and activities to develop empathy enhancing unique landscapes, traditions and flavors and encouraging sustainable tourism. Our aim is to promote tourism in lesser known areas, particularly smaller villages, towns and in the countryside. This has the double goal of taking some pressure off over-crowded cities, reducing the damage deriving from mass tourism, and of spreading the wealth to other beautiful but less known sites. In fact, our offices are located at Villafranca di Verona, a town near Verona that is less-known but very important in terms of history. Our added value is based on our services. We offer high quality, organized and authentic touristic services that contribute in the promotion of a sustainable lifestyle including the 3 pillars of sustainability: -Social: one of our main goals is to have a product that can give the real essence of our culture, preserving it and giving it value. -Economic: we contribute to the economy while spreading the economic benefits of tourism mainly to rural areas, paying fairly to our employees and suppliers and -establishing a fair price for our products. -Environmental: one of our bases is the active tourism that promotes green mobility, resulting in the creation of more sustainable cities not only for residents but also for tourists (i.e. the promotion of cycle-paths). All our tours are accompanied by expert local guides and are done in an ecological and genuine way using mainly non-polluting means, such as bicycles, horses or on foot and in full respect of the environment, the local economy, culture and the people who live there. And, at the same time, enhancing unconventional places such as the countryside and small villages that are often dulled by the mass-tourism cities such as Verona.

HORIZON Solar folding roof over large parking areas e.g. near mountain railways and tourist attractions

22-01-2021

For the first time in the world, the HORIZON solar folding roof enables double use of parking areas and industrial usable areas for solar power production without the area underneath being restricted. HORIZON increases the efficiency of parking and logistics areas and offers decisive advantages over conventional carports. This is made possible thanks to the innovative lightweight construction and the patented folding mechanism. Very wide column spacings and a large height above the ground allow full freedom of use for vehicles, logistics, and goods and at the same time halve the use of materials compared to comparable systems. During winter electricity production is also possible without interruption: When it snows, the roof is retracted fully automatically, the modules remain snow-free and immediately produce electricity again the next time the sun shines. Another advantage of the solar folding roof is the charging infrastructure for the increasingly popular electric mobility. Last but not least, thanks to its aesthetic design, it enjoys great acceptance among the population and thus contributes to the positive image of the company.

CONSERVATION AND COMMUNITY BASED TOURISM ACTIVITIES

21-01-2021

We at Red Rocks Rwanda fulfilled our dream of starting the process that puts communities at its center, and that ensures they are the direct beneficiaries of all its actions. All our activities that go under the name of Eco-tour have been designed to work on local sustainable development through tourism and the collaboration of external partners. The Igihoho seed bag is one of these. This project idea came after the government restricted the use and manufacturing of single-use plastic items, which were banned in 2008 and finally became law in 2019. For a long time already, these bags have represented a new norm for the region’s communities. They now regularly recycle the fiber of the abundant banana trees, and even before plastic was conclusively banned by law, they were experiencing the benefits and the locals had introduced ecological alternatives for all their tree-planting activities. All the activities linked directly to the land, like local food preparation, farming with local families and beekeeping, and the botanical tours, are working in two directions: generating alternative income as well as educating the locals on the eco-friendly alternatives available, often from the same products that were considered as waste. Recycling, upcycling, and other circular economy concepts are available to be explored and applied. At our premises the workshops on the use of banana eco-paper papers, the Igihoho eco-friendly seed bag, and even the banana beer preparation are excellent opportunities to maintain environmental sustainable activities while providing extra income for the people directly involved and, at the same time, bringing benefits to the local environment and to the community as a whole.

Challenged Expedition

19-01-2021

A community-inspired person-centered special interest tour, field trip, sightseeing, excursion, adventure, outdoor recreation, leisure, pleasure, active, healthy living and lifestyle event. Which is planned, organized and hosted annually on United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) World Tourism Day, September 27 free of charge. For one of the most vulnerable minority groups, who are often taken for granted segment within communities and society. And regrettably, are predominantly confined to the periphery of economic, political, public, social, cultural, community, societal, family and developmental structures in Ghana, Persons Living with Disabilities. By Kra Travel, an indigenous Ghanaian Private Sector Tourism, Travel, Hospitality and Events Social Enterprise (SE). As part our activities, programs and events for celebrating World Tourism Day. Aimed to create and elevate national, grassroots, community and broad based social and public education, information dissemination, communication, narratives, conversation, storytelling, awareness, sensitization and advocacy. About the detrimental social, cultural, public and private infrastructure, transportation, mobility, spaces, places, facilities, amenities, information, events and services. Particularly, tourist sites, attractions, locations, activities, experiences and services participatory and/or accessibility. And other pervasive, emerging and systemic detrimental public, social, cultural, economic, developmental, political, human and minority rights difficulties, limitations, barriers and challenges. Which Persons Living with Disabilities in Ghana grapple with in their daily lives. To influence and serve as a catalyst for winning national, grassroots, public, social and community hearts and minds. For leveraging transformational, radical and fundamental policies, attitudinal, mindsets and developmental paradigm shift. Towards addressing these challenges affecting Persons Living with Disabilities in Ghana.

MUSANZE THE ECO TOURISM DESTINATION OF RWANDA

18-01-2021

Musanze district is the hub of Rwanda’s tourism industry and a source of many adventures, also known as the food basket of Rwanda, due to the fact that it’s the only area in Rwanda which receives high rainfall and got volcanic soils which are good for food growing. It has a long list of adventure activities on offer. However, when the spotlight is put on an adventure, most people will immediately think of the mountain gorillas. This would be right since the primates have positioned themselves as the icon of Rwanda’s tourist attraction. But there are other must-see attractions in Musanze, such as the Musanze Caves, as well as other animals that reside in the Volcanoes National Park. There is also the historic Buhanga Eco-Park, which was a sacred forest where Rwandan kings performed initiation ceremonies. Whenever you get to visit this city, do miss out on some different tourism attractions, that are around the city, take your time to visit Diana Fossey Museum, continue visiting Red Rocks Arts Center in Kinigi, that is focusing on art for conservation, Continue your trip with the visit to Inshuti Art center. If time permits, get the local guide from Red rocks cultural center, who will give you a full tour of Musanze, that includes the visit to the cultural center and during your city tour, take time to check on one of the famous Mirror on the Rock behind Amahoro Tours office, that has also a very nice view of the city of Musanze, take some good photos of the view and the Mirror that Reflects, life in the Rwandan community, from the past to the present. The tour will take you up to Ruhondo Lake and enjoy fishing with the locals and get to taste some if you can.

RED ROCKS COMMUNITY CONSERVATION CENTERS IN RWANDA

18-01-2021

Red Rocks community conservation centers within Rwanda, the center are based in Kinigi, Kigali, Kayonza, Kabaya, and Bulera, we work with the local community to improve their livelihoods using tourism as a tool for sustainable development for both the community and the biodiversity areas through research and projects that implement grassroots conservation of wildlife. KINIGI COMMUNITY CONSERVATION CENTER (ARTS FOR CONSERVATION) Since 2018, after the establishment of Red Rocks Arts Gallery in Kinigi, near the volcanoes national park, we have been the sole visual Arts gallery, promoting painting workshops in the Kinigi village to empower the young talented artisans to get involved in the efforts of conserving the endangered Mountain gorillas through arts and crafts. KAYONZA COMMUNITY CONSERVATION CENTER (ECO-FARMING) Located at Kayonza District, Rwinkwavu Sector, some 70 kilometers from Kigali city, Eastern province - we initiated the idea of commercializing the emerging eco-farmers who lack the resources and expertise to participate in the mainstream economy and to help them adapt to climate change. KABAYA COMMUNITY CONSERVATION CENTER (CULTURAL & HERITAGE PRESERVATION) Kabaya center is located in the western province, near the Gishwati forest national park. We involve the local community to focus on protecting and caring for tangible cultural heritage items, including artworks, architecture, archaeology, and ancient collections. BULERA COMMUNITY CONSERVATION CENTER (FARM TOURISM) Bulera community center is located just at the foothills of Muhabura mountain of the extinct volcanoes of the Virunga massif, 30 kilometers from Musanze town, on the way to the border of Rwanda and Uganda – Cyanika. KIGALI COMMUNITY CONSERVATION CENTER (ARTS & CRAFTS GALLERY) Great Vision Needs Great Partners, Red rocks initiative for sustainable development(RRISD) partnered with Rwanda Ex-combatants and other people with disabilities organization (RECOPDO) and Inshuti Arts

Museums and Disaster Risk Reduction: building resilience in museums, society and nature

18-01-2021

This free Guide (which can be dowloaded at this link: https://bit.ly/3nTpONk) aims to help empower museums (small, large and of any kind, anywhere), museum workers, museum networks and their partners to draw on Disaster Risk Reduction approaches. This should help them reduce the impact of disasters, whether COVID-19, climate change, or any other kind of disaster, for the benefit of themselves, their communities, and the natural environment. Disaster Risk Reduction is the subject of a number of SDGs, notably SDGs 11.5 and 11.B, while COVID-19 and its management also relates to SDG 3.D. The Guide has two main goals: 1. To help museums build their resilience, and reduce the impact of disasters on museums themselves. 2. To help museums contribute to resilience-building in the wider world, for the benefit of society and the natural environment.

A Global Initiative for Tourism Executives - Recovery and Resilience Dialogue Event 3

11-01-2021

Leading public and private executives from around the world tell you how COVID-19 has influenced their strategies and measures regarding ecological sustainability. They share with you how they (try to) gain a competitive edge by measuring, reducing, and communicating the ecological footprint of their organisation or destination, and how they improve tourism's ecological performance and resilience by strengthening local and nearby markets. Be part of the initiatives by the World Economic Forum, the UN World Tourism Organization, and the UN Global Compact to make tourism more resilient and sustainable! Listen to and discuss with the following decision-makers: • Manfred Häupl, Owner and Executive Director of the tour operator Hauser Exkursionen • Arvind Bundhun, Director of the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority • Paul Jones, Founder & President of the hospitality corporation The Lux Colective, Mauritius • Martina von Münchhausen, Senior Programme Manager Sustainable Tourism of World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) • Collaborative strategy “México 2030": land of future tourism”: Miguel Torruco Marqués, Minister of Tourism; Rosi Amerena, Coordinator of "México 2030”

Sustainable Mobility and Accessibility towards Smart Destinations

11-01-2021

Integration of regional/local policies for Sustainable Mobility, Accessibility & low-carbon Responsible Travel, with policies for efficient sustainable tourism towards a low-carbon economy, requires particular attention in the EU. This is a common challenge that public regional/local and transport authorities increasingly face, particularly at busy destinations with high tourism travel flows (inc. in South Europe, coastal, maritime & insular, mass tourism destinations). Immediate action is needed through interregional cooperation to capitalise best practices, improve policy instruments & prepare action plans with implementation monitoring & evaluation. The DESTI-SMART project, addresses the above towards 'Smart Destinations', for sustainable & responsible tourism development in Europe, with low-carbon, multimodal sustainable mobility & accessibility. The overall objective is to improve the transport and tourism policies of EU destinations, by integrating strategies for sustainable mobility, accessibility and responsible travel with efficient & sustainable tourism development, for transition to a low-carbon economy, through efficiency, resilience, multimodality, novel low-carbon transport systems, cycling & walking, with implementation innovations, policy learning and capacity building. The following pressing issues are addressed: - Investments in low-carbon transport systems for mode shift to sustainable tourism mobility, incl. Electro-Mobility - Intermodality facilities for visitors, including ICT, Mobile Aps & MaaS - Accessible tourism for all - Cycling & Walking facilities & promotion for visitors. Main outputs: - policy learning & capacity building for public authorities & their stakeholders - improved policy instruments & action plans in 9 destinations, with close involvement of stakeholders - advances in EU2020 objectives - communication & dissemination learning materials. Smart Mobility towards Smart Destinations & Tourism

koolchap

10-01-2021

koolchap, lorestan,,IRAN

koolchap

10-01-2021

koolchap, lorestan,,IRAN

Cultural and Creative Tourism based on Cultural and Creative Industries for SME Competitiveness

07-01-2021

The potential of Cultural & Creative Industries (CCIs) in developing new Cultural & Creative Tourism (CCT) products and services for Growth & Jobs, is being advanced by the Cult-CreaTE project with policy change in 8 EU regions. Common challenges are: - The contribution of CCIs to CCT has not been given the attention it deserves to date. Cultural tourism needs CCIs to partially reinvent itself and attract the new generations. CCIs are also an indispensable source of innovation for other types of sustainable tourism, typically ‘Creative Tourism’. - Creative Tourism is considered a new generation of cultural tourism by involving the tourists themselves and the locals in the creation of the tourist products (co-creation). - CCIs are in a strategic position to promote smart, sustainable and inclusive growth in all EU regions and cities, and thus contribute fully to the Europe 2020 Strategy and beyond, through their deployment for CCT. - While some EU regions have been very good at tapping into this extraordinary potential as a way to promote socio-economic development, it however, appears that many others have not been making most of this potential. - Synergies between sustainable tourism and CCIs can enhance the visibility and promotion of CCT. These synergies can contribute to the promotion of sustainable tourism destinations, an attraction of new investment and creation of new employment opportunities, particularly for youth and in lagging regions. The overall objective is to redeploy CCIs for the development and promotion of CCT strategies, with sustainability, innovations, capitalisation, policy learning, policy implementation and capacity building. Main outputs are action plans, with implementation and monitoring of improved policy instruments in 8 EU destination regions, communication and dissemination tools for policy learning and capacity building, contribution to EU policies and SDGs. The beneficiaries are public authorities and their stakeholders.

CIRCULAR ECONOMY AND TOURISM (SESSION 6): WBG Learning Series

07-01-2021

The tourism sector is a generator of jobs and income but without proper systems in place, tourism can consume large quantities of energy, water, and plastics which degrade the environmental quality of coastal destinations and ecosystems and affect the lives of residents. New and circular business models are needed to change the way tourism operates and enable businesses and destinations to be sustainable. The COVID-19-related tourism pause is an opportunity to rethink, refocus, and reimagine how the tourism sector can build a better and more circular economy tourism system for the future. This Webinar brings together policy-makers and leading private sector stakeholders to discuss the needed transition to circular business models and explore approaches to operationalizing a circular tourism economy in a post-COVID world Join us on 12th January 2020 (Tuesday) | 8.30 – 10.00am EST (NY Time) | 14:30 - 16:00 (CET). Register HERE #Tourism4Dev #circulareconomy

More than Gorillas

07-01-2021

Red Rocks Initiatives for Sustainable Development has always known that there is more to in Rwanda than the gorillas it is famous for, and we wanted to create more reasons for tourists to visit this green land. We involve community engagement as the core of the tourism offer; we discovered interconnectedness and wants to use tourism as a tool for local development. There is indeed more than just gorillas in Rwanda. There is a variety of bountiful natural environments. On the thousand hills for which the country is famous, agriculture flourishes. Tea and coffee plantations follow bananas, avocados, oranges and other fruit trees, and, of course, plenty of maize, rice, cassava and other crops. Five national parks cover a relatively small area, incorporating volcanic mountains in the north, an inland sea – Lake Kivu – trekking trails and waterfalls in the west, the montane rainforest of the Nyungwe Forest National Park, with the chimpanzee and the blue monkey, in the southern province, and savannah woodland in the eastern province. But again, there is more than that. There is also art, and many local artists and artisans. The women use grass to weave colourful baskets and clay and water to mould rounded vases. They also set the rhythm of many celebrations in Rwanda. Umutima w’urugo’ –‘the heart of the house is a woman’. Therefore, it is usually our women usually welcome the visitors with powerful drumming sessions and take the backbone of any cultural performance. There are women and there is youth, as well as ancient knowledge, and many skills that are ever-improving so we linking all the dots through tourism. RWANDAN COMMUNITY-LED INITIATIVES : Red Rocks Rwanda (RRR), the social enterprise established in 2010 that offers tours led by well-trained locals, gave birth in 2017 to its sister organization, Red Rock Initiative (RRI). This local NGO focuses on the sustainable development of communities through a variety of programmes. RRI’s mission is to ‘improve community

koolchap

06-01-2021

koolchap, IRAN, LORESTAN

Descending from the alpine pasture in Entlebuch

05-01-2021

Since 2004, the Entlebuch alpine herders (“Älpler”) have been bringing their cattle down from the alp to the valley together. Seven proud Älpler families take part in the Entlebucher Alpabzug with their approximately 250 festively decorated animals. In Schüpfheim more than 10’000 locals and guests await to warmly welcome them. Yodelers, alphorn blowers, traditional dance groups and flag-wavers accompany the Älper families on the procession and meet for an impressive concert on the church steps. At the large cheese and regional product market, visitors can taste and buy the local products. The cheerful Älplerchilbi lasts until well into the evening. The idea of the joint alpine departure arose within the framework of a research project on the future of alpine farming. By strengthening the cohesion among the Älpler families and the joy of the profession, it can contribute to the long-term preservation of the alpine economy. The market offers an ideal sales platform for alpine and regional products and direct contact with consumers. The living tradition gives insight into the life of the alpine farmers and raises the guests’ awareness for the various challenges around it. Today, it is jointly supported and organized by the alpine farmers, tourism, the community and the Entlebuch Biosphere.

digital “igitaramo”

28-12-2020

You are invited to an open digital “igitaramo” – which is the Rwandan word for an occasion when people of diverse cultures come together to share their stories. A concept fitting perfect into the idea of OUR FUTURE. The aim with OUR FUTURE is to open up for conversations between communities and destinations around the globe. To learn from each other, to share experiences and to reflect on identified dilemmas, challenges and opportunities. In the Rwandan spirit of igitaramo, the event will be broadcast worldwide from the Red Rocks Intercultural Center. This will be the time for Rwanda to showcase local and regional assets and good examples from across the country of sustainable community based tourism, promoting conservation and community development projects. Rwandans will have the chance to share snapshots of their vast cultural richness as well as openly discuss their most pressing concerns with a tuned-in, progressive digitally hosted group of "outsider" panelists from around the world. Welcome to the conservation, no matter who you are. We invite you, the people of Rwanda, but also everyone else from around the globe. Tour operators, stakeholders of community-based tourism, universities, conservation and destination development organizations, and others with special interest in this event. This is a locally held event, in an international context. So, SAVE THE DATE and register to the event already now! More information will be posted first week of January together with the announcement of the panel members.

Mountain

24-12-2020

The stronger you are, the more mountains will be available to you, so enjoy it instead of enduring the hardships of climbing.

Expedition to 10 Highest Mountain in Australia Continent to Support Gender Equality & HEFORSHE

24-12-2020

The team of 4 Male and 4 Female led by Mr. Anand Bansode climbed Mount Kosciuzko and 9 other top mountain in Australia Continent to support HEFORSHE. Team has done LIMCA BOOK OF RECORD and supported SDG. He was the 1st person who did workon HEFORSHE before even HEFORSHE campaign launched in INDIA (2014).

Aua Forta – Water Days Engadin Scuol

23-12-2020

The traditional Water Days Engadin Scuol will be given a new concept and will now include a symposium. In cooperation with the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW), a festival of ideas has been developed which provides an ideal basis for the new symposium. At this ideas festival, which will be accompanied by exciting and top-class specialist presentations, participants will be able to develop solutions and ideas on current climate issues together with selected speakers. The symposium with the theme "Water, Climate and Tourism in Mountain Regions" will be enriched with exciting excursions around the main topics of the symposium and with a top-class supporting programme. Get involved in the Ideas Festival and get to know sustainable showcase projects in the Engadin mountain world on selected excursions.

Alpbeizli-Pass

22-12-2020

The Korporation Uri, one of the largest landowners in the canton of Uri, is a central partner for the Uri Holiday Region. The property of the Korporation covers almost all alpine pastures, most of the forest, lakes and streams as well as agricultural land on the valley floor. These valuable natural assets represent a significant part of the tourist attractiveness of the Uri Holi-day Region and form the basis for the tourism development of the destination in the strategic thematic focal points "Mountain summer in Uri" and "Active on the road". Within the framework of the strategic focal points, the Alps are to be made experiencable for the guests. The personal and thus unique experience makes a visit to an alp in Uri an unforgettable excursion. The guests discover unknown regions, feel the need to come again and finally recommend them to friends and family. For this purpose, the "Alpbeizli-Pass" (stamp collection card) was developed. It is aimed for all hiking enthusiasts who are interested in alpine culture or who simply like to stop in and enjoy local products such as fresh alpine cheese. For every visit to an Alpbeizli (alp inn run by mountain farmers), you get a stamp. The goal of every hiker and alp lover would be to collect all the stamps from every listed alp inns. The pass has been available since sum-mer 2015 and is still popular with guests. The "Alpbeizli-Pass" not only encourages guests and locals to get to know different alp inns and thus new hikes and regions, but also promotes the added value of the alpine businesses. Thanks to the collecting fever, several hikes are made. Thus, the "Alpbeizli-Pass" encourages hikers to go hiking several times in the canton of Uri. At the end of the season, the "Alpbeizli-Passes" can be returned to the Uri Holiday Region. For all hikers who have collected all stamps, great prizes are waiting. Moreover, a main prize will be raffled among all participants who have collected at least three stamps.

Pro-Women - Upskilling Itineraries Up-skilling Itineraries for Women as New Cultural Promoters to Enhance Territorial Heritage

21-12-2020

Pro-Women – Up-skilling Itineraries for Women as New Cultural Promoters to Enhance Territorial Heritage is an Erasmus+ KA2 project that wants to promote equal opportunities and social-labour inclusion of the low-skilled and unemployed women by providing intervention tools for training and empowerment. The target group will undertake a participative learning path to strengthen their competences and acquire new ones, with the final aim of supporting their employability in the Tourism sector. The project challenge is to operate in sustainable tourism. Therefore, this sector must increasingly be approached with a view of enhancing the cultural and environmental heritage, namely the legacy which includes tangible and intangible culture, as well as natural heritage (landscapes, biodiversity, etc.). Objectives: - To valorise innovative methodological approaches aimed at women empowerment. - To facilitate low-skilled and unemployed women’s access to training, employment, and entrepreneurship by empowering them. - To boost cultural growth, enhancement of cultural heritages, social inclusion, and cohesion processes involving local communities. - To promote entrepreneurship among the target group as a way of improving its social and labour situation. - To provide professionals and educators working with women with efficient tools as a Learning Package and Handbooks aimed at supporting target groups’ social and labour integration. The partners involved in Pro-Women project are: - Cooperativa Sociale San Saturnino Onlus - Italy (coordinator) - Obiettivo Famiglia / Federcasalinghe - Italy - Center for Social Innovation CSI - Cyprus - WISAMAR - Germany - Ayuntamiento de Torrijos - Spain - AFORMAC - France

OK:GO Initiative

17-12-2020

Many tourism service providers in Switzerland have offers that are suitable for some senior citizens and people with disabilities. However, there is often little information available to the public. Now, the Accessible Switzerland Association would like to change that with the help of the OK:GO Initiative. Our vision is for all Swiss tourism service providers to make information about the accessibility of their offerings publicly available in a well-structured format. To implement the scheme, OK:GO relies on input from individual businesses. Companies can gather, manage, and communicate the information themselves using a simple system based on technology provided by ginto, a platform operated by the association AccessibilityGuide. If a business would like to participate in the initiative, the required information can be collected using the ginto app. After that, the company adds the OK:GO logo to its website which links to the information it has provided. The OK:GO logo on the website signals to visitors that they are welcome and that accessibility information is available.

Corporate Volunteering in Swiss Parks

14-12-2020

Swiss nature parks regularly organize volunteering events for companies that strive to contribute to environmental sustainability by actively engaging their employees in this cause. Participants help to maintain valuable natural and cultural landscapes in Swiss parks. In doing so they get to know the park, exchange ideas with the local population and enjoy regional specialities. Competent accompanying persons impart knowledge about the local fauna, flora and regional culture.

La Route Verte

10-12-2020

La Route Verte is a 7-day e-bike itinerary that leads tourists from Schaffhausen to Geneva through the Jura Arc's six Regional Nature Parks. For every stage, a "living landscape" is presented and presents how a landscape (for example the vineyards of the Blauburgunderland in Schaffhause Nature Park) is maintained by local people who work hand in hand with nature (here, the winemaker) to create delicious and sustainable products (the wine). By meeting locally engaged people and by buying the local products, tourists can help support not only the local economy but also the beautiful nature and environment they cycle through. Apart from wine, La Route Verte also showcases high-stem orchards, the forest as a economic and social ressource, Franches-Montagnes horses, dry-stoned walls, Absinth and alpine pasture cheese. By telling these "behind the scene" stories, La Route Verte creates a special bond between the tourists and the landscapes they learn to love. In addition to raising awareness for local products and the interrelation of it with maintaining Switzerland's landscapes, La Route Verte also encourages people to go on a healthy active holiday, offers a care-freee holiday with a luggage transfer solution and connects over 100 players (the parks, the tourist offices, hotels and restaurants, ...) all over the Jura Arc.

INTEGRATING TOURISM, CONSERVATION AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

10-12-2020

Despite spatial importance of national parks and other protected areas and increasing threats posed to nature by different agents, successful conservation still remains inconsistent and, in some instances, controversial. Tourism is a challenging business. The whole of Africa only attracts 5% of global travellers. And the market is quite competitive. Tour operators have to deal with high overhead costs and low profit margins. Furthermore, this industry is sensitive to shocks caused by disease outbreaks, natural disasters and political instability and the current global pandemic effects of COVID-19. What all these imply is that there’s little money spared for large-scale conservation efforts and/or sustainable community development. And strong competition among tour firms for bookings necessitates promotion of famous animal species like the mountain gorillas in the Virunga massif and the Big 5. The protection of the critically endangered species has also been a major concern for industry players. However, less captivating animals and plants are often overlooked. The hope, for these reasons, placed in ecotourism as part of solution to Africa’s poverty and conservation problems has not been realized. But all is not lost. There’s a flicker of light beginning to shine at the end of a tunnel. At our premises based in Nyakinama Village, 8 kilometers from Musanze town we are taking a lead in integrating tourism, conservation and community development around the Volcanoes National Park. Instead of basing our activities on wistful thinking and profit-driven motifs, we changed the narrative by establishing partnership with other ecotourism ventures, charitable NGOs and volunteers to fulfill our different programs running under Red Rocks Initiatives for Sustainable Development . And these partnerships seem to be working better. Red Rocks ecotourism programs continue to provide environmentally-sensitive employment to the locals, mostly youth and women,

Tourism&covid 19

06-12-2020

Toghether we can save the world

A Global Initiative for Tourism Executives - Recovery and Resilience Dialogue Event 2

02-12-2020

Leading public and private executives from around the world share with you how they use data for a more balanced tourism. The data-based forecasting and guidance of tourism flows can help reduce public health risks, improve social acceptance and make more people and places benefit from our sector. Be part of the initiatives by the World Economic Forum, the UN World Tourism Organization, and the UN Global Compact to make tourism more resilient and sustainable! Listen to and discuss with the following decision-makers: • Ignacio Barrios, CEO of the analytics firm Kido Dynamics • Jon Erni, Founder & President of the back-end provider discover.swiss • Sérgio Guerreiro, Senior Director of Knowledge Management and Innovation of Turismo de Portugal • Jeremy Sampson, CEO of The Travel Foundation • Eduard Torres, President of Turisme de Barcelona On December 9, 2020 (2:30-4:00pm, Central European Time on ZOOM/Webex

Walk the Talk

30-11-2020

On behalf of the Switzerland State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), we have developed "Walk the talk“, a new format of knowledge transfer. SECO wants to multiply touristic projects and increase the transfer of know-how from implemented Innotour projects. In the form of inspiring walks and talk sessions in unconventional locations in the „Mattequartier“ of Bern (theatre, cinema and advertising agency), prominent figures from tourism will hold interesting panel discussions on the following topics: „the way to successful cooperation“, „making sustainable use of synergies with agriculture“, „relieving tourist accommodations through new guest data management“ and „product development for tomorrow’s tourism adventures“. Going for a walk in between talks provides the perfect opportunity to reflect on podium inputs, to exchange personal experiences, and to bring up concerns and ques5ons. With the chosen format, gutundgut has been able to create an inspiring environment where a friendly atmosphere between panelists and participating professionals is created and thus a lot of prac5cal knowledge is conveyed. The events are organized and moderated from A to Z by gutundgut gmbh on behalf of SECO.

Ksar Ghilane

30-11-2020

For many years the oasis Ksar Ghilane was known for its very high quality of dates. Today the oasis is threatened by the increasing day tourism. This has a negative effect on the ecosystem and generates little added value. At the beginning of January 2019, Rafael Enzler and Christian Müller from gutundgut worked together with André Gribi from the Hotel & Gastro Consulting GmbH to develop the first foundations for sustainable tourism development. Workshops were held with local authorities, service providers as well as residents. A sustainable concept for water quality, electricity, transport, and waste management was developed and should provide the necessary basis to improve local tourism.

Vajra Eco Resort Nepal

30-11-2020

The Vajra Eco Resort is a breeding ground for sustainable entrepreneurship. Nepal is not only in need of educated young people but also of those who are interested in creating new jobs as entrepreneurs. With this in mind, the project of building a sustainable hotel complex was initiated. Apprentices from all sectors have the opportunity to complete an internship and gain work experience, hopefully with the aim of one day establishing their own business. The hotel complex is a socially responsible corporation as a part of the profit is donated to social projects. A solar kitchen, biogas recycling facility, an own dairy factory and a small hydroelectric power station for electricity make the complex self-sufficient. Even vegetables are grown in the hotel’s own organic garden. The doctor’s office also offers their services and information to the local population. This comprehensive sustainable approach of the Vajra Eco Resort can be seen as a pioneer.

Tourism development South Albania

30-11-2020

gutundgut was asked by the German Society for International Cooperation to analyze the tourism potential and create a tourism strategy for the southern Albanian cities Vlora, Himara, and Konispol. This strategy for sustainable tourism in the southern coastal region is currently being developed in close collaboration with the local people and workers. First, it was important to become familiar with the region. By traveling through the country Christian Müller and Rafael Enzler from gutundgut became acquainted with the present state of the region and got to know the local people as well as their culture. Existing infrastructure, tourism offers, communication channels, cooperation between the various providers and expectations were examined and analyzed. In a basic concept, findings and potentials were combined – for prospective key experiences which are rooted directly in the region. And with the involvement of the local people and circumstances boosting tourism in a sustainable way.

Green Marathon Zürich

30-11-2020

Since 21 May 2017, the 42 km long route of the „Green Marathon Zurich“ connects the most picturesque urban oases throughout the city. The running course leads from the city center to the lake, passing by meadows and nearby forests. It is ideal for stage races, hikes and walks as well as a training area. The route offers stunning views over the city and the lake. The course can be used year-round. The stages can be chosen freely and are easily accessible all over the city by public transport or are within walking distance. For orientation purposes route field, km indication and information panels are fixed on the existing hiking and urban network.

Mountain Lab Adelboden

25-11-2020

On behalf of TALK AG, gutundgut integrated a coworking space in Adelboden and the Tourist Center under the roof of the Mountain Lab Adelboden. The Tourist Center in Adelboden has become an innovative open space where the staff of the Tourist Center and the ski school share space with independent entrepreneurs, digital nomads, and local talent. From the beginning of the project, it was important to involve the local population. Besides the co-working space, the Mountain Lab offers external meeting rooms in various locations. In co-operation with hotels and vacation homeowners, a coliving offer was developed. Together these three offers form an attractive opportunity to combine work with leisure time and support Adelboden in its positioning as an innovative place of tourism and work.

Science and Conservation

25-11-2020

Amazon Emotions is fully committed to making a significant positive impact on biodiversity conservation in the Amazon. All of our project-related activities are directed from our Brazilian Amazon headquarters in Presidente Figueiredo. In 2019, a RAPELD module for creating a long-term ecological research site is being installed with the support of CENBAM (The Amazonian Biodiversity Studies Centre) and their PPBio (Research Program on Biodiversity) group. This is going to provide a research station for scientists in the rainforest. Our goal is to teach the local communities about the value of their natural resources and to educate the international community and visitors about biodiversity. All this research helps the region in a number of ways. For example; the knowledge generated is passed on to the guides who work at Amazon Emotions, which in turn will enrich the experience of our guests and enhance our environmental education projects. This endeavour also contributes directly and indirectly, to society in general by providing information about the conservation of this region. This project intends to serve as a model for sustainable conservation and can be replicated throughout the Amazon.

PACTO 2030

20-11-2020

We invite tourism companies and travelers to sign our pledge for sustainable tourism and the accomplishment of the SDG´s in travel industry. We have the goal to reach 2030 signed pledges, once we reach our goal, we will compensate 20,30 kg of CO2 for each pledge signed with a Colombian initiative (BANCO2). We want to keep promoting SDG´s while traveling and creating experiences.

Sustainability Charter of the Azores

20-11-2020

The Sustainability Charter of the Azores is a Government initiative that has the mission to be an agent of change for sustainable development in the Azores through the dissemination, implementation, monitoring and reporting of the Sustainable Development Goals and encouraging the collaboration and formation of partnerships. It is a local action, with a global impact. Subscribing to the Charter is to undertake a public commitment with a responsible and transparent management, guided by the implementation of the sustainable development goals, with the eyes set in the future. With the government support, each regional organization, company and NGO that aims to subscribe the Charter, has free access to Forums, sustainability consultation and Workshops, where a specialized team guides them on how they can align their strategies as well as measure and manage their contribution to the SDGs. The Subscribing Workshops, that took place in every island, a specialized sustainability team and the Azores DMO, helps regional tourism (and other) companies and organizations to understand what are the SDGs and how integrating the SDGs in their core business will enhance the value of their corporate sustainability, and will help them discover new growth opportunities and lower their risk profiles, capitalizing a range of benefits. Since 2017 we could witness to a growing project. In the first public session of the Sustainability Charter of the Azores, 45 local companies voluntarily subscribed to the charter, identifying three annual public commitments aligned with the SDGs. In 2019 we can count with more than one hundred subscribers, which translates in more than three hundred sustainable public commitments. This is collaborative approach that involves a wide net of local stakeholders and the local community, working together to bring benefits to the environment and society, involving all aboard in this ship, sailing towards the sustainable future of the Azores.

Amazon Emotions

16-11-2020

Amazon Emotions connects responsible-minded travelers, interested in authentic travel experiences, with local entrepreneurs, small businesses, and organized community groups committed to sustainable tourism practices. We adopt UNWTO’s definition in that sustainable tourism is “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”. The goal of this policy is to reduce the negative impacts of our tourism activities on the environment and the host communities that we visit; at the same time maximizing the positive benefits to the host communities, their natural environment, and to our travelers. This policy will serve to inform our employees, local partners, suppliers, and travelers [collectively the stakeholders] of our commitment to develop and promote sustainable tourism products that are managed and enjoyed in a responsible manner. It will also detail the role and responsibilities of each of the stakeholders in the successful implementation of the policy.

A Global Initiative for Tourism Executives - Recovery and Resilience Dialogue

16-11-2020

How to survive amidst COVID-19 in the short run without neglecting the destination’s or company’s long-term resilience and sustainability? How do leading decision-makers from the public and private realm cope with this monumental challenge? The TouRRD is organised by the University of Applied Sciences of the Grisons, in cooperation with the Global Compact Network Switzerland & Liechtenstein, the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs, the UN World Tourism Organization, and the World Economic Forum. Bringing together decision-makers from government, business, and civil society, in three virtual events it tackles three different challenges, namely: «How to restore consumers’ trust and confidence» (18.11.2020), «How to use data for a more balanced tourism» (9.12.2020), and «How to turn future headwinds into opportunities» (13.1.2021). The events take place from 2:30pm to 4:00pm (Central European Time). They are conducted via ZOOM and offer the audience an ample opportunity to engage in a high-level peer-to-peer exchange of ideas and experiences.

Sustainable Charter of the Azores

16-11-2020

The Sustainability Charter of the Azores is a Government initiative that has the mission to be an agent of change for sustainable development in the Azores through the dissemination, implementation, monitoring and reporting of the Sustainable Development Goals and encouraging the collaboration and formation of partnerships. It is a local action, with a global impact. Subscribing to the Charter is to undertake a public commitment with a responsible and transparent management, guided by the implementation of the sustainable development goals, with the eyes set in the future. With the government support, each regional organization, company and NGO that aims to subscribe the Charter, has free access to Forums, sustainability consultation and Workshops, where a specialized team guides them on how they can align their strategies as well as measure and manage their contribution to the SDGs. The Subscribing Workshops take place in every island, where a specialized sustainability team and the Azores DMO, helps regional tourism companies and organizations to understand what are the SDGs and how integrating the SDGs in their core business will enhance the value of their corporate sustainability, and will help them discover new growth opportunities and lower their risk profiles, capitalizing a range of benefits. After defining priorities and setting three annual sustainable goals, the entities shall integrate them into their core business, embedding sustainability across all functions, with a top down leadership that will help all members in the organization to help in achieving the goals. We must emphasize that the Sustainability Charter of the Azores is a non-binding agreement, and that all companies, organizations, government associations and NGOs had voluntarily subscribed to the Charter, assuming a public commitment to the Sustainable development of the Azores. This is collaborative approach that involves a wide net of local stakeholders and the local community.

Herramientas medición Turismo Sostenible

09-11-2020

Acabo de empezar una Tesis en la que se van a analizar las herramientas de medición del Turismo Sostenible para crear una nueva herramienta de medición.

SDG4

08-11-2020

OPEN ROAD FOR CONTINOUS EDUCATION Effective date: 16/11/2020 Contact: Gerardo Delgado Gaona SDG4 Introduction Fully aware of the need for education opportunities for the greater percentage of our staff members, we declare our Hotel on favor to support the program OPEN ROAD FOR CONTINOUS EDUCATION, considering the existence of the CENEVAL, which is a formal Institution in México, recognized by the Mexican Education authorities, backing up the key points that we persuit as policy's purpose to promote and estimulate the individual growth as a way to open new opportunities for themselves. Policy: OPEN ROAD FOR CONTINOUS EDUCATION is a program for personal growth and formal education as GENERAL EDUCATION DEVELOMPENT, available to the staff members of HOTEL PALACIO AZTECA. Candidates may enroll after their third month of working in the property. Twice a week will have access to an available meeting room in a giving authorized schedule, equipped with WIFI and all necesary equipment to receive recorded class and/or academic advising and counseling so they can be prepared for presenting test to validate grades on course. The ultimate goal, is to help our staff members to reach their Junior High or, High School diplomas, so they may enroll in the online courses for University degrees and allow them to reach better opportunities for their personal growth and their families. Hotel Palacio Azteca Administration

UNWTO AWARD WINNER GREG BAKUNZI CONTINUES TO LEAD SUSTAINABLE RURAL DEVELOPMENT THROUGH TOURISM

02-11-2020

Early last year the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) recognized founder of Red Rocks Cultural Centre http://www.redrocksrwanda.com/ and Red Rocks Initiatives for ustainable Development http://development.www.redrocksinitiative.org/ for his role in pioneering sustainable tourism development in Africa. The award was in recognition of what Greg has been doing to promote tourism, conservation and community development in and around the Volcanoes National Park and the community tourism operator is using his vast amount of knowledge and experience to lobby for the inclusiveness of local Rwandans into destination and product management which ensures that the community plays a greater role in developing cultural products that are both directly beneficial while ensuring they sustaining their environment Bakunzi ‘s humble beginning is a journey that spans over 15 years in the travel and hospitality industry, taking him from working as young Rwandan tour organizer and guide for various international tour operators in the volcanoes way back after the conflict and through gradual hard work over the past years, he has gained experience and exceptional understanding of the needs and desires of the communities surrounding the national park and using his wide range of networks he has been able to motivate and engage locals in beneficial cultural based tourism activities that offer visitors memorable experiences while creating sustainable sources of income for the community. Greg continues to serves his community with passion and still manages to do more philanthropic work which has created awareness for the protection of environmental and natural resources, Under the initiative for sustainable development, he has been able to bring under-served communities together into the tourism supply chain and also supports community development projects that help people help themselves through the Igihogo Banana Seed Bags,

#IoResto

02-11-2020

A city that is not good for its citizens is not good for tourists. The non-profit organization #IoResto (#IRemain) was founded by Giovanni Pitingolo together with other citizens of Crotone (Italy) as a response to the alarming increase in the local phenomenon of migration. Crotone is indeed a city with a massive tourist potential, exceptionally rich in tangible and intangible cultural heritage as well as quite unique natural resources (e.g. the Marine protected area under the Barcelona Convention - Specially Protected Area – and the Geosite of Vrica, practically unique in its kind all over the world), but at the same time is heavily affected by socio-economic problems such as unemployment, marginalization and security, among others. In this context, the organization #IoResto aims to make the city and the surrounding human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. By doing so, #IoResto contributes to the improvement of the citizens’ quality of life, and prepares the destination for a more satisfactory and sustainable tourist experience. The approach adopted by #IoResto is particularly innovative as it is based on public participation, promotion of the civic sense and sense of belonging, and finally the stimulation of a bottom-up action toward the sustainable development of Crotone both as a city were to live and as a tourist destination. Among the projects already developed by #IoResto it is worth to mention the "Intimate Diary of a Territory: a school to stay", an itinerant “school” to promote and to bring back to life the villages surrounding the city that are suffering for a strong phenomenon of depopulation. To reach the goal, workshops are realized to preserve and promote the landscape, tangible and intangible cultural heritage, and to put children and young people in contact with traditional activities and by doing so promoting the intergenerational dialogue and facilitating e the transmission of traditional knowhow and wisdom.

Restaurant Profitability Revamp Summit

28-10-2020

Experiences made during the current pandemic and how the hospitality industry can get out of this in a more strengthened way – depending on the individual speaker, sustainability is an important part of individual presentations and discussions. This virtual conference brings together experts and interested audience from Asia and around the world. The event is organized by the company Quarto Products,

Courageously shaping sustainable development in tourism

22-10-2020

Concrete examples and reactions to the corona crisis provide impulses for sustainable tourism development. In this German-language online event, Swiss stakeholders share their experiences and discuss how these could be transferred to the Swiss and international tourism context.

BTM Business Tourism Management

22-10-2020

For 7 years, Business Tourism Management is the event that brings together operators, administrations, companies, public and private bodies in the city of Lecce with the aim of creating a value network around the theme of tourism to strengthen the link between the territory and international dynamics. Next year, for the first time it will be held in Taranto a city where the environmental problem is very high due to the presence of a huge steel production plant. The reason is to promote initiative to foster the role of tourism in the Sustainable Development Goals and to start a great discussion about how to convert destinations from industrial to touristic. About 16 thousand participants for the 2020 edition, in addition to the exhibiting companies, at the VI edition of BTM - Business Tourism Management. Companies, tour operators, hoteliers, agencies, marketing experts, startuppers, public administrators and curious to know the latest emerging trends in tourism met at Lecce Fiera on 20, 21 and 22 February. Travel & innovation is the keyword chosen by Nevio D’Arpa, organizer of BTM, who built the program together with Mary Rossi, Event Manager on different thematic paths: hospitality & destination, sustainability, digital strategy, innovation, food & wine. One hundred and seventy-five exhibitors, more than 300 companies, 16 activities, theatrical performances, training sessions with tourist schools, 80 international buyers from all over the world.

UNWTO Country Fact Sheets

20-10-2020

In support of World Statistics Day 2020 and around the theme “Connecting the world with data we can trust”, UNWTO has launched it's Country Fact Sheets to reflect upon the importance of trust, authoritative data, innovation, and the public good that come with statistics, all values that are now more than ever relevant for tourism. On the country fact sheet map, the user will find country fact sheets for all the countries for which UNWTO has data. These fact sheets include the latest available data on inbound tourism, domestic tourism, outbound tourism, tourism expenditure, tourism industries, tourism employment, Tourism Direct GDP, and other macroeconomic indicators. The data used to create these fact sheets is collected on a yearly basis by the UNWTO and is made available through the UNWTO database.

CONEXION2030

20-10-2020

CONEXION2030 is a platform for learning about sustainable tourism and SDG´s. Tourism companies can access tu e learning tools in order to design a SDG´s plan and develop integral management systems to articulate and evaluate sustainability. Also, travelers can explore tips for knowing SDG´s in tourism and promote sustainable tourism. Presently, CONEXION2030 is developing technological and learning tools for companies can develop more effectively and trasnparently sustainability reporting and communication and to promote the 2030 Agenda in tourism sector. Also, CONEXION2030 is developing a business model for contributing with mitigation and adaptation to Climate Change. By the end of 2020 we are looking for 2030 signatures of our sustainable tourism pledge. At the end, we will compensate 2030 kg for each signature. Looking for companies and traveleres who want to make a more sustainable tourism.

TOURISM AND SDGs

16-10-2020

This is an open virtual classroom for any tourism company aimed to build and complement the sustainability management system aligned with the SDGs and learn about our approach to understand sustainability and to integrate practical tools for the implementation of sustainability practices while creating a Plan to collaborate with the SDGs accomplishment. The Course is available through different modules, each module offers presentations and tools to develop different dimensions about sustainability, we are continuously developing the modules with free access for tourism companies can explore and check. Presently, modules are available in Spanish. The first module is mandatory to be able to access each specialized module: water, energy, solid waste, and other modules coming soon.

11-10-2020

Red Rocks conservation and Tourism Education Programs

08-10-2020

Tourism is a tool for peace and dialogue among civilizations. Peace profits everyone and conflicts scare away visitors and retard development. It compels all of us to find the means to create a universal peaceful coexistence. Beyond its economic importance, tourism can play an imperative role in relation to world peace. Tourism is potentially the most important vehicle for promoting personal perception, trust, and goodwill among the peoples of the world. It offers the ideal opportunity for people to discover other different cultures and to develop an admiration of cultural diversity. It enables people to interact and learn from each other. It also allows an exchange of ideas through cultural synthesis. The most important lesson tourism can teach the world is the existence of diverse cultural differences and similarities. It can also be used to make people in different parts of the world to be more aware of each other’s problems and points of view. It promotes tolerance, cultural understanding, and respect. Tourism can as well play an important role in healing the wounds of conflicts. Tourism creates employment opportunities for women, youths, and other underprivileged groups. This, in turn, helps in deterring people from taking part in illegal activities, thereby contributing to harmony. It is for the above and other reasons that there is strong confidence that tourism can have a philosophical impact on creating a conducive environment for peace. Let us implement the idea of education for peace whereby schools, universities and other training institutions, plus the media, join hands with the tourism industry to initiate awareness of tourism through Peace Programs.

CTHM Virtual Tourism and Hospitality Conference 2020

05-10-2020

The University of Santo Tomas – College of Tourism and Hospitality Management (UST CTHM) is inviting you to join the 1st CTHM Virtual Tourism and Hospitality Conference 2020 under THM52016: Tourism Policy, Planning, and Development course, with the theme Philippine Tourism Development and COVID-19 Pandemic: Recovery through Sustainable Development. It will happen on October 23, 2020 (Friday), from 09:00 AM to 12:00 NN using the Zoom Platform. It will also be live via the Official Facebook Page of UST CTHM (UST College of Tourism and Hospitality Management). The event's theme is directly highlighting the impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic to the tourism development of domestic destinations in the Philippines. It will also highlight the recovery policies, goals, plans, programs, and projects that the local government units (LGU) could implement. To explain clearly the said theme, the organizers are partnered with the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines, Inc. (ATOP), the national organization for provincial, city, and municipal tourism officers. It is also co-organized by the UST Research Center for Social Sciences and Education (RCSSEd).

Forum of Mayors 2020

05-10-2020

Cities are on the front lines of addressing humanity’s most pressing challenges, including pandemics, climate change and natural hazards. As our world is growing increasingly urban – with some 75% of the population already living in cities in the UNECE region – these challenges cannot be solved by national governments alone. Cities have become key partners to tackle these challenges and support the efforts to reach the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the remaining ten years. Organized by United Nations Economic Commission for Europe - UNECE, The Forum of Mayors will bring together city leaders from Europe, North America, Central Asia and the Caucasus to address the key challenges of our time. The 2020 Forum will focus on “City action for a resilient future: Strengthening local government preparedness and response to emergencies and the impact of disasters and climate change”. There will also be a United for our Goals #SDG match. The Forum of Mayors 2020 will bring together mayors and diplomats on a football field. City leaders and Geneva-based ambassadors will team-up to get the ball rolling for the Decade of Action to deliver the SDGs. The match will take place at the Palais des Nations (Geneva, Switzerland) – the grass field normally reserved for peacocks will turn into a playing field for sporty policymakers and tactical diplomats.

To find out more please visit: https://forumofmayors.unece.org/

The impacts of climate variables and climate-related extreme events on island country’s tourism: Evidence from Indonesia

04-10-2020

Tourism is one of the main economic sectors, which is impacted by climate change on a global scale. Yet, whether and to what extent climate change influences tourism in island countries with tropical weather has not been fully understood. Here, we seek to fill this gap by evaluating the role of climate variables and climate-related extreme events on the number of international tourists in Indonesia empirically. A panel dataset of 5 provinces in Indonesia, which accounted for more than 80 percent of international tourists traveling to Indonesia between 2008 and 2018, was used to perform a feasible generalized least square (FGLS) regression. Consistent with previous findings, the empirical results show that both temperature and relative humidity particularly explain the variations in the number of international tourists in Indonesia. Every 1% increment of temperature and relative humidity is associated with a decrease in the number of international tourists in Indonesia by 1.37% and 0.59%, respectively. This study also suggests that the effect of climate change and climate-related extreme events is not homogeneous among tourists from different regions. These findings develop novel insights for climate change adaptation for policymakers.

The impacts of climate variables and climate-related extreme events on island country’s tourism: Evidence from Indonesia

04-10-2020

Tourism is one of the main economic sectors, which is impacted by climate change on a global scale. Yet, whether and to what extent climate change influences tourism in island countries with tropical weather has not been fully understood. Here, we seek to fill this gap by evaluating the role of climate variables and climate-related extreme events on the number of international tourists in Indonesia empirically. A panel dataset of 5 provinces in Indonesia, which accounted for more than 80 percent of international tourists traveling to Indonesia between 2008 and 2018, was used to perform a feasible generalized least square (FGLS) regression. Consistent with previous findings, the empirical results show that both temperature and relative humidity particularly explain the variations in the number of international tourists in Indonesia. Every 1% increment of temperature and relative humidity is associated with a decrease in the number of international tourists in Indonesia by 1.37% and 0.59%, respectively. This study also suggests that the effect of climate change and climate-related extreme events is not homogeneous among tourists from different regions. These findings develop novel insights for climate change adaptation for policymakers.

WORLD TOURISM FORUM LUCERNE (WTFL) & WTM RESPONSIBLE TOURISM INTERVIEW SERIES | BIODIVERSITY, ECO-SYSTEM SERVICES AND TOURISM – CONFLICT OR SYMBIOSIS?

01-10-2020

Conversation series organized by World Tourism Forum Lucerne (WTFL) & WTM Responsible Tourism Description: The importance of striking a balance between the environmental, economic, and social dimensions of sustainable development. A burning issue is biodiversity. Biodiversity is declining faster than at any time in human history. Tourism and biodiversity have a symbiotic relationship – positive and negative. We are committed to:

Promoting dialogue on responsible tourism as an eco-system service that promotes the conservation of biodiversity.
Documenting and amplifying best practices in our sector that promote consumer awareness.
Working with other stakeholders in our industry to advance this agenda together.

#Swisstourism4sdgs

Travel Unity Virtual Summit

01-10-2020

Since 2014, Travel Unity has worked hard to create a platform for thought leaders, brands and stakeholders committed to improving diversity and inclusion in the tourism and hospitality industries to meet and share ideas. And this year is no exception. Join us October 21-23 for Reset and Rebuild: Advancing Travel Together. We’re excited to host three days of conversations that matter. Conversations that are designed to directly and intentionally address the effects and causes of the lack of diversity, inclusion and equity in the tourism and hospitality industries. Conversations that challenge you to think and act differently and asks you to invest in inspired ideas and approaches that will reset and rebuild the tourism and hospitality industries. We have assembled thought leaders, tourism experts and DEI professionals to examine how we could work together to advance tourism and create a space that is truly a welcoming community where everyone regardless of their background or ability can be safe and realize their full potential. Learn more and register for the 2020 Travel Unity Virtual Summit at https://bit.ly/TUVS2020

How Red Rocks Initiatives link tourism, conservation and community Development in Rwanda

29-09-2020

Red Rocks Initiatives believes that Surplus income from ecotourism allows workers or their family members to start up small businesses or to pass on the money to other community members by buying local goods and paying for child care and other services. Having transformed from a social enterprise to a non-governmental organization operating mostly around the Volcanoes National Park, Red Rocks Initiatives basically target different fields including conservation, responsible tourism and community development as key pillars to ensure the local community gains, and have a say, in tourism activities that would eventually uplift their living standards while they actively take part in conservation efforts. For instance, the IGIHOHO Support Cooperative program promotes sustainable forest management, which balances social, environmental and economic concerns to meet today’s requirements, while guaranteeing our forests for future generations. Early last year, as part of Red Rocks Initiatives to promote forestation around the protected areas, we, under Igohoho involved a group of local women cooperatives to plant 20,000 trees using seedling they grew from biodegradable banana stem bags. We also made mutual partnership with Soldiers for wildlife, based in Zambia to find ways through which we can inclusively work together to harness Tourism, Conservation and Sustainable Community Development in Africa. Red Rocks Initiatives also partnered with local visual artists, where we opened an art gallery in Kinigi, the hub of tourism industry in Musanze, and Rwanda in general to promote conservation and tourism through art classes while the artists also develop art works that promote conservation and environmental protection for future survival of endangered animal and plant species.

Colombia me Inspira - experiencias sostenibles de turismo en toda Colombia

29-09-2020

The event is organised by SIPPO (Swiss Import Promotion Programme) and C+C (Colombia + Competitiva) #ColombiaMeInspira es una plataforma de contenidos para descubrir la riqueza turística del país. Online Event celebrating the world tourism day 2020 For more information and to watch the recording, see links below.

Gastronomy in Tourism Supply Chains: Shrinking the Distance between Farmer and Consumer (Farm to Fork)

28-09-2020

As part of the Geneva Trade Week 2020 and coinciding with the World Tourism Day 2020, there will be a special session on Gastronomy and Tourism in Supply Chains on 30th September 2020 at 9.00 am. Register and join via WebEx HERE Prior to the travel disruptions of Covid-19, economies all over the world were seeing significant growth in tourism consumption supply chains, fuelling value addition, product development agri-processing, innovation, and quality. Looking beyond the pandemic, the intersection between tourism and local agri-business will be key to recovery for many communities. This session will draw on a number of case studies to explore how connections between the tourism and agri-business drove market and economic diversification, created jobs and promoted inclusivity. It will also explore where the successful promotion of local cuisine, culture and heritage led to strengthened tourism attractiveness, which in turn fuelled growth in mutually supportive sectors. Key questions:

What are the challenges to creating value added products at a local level and accessing trade?
What strategic partnerships in the food and hospitality industry are needed to support sustainable and fair trade?
What is the role of quality products in engaging consumers in the food and tourism sector, while reducing the carbon footprint?

Speakers:

Benjamin Ozsanay, CEO and CoFounder - COOKLY
Mary Dickson, R&D Manager - Niche Cocoa Industry
Peter Muchemi, CEO - Jiranis Food
Cristina Reni, Alliances for Action - International Trade Centre
Hernan Manson, Senior Officer - Sector Competitiveness - International Trade Centre
Zoritsa Urosevic, Director, Institutional Relations and Partnerships Department- UNWTO
Natalia Bayona, Director of Innovation, Digital Transformation and Investments - UNWTO

Taktvoll

24-09-2020

In the summer of 2020, Lake Achensee in Tirol was a highly sought-after destination not only for tourists from other countries, but also for people who live in Tirol and visit for a day. Where more people wanted to see and to stay at the same beautiful places, hiking up the mountains, lying at the beach of the lake, also more waste was left behind. Alpinmarketing had the idea to address this problem using the SDGs as a guideline. Therefore, we created a marketing campaign together with the destination management organization, targeting visitors to the Achensee holiday region. The aim is to raise awareness for more mindfulness and understanding nature. The campaign is running on Facebook, covering several relevant topics using titles of well-known songs, e.g. "What goes up, must come down" by the band Blood, Sweat and Tears, telling a short story why hikers shouldn’t leave their rubbish behind. The campaign is very successful and will continue with more topics. Raising awareness for nature is a consistent feature of the work of the Achensee Tourist Board, with the aim of bringing guests closer to the beautiful nature between mountains and the lake and to provide a sustainable holiday experience in a natural environment. If we maintain a respectful coexistence on the mountains, at the lake and in our valleys, ALL of us will be able to enjoy the high-quality Tirolean summer at Lake Achensee in the future. However, it’s not only up to us to observe certain rules – everybody must treat nature with respect.

MAPS FORUM - SUSTAINABILITY, TOURISM & EVENTS

24-09-2020

MAPS 2020 Forum Tourism, Events and Sustainability Regeneration: the natural convergence On the 15th and 16th of September, you have the chance to participate in an unprecedented international Forum. Together, Tourism, Events and Sustainability can radiate positive actions into the largest set of sectors and boost their recovery: economy, social insertion, labor market, education and - an increasingly sensitive area - nature preservation and regeneration. Today, Sustainability is the only concept that supports and can guarantee lasting results for business and the planet. Brazil has the potential to become the great world model in Tourism and Sustainability Events. And the segment actors will be the protagonists of this story. The importance of the themes and speakers of the panels represents the great opportunity for a virtuous turn, making the MAPS Forum 2020 an event of general interest: operators, agents, suppliers, consumers and corporate customers, we will all make the most of it.

Empower the local tourist guides

18-09-2020

Andreas, Daphne and Yiannis, the founders of Clio Muse in 2014, shared a common concern: the world was missing a global platform that would connect the world’s cultural heritage, while being scalable and sustainable. Our initial ambition was to bring people back to the museums. Therefore, from the very beginning, we collaborated with Greece’s world-class museums to develop our methodology from the ground up, which was pivotal for the successful implementation of our idea but that’s what made our business model sustainable since its inception. Our aim was and still remains to create an exceptional travel experience. On the one hand to bring travellers to museums, on the other, to unravel the magical stories of off-the-beaten-path places and often connect the two. Crafting fascinating narratives that will captivate modern-day travellers and bring our cultural heritage to the foreground, seemed natural to us. We developed a unique storytelling methodology, which we use for the creation of each one of our self-guided audio tours and virtual tour experiences. It may took us two years to optimize it, but today, six years later, we are confident that this is what makes us stand out. With over 300 self-guided audio tours in 11 countries, we know that our methodology can be applied in every city around the world. Booking.com Cares Lab 2018 has awarded it as a solution for more sustainable tourism in the city of Amsterdam while our business model has been recognized by the Athens Chamber of Tradesmen for its efforts in “Sustainable, Innovative and Responsible Entrepreneurship.” We also empower local tourist guides, through our authoring tool, CREATE by providing the opportunity to share their knowledge with travel enthusiasts via self-guided audio tours. Featuring a tool that can connect and benefit people from different corners of the globe is to us a step closer to the global platform we are aspiring to create.

Yukon Tourism Development Strategy

16-09-2020

The Yukon Tourism Development Strategy is guided by the core values expressed by Yukoners and lays out a ten-year vision for tourism to be a vibrant, sustainable component of Yukon’s economy and society for the benefit of future generations. It also includes goals that balance economic, environmental and social priorities, and is supported by strategic actions to bring the vision to life. The strategy is the culmination of a fourteen-month process to develop a long-term vision for sustainably growing tourism in the territory. Guided by a steering committee of industry experts, the strategy was developed based on best practices around the globe and comprehensive engagement with tourism industry stakeholders, Yukon First Nations, municipalities, the arts and culture community and the public. This ten-year adaptive strategy lays out the goals, values and strategic actions to realize a tourism vision for the Yukon, developed by Yukoners. To become a leading sustainable tourism destination, we must foster the conditions for a thriving tourism economy, develop tourism in a manner that balances economic, social and environmental values, and bolster support for the industry by aligning our collective efforts with the core values of Yukoners. Four connected pillars outline the strategic actions that will be developed and implemented to bring this vision to life. While each goal, value and pillar is important in and of itself, the strength of this strategy and the success by which it is measured, stems from the need to ensure they are interconnected and pursued in balance. Our vision is for tourism to be a sustainable, vibrant component of the Yukon’s economy and society for the benefit of future generations. Our goals are to have a thriving tourism economy; to develop tourism sustainably; and to have resident support for tourism. Implementation of the strategy and it's action plans began in 2019 and is ongoing.

LAYAG 2020 Tourism & Hospitality Research

14-09-2020

In celebration of World Tourism Day, the LAYAG 2020 : 2nd Tourism & Hospitality Research Conference will be held as an Academic Research Conference to provide opportunity for researchers, experienced professionals and academicians as well as other organizations to actively exchange, share meaningful findings of their latest research on topics relating to tourism and hospitality industry. The goal of the conference is to respond to the need of the community, especially we have this COVID19 pandemic, it is timely and relevant to disseminate new knowledge in relation to tourism and hospitality, being one of greatly affected by the pandemic. The conference invites conceptual, empirical, and methodological research papers on various tourism and hospitality themes: Best practices in hospitality and tourism establishments; Business resilience of tourism and hospitality; Climate change and Risk Management; Digital tourism and technological advancement; Food safety, hygiene and security policies and practices; Human resource opportunities and issues; Sustainable tourism and green hotel practices; Tourism and hospitality education adaptation to technology; and Tourism and Hospitality operations management; Publication Opportunities. All submitted papers will follow a rigorous double-blind review process and will be accepted and published in a CHED recognized journal. This would enable the researcher to disseminate information and contribute to the growing body of knowledge relating to tourism and hospitality. We never stop learning and looking for possible solution through research, so we look forward to welcoming you LAYAG 2020 and we are confident that it will be an enjoyable and educational experience for all even through a virtual platform.

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10-09-2020

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10-09-2020

"Quad –Garden of Culture" Cultural, artistic, recreational, and tourism complex

06-09-2020

I believe only through innovation and collaboration will we be able to create sustainable solutions in tourism for generations to come. From cultural heritage to cultural and creative industries, Culture is both an enabler and a driver of the economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development. "Quad –Garden of Culture" Cultural, artistic, recreational, and tourism complex offers a innovative approach to developing and managing tourism. and allows us to practically apply sustainable tourism principles in a real-world context. Today, large numbers of tourists from all over the world travel to become familiar with various cultures and arts of the nations of the world, and the creation of a market for the exchange of cultural and artistic goods of different nations will naturally be tempting and appealing.

MiWeeks eco conscious booking

31-08-2020

MiWeeks eco conscious travel club operates in the online booking segment where we propose a selection of quality vacation rentals. At MiWeeks we are developing "eco friendly travel technology". Our point of departure begins by rethinking the traditional 21st century business model and question investment theories used in the business world. We bring forward human values in our business model and reflect these in the development of our travel technology. Further, we believe that travel technology is key to help finance the green economy and sustainable development goals. I explain: According to WTTC in 2018 travel & tourism, the worlds largest industry, had a direct contribution to the global economy amounting to 8.81 trillion dollars and by 2023 70% of revenues will be made online. At MiWeeks we believe that travel technology is at a cross road, we can continue to develop smart travel technology that will know everything about us, anticipate our needs with the specific purpose to generate online revenues, or we can develop smart travel technology that can help finance the necessary actions to tackle the environmental effects created by the industry (land conversion, biodiversity loss, air pollution, ocean acidification & pollution etc..)

Eclipse chasing and sustainable tourism development. Case study: Three consecutive solar eclipses in Spain in 2026/27/28

26-08-2020

Three consecutive years of eclipse chasing in Spain is a research project started in the University of Girona in 2017 as a master thesis presented by Mohamad Soltanolkotabi amateur astronomer and tourism activist. This research was a pioneering work to demonstrate a rare opportunity for Spain to host one of the greatest eclipse chasing events through history in 2026, 2027 and 2028. Later this research was selected among the eight best master thesis of tourism in 2017 in Spain by the Red INTUR (http://www.redintur.org/). Currently the research is going on as a PhD thesis in the same university supported by the Catalan government via scholarship program to be continued till 2023. This work aims to provide a primary study about the upcoming phenomena in order to start an early comprehensive plan to organize these events. This work follows to promote tourism in Spain through these spectacular events nationally and internationally based on planning, education and awareness. Eclipse chasing is a kind of astrotourism that promotes sustainable tourism development. More than fifty experts including NASA scientists, experts of International Astronomy Union (IAU), experienced eclipse chasers and famous astrophotographers are cooperating in the research since 2017. The findings show fantastic potentials in Spain to hold eclipse celebrations throughout the country in long with Sustainable Development Goals. The importance of the research Astrotourism is an increasing tourism nowadays in the world and an attracting growing interest. A great number of people travel every year basically to enjoy the sky but, there are very few academic papers, thesis and researches in this issue. Although eclipse chasing is considered as a type of astrotourism however, it’s pretty different from the typical astrotourism known as night observations to observe dark skies. This research will be the first Ph.D. thesis on eclipse chasing and a good starting point for further researches. Spain is high

Swiss Tourism 4 SDGs

25-08-2020

The Swiss Tourism Dialogue on SDGs (SwissTourism4SDGs) is a broad-based initiative supported by the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO to anchor the Agenda 2030 with its 17 sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the tourism industry. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals are the blueprint for economic, social and ecological development up to 2030. Adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, the SDGs are a call for action by all countries, civil society, the private sector and the scientific community to promote prosperity while protecting the environment. They recognize that ending poverty must go hand-in-hand with strategies that build economic growth and address a range of social needs including education, health, equality and job opportunities, while tackling climate change and working to preserve our ocean and forests. Switzerland is committed to the implementation of Agenda 2030 at both national and international level, and tourism as a cross-cutting sector can make an important contribution to achieving these goals. With the Swiss SDG Tourism Dialogue, we are networking the players in Swiss incoming and outgoing tourism with the aim of ensuring that, thanks to the exchange of knowledge, innovative ideas and good practice the SDGs can be achieved in a more targeted, effective and rapid manner. Consequently, the Swiss SDG Tourism Dialogue does not develop its own measures to help reach the SDGs more effectively but supports initiatives by finding suitable partners for them, tapping into missing knowledge and actively communicating these initiatives within the network.

Official Launch of SwissTourism4SDGs - the Swiss dialogue on tourism & SDGs

25-08-2020

Official Launch of SwissTourism4SDGs - the Swiss dialogue on tourism & SDGs The initiative aims to anchor the global Agenda 2030 with its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) more firmly in the tourism industry. Alongside the Swiss Tourism Federation (STV), the consortium consists of the Swiss Foundation for Technical Development Cooperation Swisscontact, the myclimate foundation, the Swiss Travel Association (SRV), the University of Applied Sciences Graubünden, the Swiss Parks Network, the consulting firm ecos and gutundgut gmbh. The initiative strives to achieve SDGs in a more targeted and effective way through knowledge sharing. The potential lies in better networking of all players in Swiss tourism and in promoting the exchange of practical experience. The role of the SDG dialogue is to raise awareness of sustainability goals, bring knowledge together, find suitable partners for initiatives and actively communicate these within the network. In this sense, the Swiss Tourism Dialogue does not develop its own projects, but brings together committed partners.

Green Technology Selector (GTS)

24-08-2020

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has developed Green Technology Selector (GTS) to promote global transfer of high-performing green technologies. The online B2B and B2C platform with over 22,000 high-performing technologies helps businesses and households reduce utility costs, increase comfort, quality of services or productivity while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and strengthening resilience to climate change. Green Technology Selector connects technology buyers with financial institutions and technology suppliers (manufacturers and local vendors), and improves access to green solutions and climate finance. Green Technology Selector is available in over 10 languages across over 26 countries. Browse www.techselector.com or TechSelector mobile app to find concrete solutions for the tourism and hospitality sector (energy efficiency equipment and materials, renewable energy technologies and water saving solutions). Many hotels and businesses in the hospitality sector in the EBRD region have already benefitted from technologies and finance supported by GTS (Real companies - real stories!).

A framework for social outcomes based responsible tourism

22-08-2020

Setting up a community revolving fund through participatory planning and responsible tourism is a revolutionary tourism model by Sauramandala Foundation under its Responsible Tourism Initiative for communities. It is the process of identifying and developing new tourism Destination and setting up a revolving fund to fund the social outcomes that are identified by the community through a participatory process. Through this initiative grass root level community participation is assured right from the initial level discussions. This is the first of its kind in the country and perhaps the world. Concept At Sauramandala Foundation we have designed a new approach to responsible tourism by Quantifying what ‘responsible’ means in responsible tourism Keeping it community focused using participatory processes Setting up a community revolving fund using tourism to ensure social development Building it a replicable model format where it can be adapted by any community or government Vision Building a responsible tourism destination with a revolving fund to ensure social outcomes are met and self sustainability is attained. Mission Develop Global Tourism Destination with RT initiatives and public private partnerships Objectives • Setup a revolving fund at the community level using tourism as an anchor. • Develop a participatory approach in tourism planning and development. • Ensure grass root level community participation in tourism development • Ensure a results based format is followed and social outcomes are met as the first step • Ensure that ‘responsible’ can be quantified and linked to specific SDG targets • Ensure that a safety net can be created for communities using sustainability fee collected through tourism

Africa Tourism & SDGs Summit 2020

20-08-2020

The "Africa Tourism & SDGs Virtual Summit 2020" seeks to bring Tourism and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 Stakeholders together to look for ways to fast-track the achievement of the SDGs in Africa through tourism while capitalizing on the UNWTO's Tourism4SDGs campaign. Topic: The Role of Tourism In Fast-tracking The Achievement of SDGs In Africa Post Lockdown

Guide: Museums and the Sustainable Development Goals: a how-to guide for museums, galleries, the cultural sector and their partners

04-08-2020

This guide is intended to help empower museums (small, large and of any kind, anywhere), museum workers, museum networks and their partners to contribute to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs for short).

FLOCKEO

28-07-2020

We have created Flockeo to federate a global community around sustainable tourism. We aim at connecting travelers and professionals in an inclusive eco-system based on the values of sustainability, protection of the environment, sharing experiences with the local communities, and extending the benefits of tourism to the larger local regions. The protection of the environment is an incredible opportunity for every destination to reinvent its tourism policy and to promote new regions. This is a great space to counter mass tourism and to advocate sustainable development in newly developed areas. Through our map, we provide the Flockeo indicator to the community with an independent, transparent view of the environmental footprint of tourism on a destination. The Flockeo barometer takes into account 4 key indicators to assess the ecological footprint of tourist destinations : 1 Quality of biodiversity: The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is one of the world’s leading organizations dedicated to the protection and preservation of nature. It regularly publishes a red list on its website to map the animals or plant species at risk around the world. 2 Pressure on water: Satellite data, together with other data sources, can be used to assess water-related risks. The Flockeo barometer accounts for the quantity, quality as well as existence and relevancy of the infrastructures set up to better manage water. 3 Population density: Cities have existed for thousands of years; they are essential for economic and social development. However, a growing town is a shrinking natural habitat. Our goal is to heighten awareness about this dilemma and to help you discover new tourist “green lanes”. 4 Air Quality: The air quality is a key factor for a pleasant stay in any destination. Whether it is the result of natural or manmade activities, air quality may show high variability due to sudden events (e.g. forest fires or industrial hazard)

25-07-2020

25-07-2020

Basilicata's food and wine tourism ecosystem Recreating the offer to recover #TravelTomorrow

21-07-2020

The United Nations Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development identifies sustainable tourism as one of the sectors for achieving the sustainability goals. Under the goal 8, dedicated to promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all, through the target 8.9 the Agenda 2030 suggests “devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products”. Food and wine therefore falls into the areas of tourism able to promote the sustainable competitiveness of a destination, a tourism capable of involving the various levels of sustainability, distinguished by an enormous capacity to stimulate economies, especially local economies, and to promote sustainability and inclusion. It answers the need of destinations of positioning themselves in an increasingly crowded market creating new tourism products based on the authenticity, sustainability and originality of the destination, all elements able to satisfy the motivations dictating demand especially in the current situation of the symmetrical shock caused by Covid 19. The travel ban seems to be the right moment to speed up reorganisation of a territorial offer able to satisfy the demand for sustainability to which the need for security has been added. This research project aims to define the strategic planning of food and wine tourism in Basilicata, a rural region of southern Italy, contributing to the growth of the local economy in a sustainable way. This aim can be achieved by creating a food and wine tourism ecosystem for Basilicata (as the initial phase of a wider strategic plan) which will be a step towards creating a food and wine tourism product that is sufficiently competitive and sustainable to satisfy the current demands of the tourism market.

A Manifestation of 4 Elements

11-07-2020

Yazd city has been inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List as the largest yet inhabited adobe city in the world. The landscape of Yazd with wind catchers, ... is witness of the ingenious architecture that has its roots in the climate features of the area, the dessert, and is considered as a of tangible and intangible heritages. Lack of water and its effect on agriculture, has brought fourth the necessity of other means of income like domestic products. An hour drive from Yazd will take you to Maybod, where clay is used for pottery with its signature design in the form of sunshine, birds, and fish in blue, orange, and pink colors against a white background. Worldwide, Maybod is also famous for its Zilu, a 500-year-old carpet made of cotton threads to suit the dessert climate. Many historical constructs of Yazd have been turned into residential spaces that help visitors get to know the culture and lifestyle of people more closely. The big population of Zoroastrians practicing their rituals in different fire temples and the Markar museum that perfectly presents their heritage has helped preserve this rich Persian culture for 3757 years!

08-07-2020

Sustainable Travel Finland

01-07-2020

The Programme of Finnish Government, is ‘Inclusive and competent Finland – a socially, economically and ecologically sustainable society’. Meanwhile, Finland's Arctic Strategy, driving sustainable development in the Arctic, has set sustainable tourism as one of its priorities. Furthermore, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, responsible for Finland’s updated tourism strategy, has identified four priorities that will facilitate the sustainable growth and renewal of the tourism sector in Finland - first priority being supporting sustainable development. To help the tourism industry in Finland to put these strategies into action, together with various stakeholders Visit Finland has developed the Sustainable Travel Finland -programme, designed for tourism companies and destinations in Finland. With focus on all dimensions of sustainability (ecological, cultural, social and economic), Sustainable Travel Finland programme offers Finnish tourism industry a complete toolkit to adapt sustainable practices: a 7-step sustainable tourism development path. Although Sustainable Travel Finland programme aligns with internationally known sustainable tourism programmes and SDGs, it is built in consideration of regional and national development needs. Initially, the current state analyses recognized the following areas to develop: commitment, knowhow, planning, communication, auditing and measuring. Instead of adopting a foreign model to Finland, a national model was designed to address these needs, as well as regional differences. Companies and destinations that undergo the entire programme are awarded with the Sustainable Travel Finland label, providing travel trade and travellers an easy way to identify a tourism actor that takes sustainability seriously and make a responsible choice.

Mujeres en Turismo en la Argentina

19-06-2020

Es una red flexible, diversa, apartidaria y dinámica que agrupa los esfuerzos de quienes -desde sus distintos perfiles, aspiraciones y objetivos- buscan sumar sus talentos y acciones al logro de la igualdad y al empoderamiento de las mujeres como agentes de cambio en el sector turístico. Esta organización aboga por los derechos de las mujeres y es dirigida de manera democrática por mujeres. Es un movimiento colectivo que desde un grupo de iguales plantea asumir algunos retos conjuntamente desde una perspectiva de colaboración más amplia. Para ello, promueve ir construyendo redes con aquellas mujeres unidas en el mismo objetivo de erradicar esta brecha. Para ello, se trabaja de manera colectiva en estrategias comunes con fines concretos fomentando encuentros e intercambios de opiniones. No solo buscamos una mayor inserción y avance de las mujeres, sino un cambio genuino en el sector donde mujeres y hombres puedan desenvolverse en condiciones de igualdad.

EIF Trade for Development News, UNWTO and the Commonwealth presents Tourism and COVID-19 webinar

08-06-2020

EIF Trade for Development News, UNWTO and the Commonwealth presents Tourism and COVID-19 webinar on 11 June 2020, 10am CET

Tourism is the backbone of many developing world economies, and the sector is being drastically affected by COVID-19. How can countries weather and recover from this crisis? What lessons can we take from the past? Explore with our Experts!

SPEAKERS Belise Kariza, Chief Tourism Officer, Rwanda Development Board Zoritsa Urosevic, Director, Institutional Relations and Partnerships Department, Special Representative to the United Nations in Geneva - World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Anna Spenceley, Chair of IUCN WCPA Tourism and Protected Areas Specialist Group and Board Member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council MODERATOR Brendan Vickers, Adviser and Head of Section in the International Trade Policy Section, Commonwealth Secretariat Join Us! and Register HERE

Sustainable Development Goals localisation in the tourism sector: lessons from Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, South Africa

03-06-2020

Sustainable Development Goals localisation in the tourism sector: lessons from Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, South Africa

A LIFETIME EXPERIENCE, RESPONSIBLY

01-06-2020

We live in a global and connected world and by no means, we can neglect it. Over the last few decades, distances were shortened, communications improved, borders faded away and intercultural exchange became a part of our daily lives. We are, more than ever, citizens of the world and many of us live by the motto “to travel is to live”. Therefore, traveling has increased exponentially over the past 60 years and became a global trend: it is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the daily life, as it gives us the chance of discovering new places, languages, accents, foods, and ways of life. However, and besides its undeniable virtues, tourism and the travel industry also have many disadvantages, both socially and environmentally, that balance the scale. This massive industry, present all over the world, can cause long-term damage to a destination if there’s a lack of sustainable and responsible management of resources. The good news is that, if we address these disadvantages correctly, we can minimize their effects drastically. Moreover, an increasing number of globetrotters are becoming more aware of this dramatic reality and are aiming to be more conscious and sustainable travelers. Impactrip, as a responsible tourism operator, is no stranger to the problems this industry may cause and, since 2015, is trying to change the way people travel, offering and promoting meaningful experiences that deeply respect the uniqueness and character of tourist destinations. Thus, the Responsible Tourism Experiences (RTE) were created to all those travelers looking for an enriching and authentic experience, away from mass tourism and with the add-on of leaving a positive social and/or environmental impact on the destinations. With that, Impactrip has partnered up with hundreds of local projects and organizations that fight against several social and environmental problems to create transformative experiences not only for travelers, but also for the communities and destinations they visit. Visitors can join these RTEs all over Portugal (including the delightful Azores Islands) and activities range from a zero-waste cooking class to discovering the preserved old traditions of a small village in the middle of the country. All the experiences have the main goal of giving back to the host communities, while enhancing their well-being, improving working conditions and making positive contributions

to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage. Also, Impactrip promotes a set of eco- friendly initiatives to help everyone becoming a more conscious and sustainable traveler: refusing plastic straws, carrying reusable bags, shopping in small local stores and eating seasonally are just a few examples of small (but meaningful!) actions that Impactrip encourages all their clients and staff members to take. Impactrip, as a certified B-Corporation (a business that meets the highest standards of social and environmental performance and works toward reducing inequalities, lowering levels of poverty, a healthier environment, stronger communities, and creating quality jobs with dignity and purpose) is aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Over the last 5 years, the company has striven to give tourists the chance of actively contributing to this bold agenda that sets out a global framework to end extreme poverty, fight inequality and injustice, and fix climate change until 2030. As a result, Impactrip’s Responsible Experiences contribute towards these goals, because all of them are based on equality for all, saving the planet and economic prosperity. For instance, during the Cascais by Art tour (Lisbon) visitor will get to know the story of a neighborhood that has united diverse ethnicities and generations through art and that nowadays it’s an open-air art gallery. Since the tour guides are youngsters from a local group, participants will be contributing directly to SDG 8 - Decent work and economic growth – making this social business more dynamic. Another possibility to get to know Lisbon in a different perspective is taking A Walk for Diversity, a walking tour through Mouraria, Lisbon’s most multiethnic neighborhood. Nowadays, migrants make up around 30 per cent of this local community and in this urban tour, the guides are nothing more but migrants that will share their most personal and cultural stories. So that, Impactrip has partnered up with this integrative project to Reduce Inequalities (SDG10) and poverty (SDG 1) in these needy communities. We can also mention the Green Guardians of the Forests environmental program, that takes place in the fascinating Sintra Natural Park, where nature lovers get involved with the recovery of ecologically degraded areas, through the restitution of native forests to restore ecological systems. Needless to say, this experience is a major contribution to the achievement of SDGs 13 – Climate Action – and 15 – Life on Land – because it encourages participants to take actions to combat climate change and also to protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.

As our world is composed of 71% of water, Impactrip also wants to create a positive impact on the ocean. Travelers can eco-dive in different locations, from the crystal-clear waters of the Azores to the light blue ones of the Algarve. Taking part in any of these wonderful experiences gives the possibility of connecting the thrill and beauty of Ocean diving with learning what one can do to protect and preserve our precious Life below Water – SDG14. In short, all these are Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17), since Impactrip is joining forces with local organizations so that we attain a successful sustainable development for all, placing people and the planet at the center. As you see, there are plenty of opportunities for everyone to experience a different way of getting to know a new country and culture. We indeed live in a multicultural world, but travel with caution and respect to the local people and nature is possible. Incorporating the SDGs in our next travel plan, and looking for meaningful responsible experiences in the places we visit, that will imbalance the downsides of tourism, are great ways of making the difference and contribute to a more sustainable world. Lastly, Impactrip envisions forming a global community of people wanting to be the change they seek in the world and that also believe that we’re responsible for each other and future generations. So, these Responsible Experiences are a mean to a greater and lasting end: Impactrip ultimate goal is that everyone who takes joins these experiences can also create a positive and meaningful impact in their communities. Written by: Maria João Gens is a young professional from Porto, Portugal. She has studied Foreign Languages and Business Relations and is passionate about other cultures, travelling and (good) food. A full-time dreamer (and hard-worker!), she's trying to be the change she wishes to see in the world through path of Sustainability, Education, Responsible Consumption and Personal Development.

evway Travel Network

29-05-2020

Route220 is the leading provider of charging services in Italy, serving more than 10.000 EV-Users all over Europe. The initiative was created in order to gather all the hospitality services - sleeping, eating, shopping and cultural locations - that offer EV charging solutions for their guests - visitors; therefore Route220 created "evway Travel Network”: with evway Travel Network the charging pauses become opportunities to discovery the territory. evway Travel Network is a touristic portal dedicated to EV-Drivers where they can find hospitality facilities and tourist attractions that offer charging service. The aim is to improve the experience of the charging session and to promote the businesses that believe in sustainable mobility. The front-end device to enable mapping, charging and paying the charging services is called EVWAY and it's offered free of charge in iOS and Android and enables charging an electric vehicle all over Europe in more than 150.000 charging spots. The App also shows EV-Driver the points of interest near the charging station - museums, tourist attractions... -, allowing him to take advantage of his charging stop to discover what the territory has to offer. Within the App, the users can easily identify all the hospitality partners that adhere to the mission of the network: promote a sustainable way to travel in Europe. The App, in fact, indicates - with special markers for product category - the facilities that have a charging station - hotel, restaurant, museum, shopping center. The EV-Traveller can find ad-hoc pre-defined itineraries to discover the opportunities and beauties of territories in Europe, in alliance with local providers of sustainable events or experiences such as sailing tour, farm-to-fork shops, rental of electric boats, ebikes and cars. evway and the evway Travel Network are the first real tool to support and enable both the electric mobility and the discovery and promotion of sustainable tourism.

EU UNESCO4ALL TOUR

25-05-2020

The EU UNESCO4ALL TOUR is an innovative, experiential, inclusive and transnational cultural tourism product combining together different but common UNESCO cultural WH sites in Europe by a thematic narrative logic. The tourism packages are fully focused on UNESCO built heritage and in particular on churches, monasteries and cathedrals, thus according to a "spiritual" narrative logic (“The Soul of Europe”) and addressed to - but not limited to - people with visual impairments, but ultimately including all kind of audiences according to the "designed4all" approach. They will all have the opportunity to access the arts and to experience the outstanding value of the UNESCO cultural heritage sites as never before both in museums and on site. Given the focus on UNESCO WH sites, the tourism product will also target the accessible tourism market: for this purpose, a specialised training to museums staffs in the field of the management of UNESCO WH sites and accessible tourism is provided, thus creating a multiplier effect for the adoption of the same good practice by other museums in Europe. The tourism packages are built on disruptive innovation making art accessible to the blind and visually impaired. The technology integrates tactile exploration with audio data, which is provided by an International company, leader in audio guides for cultural purposes. Currently tactile models are the way through which the blind and visually impaired people perceive the artworks and cultural heritage. The models, however, are per se “dumb”, so an audio guide or a human guide is necessary to integrate tactile perception with verbal information. We will therefore solve the problem by transforming tactile models of artworks into speaking models, thus allowing an interactive and independent exploration from people with visual disabilities.

UNWTO Webinar “Agenda 2030 and SDGs in times of COVID-19: the chance to true recovery"

25-05-2020

The upcoming UNWTO Webinar of the series “Quo Vadis Tourism” will take place on May 27, 2020 at 12:00 PM (CET) The webinar is dedicated to the theme “Agenda 2030 and SDGs in times of COVID-19: the chance to true recovery”. This edition will debate issues related to the COVID-19 crisis and recovery as an opportunity to build an innovative tourism business model , as well as to highlight the need to integrate sustainability during recovery/value proposition, empower stakeholders and stimulate dialogue to inspire action for the tourism sector to embrace a new model of sustainable development during the drafting of recovery plans. HOSTS: Ms. Alessandra Priante, Regional Director for Europe, UNWTO Ms. Zoritsa Urosevic, Special Representative to the United Nations in Geneva and New York & Director of the Institutional Relations and Partnerships Department, UNWTO EXPERTS: Dr. Susanne Becken, Professor of Sustainable Tourism, Griffith University Prof. Theocharis Tsoutsos, Director of Renewable and Sustainable Energy Lab at School of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Crete Dr. David Ermen, Managing Director of Desti.nation Capacity Ltd (NZ), Destination Capacity Ltd Ms. Michaela Reittere, Owner Boutiquehotel Stadthalle & President of the Austrian Hotel Association, Boutique hotel Stadthalle Dr. Peter Prokosch, Chairman of the Norwegian-registered NGO Linking Tourism & Conservation, LinkingTourism&Conservation Registration link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_WmBgUc_hQKuc61dn6ctiLg Livestreaming: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oX7z1lV-j2c&feature=youtu.be

My Journey as Tour Guide

19-05-2020

From a young men in the Street of Windhoek to a most influential Tourist Guide in Namibia. Today i am been regarded as the Best Namibian Tourism Guide.

ImpacTrip - Leave Your Footprint… In A Meaningful Way

05-05-2020

Nowadays, we tend to give the word “footprint” a negative connotation, probably because we relate it with the ecological, carbon or water imprint we leave in our Mother Earth. On the Internet, many are the articles and websites with tips and tricks on “How to reduce your carbon footprint?” or to help you calculate “how many planets does it take to support your lifestyle?”. But... What if you could change your perspective on this? What if you could leave a positive and purposeful impact while traveling abroad, discovering a new country and its local community?

This was exactly what Rita Marques, one of Impactrip’s founders, dreamt about, after travelling solo around Asia: creating a project which joined her strong will to change for good people’s lives, her passion to travel and also her life purpose of leaving her positive mark in the world. So that, after partnering up with Diogo, another intrepid traveler and dreamer, Impactrip was born! Since 2015 that, along with an A-Team, they’re developing International Volunteering Programs for those who want to enjoy a new destination while having a life-changing experience, not only for them but also for the local communities with whom they interact.

By enrolling in one of the International Volunteering Programs Impactrip offers, that range from working with people with special needs to helping with the conservation of endangered marine species, volunteers will not only have the opportunity to support the important mission of non-profit organizations in many different fields but also to develop countless soft-skills and get to know people from all over the world.

Currently operating in four European destinations – Lisbon, Porto, Barcelona and Split – Impactrip has already received people from over 60 different nationalities and contributed with 50.000+ hours to support a network of 350 non-profits. In addition, Impactrip is fully committed to contribute as much as it can to be a force of good. So that, the company makes great effort to encourage all of the volunteers, staff members and partners to adopt sustainable practices in their daily lives, such as consuming responsibly and local, avoiding plastic waste, using water sparingly, etc. As you can see, Impactrip is always thriving to improve and to become a company that is constantly up to date with the current need from the communities not only with whom it directly works with but also with the World. We live in a true “global village” and we need, more than ever before, to be working along the global agendas to contribute to a sustainable development for all.

That’s why Impactrip’s International Volunteering Programs (IVP) are aligned to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, to contribute to end extreme poverty, fight inequality and injustice, and fix climate change until 2030. All of the Volunteering Programs have the potential to contribute, directly or indirectly, to all of the goals, but we would highlight that the major contributions fit in with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 – Good Health and Well-being - because within our Special Needs Support volunteers give vulnerable people quality care, compassion and a sense of hope and with the SDG 4 – Quality Education because through our Youth Support and Teaching program we ensure equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. Moreover, the IVPs are also focused on pushing for Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), while supporting productive activities, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation and for Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10). In the programs, especially in the Creative Technologies, Special Needs and Youth Support ones, volunteers cooperate with non-profits that help people live equally and as full citizens in all aspects of social living. Furthermore, these concerns don’t stop here. Besides the social-related issues, Impactrip’s IVPs also cover environmental problems. Animal and sea lovers can become part of a worldwide movement of passionate people dealing with the global challenge of litter and the impact human development is having on the oceans in the Marine Conservation program, while actively contributing to the SGD12-Responsible Consumption and Production–and13–ClimateAction– because they’ll help achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, by significantly reduce their release to water. Besides, we have to mention that this program also protects Life below Water (SDG 14), by developing activities that prevent and reduce marine pollution of all kinds. Likewise, Life on Land (SDG 15) is not forgotten: the Animal Care program aims to improve the lives of cats and dogs cats and to promote the understanding of the importance and value of animal welfare for a harmonious society.

Last, but not the least, all of the IVPs are a bold example of Partnerships for the Goals (Goal 17) since Impactrip, as a company and intermediary, and volunteers, as direct contributors, join causes dedicated to achieving a sustainable development for all. However, we should bear in mind that tourism has also its downsides, and each one of us ought to become, day by day and step by step, a more conscious traveler, citizen and sustainable development advocate. By choosing to travel responsabily you are already spending your time making a long-term positive contribution to the world and, as you could see, there are also many ways of leaving a positive footprint where we pass by. Impactrip, as a sustainable and responsible tour operator, is more than pleased to encourage and help people to travel in a more meaningful and positive way. On top of this, Impactrip ultimate goal is to create everlasting changemakers, this is, Impactrip aims for people to take home all of their inspiring experiences and continue to give back to their communities. Written by Maria João Gens Maria João Gens is a young professional from Porto, Portugal. She has studied Foreign Languages and Business Relations and is passionate about other cultures, travelling and (good) food. A full-time dreamer (and hard-worker!), she's trying to be the change she wishes to see in the world through path of Sustainability, Education, Responsible Consumption and Personal Development.

Curso a distancia en Turismo Sostenible y Desarrollo Local en Áreas Rurales

05-05-2020

Esta propuesta formativa que busca fortalecer las capacidades de los actores para diseñar estrategias de desarrollo local basadas en un turismo responsable que pueda capitalizar su inmenso potencial en términos de prosperidad económica, inclusión social y preservación cultural y ambiental. La OIT considera el turismo como un importante motor para un desarrollo socioeconómico inclusivo y para la reducción de la pobreza. Dada su capacidad de generar empleo directo y su efecto multiplicador en otros sectores puede contribuir a la diversificación económica y al desarrollo local especialmente en las zonas rurales. El turismo es uno de los sectores más afectados por la actual crisis pero también ha demostrado una gran capacidad de reactivación y de generación de empleo y bienestar social. En una plataforma de formación en línea, el Ecampus del CIF/OIT, los participantes trabajarán con el apoyo de un equipo de tutorías los diferentes temas: la contribución del turismo al desarrollo, la oferta turística territorial, la gestión de destinos, las cadenas de valor y el diseño de un proyecto para el propio territorio. ¿A quién se dirige? Responsables políticos, técnicos superiores y actores socioeconómicos claves del desarrollo del turismo que desarrollen sus actividades en instituciones públicas y privadas, en organizaciones de la sociedad civil o de la cooperación internacional relacionadas con el tema del curs. CERTIFICACIÓN Al final del proceso y tras la evaluación satisfactoria de los ejercicios y el proyecto final, los participantes recibirán un Certificado de Aprovechamiento del CIF/OIT.

Curso a distancia en Turismo Sostenible y Desarrollo Local en Áreas Rurales

30-04-2020

La OIT considera el turismo como un importante motor para un desarrollo socioeconómico inclusivo y para la reducción de la pobreza. Dada su capacidad de generar empleo directo y su efecto multiplicador en otros sectores como la agricultura, la manufactura, la construcción y el transporte, el turismo puede contribuir a la diversificación económica y al desarrollo local especialmente en las zonas rurales. Asume así particular relevancia esta propuesta formativa que busca fortalecer las capacidades de los actores para diseñar estrategias de desarrollo local/rural basadas en un turismo responsable que pueda capitalizar su inmenso potencial en términos de prosperidad económica, inclusión social y preservación cultural y ambiental. El curso se dirige a: responsables políticos, técnicos superiores y actores socioeconómicos claves del desarrollo del turismo que desarrollen sus actividades en instituciones públicas y privadas, en organizaciones de la sociedad civil o de la cooperación internacional relacionadas con el tema del curso. El itinerario en línea consta de cinco módulos y concluye con un proyecto final.

Toolkit for CSR data in organisations (www.sustainablekeyindicators.com)

29-04-2020

It consists of the integration of the GRI Standards indicators with the SDGs at companies in the toolkit www.sustainablekeyindicators.com It has been implemented in the hotel sector. During the COVID-19 crisis, training sessions of the indicators are given through webinars.

Toolkit www.sustainablekeyindicators.com for CSR data in organisations

27-04-2020

It consists in the integration of the GRI Standars indicators with the SDG at companies in the toolkit www.sustainablekeyindicators.com Actually implemented in hotel sector During the Covid19 crisis training sessions of the indicators are given through webinars.

Tourism Week 2020: Shall we think about the future?

27-04-2020

The Tourism Week 2020 is promoted by teachers and students of the Graduation Course of Tourism Management at the Federal Center for Technological Education (CEFET / RJ), - Nova Friburgo campus and is scheduled to take place on the 17th, 18th and 19th of November 2020. The date may be changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. SemaTur 2020 focuses on actions in the area of Tourism that can contribute to the “2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”, of the United Nations (UN). The document proposes a set of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aim to eradicate poverty, protect the planet and ensure that people achieve peace and prosperity. The theme of the event is in line with the understanding of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) that it is possible to reach the SDGs through tourism, given the economic relevance of Tourism as well as its role in stimulating environmental sustainability and cultural safeguard , in reducing inequalities, promoting gender equality, accessibility and social inclusion. In order to contribute to Tourism being a vector in the reach of the SDGs, SemaTur 2020 accepts the invitation proposed on the platform “Tourism4SDGs”, created by OMT: “Let's make tourism a driver for realizing the SDGs!”. To this end, SemaTur 2020 will have oral communications and posters that have as a central axis "thinking about the future", seeking to reflect on the type of tourism we want to practice, how its actions, policies, plans and practices can contribute to the end of inequalities , promoting sustainability and achieving the SDGs. You can register or submit works through the link https://linktr.ee/Sematur

Tourism Week 2020: Shall we think about the future?

26-04-2020

The Tourism Week 2020 is promoted by teachers and students of the Graduation Course of Tourism Management at the Federal Center for Technological Education (CEFET / RJ), - Nova Friburgo campus and is scheduled to take place on the 17th, 18th and 19th of November 2020. The date may be changed due to the COVID pandemic19. SemaTur 2020 focuses on actions in the area of Tourism that can contribute to the “2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”, of the United Nations (UN). The document proposes a set of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aim to eradicate poverty, protect the planet and ensure that people achieve peace and prosperity. The theme of the event is in line with the understanding of the World Tourism Organization (WTO) that it is possible to reach the SDGs / UN through tourism, given the economic relevance of Tourism as well as its role in stimulating environmental sustainability and cultural safeguard , in reducing inequalities, promoting gender equality, accessibility and social inclusion. In order to contribute to Tourism being a vector in the reach of the SDGs, SemaTur 2020 accepts the invitation proposed on the platform “Tourism4SDGs”, created by OMT: “Let's make tourism a driver for realizing the SDGs!”. To this end, SemaTur 2020 will have oral communications and posters that have as a central axis "thinking about the future", seeking to reflect on the type of tourism we want to practice, how its actions, policies, plans and practices can contribute to the end of inequalities , promoting sustainability and achieving the SDGs. You can register or submit works through the link https://linktr.ee/Sematur

Impact House, a hostel in Lisbon allied with the SDGs

24-04-2020

On its 2019 Sustainable Travel Report Booking.com concluded that 55% of the travelers are more likely to make sustainable travel choices than they were a year ago. But barriers include a lack of knowledge and available or appealing options. So, consumers want to become more sustainable in their travels but do not seem to find the offer to match their aspirations. This is a great motivation for companies in the tourism sector to change theirs practice to more sustainable ones and for new companies with more social and environmental purposes to emerge. That was the case in 2018, when Rita and Diogo (founders of Impact+) decided to create another brand of the company: Impact House, a hostel committed with sustainability and NGO support in Lisbon. To define and to keeping improving our business in a sustainable way we could trust the SDGs as guidelines. We always saw the SDGs as our common goals as society that could only be attained with the contribution of all, governments, citizens, and, very importantly, companies. Independently of size, age and sector. In the tourism sector particularly, we knew the high risks of having a negative impact on host communities and natural resources. Therefore, we were aware of the importance of giving our contribution to change the sector aligned with the SGDs framework. Although we have practices and examples in all 17 Goals, we decided to choose 5 SDGs to share what we are doing in our sustainable hostel, Impact House. 2 – Zero hunger We are working to establish long-term business partnerships with small and local food suppliers, giving preference to NGOs. To make sure we minimize our food waste, we make accounts of the number of meals we have to make every day. We include our guests asking them to let us know when they are not going to have dinner or lunch, so we can adjust the quantities of food. If we have any food excess, we donate it to NGOs that make sure the food will be given to individuals or families in need. 4 – Quality Education

We are committed to give work opportunities to students at Impact House to learned how we work in the sustainable tourism sector. We have partnerships with tourism schools and universities and welcome interns every summer. Informal education is very important for us, we believe that volunteering is a great way to learning. Part of Impact House clients are engaged in international volunteer programs managed by the sister brand ImpacTrip. So, we not only make sure our guests have all their needs met to fully take part in their volunteering, but also, we invite all our guests to enroll in spontaneous volunteer activities to help our partners NGOs. Everything we do related with sustainability and NGO support we communicate and engage our clients. Our goal is to raise awareness and the levels of social and environmental consciousness. 7 – Affordable and clean energy At Impact House our electricity is exclusively from renewable sources. We made a contract with our energy supplier that finances the company investment in renewable sources of energy. We have in place the energy basics: Led lights and efficient home appliances, our guests and employees are incentivized to use public transportations in their daily commuting or trips among many other small initiatives to save energy. We also offset the Impact House CO2 emissions that we can’t avoid and we are working to calculate our own and our supply chain GHG emissions to achieve our 2030 commitment to be Net Zero. 12 – Responsible consumption and production We have a procurement policy that explicitly states our preference for non-profit and local suppliers, that recommends to analyze other options before buying new, and disregard for products packaged in single-use plastic. We are working hard to restructure our supply chain to be more aligned with our sustainability principles. We also extend these belief to our clients as we donate clothes, shoes, and hygiene products that are no longer used by our clients to NGOs that support homeless people and we incentivize our guests can swap clothes between them by using the swap spot, enlarging the life of fashion products.

Finally, we separate plastic, glass, paper and batteries for recycling, and we separate organic waste and compostable waste to use in our vermicompostor and then fertilize our food garden. Again, we engage our clients in the whole process. 17 – Partnerships for the goals This SDG is probably the most important for us because it is connected to the mission of the company Impact+. Our mission is to support our social and environmental non-profit partners. At Impact House, social and environmental partners are preferred suppliers and donations receivers. They are at the heart of everything we do, from the social shop where we promote and sell their products, to their art exhibitions we host every month, not forgetting the agenda of events we promote every week where these partners organize activities and raise awareness to different causes. These are some of our best practices, we hope some of them give inspiration to more companies in the tourism sector to be more sustainable and allied with the SGDs - we all gain with that. We invite you to see in loco, our doors are open to everyone. Written by Mariana Teixeira Mariana has dedicated her time and energy to managing companies, organizations, or projects with positive impact. She is a pessimistic-idealistic professional, obsessed with inequality and social problems and driven by purpose. She believes that social businesses will lead the change the world needs! Dance and gastronomy are her favorite ways to know a new culture and she trusts in the power of tourism to make the world smaller and the people closer. Mariana became a keen problem solver thanks to: her work experience in CSR consultancy, management challenges in both the private and social sectors, a master’s degree in development economics, a lot of volunteering hours and many adventures as a solo traveler.

COVID-19 Related Travel restrictions - A Global Review for Tourism

22-04-2020

The scale of disruption caused by COVID-19 to global tourism is shown in a comprehensive report on travel restrictions from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). The report, published at a time of unprecedented disruption for the sector, shows that almost all global destinations have imposed restrictions on travel since January 2020, including complete bans on all travel as they work to contain the pandemic. Over recent years, as the United Nations specialized agency for tourism, UNWTO has been regularly monitoring travel facilitation and observing a continuous trend towards more openness. COVID-19 has dramatically interrupted this. According to research carried out for the new report, as of 6 April, 96% of all worldwide destinations have introduced travel restrictions in response to the pandemic. Around 90 destinations have completely or partially closed their borders to tourists, while a further 44 are closed to certain tourists depending on country of origin.

08-04-2020

08-04-2020

6th Sustainable Tourism Africa Summit 2020

30-03-2020

The Sustainable Tourism Africa Summit is an annual event whose purpose is modelling a sustainable future for tourism in Africa. The event brings together, for 3 days, tourism stakeholder from Africa and the rest of the world for the one purpose. The Sustainable Tourism Africa Summit features sustainable tourism masterclasses, presentation, workshops, side events, exhibitions and sustainable tourism awards. For the 3 days, the businesses, leaders and professionals present their solutions, business models and innovative products. The Sustainable tourism Africa summit also supports creation of networks that drive sustainability of business and destinations. The theme for 6th Sustainable Tourism Africa Summit is Sustainability and Optimizing Destination Africa~Our People. Our Planet. Our Prosperity. The 1st day, under the main theme;tourism resilience, recovery and crisis management. These will be a series of panel sessions by African Economic Communities, International and Regional Travel Tourism Associations and International and Regional Development Organizations. The 2nd day, under the main theme, will focus on Optimizing Destination Africa Through Sustainable Tourism Practice. These will be a series of presentations and panel sessions by leading sustainable tourism destinations and businesses. The 3rd day, under the main theme, will focus on Optimizing Destination Africa Through Technology & Research. These will be series of presentations and panel session by leading tourism & travel tech innovators and researchers. Afternoon session of day 1 & two is dedicated for workshops and idea pitches. Evening of day 3 will feature the Sustainable Tourism Africa Award which will be awarding Africa's top countries and destinations that are promoting sustainable tourism.

Stay at home

20-03-2020

Hoof.club is an adventure group in IRAN And it has canceled all its events to prevent the outbreak of the Corona virus.

2nd UNWTO Gastronomy Tourism Startup Competition

13-03-2020

The World Tourism Organization in collaboration with the Basque Culinary Center holds the 2nd Global Competition for Gastronomy Tourism Startups. Its main objective is to identify disruptive startups and projects that can transform the Gastronomy Tourism sector in the near future. Categories *Startup *Social innovation Calendar Launch: 28 January 2020 Deadline for applications: 6 April 2020 Announcement finalists: 4 May Final pitch session and announcement of the winner: 1-3 June Background Tourism is a driver of inclusive and sustainable economic growth, a cross-cutting sector with a high impact on the promotion of social welfare, with the aim of promoting the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. With continuous growth in the last decade, tourism generates approximately one in 10 jobs, and accounts for 10.2% of world GDP. At its intersection with the gastronomy sector, food tourism or culinary tourism, it is organized around experiential trips and assumes as part of its essence ethical and sustainable values related to the territory, heritage, local culture, local products, authenticity, tradition or culinary techniques at the local, regional or national level. Gastronomy tourism stimulates entrepreneurship and the generation of new companies and organizations that necessarily affect other industries transversally and fosters values such as: *Sustainability based on maintaining a balance between economic growth and gastronomic culture and heritage *The quality of initiatives from production to experience, along the entire tourism value chain *Authentic communication and a coherent narrative of gastronomic offerings with the participation of all the stakeholders of the sector; from chefs to the media *Cooperation among all actors throughout the entire value chain of the gastronomic and tourism sector *Authenticity by highlighting cultural heritage, local products and cultural values

III Encontro para o Desenvolvimento do Cicloturismo 2020

12-03-2020

In its third edition, the Meeting for the Development of Cycling Tourism 2020 is an event dedicated to the promotion of bicycle tourism in Brazil through the qualification of the actors and the generation of research capable of offering subsidies for the expansion of this market. The event will deal with Governance for Regional Development in this edition and will take place on May 28th and 29th in the city of Blumenau (Santa Catarina), in the southern part of Brazil that concentrates the largest cycling tours in the country.

Survey on how the SDGs have been incorporated into tourism

06-03-2020

The survey is conducted to glean the information from all around the world and from all the tourism sub-sectors. It will provide an overarching preview of the current situation of the carried-out activities on how the Sustainable Development Goals are incorporated into tourism. The results will pave the way towards consolidating the existing initiatives and creating better oriented practices during the UN Decade of Action. How to contribute: You are strongly encouraged to complete the Survey and also share it with your networks ranging from the private sector to civil societies and academia. Your contribution to the survey is really valued and the results and findings will be shared globally with all tourism public and private sectors. Why contribute: Tourism is a powerful vehicle to promote and reach the milestones of the ambitious 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, given that it is one of the most important sectors in the global economy, a main job and wealth creator for many countries while enabling us to preserve our environment. Your actions, policies, plans, practices and etc. can make a huge contribution to the enhancement of the sustainable and responsible tourism. It is essential to mobilize everyone, everywhere to take action, locally and globally. Your activities can inspire the ones looking for the best practices. You can contribute to the new ways of accelerating SDGs action for those that are still behind in meeting the goals and create partnership and cooperation opportunities. Your responses will enrich the outcomes of this survey which will contribute to further empower tourism stakeholders to incorporate sustainability measures and policies in their daily work and objectives.

NowHow

25-02-2020

NowHow is an invitation to bring the SDGs to life by applying values that for centuries have supported the sustainability of communities in rural Japan. Visitors invited to a small village in the mountains of northeast Japan are encouraged to see themselves as community interns. They learn about local culture and history, work alongside people who live in the community, and consider the relevance of village think to the health of modern urban society. Attention focuses in particular on 44 Vanishing Values that Prof. Ryuzo Furukawa has identified in the course of discussing "life before convenience" with several hundred people aged 90 and over throughout Japan and in other countries. How can these universal values advance progress to global goals? Why are they currently vanishing? What are the consequences of their impending extinction for the differentiation of Japan from other travel destinations? And what, in the first place, is the benefit of engagement between insider and outsider to the health of any community? NowHow is an opportunity to address all of these questions -- and to experience Japan's subtle power to mend a broken heart.

Overtourism Solution

25-02-2020

Overtourism Solution is the new initiative with which the co-founders of Venezia Autentica (veneziaautentica.com) are looking to transfer their unique, on the ground experience, to more destinations around the world. Venezia Autentica (VA) is a localized social enterprise using digital technologies, communication, and social innovation to increase both the satisfaction of visitors and the retention of tourism revenue in Venice and make tourism beneficial for residents, visitors and the destination. The work of VA has been highlighted by features in media such as CNN, Forbes and Conde Nast Traveler, participation as speakers at prestigious international conferences and by awards competition. In the past few years, it is estimated that VA contributed over 3 million euros to 150 local businesses in Venice and that its content reached over 40 million users. By working with government, institutions, corporations, schools, organizations and any kind of individual and entities looking to see tourism become a force for good, Overtourism Solution seeks to help transform the tourism industry as a whole. Today Overtourism Solution is a pioneer, a rare initiative, proposing concrete solutions to an overgrowing problem: the negative impact of tourism. Frequently commenting on media, or advocating for change at events or directly to governments, Overtourism Solution is the ideal partner for governments, tourism boards, and associations who are looking to increase the satisfaction of visitors while making sure that tourism benefit the local community and destination.

UNWTO Acceleration Programme

18-02-2020

The UNWTO Acceleration Programme is the first training platform specifically designed for the tourism officials of the World Tourism Organization's Member States in order to develop innovation and digital transformation skills and provide practical tools for project implementation in diverse destinations. Its objectives are: *To encourage government officials to foster innovation and digital transformation within their regions *To strengthen knowledge in innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem development *To introduce case studies and best practices which may lead governments to define concrete actions *To provide tools to drive digital transformation projects Its first edition gathered more than 50 participants from 20 nationalities, covering the 5 UNWTO regions. The attendees had an intensive agenda with keynote speeches, masterclasses and workshops about digital transformation, entrepreneurship, how to grow startups to scaleups, GovTech initiatives, public-private innovation, smart destinations and venture capital. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals led the discussions and allowed the participants to observe the importance of merging innovation and sustainability.

Promoting Innovation for Productive Employment in Tourism Sector

17-02-2020

The initiative by name of Promoting Innovation for Productive Employment in Tourism Sector (PIPETS) aims to increase productive employment opportunities for jobless people in the key priority areas of the tourism sector for the economic development of Rwanda. The PIPETS project is set to achieve this by innovatively develop workforce employability competencies besides product market performances in the tourism sector. The workforce employability competencies are to be innovatively developed through dual education or training to take place alternately in two venues: the education or training centre and the company. The company-based is to be put to work through on-the-job training (coaching, instructional, and apprenticeship, understudy) methods. The education or training centre-based is to be put to work with the help of off-the-job-training (lectures, vestibule training, simulation exercises, sensitivity training, and transactional training) methods. This five-year workforce competency development initiative is to serve 1,000,010 unemployed people, mainly students and graduates including the energetic jobless people and 8,844 sectoral stakeholders in the economic development priority sectors of Rwanda. The effective product market performances to be innovatively developed will include product innovation, service innovation, process innovation, marketing innovation, and organizational innovation. This PIPETS project will be a result of the combined efforts of different stakeholders for the consolidated development of workforce employability competency and product market performance in the tourism sector of Rwanda. These stakeholders will be those from the private and public sectors that provide, deliver or manage tourism, and employment opportunities. These stakeholders are to be comprised of educators and trainers, funders, and regulators.

Leave it Better than You Met It : Keep Ado-Awaye Clean

17-02-2020

ComeMakeWeGo Africa launches an environmental sustainability initiative with wastebaskets and bins at Ado-Awaye(Oyo State, Nigeria) to boost sustainable tourism. “Leave it better than you met it; Keep Ado-Awaye Clean” Lagos, Nigeria, Feb 13, 2020: -- In the cause to boost sustainable tourism around local communities in Africa, Comemakewego Africa, a leading destination marketing and community-driven sustainable tourism agency in Nigeria initiated an environmental sustainability project in Ado-Awaye, Oyo state, Nigeria. Comemakewego Africa has been the sole promoter of Ado-Awaye; A community in Oyo state known to have the only suspended lake in Africa(1 of the only 2 in the world), and the best hiking landscape in southwest Nigeria. Due to the dynamic strategies used for destination promotion, Comemakewego Africa has been able to get over 5000 hikers to the destination in less than 2 years, and as these numbers keep increasing, the brand believes there is a need to take actions in ensuring the environment is kept safe for both the locals and hikers. The launch event was attended by members of the local community and state government. To mention a few in attendance; Local community: The Royal Father (Alado of Ado-Awaye), the community chairman, elders of the community, youth representatives. State Government: Permanent Secretary Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism, Director of Culture, Director of Tourism, SA to the governor on student affairs, etc. While addressing the community leaders and representatives, Atabo David, who is the founder of Comemakewego Africa stated that “It is when the local people understand the benefit of development, that is when the government and private investors would be encouraged to bring further development”. This statement was to charge the community to ensure that every development coming into the community should be guarded jealously and taken care of, and also, the members of the community need to be at peace.

Barba Azul Nature Reserve

27-01-2020

Barba Azul Nature Reserve is the only private reserve protecting the Endangered Beni savanna ecosystem. This hyper-seasonal savanna eco-region, combined with raised forest islands, is characterized by 8 months of flooding followed by a severe dry period. It is the habitat of the endemic and Critically Endangered Blue-throated Macaw (Ara glaucogularis). Between 400 and 450 individuals are left in the wild, of which up to 155 forage at Barba Azul, making this reserve population the stronghold for the species. Not only is it important for the macaws, but Barba Azul also provides refuge for many other threatened birds, mammals and plants. Created as a sanctuary for the Critically Endangered Blue-throated Macaw, our conservation effort has given a safe home to many tame birds and mammals that can be seen like nowhere else in Bolivia. Hundreds of Macaws, with Toucans, Hawks, and enormous aquatic birds like the Jabiru, abound on our trails. Barba Azul is the best place to see giant anteater, maned wolf, puma, howler monkey and the gigantic black caiman. Barba Azul has it all, large open rivers where you can fish for Piranha, dense palm forests to see howley monkeys and Blue-throated Macaws, open cerrado forest, and massive areas of tall grass savanna offering a home to rare birds, armadillos, pumas, and giant anteaters. Barba Azul has several maintained trails through forest islands, savanna and open woodlands offering countless opportunities to see wildlife. Barba Azul is a great place for birdwatching with over 316 birds, with the record of 179 bird species seen in one day. The tame and abundant wildlife makes for a great observing experience, whether it is during a slow sundown river trip, or on horseback through the savannas, or sipping a cool drink on our veranda bird feeders overlooking the marsh, river and forest.

ARCHITECTURE AND TOURISM. Active students

22-01-2020

An Initiative that shaped a new subject in architecture degree in Chihuahua, Mexico. The Projects of students are focused on the reinforcement of the touristic activities in Casas Grandes, a north Mexican town that has been renowned as one of the 121 “Pueblos Mágicos” (Magical Towns), a touristic program created by the Minister of Tourism of Mexico. Because of the rules of the program, Casas Grandes, and other magical towns have found complicated to be benefited (economically) from this government touristic program. They need a preliminary architectural and urbanistic design done, but there are not enough resources to hire a specialist in the field before have the economics supports. Therefore, it came to light the need to bring together university and social programs, actively and in a real way. The subject was created to be implemented in the final year of college. And Its structure was designed to reinforce sustainable values, innovation, and interdisciplinary focus: Project stages. 1. Masterclasses. Professionals from different fields help the students to open their perspective on the theme. 2. Bibliographic investigation. Students and teachers organize groups of work to investigate the different issues, on the basis of sustainability. 3. Field research. Study trip. 4. Field Analysis. 5. Conclusions. To determine what sustainable projects are the most feasible to the case of study. 6. Projects. Ideas proposal and development. Individual preliminary architectural and urbanistic projects. 7. Presentation to authorities. From the government and university. There was proposed one integral group project divided into eight individual project proposals. That is a great advance to Casas Grandes people to complete the requirements of the Ministry of Tourism of México, to earn the financial backing.

Red-fronted Macaw Reserve

21-01-2020

The Red-fronted Macaw Reserve (50 hectares) is the destination for a wildlife and bird watching ecotourism holiday in Bolivia that supports indigenous communities. It is an initiative of Armonía and three communities of Omerque, to protect the largest breeding population of the Bolivian endemic and Critically Endangered Red-fronted Macaw (Ara rubrogenys). Not only does the reserve retain the largest known nesting site of the Red-Fronted Macaw, other endemic species like the Bolivian Blackbird (Oreopsar bolivianus) and Cliff Parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus luchsi) breed here. The Quechua communities of San Carlos, Perereta and Amaya have become the guardians of the dry Andean wildlife, dedicated to the protection of the Red-fronted Macaw. They are managing de Red-fronted Macaw lodge to improve their community’s quality of life through the nature conservation. The reserve also protects one of the best conserved archaeological sites of the Omereque culture the ancient fortress of Tunas Mok’o.

Global Tourism Plastics Initiative

20-01-2020

The Global Tourism Plastics Initiative aims to articulate, support and scale-up action by tourism stakeholders and is building a global alliance to fight plastic pollution. As part of the activities of the One Planet Sustainable Tourism Programme, the Initiative is led by UN Environment and UNWTO in collaboration with Ellen MacArthur Foundation. Recognizing the global importance of the tourism sector and its role as an agent of change, the Initiative will support partner organizations in making better use of plastics in their operations and reducing plastic waste. In particular, action towards 2025 is being structured through the development of a menu of commitments for private sector, destinations and associations to define concrete roadmaps for implementation by 2025.

Verdensmål Stevns

20-01-2020

Stevns Klint just south of Copenhagen in Denmark became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2014.In order to generate sustainable societal, economic and environmental development, a partner program was created for all companies, associations, organizations, artists, etc. who wish to support sustainable development within the framework of UNESCO World Heritage. The partner program currently has more than 80 active partners and throughout the year events and activities are held in support of their work. It is aided by Stevns Municipality’s strategical focus on sustainable tourism and development. The partner program centers on working with the 17 SDGs. In order to help the partners integrate the SDGs in their activities, the local world heritage organization and the local business council developed a Sustainability Toolkit. The toolkit is an online form, that details each of the 17 SDGs and allows the partners to make their own notes on how they are working with selected SDGs. The toolkit thus offers an overview of how each partner articulates and translates selected SDG into concrete business initiatives. The partners also put down ideas for further developing work with the 17 SDGs inspiring each other to build upon current initiatives. By sharing the notes with each other using the toolkit, the partners now have a source of inspiration and knowledge sharing when integrating the SDGs in the development of their businesses. Additionally, the toolkit offers insights regarding the partners work with the SDGs as well as knowledge about those SDGs that are currently trending among the partners thus allowing the local world heritage organization and the local business council to develop the partner program further - still driven by the focus of its partners. In 2020, the partner program will create a vision with a project for the partners grounded in their SDG focus areas, which will have the partners working together in groups to strengthen sustainable development.

Instrumentalization of tourism for socio-economic well-being: a proposal for application in emerging destinations within the framework of the Agenda 2030

15-01-2020

These are the main results of a dissertation that contains a total of fours papers with the main goal of quantifying the incidence of tourism on the socioeconomic conditions of the population in emerging destinations, within the framework of the Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals. The dissertation is developed at the Universidad de Sevilla (Spain).

Instrumentalization of tourism for socio-economic well-being: a proposal for application in emerging destinations within the framework of the Agenda 2030

15-01-2020

These are the main results of a dissertation that contains a total of fours papers with the main goal of quantifying the incidence of tourism on the socioeconomic conditions of the population in emerging destinations, within the framework of the Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals. The dissertation is developed at the Universidad de Sevilla (Spain).

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14-01-2020

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IMAGINE - ICTs to promote sustainable heritage tourism in Indonesia

08-01-2020

Summer School 2020 of the UNESCO Chair in ICT to develop and promote sustainable tourism in World Heritage Sites (USI - Università della Svizzera italiana, Lugano, Switzerland) IMAGINE ICTs to promote sustainable heritage tourism in Indonesia August 16-23, 2020 – Indonesia The 7th edition of the USI UNESCO Chair Summer School is realized in collaboration with Trisakti School of Tourism, in Indonesia. The USI UNESCO Chair Summer School in Indonesia will discover tangible Indonesian UNESCO World Heritage Sites and intangible Cultural Heritage in five cities (Jakarta, Cirebon, Pekalongan, Solo, and Yogyakarta). The Summer School will provide learning experiences about Indonesian Batik textile heritage, local gastronomy, as well as cultural visits and seminars. A special focus will be placed on the issue of how Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) can be applied to enhance the preservation of tangible and intangible cultural heritage of Indonesia and strengthen sustainable tourism, as well as connect locals and visitors. Seminars will be conducted in three Royal Palaces (Cirebon, Solo, and Yogyakarta) on Java Island. The Summer School also includes the two most prominent Indonesian UNESCO World Heritage Sites; the Borobudur and Prambanan Temple compounds.

Taste and Travel SA de CV

08-01-2020

Taste & Travel offers authentic culinary experiencies with local taste and social sense in Mexico and we are expanding into the Latam region. Local Taste: we work with traditional cooks, usually women, from all the regions in Mexico Social Sense: we invest 1% of all our revenues in the purchase of crafts from local women artisans from the Triqui community in Oaxaca, Mexico, to help them preserve their cultural heritage.

Digital communication of indigenous African heritage and fashion

08-01-2020

Southern Summer School of the UNESCO Chair in ICT to develop and promote sustainable tourism in World Heritage Sites (USI - UNiversità della Svizzera italiana, Lugano, Switzerland) Digital communication of indigenous African heritage and fashion February 9-15, 2020 – Namibia The 2020 Southern Summer School, the first of its kind, is realized in collaboration with the University of Namibia and the University of Turku, in Finland. Africa is a rich continent with very diverse cultures, heritage sites and indigenous fashion designs, which can be found in different countries. ICTs are used to preserve and promote cultural tourism and fashion. This Southern Summer School aims to investigate how digital technologies could be leveraged to communicate, promote and market African fashion designs and cultural tourism. Additionally, the school aims to inspire participants to work with local stakeholders from cultural tourism and fashion. The school will offer a perspective of the Namibian cultural tourism and fashion. It will consist of lectures, visits to sites, hands-on exercise, as well as formal and informal activities, which are related to cultural tourism and fashion. Additionally, this school will contribute to celebrate the 150 years of Namibian – Finnish relationship.

HomeCarShare - Sustainable Booking Platform

07-01-2020

HomeCarShare is a booking platform similar to booking or Airbnb, but 100% Portuguese and sustainable. Is possible to book or advertise(list) tourist accommodations with or without support vehicle (car, moto, boat or others) The best advantage we have in the economic point of you is that we share our income with our users (travelers and owners). We ask for a fee per booking where 40% is to finance the company activities and 60% is to give to our active users in a loyalty program. The best feature for us is the partnerships for sustainable development goals, where all bookings will support an environmental, social and/or local cause. We refund in a coupon the amount donated to reinforce the spread of word about the support of the causes and to incentive more support.

HomeCarShare - Sustainable Booking Platform

07-01-2020

HomeCarShare is a booking platform similar to booking or Airbnb, but 100% Portuguese and sustainable. Is possible to book or advertise(list) tourist accommodations with or without support vehicle (car, moto, boat or others) The best advantage we have in the economic point of you is that we share our income with our users (travelers and owners). We ask for a fee per booking where 40% is to finance the company activities and 60% is to give to our active users in a loyalty program. The best feature for us is the partnerships for sustainable development goals, where all bookings will support an environmental, social and/or local cause. We refund in a coupon the amount donated to reinforce the spread of word about the support of the causes and to incentive more support.

homiefoo

17-12-2019

ABOUT US? Homiefoo is the Social Super Market that inspires and connects all the travelers of the planet with incredible gastronomic experiences created by local people. But this is only the beginning! homiefoo combines the best of social networks with the characteristics of an OTA, which, added to our patented algorithm, we become the super dominant application that controls all phases of the journey from end to end. From the inspiration and planning phase, to the reservation of Everything for your trip, in one place! WHAT IS THE PROBLEM SOLVED? In 1st place; Homiefoo seeks to solve the problem of social inequality in the tourism industry. According to the UN, of the more than $ 1,700 BILLION generated by this large industry, only $ 5 of every $ 100 beneficiary to our local communities. This seems embarrassing to us! In 2nd place; the complex fragmentation in the offer of tourist services. More than 57% of travelers want the existence of a single application that manages to cover all their travel needs in one place. WHY DO WE DO IT? At homiefoo we believe that innovation and the development of new technologies must be motivated by the idea of creating better living conditions for others. We want to declare that in what we believe in designing technology that democratizes society's entrepreneurship in the technological, open and sustainable tourism industry that fosters social cohesion, promotes cultural values, generates miles of jobs that reduce poverty and accelerate economic development. and community of Mexico, and of all our countries. That is why we have innovated and created a platform for locals and travelers just great. Not only because through it you can be inspired, experience, and live incredible experiences, but also because you make use of it, help create a better life condition for our society.

Exclusive Art Tourism

17-12-2019

The Art Industry is underplayed and does not get the recognition that it deserves considering the role that it plays in cultural sustainability and its contribution to the economic growth of the country. As a result artists struggle to be seen and appreciated and often do not have the resources or capacity to promote and advertise their work. Although there are initiatives to try and provide a platform for such artists these are mostly uncoordinated leading to scattered efforts. The lack of local appreciation and understanding of the arts industry equates to a poor flow of traffic to galleries, art centres etc from the local population. Solution: -A Partnership between us as the (Tour Operator) and the Art Galleries, Artists and Community Art Centres to develop Exclusive Art Tours. -Taking tourists to the artists through planned art tours. The increase in traffic of people to art centres and galleries, some of which are in remote areas or rural communities will ensure that they become more visible and will do a lot in terms of rural development. The Project incorporates atleast 6 of the Sustainable Development Goals as the attached document highlights. For example; the support of under resourced communities (SDG 1 and 8), academic sponsorship of a young female artist in the rural communities as well as nurturing of their art skills (SDG 4 and 5), support of the women in the tourism circle (wives of our drivers and others in similar circumstances) to start income generating projects as well as giving them the necessary training (SDG 5 and 8). We also seek to strengthen the structures already in place to promote local art by partnering with them and supporting their efforts through the planned tours (SDG 17) Also support in creation or rennovation of existing creative hubs to incorporate more artists with diverse arts and crafts skills and thus provide them a platform to engage with the rest of the world through the tours (SDG 9).

Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park

16-12-2019

The history of Mistico Park, where Costa Rica's famous suspension bridges are located, started at the beginning of the 20th century. Landelina Rodríguez and Adrián Castillo, natives from La Fortuna, San Carlos, dedicated their life to work the land they had inherited from their parents on the slopes of Arenal Volcano. At the beginning of 21st century, the family decided to open this natural forest sanctuary to the public, and they hired a company to develop the Puentes del Arenal ecotourism project, which would allow thousands of people to enjoy the beauty of the forests in a comfortable and comfortable way. comfortable. safe. Under the Mistico Park brand, today the park offers not only the attraction of suspension bridges, but also a wide variety of routes that allow visitors to enjoy direct contact with nature, where many native species live in an ecosystem with great diversity biological In Mistico Park, inclusive ecotourism is promoted, which offers the highest level of comfort possible to all visitors with accessible trails. These have no stairs, have railings and the surface material is non-slip concrete. During our visit to Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park we observed different joint ecosystems forming a belt of transition vegetation with a high level of biodiversity, that can be found along the border between two types of forests: highlands and lowlands, collecting species from both areas. Over years of evolution, plants from lowland rainforests, typical of Sarapiquí and Tortuguero, has experienced an altitude migration up to 500-600 meters, allowing it to meet and interact with plants from the highlands. For this reason, the treetops in Mistico Park offers a rich environment in biodiversity, with a strong presence of several species of epiphytic plants, birds, mammals, butterflies and much more. Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park is a great example of good practices on implementing SDGs from local actions to attain sustainability.

Tourismus und die SDGs

12-12-2019

With the initative "Tourismus und die SDGs" the Federal Ministry for Sustainability and Tourism of Austria developed a website that offers information and best-practice examples on how to implement the SDGs in tourism with a special focus on Austria. The project is supported by a network of 11 SDG ambassadors who are key stakeholders in the Austrian tourism sector.

Join #UNWTO for 'Transforming Tourism for Climate Action' at #COP25 - low- carbon growth is reachable!

02-12-2019

No time to lose!

Climate response - how?

#tourism can show the way!

Join #UNWTO for 'Transforming Tourism for Climate Action' at #COP 25- low carbon growth is reachable!

Salam Pakistan 4 Treveler's Perspective

29-11-2019

Pakistan, a growing destination !! Did you know that Pakistan is a very attractive country for those who like high mountains, beaches, deserts, waterfalls, culture, history and good food. Visitors go there several times and if you have been there once, you might always want to visit again. Salam Pakistan 2020 presents to you travelers who have traveled from Sweden and the rest of Europe to Pakistan to explore its beauty. An afternoon full of experiences where travelers share their perspectives of their journey within Pakistan. In addition, we offer our guests entertainment in the form of traditional dance performances and live music. Come and meet our travelers on the spot, at this year's Salam Pakistan 2020 "Travelers' Perspective" event. Who knows, you might hang with them next time !! Follow us and stay tuned for more info. www.salampakistan.se #SalamPakistan2020 #SalamPakistan #CulturalExchange #sustainabletourism #responsibletourism #visitpakistan

Sociology of Leisure and Tourism

27-11-2019

The Sociology of Leisure and Tourism course at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) will help undergraduate students to understand tourism from a sociological perspective. Students will analyze and study topics such as: -Sociological perspectives on environmental sustainability in tourism -Sociological perspectives on cultural sustainability in tourism -Tourism and the Sustainable Development Goals -The role of tangible and intangible cultural heritage for host communities -Integration of local communities in the tourism value chain -The importance of the collaboration between local communities, governments, and members of the hospitality industry Moreover, being the class taught in Las Vegas, which is one of the most famous tourism destinations in the world, students will reflect on the city's role in the hospitality industry, especially focusing on sustainability and tourism practices. Students will use research-based material produced by both the Department of Sociology and the International Gaming Institute at UNLV. Instructor: Marta Soligo - marta.soligo@unlv.edu

Destination Mapping, Analysis and Strategic Action Planning in in Guyana

22-11-2019

In November 2018, the Swisscontact Tourism Advisory Services and Trainings team executed an assignment in the South American country of Guyana, contracted by the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA). Objectives of the assignment were on-the-job training for strategic destination assessment, training for a “Living Destination Development & Management Action Plan (LiDDMAP)” and the anchoring of this knowledge through capacity building, structure and guidance, for selected staff and partners of GTA. The focus of the assessment process were two destinations: The capital of Georgetown and its surroundings and the Rupununi Savannah in the South of the country.

Travel Kollekt - Guidebooks re-invented

22-11-2019

Travel Kollekt (travelkollekt.com) is an on-demand, web-based publishing tool that is bringing the paper and books back to the travel experience. We reinvent the concept of the travel book, with an on-demand publishing tool that is bringing the paper and books back to the travel experience. The company bridge the digital with analog, using reverse printing to create a new tactile and aesthetic experience. The tool is designed to empower people to organize their travel research and enable them to create their own travel guide books. It is a new approach towards responsible travel, giving people authorship of their journey. Travel Kollekt meets a growing demand of travellers who want to have personalized, responsible travel information and curated expert content at hand. We're taking a stand against the trend of "suggested" experiences and algorithms. Instead we empower travelers to think for themselves. Knowledge gives people the power to make better choices; that’s why we celebrate the research and reading process before and during a trip. Our tool is designed to empower independent travelers and professionals to organize their travel research and enable them to create personal travel books. We truly believe that every journey is a book yet to be written. Travel Kollekt gives travellers authorship of their journeys. It’s a new approach to travel, a more responsible way to lead with it and have a memorable personal experience. The perfect solution for independent travellers looking for personalization and inspiration. Our responsible vision We empower responsible travellers. We do this by tackling the first barrier to sustainable behavior: a lack of information. Supporting a global movement of independent travellers with tools to be more conscious. We want to play a role in encouraging people travelling with intention proving them that planning, sustainability, and serendipity can go hand in hand.

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18-11-2019

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Hotelplan Suisse

11-11-2019

Hotelplan Suisse is strengthening its cooperation with OceanCare: Activities as swimming with dolphins or visiting dolphinaria will no longer be advertised and hence travellers' awareness raised.

Destination Pledges Research: Objectives, Strategies, Implementation

07-11-2019

To date, this project has explored destination pledges in Iceland, Palau, Hawai’i, New Zealand and Finland from an organisational perspective. The project has focused on the motivations, strategies and impacts related to these destination pledges. Sixteen semi-structured interviews have been carried out with a total of 19 participants. Participants were high-ranking representatives of organisations involved in developing, managing and implementing activities related to the Icelandic Pledge, the Palau Pledge, the Hawai’I Pono Pledge, Tiaki – Care for New Zealand and the Sustainable Finland Pledge. Please see attached results summary for an overview of initial findings. Please contact the researchers for more details: Dr Julia Albrecht, University of Otago, julia.albrecht@otago.ac.nz Eliza Raymond, GOOD Travel, eliza@good-travel.org

Development also brings change

05-11-2019

Swisscontact implemented the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs’ WISATA project in Indonesia since 2010. The objective was to develop first one, then four tourism destinations, thereby creating the conditions for more jobs and better income opportunities. Ruedi Nuetzi directed the project since the very beginning, before closing it down in summer 2018. Read the interview with him here:

Tourism awareness and entrepreneurship

05-11-2019

Interested candidates can join me for in-depth analysis and explore business opportunities within the tourism industry. Here I will focus more on opportunities in rural periphery than in urban to achieve sustainability in all dimensions.

Establishing Conscientious consumer Choices: Efforts to Reduce Packaging Waste within the Hospitality Tourism Industry

04-11-2019

In partnership with George Brown College my academic partner Doris Miculan Bradley and I are proposing research to support contributions to SDG 2, 12 and 14. We are currently in the proposal stage in order to access funding to explore best practices employed with the goal towards reduction of packaging waste among Hospitality Tourism organizations. In order to complete a successful application we are seeking a letter of support from a UNWTO representative expressing the benefit our work will have on contributing to the achievement of SDG 1, 12, 14. Attached is a letter requesting the letter of support with further detailed information regarding the project and what needs to be included in the letter of support. We are working on a very tight time line and need confirmation that a letter is being drafted no later than November 8, 2019 to be followed by the actual letter no later than November 16, 2019. It is encouraged that your time and support be afforded to our work pending approval. Thanks and appreciation are garnered in advance as we look forward to your support being emailed to drleerosen@majicinmotion.com. Dr Donna Lee Rosen will be your contact person for this initiative. 647-801-8860

Establishing Consiceitious consumer Choices: Efforts to Reduction of Packaging waste within the Hospitaity and Tourism Industry

02-11-2019

My name is Doris Miculan Bradley, along with my academic partner – Donna Lee Rosen, we are submitting an application for research funding in order to study best practices in efforts to reduce waste in packaging. Attached is a letter requesting a statement of interest to engage in and participate in our research efforts. The letter outilnes the benefits to the UNWTO and the alignment ot SDG 2,12,14. Regretfully, we are under a deadline of November 8th, 2019, 8:00am. We feel that your letter of support will directly impact the opportunity for research funding. Please feel free to reach out to myself or Doris at dleerosen@georgebrown.ca or dorisbradley@georgebrown.ca for further clarification if needed.

Venezuela Voluntary National Review

01-11-2019

The recognition of the role of tourism in sustainable development and the emphasis placed in the SDGs on the development of public policies for sustainable tourism is a landmark breakthrough that provides a unique opportunity for all governments to create a sound and favourable policy foundation. The first two years of the implementation of the 2030 Agenda have shown that countries are making headway in aligning national strategies, adapting institutional frameworks and adjusting policies to realize the SDGs. The countries’ efforts have been reported in the Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs), presented by UN Member States during the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) in 2016 and 2017. In Venezuela’s Voluntary National Review 2016, tourism is mentioned as one of the three most dynamic economic drivers, together with agriculture and non-petroleum exports.

Cargo bikes and my hidden mission

01-11-2019

I have been working i tourism for over 12 years. Three years ago (before I was aware of SDGs) I started my own experience company - Copenhagen Family Tours. I wanted to give families with small kids the opportunity to go on a sightseeing bike tour all together and give them an unforgettable experience of my local town Copenhagen. In the beginning I did not know if this would work and what difference I could make. I just knew that cycling is healthy, CO2 friendly and makes you happy. On my third tour I discovered my mission and what difference I could make: When we said goodbye to my American guests, the kids gave me a hug and asked their parents when they would get themselves a cargo bike. There it was. Without even mentioning sustainability or CO2 during the tour, I had indirectly planted the idea of (cargo) bikes as alternative means of transportation for families in the kids' and thus also the parents heads. It might not be a huge impact, but it is MY impact and I am proud of it and it makes me going on with my little business.

Tourism Cares Meaningful Travel Summit: North Lake Tahoe

28-10-2019

By harnessing the collective power of the industry for a common purpose, we can tackle some of the seemingly unmanageable issues facing destinations. Our Meaningful Travel Summits provide not only immediate impact through volunteering but help create lasting impact by leveraging the power of the travel and tourism industry. As a destination with incredible natural assets, it’s not hard to see why North Lake Tahoe is considered one of the most beautiful places in the world. But Tahoe remains pristine because of the commitments of local businesses and individuals to keep Tahoe blue. We will focus our work and conversations around water, climate change, forest health and how a destination like Lake Tahoe overcomes the challenges created as a popular tourism destination. What lessons can we as a greater industry learn from our colleagues and destination partners? Join us in North Lake Tahoe for two days of inspiration and action. From executive level decision-makers to product development and sales teams -all levels of the business join our programs. Representatives from companies such as Delta Air Lines Vacations, Brand USA, Collette, Booking.com, Apple Leisure Group as well as industry associations and consortia such as CLIA, ASTA, USTOA, Signature Travel Network and US Travel are prior program sponsors and are expected to attend. Tourism Cares also has deep media partnerships with Travel Weekly, AFAR Magazine, Travel Market Report, TravAlliance and others.

RED ROCKS ARTS FOR CONSERVATION PROGRAM

28-10-2019

Art has been used to tell conservation stories that have captivated the world and make people act. Artists have painted different images that speak for animals and plants that cannot speak for themselves. Red Rocks Initiatives founded the Red Rocks Art Gallery in Kinigi where it engages the local community in tourism, conservation and sustainable development in and around Volcanoes National Park. The Arts for Conservation initiative is a partnership between Red Rocks Cultural Centre and local artisans at the Kinigi Community, we opened doors to a cooperative of 12 members who produce arts and handcrafts. The gallery targets education, art, research, and community development programs. Arts for Conservation activities include painting and learning more about painting. Tourists visiting our art gallery may participate in painting with local artists, and also learn painting techniques from them. Visitors are welcome to take their paintings home as a souvenir. The community and their families benefit directly from this project since many of our artists are community members. Since the art exhibits emphasize conservation, the local community now understands the essence of protecting the park.

II ENCONTRO DE INOVAÇÃO EM TURISMO: INTERAÇÃO ENTRE ACADEMIA, MERCADO, SETOR PÚBLICO E SOCIEDADE CIVIL

23-10-2019

The “II TOURISM INNOVATION MEETING: INTERACTION BETWEEN ACADEMY, MARKET, PUBLIC SECTOR AND CIVIL SOCIETY”, designed by UNIGRANRIO Tourism Research Center, coordinated by Professor Deborah Moraes Zouain, aims to stimulate the interaction between the different actors in the field of tourism, so that innovation in the destination happens. The event will be held on October 29, 2019, from 9a.m. to 5p.m., at the Museu Histórico Nacional, in Rio de Janeiro, with support and funding from FAPERJ, and will be attended by researchers, entrepreneurs, public managers and representatives of civil society. Through the use of the Design Thinking methodology and thematic round tables, it will be possible to identify bottlenecks and propose solutions in the 4 main tourist areas of Rio de Janeiro: Downtown, Port Zone, South Zone and Barra da Tijuca, considering the different tourism segments. . Therefore, the event will seek to create a collaborative environment that enhances the knowledge of the participants involved and contributes to this post-Olympic period in the city of Rio de Janeiro .The event aims to contribute to the strengthening of business networks, as well as to the development of an innovation mindset, whether in the short, medium or long term, and is a driving force for co-creation and cooperation between different organizations. In an increasingly competitive world market, this relationship between academia and the market, the public sector and civil society becomes essential for the production of knowledge and scientific and technological development. The event relates especially to the SDG 17 - Partnerships for the Goals - as well as SDG 9 Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure, when proposes that the articulation and participation of all actors involved in tourism development shall promote innovation and a sustainable growth to the sector. Farther, it is possible to relate the results aimed with the event to several SDGs, such as SDG8, SDG 10, SDG11 and SDG12.

Birding Festivals in Honduras

15-10-2019

Honduras Turismo y Marketing S.A., organizes birding festivals geared towards locals to create interest in birdwatching as a healthy and rewarding hobby and promote conservation under the theme "healthy habitats for birds are also healthy for humans". Our birding festivals include presentations & workshops in topics relating to birds, birding, tourism and conservation, and are complemented with birding walks led by local birding guides and volunteers from the local birding clubs. Our first festival in the Caribbean Coast of Honduras in March 2019 won the Mindful Birding Award for promoting ethical birding (the 1st international recipient of the award). Our second festival in Marcala (scheduled for November 2019) will focus on the importance of tree-shade grown coffee habitat for migratory birds from North America. During the festival we will join in the celebration of World Migratory Bird Day. The Marcala Birding Festival will also showcase local coffee farmers that are diversifying their farm income with agritourism as a way to counteract issues in coffee production from climate change and volatile coffee prices. Our third festival is scheduled for Copan in 2020 and will focus on birds in Mayan mythology and iconography. For the logistics of the festivals we hire national birding guides as trip leaders and source food, entertainment, ground transportation, and lodging from locally owned and operated entrepreneurs and companies.

From Industrial Chocolate to Locally Made Chocolate

15-10-2019

Do you know how to make chocolate? When you visit Oveng lodge camp (a beautiful eco tourism camp in Cameroon), you can participate in a chocolate making workshop. The young Master who gave us the workshop for 1h30 minutes is very professional and teaches you the technique step by step. The site is also housing a plantation where you can taste fresh cocoa. The young Master supervises, but the cocoa making is done by yourself: it was very interesting. In the end, you leave with your 100% pure cocoa chocolate. I should have come with a small reusable jar because I have already stopped using single use plastic. It was a nice surprise that this young man from the Village is fully supported by the Site Oveng, school, and training hotel and catering. If one wants to fight against the rural exodus, the education, social and professional insertion of young people in activities generating income within their locality is important.

Urbanity Culture, Art And Sustainable Tourism Development

14-10-2019

Throughout the history of human civilization, some countries enjoyed a dynamic economy due to the capability of their people. This achievement created a thriving economy in a society, whose people provided the necessary context for the growth and excellence using their culture and art. This could also lead to the continuity of the human civilization and society. Creating a cultural, artistic, and tourism center with an economic nature opens up new possibilities to people to respond to their social and cultural concerns, and brings about dynamism and hope for a brilliant future. Today, large numbers of tourists from all over the world travel to become familiar with various cultures and arts of nations of the world, and the creation of a market for the exchange of cultural and artistic goods of different nations will naturally be tempting and appealing.

Think Sustainably - The Local Guide for Sustainable Helsinki

14-10-2019

City of Helsinki launches local sustainability programme in response to citizen concern about climate change. According to a survey carried out by the City of Helsinki in 2018, two thirds of residents identified the climate crisis as their major concern when thinking about the future of the city. In response, Helsinki has launched Think Sustainably, the world’s first online service that enables making sustainable choices as easy as using an app. The Think Sustainably empowers residents and visitors to make informed daily choices, rating the Finnish capital’s restaurants, attractions, shops and accommodation against bespoke sustainability criteria developed by Helsinki Marketing in collaboration with the independent think tank Demos Helsinki, local interest groups and sustainability experts. The service also includes a route planner feature that enables choosing emission-free transportation options to the wide variety of experiences on offer in the city. Cities house more than half of the world’s population and are responsible for over 70 per cent of the world’s energy-related carbon emissions (C40). The City of Helsinki recognises that cities are at the forefront of combating climate change and implementing innovative policies. The City is aware of the need of systemic change in habits and the programme is the latest initiative to support its 2035 carbon neutral target. In developing Think Sustainably, The City has recognised the unique role that cities play in creating solutions to enable change in everyday lifestyles to address the global climate crisis. The Think Sustainably digital service provides residents, visitors and business owners with practical tools to rethink their daily behaviour and make more sustainable lifestyle and business decisions. Currently gathering feedback from users, the Think Sustainably service is publicly available with plans to roll the programme out further and review its impact in 2020.

Australia’s South West Tourism Observatory (ASWTO)

14-10-2019

The Australia’s South West Sustainable Tourism Observatory (ASWTO) is the first of its kind in Australia and will be hosted by the Tourism Research Cluster of Curtin University supporting the formulation and implementation of sustainable tourism policies, strategies and management processes through continuous and systematic measurement of sustainability indicators. The observatory is supported by a committed group of public and private stakeholders and will start monitoring a set of 20 region-specific indicators covering 11 thematic areas, including: tourism seasonality, employment, energy-, water-, and solid waste management, economic benefits, governance, regional production cycles, inclusion and accessibility as well as landscape quality.

Advancing Development in Zimbabwe: Tourism Vocational Training in Zimbabwe

10-10-2019

The overall objective of the project is to expand vocational training for the tourism sector with a view to enabling tourism employees and unemployed youth and women to make a career in the tourism sector.

Making Sustainable Tourism a Key Driver for Biodiversity Conservation and Inclusive Development in Cross-Border Parks and Protected Areas of the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC)

10-10-2019

The main objective of this project is to develop sustainable tourism in cross-border parks and rich biodiversity in protected areas in the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) and contribute to poverty eradication, job creation, environmental and cultural preservation.

Advancing Sustainable Development Through Tourism: Regional Capacity-Building Programme in Tourism Statistics and Tourism Satellite Accounts

10-10-2019

The overall objective of this project is to strengthen national tourism statistical systems through regional capacity building workshops, in order to better understand the role of tourism in the national economy and contribute to evidence-based decisions in tourism policy, planning, and development.

Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism (MST) Pioneering Use of the MST Methodology

10-10-2019

To build a statistical infrastructure for measuring the sustainability of tourism, and in particular its economic, social, and environmental dimensions, at national and subnational levels.

Strengthening Governance through the development of Destination Management Organizations (DMOs)

10-10-2019

The overall objective is to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of the destinations by building sustainable and effective DMOs that create a framework favourable towards inclusive tourism growth that benefits tourists and local communities alike.

Becoming Leaders in Tourism Through UNWTO Executive Education courses

10-10-2019

The overall objective is to strengthen institutional knowledge on building a sustainable and responsible tourism sector, as well as on the role of tourism in the 2030 Agenda.

Research on Tourism Education and Training

10-10-2019

The overall objective of this project is to increase the understanding of required changes in tourism education based on research on developments in the tourism sector and its needs.

The UNWTO Tourism Education Fund

10-10-2019

The overall objective is to provide opportunities to future tourism leaders to enhance their capabilities and skills so that they are able to contribute to sustainable development through tourism.

Increasing the Employability of Women and Youth through the Development of Curricular Content at the Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree Leve

10-10-2019

The overall objective is to develop curricula in tourism that corresponds to the needs of the tourism sector and of the labour market and increase the employability of women and youth.

UNWTO.TedQual: Quality assurance in Tourism Education & Training to foster employability

10-10-2019

The overall objective is to foster employment and employability in tourism, especially for women and youth

Institutional Strengthening and Capacity Building on Financing Tourism for the 2030 Agenda

10-10-2019

The overall objective of this project is to empower policy makers to leverage the role of tourism and its financing to achieve the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs, and to secure more donor resources for tourism at the national and global levels.

1st UNWTO Foreign Direct Investment Guidelines for Poverty Reduction and Job Creation Massachusetts Institute for Technology (MIT)

10-10-2019

The overall objective is to enhance public-private partnerships through FDI investment in tourism and contribute to poverty reduction and job creation.

Doing While Advancing Peace and Development: Practical guidelines and Recommendations for Conflict-sensitive Tourism Practices in Post-conflict and Fragile States

10-10-2019

The overall objective is to create a tourism sector that is aware of its role in contributing to peace and conflict prevention in general and in post-conflict settings in particular.

Enhancing economic growth through a Local Community Tourism Awareness Campaign in Jordan

10-10-2019

The overall objective of this project is to develop and implement a programme to raise awareness about tourism as an important sector of Jordan’s economy, with benefits that can accrue to the local population.

Advancing Sustainable Development Through Tourism: Support in Building the National Brand of Tajikistan

10-10-2019

The main objective of the project is to advance sustainable development by providing support to the Government in the implementation, management and monitoring of its national tourism brand.

Supporting local rural communities in the southern region of Yerevan, Armenia

10-10-2019

The project´s main objective is to leverage Armenia’s rural heritage into an engine of economic growth, helping to develop remote areas and boost the regional and national economy by empowering local communities.

Circular Food for Sustainable Tourism in the Asia- Pacific Region

10-10-2019

The overall objective is to accelerate the necessary shift towards SCP through planning and strategy tools, including sustainable food solutions for corporate change across the value chain.

Supporting Regional Development through Rural Tourism in Ukraine

10-10-2019

The project´s main objective is to leverage Ukraine´s rural heritage as an engine of economic growth, helping to fight rural depopulation and boost the regional and national economy by empowering local communities.

Viengxay District Tourism Master Plan

10-10-2019

The overall objective is to create a sustainable tourism sector in Viengxay Town that provides decent jobs and contributes to socio-economic welfare, as well as to the preservation of cultural and natural assets.

Boosting sustainable development in Mongolia through Tourism Promotion

10-10-2019

The overall objective of this project is to contribute to economic development through increased international tourism flows.

Boosting Sustainable Development in Fiji through Tourism

10-10-2019

The overall objective of this project is to boost the economy and drive social development of Fiji through a Sustainable Tourism Development Policy.

TuMoDeLo: Turismo – Motor de Desarrollo Local in Costa Rica (Tourism – Engine for Local Development)

10-10-2019

The overall objective of this project is to improve the lives of farming communities in Costa Rica by consolidating a public-private partnership that connects the tourism and agriculture sectors for the implementation of sustainable procurement practices.

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08-10-2019

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Teaching and educating about the principles of Sustainable travel and tourism in Cameroon.

08-10-2019

As a new Community Ambassador for the Communities SGDs Ambassador Sustainability Objectives of the Youth Kmer Volunteers for SDGs program, throughout this year I will continue to teach and educate on the principles and tips of sustainable tourism. This tourism creates sustainable jobs in the community, respects the local culture and respects the environment. Obviously help, invest, work in synergy with other groups of young people to make a better Cameroon, a Cameroon where no one is left behind. The more I traveled, I realized I can not just travel without learning. I started to be a tourist and more I started to enjoy learning I started to enjoy sharing my travels journeys AS A CAMEROONIAN TRAVELER IN CAMEROON! I started to get involved I was doing while while traveling. To respect local cultures To protect the environment by going almost zero waste each time By teaching my travels After 5 years of local tourism with 3 included on sustainable tourism, 1 year as active contributor I have been selected as a SDGs Community Ambassador. So the initiative is to build a Community of responsible and sustainable travellers who will help the Government implement strategies to build a strong and sustainable tourism industry in Cameroon.

Tourism and Trade for Development in Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda

07-10-2019

The main objective of the project is to support inclusive tourism development and thereby help maximize the contribution of trade in services to development, job creation, and achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Contributing to sustainable development through tourism: the implementation of a national hotel classification system in Tunisia

07-10-2019

The overall objective is to enhance the tourism sector in Tunisia through a hotel classification system that contributes to economic growth, decent jobs, and well-being.

Advancing development through tourism: strengthening the system of tourism statistics and development of a tourism satellite account in Cameroon

07-10-2019

The overall objective of this project is to strengthen the national tourism statistical system to permit a better understanding of the role of tourism in the national economy and contribute to evidence-based decisions in tourism policy, planning, and development, with the aim of turning tourism into an engine for socio-economic development in Cameroon.

Estefanya Gordillo Loyola

30-09-2019

This descriptive research involves the social construction of 4 SDGs and their goals based on the main representatives of the tourism industry in Ecuador. This study to understand the planning and actions taken by industry agents, opening a discussion on the challenges of sustainable tourism in Ecuador to achieve the 2030 Agenda.

CURSO DE TURISMO SOSTENIBLE Y DESARROLLO LOCAL EN ÁREAS RURALES

25-09-2019

El curso está basado en el concepto del turismo como motor para la creación de actividades económicas y de empleo decente en las áreas rurales. Se analizaran las claves necesarias para que el turismo pueda ser una alternativa socioeconómica sostenible, y cuáles son los elementos a tener en cuenta para diseñar una estrategia de desarrollo rural basada en el turismo. Durante la formación se combinarán presentaciones de expertos con visitas de estudio e intercambio de experiencias entre los participantes de diferentes paises.

RED ROCKS COMMUNITY CONSERVATION CENTER

25-09-2019

Red Rocks community conservation center works with community livelihoods in biodiversity areas through research and projects that implement grassroot conservation of wildlife. We build community networks for conservation by the established summer institute. The community conservation center is based on the vision to create a sustainable business model in conservation work by creating eco-tourism schemes that focus on conservation based tourism. RESEARCH CENTER The research center is geared towards continued work that ensures we build sustainable business models for our environment and communities, we work to find sustainable solutions for the co-existence of our wildlife species alongside community people by improving the understanding of wildlife ecology, status and conservation requirements. Our activities involve developing practical solutions that mitigate wildlife-human conflict, environmental damage and climate change. SUMMER INSTITUTE The center’s summer Institute offers short-term opportunities to work on conservation and research projects through direct exposure to diverse wildlife plus also engaging students in the study and discussion of principles and best practices for sustainable conservation with hands-on experience. WILDLIFE PROTECTION AND CONSERVATION Our wildlife protection and conservation work comprises projects that are committed to the protection of the volcanoes endangered wildlife through conservation awareness and community engagement. We collaborate with communities to address a multitude of issues that impact people and wildlife

The Green Wall

19-09-2019

The Green Wall was founded in 2019 by Acacia Sustainability to provide consumers with sustainable alternatives to products and services used every day. The Green Wall aims to empower everyday consumers with information about products and services that are being sold today to reduce consumers impact on the environment. We hope that this will help in the shift to a low carbon economy and increased the demand for sustainable products and services. By making the choice to stay in a hotel or resort that has been certified by an eco-label such as Green Globe, Green Key, Travelife or EarthCheck, you are choosing accommodation that have taken steps to achieve several SGD’s. Hotels and resorts that have received an eco-label have taken steps to achieving several SDG’s. Green Globe for example identified three key goals that relate to sustainable tourism and are built into their more than 40 sustainability criteria to receive certification: Goal 8: Decent work and economic growth; Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production; and Goal 14: Life below water. To search for hotels and resorts that have achieved an eco-label certification, visit The Green Wall’s Hotels & Resorts page.

Giving back - Social and Responsible Tourism

19-09-2019

Impacto social a comunidades necesitadas, apoyando a micro empresarios locales por medio del comercio justo, voluntariado y donaciones a programas de desarrollo local por medio del turismo socialmente responsable. Ofrecer a un grupo selecto de viajeros la oportunidad de impactar positivamente a las comunidades locales, quienes tienen el deseo de ayudar y contribuir a la desigualdad en el mundo, con su tiempo y recursos. We support local communities through social and responsible tourism programmes, involving local artisans and entrepreneurs. We provide high-end customers and luxury travellers the opportunity to give back to Guatemalan communities, working together with NGOs supporting with donations, volunteering and fair trade.

Contributing to the carbon neutrality of travelers visiting Mauritius.

19-09-2019

Mauritius Conscious Travel achieves a sustainable milestone. Mauritius Conscious Travel, a sustainable travel agency in collaboration with AERA Group, the pioneer of carbon finance in Africa, contributes to the carbon neutrality of travellers visiting Mauritius. Supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals, Mauritius Conscious Travel has achieved its 1st carbon offset transaction by compensating 79 tons of CO2 emissions. The monetized carbon credits collected by the travel agency are destined, through AERA, to the 1st solar photovoltaic project in Mauritius: La Ferme Bambous. In their efforts to reduce the CO2 produced by their trips, Mauritius Conscious offers tailor-made packages including eco-friendly accommodations, use of public transportation and non-motorized activities for positive impact including clean-ups in nature, reforestation efforts and bio-agriculture workshops in collaboration with local NGOs. Romina Tello, CEO of Mauritius Conscious Travel highlights ‘Limiting the negative aspects of tourism is no longer enough. Today, tourism needs to embrace restorative actions to benefit the places we visit.’

Women Empowerment through Arts & Crafts

19-09-2019

Red Rocks initiatives for sustainable Development improvised ways to empower women so that they can become their own agents of positive change. Community arts and crafts projects made a positive contribution toward empowering Women to improve their wellbeing, enhance the sense of self and self and economical gains.

National Dance Award with History 2020

17-09-2019

2° National Dance Award with History 2020, is an initiative imagined by the Society of Historical, Archaeological and Geographical Studies of Chile, in conjunction with the directors of the Oriental Dance Academy Najmah All Sahara. The event, after being included in 2019 in the list of international events that contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), has become the most important contest for rescue of the cultural heritage of Oriental Dance in Chile. With the main objective of stimulating creation in the field of historical research and geographical - historical analysis of oriental dance and tribal fusion in the continent, the meeting has been designed to educate the audience through dance and its interpretations with historical foundations, promoting good health and well-being through dance, with emphasis on social inclusion and gender equality. The contest, which hopes to bring together important representatives of the country and the American continent, will be held in the beautiful World Heritage City of Valparaíso; promoting tourism and the multicultural relationship. The alliance between the Dance Academy and the History Society, goes to show that both history and dance are made up of multiple aspects, beyond the technique or trajectory of those who represent them, in such a way that we have created a unique space for the multidisciplinary study of dance's history and its artistic interpretation. The event is sponsored by the Historical Bulletin (ISSN 0719-7802), a scientific journal that will publish all the reviews submitted to the contest.

Día Mundial del Turismo

09-09-2019

En el marco de la Semana Mundial de Acción por los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible y en el Primer Festival de Acción por los ODS Costa Rica 2019, estaremos celebrando el Día Mundial del Turismo, con la charla Turismo y empleo: un futuro mejor para todos. Esta actividad totalmente gratuita se realizará a las 9:00 am en el Auditorio de Administración Universitaria de la Universidad Técnica Nacional (Sede Central, Villa Bonita) Alajuela, Costa Rica.

Travel4SDGs - #Interrail4SDGs

09-09-2019

I love traveling. I know a lot of people that too. Tourism grows and at the same time, tourismphobia does. Here, I want to share my ways of traveling in a sustainable way and to help local development with a social impact. Now I'm doing an interrail 4 SDGs, visiting different social projects, NGOs, co-working spaces, asylum seeker, social centers, squatting places,... If you know anyone I can visit, tell me, please! At the same time, I'm traveling with toys of different races, sexual orientations and wheelchairs to take photos for social inclusion. My name's Mari Trini. I'm 29 years old. I consider myself a citizen of the world. I'm a Multimedia Content Creator freelance. This interrail is the first trip of more than I hope come, 4SDGs! It's an interrail with a social conscience, since this trip has been a #MySocialRights photo prize from the European Commission. Specifically, "#MySocialEurope photo competition - How should the Future of social Europe look like?" organized by DG EMPL - DG for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion. Trying to answer that same question ("How should the Future of social Europe look like?") and following the European Pillar of Social Rights structured around: equal opportunities and access to the labour market, fair working conditions and social protection, I will continue taking photographs, while traveling through Europe with the Global Pass ticket. Now I'm looking for: - inspirational projects I can document, taking photos and / or making videos. - sponsors to help me with the budget and can buy some material as a drone, a 360 camera,...to can do the project more innovative, create better multimedia content and achieve a good dissemination.

A Sustainable Hero Trail to discover the 17 SDGs.

30-08-2019

You learn about the 17 SDGs in a challenging trail. What are the SDGs? What do they each stand for? And above all what can you do to contribute to a better world for everyone? Hidrodoe is in 2019 one of the six SDG Voices in Belgium. For a whole year we tell and educate about the SDGs. Hidrodoe is a tourist attraction in Belgium. A interactive science center about water. This extra exhibition/trail is included in the normal admission price.

Help the local economy while travelling

30-08-2019

.The story of this Kaba. For a cultural festival I needed traditional outfits. I could have taken some at home but the travel instructions came down the day before and were "travel light" Result i just take 1 that I wear before the big ceremony. The day before the official ceremony, I went to the market with my travel friend. Understand Nkongsamba is a shopping city. You will find everything. Absolutely everything. I bought and left 3 material at 11am at her cousin's. An amateur stylist I told her to have fun as its pleases her. At 17 am this outfit was ready. The other 2 ready the next day. What I like most about tourism is "leaving money on the spot", contributing to the local economy. Events like the Festival help boost the small and big business. Oh I also took a bag for my camera, it's the one hanging on my arm and that was very useful for 5 days :) Traveling is good Traveling useful is even better. # Tourism4Sdgs # SDGS8 #Cameroon #Cameroon #NKongsamba

Panama City Tourism Observatory

27-08-2019

The Tourism Observatory of Panama City is the first of its kind in Panama. Established in 2018, the objective of the Observatory is to collect and organize timely and quality information for the planning of tourism in the country, supporting decision makers in the planning and strengthening of sustainable tourism in Panama. Leading the way in tourism data management, the Observatory will be leading the way for similar initiatives throughout the country, gathering valuable experiences for future expansions. With the purpose to increase also the public participation, especially from local communities, in development processes, the Observatory is hosted by the National Tourism Chamber of Panama and counts on the support of many different stakeholders in the destination.

Aegean Islands Observatory

27-08-2019

Established by the University of the Aegean in collaboration with UNWTO and with the support of the Ministry of Tourism of Greece, the first Sustainable Tourism Observatory in Europe opened in the Aegan Islands, the main archipelago of Greece, in early 2013. The observatory has several physical sites, one in Rhodes for the South Aegean, another in Chios for the North Aegean, and one at the University of Aegean in Mytilene, on the island of Lesvos. The monitoring efforts focus on the environmental, social and economic impacts of tourism in the Aegean archipelago and seek to serve as a model to expand the concept to a national level. The monitoring and implementation of sustainable tourism practices are being realized in close cooperation with the tourism public and private sector in the area of the Aegean.

Tourism Observatory of the City of Buenos Aires

27-08-2019

The Tourism Observatory of the City of Buenos Aires is a General Direction within the Buenos Aires Tourism Board, under the direct supervision of the President of the Buenos Aires Tourism Board. The Buenos Aires Tourism Board reports to the General Secretary of International Affairs, under the direct supervision of the Mayor of Buenos Aires, who is the Head of the government of the city. The mission of the Buenos Aires Tourism Observatory is to gather data and generate key information to guide the private and public sectors’ decision making process and to become global leaders in the production of strategic knowledge using Big Data and innovative research methods, thus strengthening tourism governance and taking effective data driven decisions in an ever-changing and competitive market.

Antigua Guatemala Sustainable Tourism Observatory

27-08-2019

The Antigua Guatemala Sustainable Tourism Observatory is located in the city of La Antigua Guatemala, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Observatory will periodically collect data and scientific evidence as it monitors the effect tourism has on the historic city. This data will then be used to assess how tourism can best be used to help drive sustainable growth and development.

Navarre Tourism Observatory

27-08-2019

As first Tourism Observatory in Spain to join INSTO, the Navarre Tourism Observatory aims to be the reference site for stakeholders at all levels and to support them with Tourism Intelligence in the successful strengthening of tourism as a strategic activity for the region in a context of maximum sustainability. The Observatory is hosted by the Directorate of Tourism and Trade of the Government of Navarre and builds upon already established monitoring activities in the economic area, extending its efforts to a wider monitoring approach, including regular measurement of social and environmental impacts of the sector.

South Tyrol Sustainable Tourism Observatory

27-08-2019

The South Tyrol Sustainable Tourism Observatory was established in 2018 and is aiming at continuously monitoring, evaluating and communicating on South Tyrol’s (i.e. the Autonomous Province of Bolzano/Bozen) tourism developments and the impacts they have. With the generated data in areas such as mobility, climate change, regional products and quality control, employment and many other topics, the Observatory will support awareness raising activities and decision-making processes of different stakeholders groups, serving the local community as think-tank that fosters communication, collaboration and evidence-based destination management.

Alentejo Sustainable Tourism Observatory

27-08-2019

The Alentejo Sustainable Tourism Observatory was created through a partnership between Portugal Tourism, the Regional Tourism Board of Alentejo, the University of Évora, as well as both the Polytechnic Institute of Portalegre and Santarém. ASTO is the first monitoring entity within a nation-wide observatory initiative launched by the Portugese Government in the framework of the 2027 Tourism Strategy. Monitoring areas include, among others: Community Participation, Tourism Seasonality, Competitiveness of Tourism Businesses, Water Availability and Conservation, Local Satisfaction With Tourism; Destination Economic Benefits; Employment.

Toba Lake Tourism Observatory

27-08-2019

Hosted by the University of Sumatera Utara, the observatory monitors Pangururan in which there are 25 villages and 3 urban villages.

Sanur Tourism Observatory

27-08-2019

Hosted by the Research Centre for Culture and Tourism of the Udayana University, the Observatory monitors Sanur tourism destination consisting of three villages which are Sanur Kauh Village, Sanur Village and Sanur Kaja Village.

Sonoma County Sustainable Tourism Observatory

27-08-2019

The monitoring area of the Sonoma County Sustainable Tourism Observatory is strategically located 45 minutes North of the Golden Gate Bridge and the metropolitan areas of San Francisco and Silicon Valley. Thanks to the region's premier position as a wine destination, its proximity to major innovation hubs and its abundant variety of culinary and scenic attractions, the area attracts millions of visitors every year. The observatory is the first of its kind under the umbrella of the Coalition to Observe and Advance Sustainable Tourism (COAST), which aims to serve as an anchor for a possible network of Pacific Coast observatories, connecting key tourism destinations along the Pacific Coast of North America from San Francisco and the Channel Islands , stretching from San Francisco and the Channel Islands in the south to Vancouver and Victoria BC in the north. The observatory aims to share best practices which have been developed in the destination and learn from other member destinations of the INSTO network to advance its work, especially in the areas of water management, the impacts of agricultural-tourism growth, climate change responsiveness, the viable regeneration of essential public places, employment and local living opportunities, among others.

Pangandaran Tourism Observatory

27-08-2019

Pangandaran is located on the southern coast of the island of Java and has become a popular tourist destination because of its famous surfing beach. Hosted by the Bandung Institute of Technology, the Observatory focuses on monitoring tourism impacts in the Batukaras Village, which is located in the Cijulang District of the Pangandaran Regency.

Sleman Tourism Observatory

27-08-2019

Hosted by the Magister and Doctor Tourism Program of the Graduate School of Gadjah Mada University, the University the observatory seeks to foster an increased understanding of sustainable tourism development in the regency. The initial regional scope of the observatory focuses on the tourism village of Pulesari in Wonokerto, Turi district of Sleman, which is increasingly known for its potential of outdoor activities. The work of the observatory includes the assessment of the village as a destination for sustainable tourism and the analysis of current and possible tourism activities in that area.

Lombok Tourism Observatory

27-08-2019

Hosted by the Faculty of Economics of Mataram University, the observatory monitors two destinations, namely Sesaot and Senggigi, both nature-based tourist destinations. While Sesaot is only in its initial phase of development and located within the island, Senggigi is - in comparison - more known due to its coastal character with beaches, housing already a small variety of different accommodations. For both destinations, it is the goal to qualify them as sustainable tourist destinations based on local involvement, creating positive impacts for all stakeholders.

Croatian Sustainable Tourism Observatory

27-08-2019

The Croatian Sustainable Tourism Observatory (CROSTO) is hosted by the Institute for Tourism in Zagreb, which is responsible for monitoring sustainable tourism in the Adriatic Croatia. CROSTO advises local communities on minimizing possible negative impacts of tourism development and measures their economic benefits and energy, water and waste control. The country's commitment to sustainability has been emphasized in its Tourism Development Strategy 2020. The initiative aims at fostering innovation in the framework of sustainable tourism.

The Tourism and Events Observatory of the City of São Paulo

27-08-2019

The Tourism and Events Observatory of the City of São Paulo (OTE) is a pioneer in data collection and analysis for the tourism in the State capital. Lead by the Department of Research and Market Intelligence of São Paulo Turismo, OTE was created in 2008 with the goal of analyzing the tourism behavior and the events segment in São Paulo.

Guanajuato Tourism Observatory

27-08-2019

The Tourism Observatory of Guanajuato was created in 2008 and is an organization dedicated to permanently research, analyze, evaluate and consult about the performance of the tourism sector. It is monitoring tourism activity in the entire State of Guanajuato through an inter-sectoral and multidisciplinary approach that allows for measuring and monitoring tourism in various relevant aspects. It focusses its efforts especially on issues regarding governance, tourism demand, tourism services offer, infrastructure, local community benefits, tourist attractions and sustainability.

Jiangmen Observatory

27-08-2019

The Jiangmen Observatory is the ninth observatory in China. Situated at the Pearl River Estuary and south of the South China Sea, Jiangmen has a permanent resident population of 4.51 million inhabitants.The monitoring efforts of the observatory focus especially on measuring the overall development of tourism, including local economic benefits, local satisfaction, employment, seasonality, water, sewage and waste water management, as well as the protection of the existing World Culture Heritage Sites in the destination.

Xishuangbanna Observatory

27-08-2019

Xishuangbanna is an eco-tourism area rich in natural, historical and cultural resources which include folklore, tropical rain forests, rare plants and wildlife. An additional feature of Xishuangbanna is the composition of its population, with 13 ethnic groups besides the Han living in this region. The focus of the observatory lies on monitoring sustainability and indigenous groups, ensuring that tourism generates socio-economic benefits for the various communities.

Changshu Observatory

27-08-2019

Changshu is a county-level city under the jurisdiction of Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, and is part of the Yangtze River Delta. The city covers an area of 1276 square kilometers (including the Yangtze River water area). In Chinese county-level city, it is the first city owning the title of “National Garden City” and “International Garden City”. For the past 5 years, income from the tourism sector has increased on average by more than 20% on a yearly basis. Meanwhile, the number of visitor has risen by more than 10% yearly. The observatory focuses on two major themes: 'the development of the tourism industry in developed areas and enhancement of residents' quality of life and overall happiness' as well as 'the development and ecological conservation of the tourism industry in developed areas'.

Henan Observatory

27-08-2019

The Henan Observatory is focusing on two cities within the Henan province, namely Luoyang and Jiaozuo. The province is situated in the central-eastern part of China on the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River. It is one of the main birthplaces of Chinese Nation and Chinese Civilization, where cultural sites and natural landscapes coexist harmoniously. Overall, there are 4 ancient capitals within the province. Luoyang, capital during multiple dynasties, is home to Baima Si (White Horse Temple). Founded in the 1st century, it's among China’s first Buddhist temples. Nearby, the Longmen Grottoes have Buddhist rock carvings dating to the 5th century. Due to these attractions, tourism has become a core sector of Henan’s economy. The observatory's monitoring efforts include research regarding the socio-economic and environmental aspects of tourism development as well as the protection of historical relic and the tourism development around these sites.

Kanas Observatory

27-08-2019

Bordering Kazakhstan, Russia and Mongolia, Kanas is a lake nature reserve in north-west China. The lake is located in a valley in the Altai Mountains, near the very northern tip of Xinjiang and the major tourism attraction in that part of the country. Due to its rural characteristic with its vast natural resources, the Kanas Observatory focuses its monitoring efforts especially on tourism in remote and border areas.

Chengdu Observatory

27-08-2019

Chengdu is the fourth most populated city in mainland China and the capital of the Sichuan province and an important economic hub in western China. Chengdu's history dates back to at least the 4th century B.C., when it served as capital for the Shu Kingdom. The city is one of China’s most visited destinations, which is why the Chengdu Observatory is naturally focused on tourism and urbanization, along with post-disaster reconstruction.

Zhangjiajie Observatory

27-08-2019

Zhangjiajie, a city in the northwest of China's Hunan province, is home to the famed Wulingyuan Scenic Area. This protected zone encompasses thousands of jagged quartzite sandstone columns, many of which rise over 200m, as well as caves filled with stalactites and stalagmites. The third observatory in China was established at the entrance of the National Park of Zhangjiajie in the Hunan province, China. The park is the first national forest park in China, receiving up to 40 000 visitors a day during high season. Tourism is the main sector in the area, and the focus of the Zhangjiajie Observatory is tourism for regional development.

Huangshan Observatory

27-08-2019

A UNESCO World Heritage site and one of China’s major tourist destinations, Huangshan is a mountain range in the southern province of Anhui, famous for its unique granite peak scenery. Besides the scenic area around the site, the observatory focuses its efforts also on two villages, namely Xidi and Hongcun, which are located in Yi county, Huangshan City, and which are also listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These two villages are vivid illustrations of a type of human settlement created during a feudal period and based on a prosperous trading economy. The observatory monitoring these sites focuses especially on environmental and cultural heritage protection.

Yangshuo Observatory

27-08-2019

Yangshuo is a county in the northeastern region of Guangxi, about 1.5h away from the city Guilin. The area is most famous for its dramatic karst mountain landscape and outdoor recreation. In 2006, the observatory which focuses on both Yangshuo and Guilin, was the first to be established, due to the fast rise in tourism in the region, and the growing importance of the sector to the area. Its focus lies especially on community participation and tourism impacts.

UNWTO International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories

27-08-2019

The UNWTO International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO) was created in 2004 with the main objective to support the continuous improvement of sustainability and resilience in the tourism sector through systematic, timely and regular monitoring of tourism performance and impact and to connect dedicated destinations in order to better understand destination-wide resource use and foster the responsible management of tourism. Through the systematic application of monitoring, evaluation and information management techniques, the initiative provides policy makers, planners, tourism managers and other relevant stakeholders with key tools to strengthen institutional capacities to support the formulation and implementation of sustainable tourism policies, strategies, plans and management processes.

Waikato Tourism Monitoring Observatory

27-08-2019

The Waikato Tourism Monitoring Observatory is the first observatory to open in New Zealand and is hosted by the Waikato Management School of the University of Waikato. The Waikato Observatory seeks to support the strengthening of the world famous surfing town Raglan as a sustainable destination, while continuing to protect the unique landscapes and the biodiversity of Waitomo and its iconic tourist attraction the Waitomo Caves. The observatory focuses its monitoring efforts especially on crucial socio-cultural aspects such as ‘local and visitor satisfaction’, ‘destination economic benefits’, ‘tourism seasonality’ and ‘development control’. Over time, efforts will be extended, covering additional thematic areas related to waste management, housing issues, water supply and sewage management, among others.

Summer School LeVERAGE: ICTs for Tourism Information and Communication Technologies in Tourism for preserving LiVing hERitAGE

27-08-2019

2019 Summer School of the UNESCO chair in ICT to develop and promote sustainable tourism in World Heritage Sites, established at USI - Università della Svizzera italiana (Lugano, Switzerland). The 2019 Summer School of the UNESCO chair takes place in Switzerland: the activities of the first two days (August 24th and 25th) are running within the 2019 edition of the MEM Summer Summit in Lugano, then the group is moving to Val Müstair, home to the Benedictine Convent of St John at Müstair, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The focus is on living heritage, which is living practices and expressions passed down from generation to generation and constantly recreated by communities in response to their environment, their relationship with nature and their history. The importance of living heritage is not the cultural manifestation itself but rather the wealth of knowledge and skills that is transmitted. Lectures, visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites and Biospheres reserves, hands-on exercises and a range of formal and informal activities will allow participants to understand how to leverage ICTs for a sustainbale tourism that is able to preserve and transmit living heritage.

ComeMakeWeGo Ado-Awaye : Getting the community involved in their own development

26-08-2019

Getting the community involved in their own development is one of the reasons why I began ComeMakeWeGo Africa. We tell local communities; "Invest in what you have, with what you have, and watch how people would be eager to invest more in you. Flashback to some months ago, when we decided to focus on promoting AdoAwaye - an untapped destination in Nigeria with Africa's only recognized suspended lake, and one of the best hiking spots in Nigeria. We can remember how the community chiefs welcomed me, at first they thought I was bringing plenty of money from the government for them - but instead, we were evangelizing on how they should invest as little as they have to move the place forward before government or other people can show support. They complained about the lack of funds and we usually responded; "what funds do you really need when we have people among you with needed skills, and we can get basic materials from almost everywhere around your village.." Boom! They have understood us! and now, they have started investing In what they have with what they have. Now the people of AdoAwaye are saying; We dream of better Chalets, but now, we have one made of wood. We dream of better staircases, but now, we have one made of wood. We dream of bigger investments, but now, we are investing in ourselves. At ComeMakeWeGo, we believe in Sustainable Development; hence, we have ensured that; 1. All trees cut down to make the wooden stairs were replaced- #SDGs 12,13 & 15 2. We have kept a policy in place to adequately compensate the local laborers involved in the construction. - #SDGs 1, 2, 8.

CAMEROONIAN TRAVELLERS PROMOTING LOCAL AND RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION

26-08-2019

THE IMPORTANCE OF LOCAL DINING ON A TRAVEL Tourism and local consumption. Whenever I travel, I always consume local menus. That's to say if I'm in the North, I obviously eat rice couscous with vegetables, rice porridge. ➡️If I am in Central-Southeast, I eat vegetables, freshwater fish and beef. In coastal areas I eat seafood and marine species. Obviously Grassfield obviously couscous and all the sauces that accompany. The only things I eat are not the forbidden menus in my own culture (snake, palm tree rat for example) and the species that are forbidden to hunt / protected. If I have never tasted a dish, I will find out, respect my host and his culture. Why? I realized that eating and buying locally grown seasonal foods was much better. FoodThe local food is part of the culture. And traveling means learning and respecting culture, preserving heritage. Experiencing the local culture is a big part of traveling and trying traditional food is largely related to this cultural experience. Traditional foods are part of the heritage of a country or region and are deeply rooted in the memory of the local population. Responsible production and consumption is the way to go, according to # SDG12 FoodLocal Food supports the community, helps create decent jobs and boosts economic growth in line with # SDG 8. Supporting the local community is a very important aspect of the trip. Choosing to have a coffee in a local café, a snack in a street meal or a lunch at a local restaurant is a simple way to become a socially responsible tourist. Eating in local places supports local businesses and the local economy, while creating connections between locals and travelers. Travelers who stay only a few days in the same place may think that there is not enough time to build relationships, but eating will be part of the local community's perception of tourists and sometimes even nationalities.

Understanding Tourist Behaviors towards resources of a destination

25-08-2019

Creating micro videos of tourist behaviors towards resources of a state, Educational videos that create awareness of such behaviors and the regulations.

Layag: Tourism and Hospitality Research Conference 2019

23-08-2019

In line with World Tourism Day, Lumina Foundation for Integral Human development through the Network of Professional Researchers and Educators and Lyceum of the Philippines University Batangas through the College of International Tourism and Hospitality Management will host the first LAYAG whose aim is to gather academicians, researchers and industry partners to share their research output related to sustaibale tourism and contribute to the growing industry. For more information email us at layag.lumina@gmail.com

Sociology of Leisure and Tourism

23-08-2019

The Sociology of Leisure and Tourism course at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) will help undergraduate students to understand tourism from a sociological perspective. Students will analyze and study topics such as: -Sociological perspectives on environmental sustainability in tourism -Sociological perspectives on cultural sustainability in tourism -Tourism and the Sustainable Development Goals -The role of tangible and intangible cultural heritage for host communities -Integration of local communities in the tourism value chain -The importance of the collaboration between local communities, governments, and members of the hospitality industry Moreover, being the class taught in Las Vegas, which is one of the most famous tourism destinations in the world, students will reflect on the city's role in the hospitality industry, especially focusing on sustainability and tourism practices. Students will use research-based material produced by both the Department of Sociology and the International Gaming Institute at UNLV. Instructor: Marta Soligo

Sustainable city discovery: fall in love with any city

22-08-2019

We started Secret City Trails for locals to fall in love with their own cities again. We developed our first riddle game in the centre of Amsterdam showing locals places they had no idea existed. Some spots are hiding in plain sight, others are truly hidden and only found by solving our riddles. After the positive feedback on our first game in Amsterdam, Kristina and I travelled to other cities we’d lived in and created discovery games there too. Initially we focused on targeting locals in new cities. But, we soon learned about the huge opportunity of marketing our games to travellers. Did you know that cities represent half of global international travel? Today we can stay with locals, book all our flights and accommodation online, but the way we discover cities has barely changed over the last 50+ years. The most popular way to discover - and learn about - a city is still large group walking tours. We’re both frequent travellers and we had grown bored with (free) group walking tours that started at fixed times, generally took us to a city’s main (crowded) sights, took place with too many people (you can’t hear the guide) and had to be pre-booked. Our city discovery games are made up of riddles which guide you from one place to the next. Along the way, as you solve the riddles by answering questions about your surroundings, you unlock stories about heritage, history, art and culture. All games are played via a web app and don’t require any downloads! It’s creative locals who follow our ‘playbook’ (guidelines) and create wicked adventures. In exchange for creating and maintaining their city games, they receive a share of the revenue of each game sold (thus we empower local entrepreneurs!) Not only has travel to cities has grown rapidly, there’s an increase in demand for more experiential and sustainable travel . We're excited to promote cultural heritage all over Europe, take more travellers off the beaten path and work with more locals across our region.

Red Rocks Cultural Festival

20-08-2019

Since its inception, a few years back, the cultural tourism week has brought about positive gains to communities through its focus on bringing Tourism, Conservation and community for a sustainable development. The event brings community, conservation and tourism stakeholders together for sustainable development around the Volcanoes National Park. Through the cultural tourism week communities have a chance to exchange ideas and learn from one another how they can use their talents, culture, and other local tools for development through effective sustainable planning, maximizing social and economic benefits to locals, and reducing tourism’s negative impact to cultural and environmental heritages? During the event local community members will be happy to share their success stories concerning harnessing tourism as a means of socio-economic and sustainable development. Apart from celebrating viable conservation efforts that the local community has undertaken, attendants will also have the chance to meet different tourism and conservation players from a broad spectrum in the industry who will provide with significant details about the history of ecotourism around the Virunga massif, and the greater need to promote awareness of ecotourism concepts and approaches the government and private institutions have undertaken to encourage growth of ecotourism. Rwanda is a small country that prides itself in its rich and diversified cultural heritage. Passed from generation to generation, they include customs, practices, places, objects, artistic expressions and values among others, and often expressed as either tangible or intangible cultural heritage. Our community members will exhibit hands-on experience of how Red Rocks is keeping our cultural heritage alive. There will be a show of how local community benefits from tourism activities together with the ways we can preserve our pristine culture for the benefit of future generation. Visitors will participate in different cultu

Asian Ecotourism Standard for Accommodations

20-08-2019

In response to the disbandment of the Japan Ecolodge Association, the GSTC recognized standard, Environmentally Sustainable Accommodations International Standard (ESAIS), has transferred all its rights to Asian Ecotourism Network (AEN) as the end of year 2017. The revision of the original standard took place within AEN to reflect 1) the changes made to comply with the updated GSTC Industry Criteria and 2) the Asian ecotourism contexts and deleted the Japanese contexts that were not relevant for other Asian countries. The shaded criteria comply with the GSTC-HTO standard. The adoption of the standard will help the nature-based lodges to achieve SDGs and collect relevant evidences. Rules to meet the standard: All criteria are encouraged to be used for all nature-based lodges and resorts regardless of the size. It can be used as a checklist. Depending on the country or geographical setting, some criteria are difficult to apply thus they are made as optional criteria. We will be setting the rules for ones that satisfy our standard in the form of recognition and/or awards with an opportunity for annual internal and periodic third party auditing. The details will be made available here on the website.

Asian Ecotourism Standard for Accommodations

14-08-2019

In response to the disbandment of the Japan Ecolodge Association, the GSTC recognized standard, Environmentally Sustainable Accommodations International Standard (ESAIS), has transferred all its rights to Asian Ecotourism Network (AEN) as the end of year 2017. The revision of the original standard took place within AEN to reflect 1) the changes made to comply with the updated GSTC Industry Criteria and 2) the Asian ecotourism contexts and deleted the Japanese contexts that were not relevant for other Asian countries. The shaded criteria comply with the GSTC-HTO standard. The adoption of the standard will help the nature-based lodges to achieve SDGs and collect relevant evidences. Rules to meet the standard: All criteria are encouraged to be used for all nature-based lodges and resorts regardless of the size. It can be used as a checklist. Depending on the country or geographical setting, some criteria are difficult to apply thus they are made as optional criteria. We will be setting the rules for ones that satisfy our standard in the form of recognition and/or awards with an opportunity for annual internal and periodic third party auditing. The details will be made available here on the website.

Volunteer World

13-08-2019

Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find a program that matches your interests and skills through Volunteer World! We are the largest volunteer abroad comparison platform around the globe, enabling you to seek and compare offers from major travel agencies as well as smaller grassroots NGOs and local specialists in more than 80 countries. All these with just one click! Find projects in wildlife, teaching, community development, and several other areas. Simply choose your desired destination and desired travel date, and our search engine will compare the best volunteer abroad programs on your behalf. Whether you wish to gain experience at a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa or teach English at a monastery in Nepal, we've got you covered. Volunteer World guarantees a quick and easy application. We will guide you through this process, as well as help plan your next meaningful trip. We provide free access to quality-checked projects and flexible options. And if anything goes wrong, we've got your back with our qualified support team and our refund guarantee.

ginexan

09-08-2019

ginexan

RED ROCKS POTTERY WORKSHOP

08-08-2019

Pottery is more than an activity in Rwanda, but it is a way of expressing our cultural values and telling our story through imagination, creativity and skill. The beauty of the end product shows who we are. Telling our story and living the story are two different things. This is why on 21st of July 2019, we organized a pottery workshop at the Red Rocks Campsite and welcomed participants from all walks life to experience the story of Rwanda people of the Northern Province of Musanze through pottery.Working side by side with the community, our visitors were provided with the opportunity to immerse themselves in the traditional Rwandese methods of ceramic production. As a sustainable tourism organization, we seek to create transformation from our travel experiences and provide deeper connections between cultures. Our visitors had to get their hands dirty. They had to form that bond and learn from the people by practically participating in the local activities. This is what makes our programs unique. All the pieces made during the workshop were produced by our visitors and artisans from the community. The workshop had some benefits for both the community and visiting tourists; it was a perfect way to unwind after a stressful day at work. Those who attended met new people, and created new bonds while working in a creative and tranquil environment.

capacity building form sustainable tourism in rural areas with different stakeholders perspective

05-08-2019

The respct of local community and convresation of environment

Travellers 237 with no plastic

26-07-2019

As a traveller, we need to practice a more sustainable way to follow our journey . As such, decision was made to stop using plastic single use bottles when travelling in Cameroon. Reusable bottles are a solution to be me responsible travellers.

Jawhartourism

25-07-2019

My self vaibhav from jawhar maharashtra india fron tribal area and working from last three years to genrate local environment through tourism to stop migration of local tribal people in nearby cities. Www.jawhartourism.com +919226872187 +917720092187

Red Rocks Education Initiatives for Sustainable Development

22-07-2019

The above statement is the premise behind establishment of Red Rocks Kindergarten in Nyakinama village, Musanze district, where 150 children between the age of three and five years now enrolled to receive early childhood education. Most of the children come from vulnerable families in this tourism rich district. The children are provided holistic education and we initiated this program to provide the best care for these young kids from poor rural families who otherwise would not have had access to early intervention in education at this young age due to their family backgrounds. The early years of life are critical for a child’s growth and development. Kids who are well nurtured, instructed and cared for during their earliest years in a family and social environment are more likely to grow physically and mentally healthy, develop language, thinking, social and emotional skills and achieve their full potential when they become adults. The establishment of the kindergarten is part of Red Rocks Initiatives for Sustainable Development’s efforts to integrate tourism, conservation and community development around the Volcanoes National Parks, their parents have been actively involved in income generating activities like making of traditional handcrafts they sell to tourists to uplift their living standards. We realized that apart from helping their parents to market their skills and products, their children also needed an early good start in life and this is how the idea of the kindergarten was born. With support of donors and well-wishers, we also purchase them scholastic materials they need so that they can have the best education possible at their early age. We teach the children positive values and Rwandan culture so that they can be agents to push forward the country’s rich cultural heritage and also involve them in bible studies to instill discipline in them at early age. Our government has made positive strides in provision of education, but still there are some

Taketombo Corp. - Social Innovation Design Enterprise

22-07-2019

TAKETOMBO instigates social innovation activation in rural craft towns of Japan. The hype generated for 2020 Tokyo Olympic, and Japan's government's new target to drive tourist growth from 20 to 40 million in-bound visitors by 2020, and 60 million by 2060 maybe driving economic growth for Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. It is also creating negative impact to these major locations: local residential lives disruption, trash, traffic, pollution ...etc. It is also accelerating rural-to-urban migration. Overall population with age over 65 is at record high of 28%. (World Economic Forum (4/2019). Some rural towns are seeing as high as 32-35%. Simulation also shows hundreds of regional municipalities may disappear in 40-50 years. Consolidation of shrinking municipalities are also destroying their history and cultural identities (as towns assume new names with little to no relevancy to town history). OPPORTUNITY - Leverage explosive tourist growth and trending experiential tourism & eco-tourism development. - Leverage No.1 Competitive Advantage of Japan: Artisanship & Diligence - Diversification - Create a new sustainable practice that stimulate economy growth of declining towns. CREATIVE BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY - RESILIENCE COMMUNITIES - ECONOMIC GROWTH (1) Divert investments and draw attention from overcrowding Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka (2) Leverage foreign interests to create aspiration for new generation rural lifestyle for the locals. (3) Leverage global creative ideas and Japan artisanship to create new functional objects or art objects. Open new market and business channel. (4) Protect and sustain craft legacies. (5) Activate declining rural towns. Bring new traffic to towns through quality experiential tourism and cultural exchange, one town at a time. (6) Bring awareness to Cultural Sustainability. (7) Renew legacy craft town "brands".

KitManif

17-07-2019

KITmanif, an interactive and dynamic platform, proposes to event organizers to move towards sustainable development by including this component in the organization stages of the event. The organizers of small or large events will not only be able to consult the given information, but also to create their personalized "kit" free of charge, according to the profile of their event, in order to archive tips, procedures, practical tools, as well as the references of local providers that they can share with the various members of their committee. In short, a complete and "tailor-made" kit to facilitate the success of sports and cultural events, reaching towards sustainability. "KITmanif" is fully in line with the sustainability objectives of the 2030 Agenda.

Architecture and tourism. Academic participation.

16-07-2019

A project of teaching innovation in the university, Instituto Superior de Arquitectura y Diseño de Chihuahua ISAD (Higher Institute of Architecture and Design of Chihuahua). Through the creation of a new subject that makes the future architect's laboral perspectives bigger by the union of tourism, heritage, and architecture. Looking at the national social and political reality. Architecture is one of the main subjects for tourism, nevertheless is rare to find interest in tourism inside architecture degree programs. It´s because of that, this project is important and necessary for the development of both knowledge sciences, tourism, and architecture. Always with the sustainable principles present. --- Background It is intended primarily to reinforce four competencies derived from the WORLD CONFERENCE ON HIGHER EDUCATION - Higher Education in the Twenty-First Century - Vision and Action. 9 October 1998 1. Interdisciplinarity. 2. Scientific investigation. 3. Specific objectives. 4. Social trends. STUDY APPROACHES Interdisciplinary focus. Scientific. Method. Participation in existing programs Study case: The touristic program Pueblos Mágicos (Magic towns). Architecture, sustainability, and tourism in Chihuahua, Mexico. The students will analyze the touristic program "Pueblos Mágicos" and make architecture and urbanism projects under sustainable aspects.

This is a test

16-07-2019

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Lausanne Montreux Congress

09-07-2019

Our vision is to become a leading global sustainable destination and use the power of events and meetings to further catalyse the sustainable development of our region for the benefit of our visitors, clients and citizens.

Jornadas Internacionales de Turismo, Educación y Ciudadanía

05-07-2019

Docentes pertenecientes a las carreras de Tecnicatura y Licenciatura en Turismo, y del Instituto de Educación y Ciudadanía de la Unidad Académica Río Turbio, dependiente de la Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia Austral, presentan las Jornadas de Turismo, Educación y Ciudadanía; tomando como eje principal Turismo para la educación y educación para el turismo: potenciando el desarrollo de la comunidad. Con el fin de comprender, estimular, fomentar y difundir los beneficios que ofrece la educación, relacionada con el turismo, hacia la comunidad y potenciales visitantes; se promoverá el intercambio de experiencias y conocimientos para que sean aplicados local y regionalmente. Se buscará generar un marco propicio para la presentación de trabajos y estudios, por medio de la promoción sobre el rescate y puesta en valor del patrimonio cultural tangible e intangible de una región, fortaleciendo la interculturalidad en la educación, fomentando la potenciación de nuevas oportunidades de desarrollo y sustentabilidad del turismo y los beneficios que este conlleva. El desarrollo de estas jornadas busca crear un punto de encuentro para propiciar sinergias que logren un desarrollo local armónico y sustentable, estimulando el intercambio de conocimientos y experiencias que enriquezcan la calidad de vida de las comunidades en un evento participativo y dinámico. TEMÁTICAS Se invita a profesionales, investigadores, representantes de organismos oficiales, gestores del turismo, estudiantes avanzados o interesados a presentar trabajos referidos a los temas referidos a continuación. Para ello se han definido los siguientes ejes: TEMA 1: El turismo como herramienta educativa para la ciudadanía TEMA 2: Turismo en ámbitos externos a las instituciones educativas TEMA 3: Políticas Públicas, estado y gobierno TEMA 4: Turismo, Educación y Sociedad

Alliances for Action: One Product. One Chef. One Origin

02-07-2019

Overall Objective The overall objective of the project is to work with farmers and micro-entrepreneurs in developing countries and to connect them with top chefs, buyers, consumers and influencers alike in the food and tourism industries to generate value-added markets using native ingredients. This will be done through an innovative, inclusive and responsible business model that ensures quality, promotes the uniqueness of healthy food products, and generates inclusive impact and better income generation opportunities for farmers.

EAST AFRICA TOURISM EXPO

28-06-2019

The East Africa Tourism Expo, is the region’s biggest travel show that brings together stakeholders in the tourism sector including high-value target consumers and destination sellers, travel service providers under one roof in a world-class setting. The event will be held in Uganda, between November 14th – 17th, 2019, under the Theme;"Enhancing Tourism as Engine for Social and Economic Transformation" at Kololo Independence Grounds, Kampala Uganda The opportunity that EATE provides is networking with like minded organizations operating in the Tourism sector is second to none. It is our ambition to provide you with the opportunity to showcase your products and services, share experiences, listen to new ideas and discuss emerging issues with your colleagues from all over the world during the Expo.

Evaluation Platform of Sustainability for Global Systems

25-06-2019

This service provides several functions to monitor our socio-economic status based on a vast amount of data collected from multi-dimensions.

Katú: Sustainable Gastronomy in Alajuela - Costa Rica

19-06-2019

Sustainable Gastronomy Day emphasizes the need to focus the world’s attention on the role that sustainable gastronomy can play. It also reaffirms that all cultures and civilizations are contributors and crucial enablers of sustainable development. The set of dishes and culinary uses of a particular place is one more expression of the natural and cultural diversity of the planet. Chef Cristian Morera Leiva is very clear about the concept of sustainable gastronomy, in his restaurant Katú he combines the legacy of the Costa Rican indigenous culture, the local economic development, as well as the protection of the environment. We went to visit him for tasting the delicious menu, we also knew the details that make this restaurant an example on sustainability to follow:

TOURISM AND TECHNOLOGY SUMMIT 2020

19-06-2019

TOURISM AND TECHNOLOGY SUMMIT 2020. THEME>>>THE FUTURE FOR TRAVEL AND TOURISM IN AFRICA BIOMETRICS>>> ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE>>>DATA Brandworld Media in partnership with Technology Mirror is proud to present the 2nd edition of the TOURISM AND TECHNOLOGY SUMMIT with the theme THE FUTURE FOR TRAVEL AND TOURISM IN AFRICA.>>>BIOMETRICS . ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE . BIG DATA. The future of travel is technology-based, so tourism jobs will require both technical and advanced soft skills used to effectively implement and manage smart initiatives. The greatest societal impact of digital transformation in tourism may be the effect on the sector’s workforce, which directly and indirectly represents 1 in every 10 jobs worldwide. Like in other economic sectors, intelligent automation will change the nature of some travel jobs and eradicate others altogether. However, digitally-enabled growth will also generate new employment opportunities that could outpace the automation of existing roles, especially as strong growth is forecast for the sector. Tourism and Technology Summit is a project driven by a vision to disrupt the Tourism industry in Africa through Technology.It works with the public & private sector to drive the growth & development of the industry through: • Emerging technology driven by innovations • Sector inspiring policies that enhance growth & development • Thoughtful stakeholders’ engagement. • The exposure of players to knowledge on global best practices that engender quality services. Under SDGS 17 PARTNERSHIPS FOR THE GOALS, the summit aims to focus on how Technology can deliver smart solutions to enable and grow the Tourism industry in Africa.

Agroturismo Urbano

18-06-2019

Trabajo de grado Las huertas urbanas como elemento impulsor del agroturismo en Bogotá, el trabajo se realiza en Colombia-Bogotá, se trabaja con dos casos en particular ubicados en la zona urbana, se establecen objetivos metodologia y alcances de la investigación, en este trabajo participarón Angela Camila Pela, Oscar Alejandro Navarrete y Andres Perez Cortes de la Universidad Publica Colegio Mayor de Cundinamarca, en este sentido se explicaran algunos resultados y detalles especiales del trabajo. en este trabajo se analizaron los elementos de las huertas que constituían beneficios para el sector turístico y recíprocamente, como el sector ayudaba a las comunidades que desarrollaban la agricultura dentro de la urbe, se evidenciaron elementos potenciales para consolidar las huertas como un insumo turístico, y así mismo, se estudiaron las ruralidades que se daban dentro de la urbe, y como se creaban dicotomias de los conceptos de turismo y ruralidad, y especialmente de urbano y agroturismo. En este sentido, el trabajo visualizo ODS específicos como la seguridad alimentaria, que responde al hambre cero, creación de empleo, disminución de la pobraza a travez de la inclusión de propuestas innovadoras y el consumo y la producción responsable.

Social innovation & Creative Entrepreneur

17-06-2019

BEING A CHANGEMAKER When most are obsessed with traveling to Tokyo and Kyoto, I took on the challenge to disperse and divert. Behind the bling and glam of metropolitan Tokyo and temples and geisha in Kyoto, there is a different side of Japan that deserves much more attention.

Social innovation & Creative Entrepreneur

17-06-2019

BEING A CHANGEMAKER When most are obsessed with traveling to Tokyo and Kyoto, I took on the challenge to disperse and divert. Behind the bling and glam of metropolitan Tokyo and temples and geisha in Kyoto, there is a different side of Japan that deserves much more attention.

Social innovation & Creative Entrepreneur

17-06-2019

BEING A CHANGEMAKER When most are obsessed with traveling to Tokyo and Kyoto, I took on the challenge to disperse and divert. Behind the bling and glam of metropolitan Tokyo and temples and geisha in Kyoto, there is a different side of Japan that deserves much more attention.

Architecture and tourism. Academic participation.

17-06-2019

A project of teaching innovation in the university, Instituto Superior de Arquitectura y Diseño de Chihuahua ISAD (Higher Institute of Architecture and Design of Chihuahua). Through the creation of a new subject that makes the future architect's laboral perspectives bigger by the union of tourism, heritage, and architecture. Looking at the national social and political reality. Architecture is one of the main subjects for tourism, nevertheless is rare to find interest in tourism inside architecture degree programs. It´s because of that, this project is important and necessary for the development of both knowledge sciences, tourism, and architecture. Always with the sustainable principles present. --- Background It is intended primarily to reinforce four competencies derived from the WORLD CONFERENCE ON HIGHER EDUCATION - Higher Education in the Twenty-First Century - Vision and Action. 9 October 1998 1. Interdisciplinarity. 2. Scientific investigation. 3. Specific objectives. 4. Social trends. STUDY APPROACHES Interdisciplinary focus. Scientific. Method. Participation in existing programs Study case: The touristic program Pueblos Mágicos (Magic towns). Architecture, sustainability, and tourism in Chihuahua, Mexico. The students will analyze the touristic program "Pueblos Mágicos" and make architecture and urbanism projects under sustainable aspects.

Level of Satisfaction of the Customers in terms of Service Quality of Real Eagle Restaurant, South Forbes Golf and Country Club, Silang, Cavite

17-06-2019

This study assesses the level of satisfaction of Filipino respondents on the quality service of Real Eagle Restaurant, South Forbes Golf and Country Club in Silang, Cavite. The reason for this topic is primarily because the researchers aim to contribute to existing literature pertaining to service and food quality. Additionally, the researchers seek to deliver a more exhaustive paradigm that fully explains customer satisfaction. In this way, it makes a way for the creation of effective and appropriate marketing strategies that not only benefit the researchers and/or the Lasallian community, but also the restaurant itself. The level of satisfaction is measured based on the dimensions included in the SERVQUAL model developed by Parasuraman and Berry in 1985 namely, reliability, assurance, tangibility, empathy, and responsiveness. This research is quantitative in nature which makes the dissemination of survey questionnaires the most suitable way to obtain the required data. A total of 45 respondents were gathered through convenience sampling. This study also follows a descriptive correlational design that allows researchers to utilize descriptive statistics, while also figuring out whether or not there is a relationship between reliability, assurance, tangibles, empathy, responsiveness, and customer satisfaction. Results of this study were verified statistically using the ANOVA table, while taking into consideration the average means of the each dimension of service quality. Findings reveal that Real Eagle Restaurant’s service quality is Very Satisfactory according to the respondents and each dimension of SERVQUAL model, it has exhibited high levels of service quality with very minimal improvements to be implemented. The researchers were able to create an employee development program, as well as a customer satisfaction program that seek to address the recurring and common problems that were identified in the process.

RED ROCKS VOLUNTEERISM PROJECTS

17-06-2019

Our volunteerism projects allow enjoying the sights and sounds of Rwanda while at the same time making a difference to the host community. This is an excellent way to get the most out of your holiday in Rwanda, and spend some time with us making a difference to the hosts and the environment. There are so many remarkable, charitable projects that Red Rocks initiatives are involved in, both conservation and community led which our clients can visit and be a part of – from clinics, to schools, to hospitals, to self-improvement, to conservation projects. When you travel and give your skills and your time it makes us feel better, not only about ourselves, but also about the potential difference that you are making in the world. It makes us feel part of something bigger than just us … alive. Become a part of ongoing efforts to support sustainable development while exploring Rwanda and its culture. BRIEF INTRODUCTION ABOUT WHAT WE DO Red rocks initiatives believes that benefits of the local people need to, come from what they own or what has been initiated benefit in order to value them. We provides a multitude of benefits to surrounding communities including establishing mechanisms where local people can engage with the tourist and ensure their interests are considered in management decisions. Local environmental education programmes are established to promote understanding among the local population of the need to conserve natural resources and use them sustain-ably. Where possible, we also engage with development organizations to provide social welfare services around our initiatives area particularly in the fields of education and health.

Baúl del Turismo

17-06-2019

El Baúl del Turismo tiene su origen en la necesidad de contar con un espacio especializado en información académica de turismo, es común que al implementar procesos de investigación en el campo o por tarea nos enfrentamos a la búsqueda exhaustiva de información que si existe en la web, pero que se encuentra dispersa en cientos de páginas, lo que toma mucho tiempo valioso únicamente en identificar estas fuentes. Esto motivo la creación de un espacio donde se pueda acceder a textos, podcast, videos y de más información técnica de manera gratuita, la misma información que se encuentra en la web pero en un solo lugar. De esta manera, basados en el principio de democratización del conocimiento el Baúl del Turismo busca compartir información a todos los interesados en la actividad turística, ya sea por motivos académico, profesionales o interés en general. Buscamos que el Baúl siga creciendo, teniendo como visión convertirse en una verdadera plataforma del conocimiento, al momento contamos ya con más de 100 libros de descarga gratuita en su mayoría enviados por sus propios autores y tenemos más de 3.000 seguidores en toda Latinoamérica, sin embargo es necesario contar con el apoyo de nuestros seguidores ya que realmente somos todos los que construimos este Baúl del conocimiento.

OLD HOKURIKU BANK BUILDING A Historic Preservation & Cultural Education Initiative - Nanto City, Japan

17-06-2019

TAKETOMBO is a social innovation venture dedicated in instigating social innovative activation to promote cultural sustainability, and divert attention and investment in aging and declining rural towns outside of glamorous Tokyo and Kyoto. Aging population and rapid decline in rural population resulted in abandoned property and under-utilized public facilities. Up-keeping a 90-year old building (the ex-Hokuriku Bank) has become a financial burden for the local government. Aging structure that lacks seismic reinforcement also poses life-safety concern. Nanto City government's plan is to sell the property for private ownership. If no suitable bid received, the building will be demolished. In December 2018, Taketombo proposed to Mayor of Nanto City in bringing in overseas design work group to conducting feasibility and design research. Mr. Mayor Tanaka immediately agreed to postpone public bidding to allow concerning groups to conduct due diligence, the public can also hold proper hearing to collect feedback and reach a consensus in 2019. However, the Government will cease ownership of the building by the end of 2019, and Inami Art Association will lose its museum space. If there is no undertaking of the building (retrofitting, renovation, management), demolition is still possible. This is a grass-root / community-driven / educational initiative in exploring ways to protect and preserve cultural assets for historic town with social and economic challenges. A design study group from Department of Interior Architecture specializing in Architecture Adaptive Reuse (Master of Design) is invited as the partner in the Inami design-study initiative. Visiting group will conduct qualitative to quantitative research, deep dive into unique cultural and social aspect of Inami, and propose design interventions to built environment as part of the due diligence; and to promote good design practice through adaptive reuse.

Wen

15-06-2019

Cambodia Tourism

Wen

15-06-2019

Cambodia Tourism

African Sports Tourism Week

13-06-2019

African Sports Tourism Week is the sports travel market event where stakeholders from both sports and tourism landscapes cross-fertilize ideas and exchange a hand of fellowship towards maximizing the opportunities in sporting events/holiday, with the sole goal of arriving at an Africa that consciously approaches sports as tourism.

The 3rd Philippine Research Conference on Tourism and Hospitality

13-06-2019

Ensuring inclusivity in tourism and hospitality is the overarching theme of the Philippine Research Conference in Tourism and Hospitality (PRCTH). Running on its third year, the conference is aimed at presenting inclusivity which traverses issues along the value chain of sustainable tourism from integrated destination planning and operations to technology systems of products and services that create impacts on the value of tourism and hospitality. Memberes of the Academia- faculty and students alike (graduate and undergraduate), the Local Government Units, and Industry Practictioners are envisaged to participate in the conference.

CULTURAL TOURISM WEEK 2019

23-05-2019

The annual Cultural Tourism Week at Red Rocks in Musanze is back and in its seventh year running, the Cultural Tourism week is a forum through which Rwandans reflect on the gains made in conservation efforts and also showcase and partake in the country’s rich cultural heritage. The event typically attracts conservationists, government and local leaders, community members, tourism industry players and policy makers, as well civil society organizations, creating abundant networking opportunities. The activities kick off on 31st August and close with the Cultural tourism week after party on the evening 06th september 2019 , there will be a local display of events and products that reflect the country’s art of conservation for cultural heritage and this will run alongside discussion dialogue and conversations on wild life and nature protection.

International Institute for Peace through Tourism, Iran Chapter

22-05-2019

After many months of preparation, on April 18th was held the First IIPT Iranian Working at the headquarters of the company “Miniature Group” in Tehran. With this meeting Fabio Carbone, lecturer and researcher in Heritage, Tourism and Intercultural Dialogue, IIPT Ambassador-at-Large and Special Envoy for Iran, officially launched the challenge of creating an Iranian Chapter of the International Institute for Peace through Tourism (IIPT). The meeting was attended by over 50 people came from all over Iran, representatives of different sectors of Iranian tourism industry (public, private, non-governmental and academic). Mostafa Khoshabi (Miniature Group) did the honours, as host who from the very beginning is supporting the project on the field, together with Sassan Ghassemi. Fabio Carbone, IIPT ambassador at large and special envoy for Iran, had finally his speech. He presented the IIPT in detail and then presented the idea of creating an IIPT Iran Chapter. In particular, with his passionate speech Fabio Carbone highlighted the immediate and long-term benefits of an approach to tourism development in Iran based not only on economic profit, but also and above all on the socio-cultural development and the promotion, through the tourist activity, of the intercultural dialogue for the construction of peace. Industry, academics, representative of the government and civil society joined the meeting. The “Tehran Agreement on the creation of the IIPT Iran Chapter” is the document produced in the end of the working meeting. We can now officially say the Iranian tourism industry got committed to the SDGs, specifically the SDG #16 by embracing the IIPT principles and get engaged with the creation of the IIPT Iran Chapter.

Ekôa Park: Parque Ecológico

22-05-2019

O Ekôa Park é um paraíso ecológico dentro da maior área contínua remanescente de Mata Atlântica, que encanta e inspira por meio de experiências únicas e transformadoras, conectando você com a sua natureza. Localizado em Morretes, na região litorânea do Paraná, ocupamos uma área privilegiada destinada ao lazer, entretenimento, educação ambiental e desenvolvimento profissional. O parque foi criado a partir da necessidade de proteger e preservar uma reserva de 238 hectares de Floresta Atlântica. Infelizmente, ainda é comum áreas protegidas por lei, mas sob a tutela privada, sofrerem com desmatamento irregular, invasão de posseiros, caçadores, palmiteiros entre outras ameaças. Acreditando no poder da transformação, o empreendimento foi idealizado para mudar esse cenário, agindo como um catalisador de novas oportunidades e disseminador de conhecimento. Nossa missão é ensinar por meio da natureza, encantando e sensibilizando nossos visitantes para promover a conservação do patrimônio natural e da biodiversidade. O Ekôa é aberto ao público aos sábados, domingos e feriados para “day use” – e também recebemos grupos fechados de escolas e empresas para atividades imersivas ao longo da semana.

Celebration of Crete's Biodiversity, Historic Food and Wine Routes

22-05-2019

Crete's Culinary Sanctuaries Educational Network Open Seminars June 24-29, 2019 or September 23-28, 2019 5-Day Seminar in Crete, Greece: Celebration of Crete's Biodiversity and Historic Food and Wine Routes. Explore Crete's magnificent countryside and historic sites with resident specialists. Enjoy botanical hikes, visits to organic farms, olive groves and wineries. Savor traditional cuisine in tranquil villages. Adventures and classes include: Botany-biodiversity, archaeology, agroecology, heirloom seed saving, Minoan cooking techniques, cultural-culinary heritage preservation initiatives, traditional and modern Cretan cuisine, herbal medicine, and our silk road-spice route history. This program is designed for researchers and enthusiasts of cultural-natural heritage protection and responsible travel. Our presentations are private, tailored for our small group. Accommodation is in a traditional village in lovingly restored family-owned lodges. Crete's Culinary Sanctuaries “School without Walls,” was founded in 1997 by Nikki Rose, a Greek American journalist, seminar director and professional chef living in Crete. The mission of CCS is to help provide tangible support to residents working on action programs to protect their cultural and natural heritage. The CCS Network of over 50 resident specialists organizes dynamic accredited academic study tours, and seminars for culture-nature enthusiasts. Rose is author of "Crete: The Roots of the Mediterranean Diet." CCS is an award-winning program for best practices in Responsible Travel/Sustainable Travel, featured in National Geographic Traveler and Center for Sustainable Destinations, World Travel and Tourism Council, the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, and The International Institute of Peace Through Tourism. CCS is working on a documentary focusing on “heritage protectors.”

Access to clean water for 400 vulnerable malagasy

13-05-2019

This project will enable provision of safe water in vulnerable households living surrounding protected areas in Madagascar. Two hand pumps boreholes will be installed with a budget of $5,994 to boost the livelihood of 400 people. One borehole costs $2,945, has a capacity to pump between 20-35 liters per minute and serve 200 people. This project will improve well-being, reduction in women and children's burden collecting water. Starting with just $14.98 you can boost the livelihood of 1 person

The role of the creative economy in territorial dynamics

09-05-2019

My research (Doctoral thesis) is to understand the impact of the creative economy on territorial dynamics, emphasizing gastronomy and wines as facilitators of wealth creation for small communities.

6th Asia Pacific Youth Exchange in Thailand

06-05-2019

Asia Pacific Youth Exchange Thailand is a two weeks exchange program held from 4 – 16 August 2019 under the theme of “Sustainable Tourism,” aiming at the Youth Empowerment to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals through social innovation and social entrepreneurship. The program expects the participation of 150 international delegates from more than 20 countries around Asia-Pacific and the world. APYE components include 1) Leadership Development Training, 2) Local Immersion and 3) Youth Symposium. Throughout the program, delegates will have practical experience from the engagement with local communities and work in international teams to develop a social business proposal for Thai communities. WHAT WILL YOU LEARN IN APYE? - Meet inspiring speakers to learn about SDGs in the forum at United Nations Conference Center in Thailand - Join Design Thinking Process to create your own Social Innovation - Experience living in local community and co-create Social Business ideas for Sustainable Tourism in Thailand - Meet mentors to enhance your Social Entrepreneurship skills - Connect with youth from more than 17 countries in Asia Pacific and other regions Program Date: 4-16 August 2019 Place: Bangkok, Thailand Apply now! Let’s be a part of the 6th APYE Thailand. Website: http://www.apyethailand.org/ Application Link: http://bit.ly/6thAPYEapp The application is open to all youth from the Asia-Pacific and other regions who have great interest in the SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT and TOURISM. Up to 50% Scholarship for applicants are available

Celebration of Crete's Biodiversity, Historic Food and Wine Routes

29-04-2019

Crete's Culinary Sanctuaries Educational Network Open Seminars June 24-29, 2019 or September 23-28, 2019 5-Day Seminar in Crete, Greece: Celebration of Crete's Biodiversity and Historic Food and Wine Routes. Explore Crete's magnificent countryside and historic sites with resident specialists. Enjoy botanical hikes, visits to organic farms, olive groves and wineries. Savor traditional cuisine in tranquil villages. Adventures and classes include: Botany-biodiversity, archaeology, agroecology, heirloom seed saving, Minoan cooking techniques, cultural-culinary heritage preservation initiatives, traditional and modern Cretan cuisine, herbal medicine, and our silk road-spice route history. This program is designed for researchers and enthusiasts of cultural-natural heritage protection and responsible travel. Our presentations are private, tailored for our small group. Accommodation is in a traditional village in lovingly restored family-owned lodges. Crete's Culinary Sanctuaries “School without Walls,” was founded in 1997 by Nikki Rose, a Greek American journalist, seminar director and professional chef living in Crete. The mission of CCS is to help provide tangible support to residents working on action programs to protect their cultural and natural heritage. The CCS Network of over 50 resident specialists organizes dynamic accredited academic study tours, and seminars for culture-nature enthusiasts. Rose is author of "Crete: The Roots of the Mediterranean Diet." CCS is an award-winning program for best practices in Responsible Travel/Sustainable Travel, featured in National Geographic Traveler and Center for Sustainable Destinations, World Travel and Tourism Council, the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, and The International Institute of Peace Through Tourism. CCS is working on a documentary focusing on “heritage protectors.”

Celebration of Crete's Biodiversity, Historic Food and Wine Routes

26-04-2019

Crete's Culinary Sanctuaries Educational Network Open Seminars June 24-29, 2019 or September 23-28, 2019 5-Day Seminar in Crete, Greece: Celebration of Crete's Biodiversity and Historic Food and Wine Routes. Explore Crete's magnificent countryside and historic sites with resident specialists. Enjoy botanical hikes, visits to organic farms, olive groves and wineries. Savor traditional cuisine in tranquil villages. Adventures and classes include: Botany-biodiversity, archaeology, agroecology, heirloom seed saving, Minoan cooking techniques, cultural-culinary heritage preservation initiatives, traditional and modern Cretan cuisine, herbal medicine, and our silk road-spice route history. This program is designed for researchers and enthusiasts of cultural-natural heritage protection and responsible travel. Our presentations are private, tailored for our small group. Accommodation is in a traditional village in lovingly restored family-owned lodges. Crete's Culinary Sanctuaries “School without Walls,” was founded in 1997 by Nikki Rose, a Greek American journalist, seminar director and professional chef living in Crete. The mission of CCS is to help provide tangible support to residents working on action programs to protect their cultural and natural heritage. The CCS Network of over 50 resident specialists organizes dynamic accredited academic study tours, and seminars for culture-nature enthusiasts. Rose is author of "Crete: The Roots of the Mediterranean Diet." CCS is an award-winning program for best practices in Responsible Travel/Sustainable Travel, featured in National Geographic Traveler and Center for Sustainable Destinations, World Travel and Tourism Council, the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, and The International Institute of Peace Through Tourism. CCS is working on a documentary focusing on “heritage protectors.”

The Indicator Analysis of the Sustainable Development in Ukraine

18-04-2019

This research project aims to scrutinize the current system of monitoring the sustainable development in Ukraine and to improve its consistency with the globally and regionally (EU) practiced ones in order to clarify the geospatial patterns across the country based on the international and national benchmarking. The project pursues academic and educational goals of the Regional Studies and Tourism Chair of the Geography Faculty of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. The research focuses on the objectives as follows: 1. Scrutiny and critical analysis of indicators and studies of SR and SDG in Ukraine 2. Analysis of the consistency of the indicators of the SD and SDG Ukraine-UN; Ukraine-EU 3. Integrated model of SD-SDG indicators in Ukraine - feasibility, functionality, etc. 5. Benchmarking the international experience of localization, monitoring, information representation, policy of SD and implementation of the SDG 6. Information / digital transformation and sustainable development 7. Public-private partnership and sustainable development 8. Analysis of state strategic (profile) documents and budget programs / projects on compliance with the principles of SD and adapted for Ukraine SDG 9. Sustainable development / achievement of the CSR at the macro and mezzo regional level 10. Comparability of STD/ Tourism for SDG Ukraine-UN, Global Council for Sustainable Tourism (GCST), World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), EU (ETIS) 11. Comparison of indicators of SR / Tourism for the UKRAINE-EU CSR. 12. Stable production and consumption in tourism 13. Benchmarking the international experience of localization, information representation, STD policy and implementation of the SDG in tourism. 14. Prospect for the sustainable tourism development observatory (INSTO-UNWTO network - Kaniv Nature Reserve of the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv) 15. Prospect for the virtual tourist observatory in accordance with the requirements of the European Commission on the

ASEAN Youth on Sustainable Tourism

18-04-2019

Young generations are believed to play an important role in the efforts of achieving Sustainable Tourism Development goals. UNWTO’s former Secretary-General Taleb Rifai once stated that “Young people, recognized by the United Nations as a major force for development and social change, have the potential to drive sustainable development in the tourism sector”. Endorsing this belief, AYST exchange program is initiated by students, and for ASEAN students, and non-ASEAN students who have interests in ASEAN community development to learn about issues in Tourism Industry globally. This is a professional and empirical learning environment where young tourism professionals can meet experts and fellows from different countries, participate in field trips to local businesses and heritage sites, encounter real situations, raise their voices, and stimulate initiatives and leadership towards Sustainable Tourism Development. Main purposes of AYST program include: Raising awareness of younger generations about Sustainable Tourism Development in the ASEAN region. Stimulating dialogues, workshops, cultural exchange and discovery, networking and more, for young people within ASEAN, on Tourism and Sustainability. Building a community of young tourism professionals for knowledge and expertise exchange in the region. Strengthening the ASEAN community of youth by driving peace and mutual understanding through Tourism. Empowering cross-border exchanges and collaborations to unlock the potentials of ASEAN young human capital in the Tourism sector.

Walk for SDGs

18-04-2019

We are walking to create awareness about the SDGs. This 11km walk will involve youths between the ages of 15-30 olds to express their support towards the goals and how they can contribute to it. This will be a pre-event to our major event called the SDGs for Ghana Tourism where we will discuss ways we can use the SDGs to develop the country. Also, we will come up with projects which will be run with volunteers across the world.

4th UNWTO Euro-Asian Mountain Tourism Conference

18-04-2019

The Future of Mountain Tourism” is the theme of the 4th edition of the UNWTO Euro-Asian Mountain Tourism Conference. The conference spotlights the significant opportunities to be seized and the challenges facing the development of mountain tourism. It highlights the need for collective efforts in overcoming current challenges that mountain destinations are facing to adapt to new consumer trends and market changes, to address seasonality by diversifying tourism products in an innovative manner while protecting natural and cultural resources. It is conceived to create a long-term and shared vision for mountain tourism and it features some 15 international speakers from Europe and Asia and includes a session on the One Planet Sustainable Tourism Programme and the Sustainable Development Goals, as a framework to align actors across sectors and borders on policies and actions. The Bavarian Minister for Economics, Development and Energy, UNWTO Secretary-General, and the Parliamentary State Secretary of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, inaugurate the conference, alongside the Chief Executive of the Berchtesgaden District and host of the event. A total of six panel debates and various thematic presentations provide the opportunity for participants to address themes such as the new tourist, the impact of demographic change, digitalization and mobility, tourism experiences for all four seasons, transnational cooperation and the contribution of tourism to the Sustainable Development Goals, among others. The conference is organized by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the Berchtesgadener Land Region, with the support of the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy and the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy of Germany. This edition follows the conferences held in Kazakhstan, the Republic of Korea and Georgia over the past decade.

The Indicator Analysis of the Sustainable Development in Ukraine

01-04-2019

This research project aims to scrutinize the current system of monitoring the sustainable development in Ukraine and to improve its consistency with the globally and regionally (EU) practiced ones in order to clarify the geospatial patterns across the country based on the international and national benchmarking. The project pursues academic and educational goals of the Regional Studies and Tourism Chair of the Geography Faculty of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. The research focuses on the objectives as follows: 1. Scrutiny and critical analysis of indicators and studies of SR and SDG in Ukraine 2. Analysis of the consistency of the indicators of the SD and SDG Ukraine-UN; Ukraine-EU 3. Integrated model of SD-SDG indicators in Ukraine - feasibility, functionality, etc. 5. Benchmarking the international experience of localization, monitoring, information representation, policy of SD and implementation of the SDG 6. Information / digital transformation and sustainable development 7. Public-private partnership and sustainable development 8. Analysis of state strategic (profile) documents and budget programs / projects on compliance with the principles of SD and adapted for Ukraine SDG 9. Sustainable development / achievement of the CSR at the macro and mezzo regional level 10. Comparability of STD/ Tourism for SDG Ukraine-UN, Global Council for Sustainable Tourism (GCST), World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), EU (ETIS) 11. Comparison of indicators of SR / Tourism for the UKRAINE-EU CSR. 12. Stable production and consumption in tourism 13. Benchmarking the international experience of localization, information representation, STD policy and implementation of the SDG in tourism. 14. Prospect for the sustainable tourism development observatory (INSTO-UNWTO network - Kaniv Nature Reserve of the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv) 15. Prospect for the virtual tourist observatory in accordance with the requirements of the European Commission on the

Dream and Delhi

25-03-2019

This is a blog about how a woman entrepreneur from Manipur is trying to persuade her community to get involved in mushroom farming. Farmers used to burn off the hay after harvest. In India this is unfortunately a common practice these days which choked the capital city of New Delhi with smog. Hay is of no commercial value for farmers and stocking them is a waste of time and effort for them. In this scenario, Ms. Prava’s Initiative is relevant. She wants to promote the use of hay in mushroom cultivation so that she can prevent the burning of hay in her village. She is also worried about the forests being cut down during months of unemployment. Villagers cut trees for firewood since they have no money to buy fuel for cooking. Prava believes that mushroom cultivation solves this problem to a large extend as farmers get money throughout the year. This is also a method to employ women and empower them. Prava aims at exporting mushrooms too. For a tourist, such initiatives are important. This addresses air pollution and improves the environment. Places like Delhi has a lot to offer to visitors. But air pollution has caused considerable decline in the number of visitors. To look at other parts of the world, regional solutions like these which may not have direct implication on tourism, can be identified. This is definitely in tune with the larger impact.

Dream and Delhi

25-03-2019

This is a blog about how a woman entrepreneur from Manipur is trying to persuade her community to get involved in mushroom farming. Farmers used to burn off the hay after harvest. In India this is unfortunately a common practice these days which choked the capital city of New Delhi with smog. Hay is of no commercial value for farmers and stocking them is a waste of time and effort for them. In this scenario, Ms. Prava’s Initiative is relevant. She wants to promote the use of hay in mushroom cultivation so that she can prevent the burning of hay in her village. She is also worried about the forests being cut down during months of unemployment. Villagers cut trees for firewood since they have no money to buy fuel for cooking. Prava believes that mushroom cultivation solves this problem to a large extend as farmers get money throughout the year. This is also a method to employ women and empower them. Prava aims at exporting mushrooms too. For a tourist, such initiatives are important. This addresses air pollution and improves the environment. Places like Delhi has a lot to offer to visitors. But air pollution has caused considerable decline in the number of visitors. To look at other parts of the world, regional solutions like these which may not have direct implication on tourism, can be identified. This is definitely in tune with the larger impact.

Backpackers Haven

25-03-2019

Red Rocks in Musanze, Rwanda. There are very few places that will make you feel right at home, inspire you to visit more and to do more for planet and for people. This is especially if you are sustainable travel junkie like I am or what I like to call a “greenpacker”. Red Rocks in Musanze is one of such places. It’s a place that made me view Rwanda differently, as more than a gorilla tracking destination. It’s also a place where the loyalty of my taste buds was tested. Red Rocks Inter Cultural Exchange Center, is a unique budget accommodation facility and camping site in Musanze, Rwanda that also offers exciting responsible travel experiences that contribute to local community development and conservation, through their Red Rocks Initiative. In other words, its a “greenpackers” haven that does more than offer budget accommodation, but involves you in the life of the people, to appreciate their culture and contribute to their development in one of the most responsible and immersive travel experiences. It’s also a place to participate in conservation activities, learn art, appreciate camping, hike and meet new people while sharing stories at a bonfire.

Test

25-03-2019

Test

Sustainable Tourism Development

25-03-2019

Today, large numbers of tourists from all over the world travel to become familiar with various cultures and arts of the nations of the world, and the creation of a market for the exchange of cultural and artistic goods of different nations will naturally be tempting and appealing.

Culture and Art

25-03-2019

Culture is a very complex and extensive collection, which was created by human beings in the process of social and historical evolution, and is the most important element of the identity of each society, its background, and its cultural richness. The culture of each society shows the level of advancement, science, and literature in that society with regard to its social transformation. The culture of each land possesses the specific characteristics and features of that land, which gives it a unique and different identity under the influence of the geographical and religious elements. Consequently, preserving and revitalizing the culture of every society, region, and the nation is a necessity. Over the last centuries, customs, traditions, and beliefs of various communities and societies have had widespread influences that have led to the expansion and enhancement of cultural relations with other nations and peoples.

UP ! Hotel Group

25-03-2019

Recycling projects with PET Bottles in house construction often go along with poor design. This is good enough for social projects like schools and little hospitals. BUT if you want to use those techniques for commercial projects the focus must be on the design. The KEY is to use recycling and upcycling projects to make money !! A hotel must be a phantastic dream place where the tourists want to stay... The Eco aspects come second. This is the only way to develop the regions in the 3. world and show the locals a way to stand on their own feet. Our solution is an intelligent link between ecological solution in the basic house construction and a mixture of local and international design elements Our first project will be in the Kilimanjaro area in Tanzania.

Rural Community Based Tourism - Indonesia

25-03-2019

We are on the stage of place making activities to develop a new concept of Rural Community Based Tourism in Indonesia. As a starting point we have our prototype villages in Sumbawa Island and will have another villages in Lombok Island too. On this initiative we are having a concept to empower the community such as the youth to coordinate and manage the activities / experience on each villages and the women in the village to start their on small business to produce snacks, handicraft, hand weaving etc to be presented to the traveler who visiting their village. On top of that, their house will be typical accommodation for traveler and their original, authentic and tasty culinary will be offered to the visitor. we encourage people or community to take an active role toward this activity. Besides that, we try to make community understand how important it is for all of us to preserve our culture, environment, local values, way of life as well as authentic tasty culinary on each community. Most of our program is experience based activity for all our client to take part in each activity so they get first hand experience how to do something from the community then they will know and understand the local deeper on their life, culture, values , art as well as culinary. The other objective of the program besides things that we have mentioned above is to have an additional generating income activity for the community in rural area so they could improve their welfare. .

Walkabout

25-03-2019

Walkabout, a for Profit, for Good enterprise aiming to alleviate youth unemployment in Morocco. In recognition of their innovative social enterprise, four Moroccan students won the 2019 Hult Prize on campus contest at Mohammadia School of Engineers on December 13th and are willing to take on the regional in London on March 15th. This year’s Hult Prize challenge is to build a sustainable, scalable social venture that has the power to transform the lives of 10,000 unemployed youth in the next decade. The Walkabout concept does this by disrupting the traditional tourism industry in Morocco. The team is building a multi-sided platform that provides private tours through their carefully selected network of local tour guides, each of whom is keen to share his knowledge, experience and expertise in a marketplace of one-on-one transactions. Talking about the inspiration behind the concept, Founder Zakaria Oussaad said: “Our heritage as a team shaped the project. We were shocked at how fast the tourism industry is growing in Morocco. Yet the very people growing it are the ones left behind by the industry and society. Through no fault of their own. We realized that the global economy picks up, but increased income remains a challenge. even worse, our youth are risking their lives and being illegal outsiders in other countries. We want to change that; we want to make of them ambassadors of our country.” The aim of this initiative is to enable socio-economic empowerment of tour guides. The following four mains aims are derived from and based on this project’s aim in the long run : 1. A proper mechanism to restructure and include unlicensed tour guides. 2. Improve the efficiency of the tour guide training program 3. Establishing reasonable Salary Systems 4. Solve issues around low wages, irregularities in pay, subcontracting, police harassment, and labor insecurity and risks.

Dreams Academy

25-03-2019

Dreams Academy is an Alternative art initiative which provides equal chance, opportunities and safe space to people with special needs with an inclusive approach.. Based on social entrepreneurial principals, self sustainable, not for profit but having social enterprises, less staff more volunteers,both local and international, partnering with UNDP and other global institutions , following the principals of Global Compact Principals, UN Convention for Rights of PWD, Millenium Goals and recently HeForShe and SDGs, member of ENAT and Pountau ( European Network of Accessible Tourism ), promoting accessible and social tourism every year during REHACARE in Germany, following the Events of UNWTO, Partnering with DfA ( Design for All Foundaition / Barcelona), IB-BehindertenHilfe in Germany,

Red Rocks Initiatives

25-03-2019

Red rocks initiatives visit. Why visiting Red rocks initiative, the more you get to learn from the community initiatives, that connects community, conservation and tourism the better you will admire our nature and cultural, visiting Red rocks initiative, will always be a memorable experience, and leaves you with an education that comes straight away from the community .Our initiatives target the local community towards sustainable economic development. We believe responsible tourism has the power to uplift the living standards of the vulnerable local Community. Get to know how our initiatives recognize that we all have a part to play when we influence on tourism as a means of sustainable community development aspect by creating a physical place that will unite communities of artist, musicians, and locals in one place in which they can all get involved in building a stronger society by bringing in their different competencies. visit the link www.redrocksinitiative.org

La Ruta del Café - COSTA RICA (Región Occidental)

25-03-2019

Nuestro objetivo es hacer del café un impulsor del desarrollo ecoturístico alternativo, en forma inclusiva y accesible, sostenible con el ambiente y de beneficio para las comunidades de la región. La Ruta del Café de Costa Rica (Región Occidental) contribuye a revalorar un conjunto de poblaciones del país que siempre han estado en el imaginario colectivo de la nación en su conjunto y que representan alternativas frescas y diferentes para los visitantes nacionales y extranjeros. Es un reconocimiento a quienes habitan esos hermosos lugares de la geografía costarricense y han sabido guardar para todos, la riqueza cultural e histórica que encierran. También son constantes las buenas prácticas agrícolas en las fincas y el beneficiado en armonía con la naturaleza, en el que están comprometidos los productores, beneficiadores y exportadores.

Urbanity Culture, Art And Sustainable Tourism Development Abstract

25-03-2019

Urbanity Culture, Art And Sustainable Tourism Development Abstract Sustainable Tourism Development: Today, the tourism industry is one of the major sources of income generation, as well as one of the influential factors on cultural exchanges between countries. In a constantly evolving world, a dynamic and effective atmosphere can be created by being inspired by the past and looking to the future in order to meet the need for development and growth using the optimum historical and cultural facilities. Today, large numbers of tourists from all over the world travel to become familiar with various cultures and arts of the nations of the world, and the creation of a market for the exchange of cultural and artistic goods of different nations will naturally be tempting and appealing. The economic, cultural, artistic, tourist, and recreational attractions of a multi-functional complex in a green and fun environment, along with a set for meeting the daily needs of tourists and citizens, will ensure the prosperity and efficiency of the above-mentioned project. The culture and art of nations is like an ornate and colorful carpet, which owes its beauty to the diversity of tribes, languages, traditions, as well as the diversity of the cultures of nations.

Générateur d'innovation

25-03-2019

By leveraging co-creation, the Innovations Generator has stimulated new strengths to develop innovative touristic project ideas (SDGG 9), initiated new partnerships (SDG 17) and offered spaces for creation. The initiators of these projects were advised and supported, and the promising projects received financial support to allow the development of the initial idea. The projects had to respect at best the three dimensions of sustainability: the economy, the ecology and the society. The Innovations Generator has generated a lot of interest: 49 project ideas were submitted to the competition. This project was supported by the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO.

Hospitality For All

25-03-2019

A guide book for Tourism For All, Definitions, how to implement, good examples, disability etiquette, smart solutions

Renewable jet fuel from organic waste

25-03-2019

Our project will develop a process to produce sustainable biojet fuel (SBJF) from organic waste. The use of biojet fuel can reduce CO2 emissions in the aviation sector and will lead to sustainable travel. Our process will be able to convert any type of organic waste, including food or agricultural waste, to a ‘drop-in’ biofuel which can be mixed with traditional aviation fuel. The phase one of the project will be carried out at the University of Amsterdam. We are looking for funding or investment to scale up to pilot scale. We have been granted by Booking.com so we can start the R&D and then will look to scale this further. We are looking to partner with organisation that wish to turn their waste into fuel using circular economy principles. We are Amsterdam based but will look to scale to other locations also.

Responsible, ecological and personal-growth travel that supports the SDGs

25-03-2019

This book is about travel – not tourism per se, but travel – responsible, ecological and personal-growth travel; the kind of travel that benefits both the visitor and the visited while helping to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Leading travel expert Adam Rogers draws upon 40 years of experience exploring more than 130 countries in every region on Earth (22 years working with the United Nations Development Programme) to share the smartest and most conscious ways to travel in this tip-filled guide. Whether a budget traveler or Fortune 500 jetsetter, whether you are 18 or 80 years old and travel with a backpack, a duffel bag or a suitcase, this book has the inside scoop on how to navigate the often-perplexing world of travel, with detailed advice on: Airlines Ground transportation Culture shock Learning languages Ecotourism Pilgrimages Travel photography Hotels and alternative lodging Staying connected Passports, visas and red tape Avoiding trouble Staying healthy Finding work And much, much more Full of recommendations, real-life anecdotes, and answers to the most common questions about travel, this book is a must-read for anyone traveling anywhere.

Adventure and Heritage Walk in abandoned meter gauge railway track of Halflong, Assam

25-03-2019

Meter gauge railway track that was built by the British way back in the last decade of the 19th century through the most difficult Barail mountains in Assam’s Dima Hasao district, and was always referred to as an engineering marvel, has become history. The zig-zag metre-gauge track whose tunnels and bridges were a major attraction. This was one of the most adventurous, scenic , most beautiful and the most riskiest Meter Gauge Railway track of the Indian Railways. This is the only Heritage Trail of North East India. It could be the prime attraction of Assam Tourism in near future. Hope Indian Railway and both State & Central Government will take necessary action in this regard.

Colombia + Competitiva

25-03-2019

Improving tourism in post conflict areas of Colombia “Colombia mas Competitiva” (C+C) is a program of Swisscontact, a swiss development foundation, that is financed by the state secretariat of economic affairs (SECO) of Switzerland. Among others the program has so far two tourism projects to improve and enhance tourism in two post conflict areas (Casanare and Putumayo). The larger aim is to improve the competitiveness of the country, diversify its economy and to create a favorable environment for business activities in the related field. Among the interventions carried out are: creating OGDs, providing expert knowledge and facilitating the design of touristic products. In general, the pilot projects are directed to act as role models for other destinations as a way out of poverty and to create stable change in former highly complicated areas. Of course, in line with the latest consensus about sustainability in all three dimensions and the SDGs. Several of the SDGs are tackled by the projects such as °1 “No poverty”, °5 “Gender equality”, °8 “decent work & economic growth” and °10 “reduced inequalities”. This by the principal focus of the projects, which is to create jobs and increase economic income with a strong emphasis in gender, social and minority inclusion, that address the mentioned goals. Also, it targets the goals °6 “clean water & sanitation” as well as °9 “industry, innovation & infrastructure” by enabling businesses to apply for local sustainability norms and relevant capacitation related to the mentioned. So far, the two projects are on track with several targets and indicators already achieved. Still there are some key steps to take and it is too early, given to the timeline of the projects (2017-2019), to draft a closing conclusion. Nevertheless, there are already negotiations going on for two more projects, which will start in early 2019.

Agro Tavush Tourism Organization

25-03-2019

We are newly opened tourism organization.We want to enlarge Agro tourism in our small but extraordinary region.We think it’s a wonderful way to reveal our region,which is famous for its rich nature,agriculture,churches and so on and so forth.We want to have tourists all over the world in order them to reveal the extraordinary features of our region.You can go for hiking and stay all day long in high mountains.You can taste Armenian lavash,you can see the process of making lavash,and other delicious things which can fill your day with joy.We are waiting for you.

VIA SUSTENTÁVEL

25-03-2019

Via Sustentável is a sustainable tourism news portal. Created to be 100% digital, it is part of Editora Via Group, which publishes Brasilturis, the first tourism market news newspaper, ViaG, a pioneer magazine in LGBT tourism, and Best Travel, the first magazine focused on tourism for the third Age.Conceived by the journalist Velma Gregório, specialist in Communication, by the Cásper Líbero Faculty and University of Florida, and in sustainability, Fundação Getúlio Vargas. She has collaborated with Editora Via since the launch of ViaG magazine and, since 2018, Communications Director of the group.Editora Via is a society of entrepreneurs Ana Carolina Melo, Publisher, and Amanda Leonel, CEO.Our purpose is to "raise awareness about sustainable tourism while showing the travel experience."We have the challenge of engaging the market and travelers in preserving the environment, in social development and in strengthening the local economy through the reporting of travel experiences. The idea is to awaken the desire to know destinations, products and initiatives and show what each of them does for sustainability.That is, offering information on tourism and going beyond, showing the backstage how everything works and supporting more conscious choices.By 2015, global leaders agreed to have the 17 Sustainable Development Goals to guide our development by 2030. Tourism is committed to doing its part in this journey and this is expressed as a goal in two of the 17 goals:ODS 8 - Entrepreneurship and Economic GrowthTarget 8.9: By 2030, design and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products;ODS 12 - Responsible Consumption and ProductionTarget 12b - Develop and implement tools to monitor the impacts of sustainable development on sustainable tourism, which generates jobs, promotes local culture and products;

Applied sustainability in Swiss tourist destinations

25-03-2019

Sustainable development is particularly challenging for tourist destinations, with their various service providers, organisations, associations and offices. The aim of the project “Applied sustainability for Swiss tourist destinations” is to write a new handbook for destination management organisations (DMOs) with practical tools, indicators and recommendations for action for developing tourism successfully in the long term (an adaptation of the German standard reference work “Developing criteria for the sustainable structuring of tourism destinations in Germany”). Based on this handbook, a practice-orientated training course on sustainability in tourist destinations will be developed. The project investigates whether a ranking or award provides incentives and attracts media attention for sustainable tourist destinations. It also examines how a “Sustainability in tourism” centre of excellence could create the necessary interface between the various stakeholders and simplify the development of the destinations. Project manager: Tourismus Engadin Scuol Samnaun Val Müstair AG (TESSVM)

cause we care – voluntary climate protection in Alpine and outdoor tourism

25-03-2019

myclimate “cause we care” is a customer- and company-based sustainability initiative for Alpine and outdoor tourism. The programme gives tourism service providers and guests a tool so that they can do something on a voluntary basis to combat climate change, which is becoming ever more noticeable. A “cause we care” company offers its guests the opportunity to purchase a climate-neutral service, while promising to double their contribution and implement sustainability measures locally. The guest thus enables global and local climate protection and service providers receive additional funds for sustainability measures. In this way, the issue can be addressed step by step in their own companies and their efforts can be actively enhanced through the networking of all participants. The exchange of innovations, the reach of communications, including cross-marketing, and the involvement of customers, as well as the associated awareness raised among guests, also create a basis for a movement. myclimate “cause we care” is open to all institutions in the tourism service chain. Project manager: myclimate Foundation

Creating a “slow destination” – an innovative and promising project for tourism in the Morges region

25-03-2019

If you choose “slow tourism”, you are choosing an antidote to everyday stress. Authentic experiences are more important than discovering as much as possible as quickly as possible. “Slow travellers” take it easy, seek contact with local people and value environmentally friendly behaviour. They appreciate good food and regional products, enjoy tasting local wines and are interested in the cultural heritage of the region. They are committed to gentle mobility and prefer travelling by train, bike, horse or on foot. The innovative aspect of this project is the establishment and development of a broad range of services covering five different “slow” areas. Certain areas have existed for a long time, such as “slow food” or “slow city”. The new and unique element is the intention to position and market these five areas as a global offering, involving local stakeholders. “Slow travel”, “slow sleep” and “slow wine” are being added to the two areas already mentioned. Project manager: Association de la région Cossonay-Aubonne-Morges (ARCAM)

Green Marathon Zurich

25-03-2019

The city of Zurich is being given a new highlight. For the first time in Switzerland, a permanently signposted route the symbolic length of a marathon (42 km) leading through urban green spaces is being created. The “discovery route” runs exclusively along the Zurich network of hiking trails, meaning that relaxation, variety and breathtaking panoramic views of the city of Zurich are guaranteed. This new tourist attraction is aimed at business and leisure guests who love nature and running and are looking to discover the city. The public and reliably signposted running, hiking or sightseeing route is available throughout the year. The Green Marathon Zurich is fully accessible on foot. Visitors to the city of Zurich can access the route from anywhere using public transport and can thus discover sections of the route around Zurich in stages. Project manager: Green Marathon Association

I AM PRO SNOW – the campaign to enjoy winter sports sustainably in Switzerland

25-03-2019

The “I AM PRO SNOW” project helps Swiss winter sports resorts and companies to reduce their carbon footprint and make their commitment to sustainable and climate-friendly tourism visible. All participants undertake to switch to 100% renewable energy by 2030 at the latest. They also put together an individual action plan to motivate employees and visitors to adopt climate-friendly behaviour. I AM PRO SNOW is a project with an international impact. Project manager: myblueplanet association

Innovation generator in the UN Year of Sustainable Tourism 2017 – unconventional tourism ideas with the aid of co-creation

25-03-2019

In 2017, the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, the innovation generator is offering expert and financial support to proactive people from all regions and cities in Switzerland who would like to implement sustainable tourism projects in the Swiss Alpine region and the Jura. If required, the innovation generator brings project initiators together with the right stakeholders and partners and establishes a creative environment. Projects that can be implemented are developed in three stages. In the first phase, project ideas are accepted and assessed by an expert judging panel. In the second phase, the ideas are developed in more detail and their feasibility is evaluated. The most promising projects are helped towards implementation with an initial contribution. Finally, the project methodology is reviewed. The potential need for a long-term innovation laboratory to connect innovative stakeholders with one another, help to develop sustainable projects and transform new ideas into added value is being considered. With the aid of co-creation, the innovation generator forms unusual partnerships and provides new areas for development. Funded projects must address all three dimensions of sustainability being targeted as effectively as possible: the economy, the environment and society. Project manager: International Commission for the Protection of the Alps CIPRA Switzerland

Making information on accessibility in the Swiss hotel industry visible and marketable

25-03-2019

People with disabilities or age-related restrictions need accessible entrances, toilets and rooms. From 2018, the Swiss hotel database will contain comprehensive information on hotel accessibility, which tourism platforms can use. The aim is to make searching for accessible hotels easier for accessible tourism guests thanks to reliable information visible on tourism platforms. As part of the cooperation project between tourism and disability organisations, standardised information criteria and pictograms will be coordinated and the necessary data will be recorded uniformly. Finally, they will be made available to tourism platforms via the Swiss hotel database in the form of differentiated information on accessibility in hotels. Project manager: Claire & George Foundation

Tourism close to nature and culture in Swiss parks

25-03-2019

The Swiss parks are doing their bit to achieve the SDGs with innovative and sustainable tourism offers focusing on the following activities: - Developing environmentally friendly tourism offers (SDG 7, 13-15) - Promoting innovations in tourism in the areas of infrastructure, health-focused, social and accessible offers and educational and awareness-raising offers (SDG 3-4, 9-10) - Forming partnerships between tourism stakeholders (organisations, service providers, mobility partners) and parks (SDG 17) - Generating added value for the park regions and creating jobs (SDG 8) Two best-practice projects: Schweizer Pärke für alle (Swiss parks for all) – the parks are striving to achieve an inclusive society. They are improving information on the accessibility of tourism offers so that disabled people can also plan their trips to the parks independently. Park management bodies are raising awareness of accessibility among staff and partners and developing accessible tourism offers to enable everyone to discover nature and culture while enjoying a high-quality experience. Destination Nature – a strong partnership for gentle mobility. All tourism offers in the parks can be reached by public transport but it is not used often enough. In order to boost public transport use, the parks are working with regional railway companies (such as RhB and BLS), PostBus and nature conservation organisations (VCS, BirdLife) to develop and market attractive public transport packages and highlight the benefits of travelling by public transport. Project manager: Swiss Parks Network

Panamá Accesible

25-03-2019

We are a startup that creates and promotes accessible tours in the Panama Republic. We have designed an accessible tour in Panama City, for disabling travelers (wheelchair user, blinds and deaf). In the following weeks, we would like to add some other national destinations as snorkeling in Portobelo and beach activities in San Blas (indigenous community) where some communities had expressed their desire to attract disabled tourists. We have some other communities where we would like to develop an accessible artisan route. Our program also includes on how to set prices, branding and marketing. The program is simple and easy to understand and develop. Hence, we are here to spread the word and maybe find someone who would be interesting to support our Accessible Tourism Consultancy. Hoping you join us in making more people travel into new accessible destinations. With many thanks, Panamá Accesible.

A Journey into Pre-historic Times

20-03-2019

Hi, it's Negin again and in this story I will be introducing the city of Dezful in Khuzestan, Iran and it's surrounding areas. Dezful is known as the World Brick City with bridges, dams, qanats, and buildings going back to the Sassanid eras. A very scenic, hour-long drive from Dezful will take you to Pamenar village, the focal point of interaction and intersection between nomadic and sedentary cultures where a Bakhtiari tribe lives. These inhabitants must be helped to relocate ASAP with the threat of cracked hanging walls that are about to fall down any moment. Inter-institutional cooperation and coordination of public and private sectors and stakeholders is needed to save the villagers' lives whose origin and costumes go back to Parthians. A 40-minute ride from Dezful will take you to the UNESCO World Heritage ancient city of Susa where the presence of Mesopotamian and Iranian civilizations of the pre-historic to historic eras span over 5th century BC - 13th century AD ! Structures of the Elamite, Persian, and Parthian Empires can be seen in the royal city of Susa. An hour ride from Dezful will take you to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System inscribed as a masterpiece of creative genius dating back to Darius the Great in the 5th century BC. The system has diverse uses as urban water supply, mills, irrigation, fish farming, river transport, and defensive system. It testifies as the sustainable development of a human society in harmony with its natural and urban environment. Further involvement of the local community is required for the interpretation of the sites. Finally, a little over an hour ride from Dezful will take to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Tchogha Zanbil, founded in 1250 BC and dedicated to the Elamite divinities. Unfortunately, the increase in air and water pollution caused by sugar cane cultivation calls for sustainable production modes. Also, a change in the course of the nearby river threatens the walls.

EXPERIENCE BREAKFAST IN THE TRAIN IN CAMEROON, 15 HOURS JOURNEY

20-03-2019

uivante : français Did you know that tourism helps promote sustained, shared and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all. Tourism is one of the driving forces of global economic growth and today accounts for 1 in 11 jobs worldwide. Through access to decent work opportunities in the tourism sector, skills development and career progression are good for society, especially for young people and women. The more you travel and consume products derived from tourism, the more you help to create productive and permanent employment for all, and above all decent work for all. The famous breakfast on the train! So when we took this train we had already planned breaks crusts for the morning Barely embarked, a lady came to offer menus from the restaurant on board. We declined because we did not really want to eat in the middle of the night. By cons in the morning the smell that emanated from the restaurant ... Well we said why not. Result After the little morning wash, we went to 6h30-7h at the restaurant We just ordered: Eggs Garnis (sausage or sardine) + bread + hot drinks. Surprise will have been ours when the lady landed with 3 full trays Garnished omelettes + bread + croissant + cheese + fruit + hot drinks !!!!! Price 2,500 fcfa Taste: DEATH! Quantity: A lot! If we recommend? YES !!!!!!! In short yes you can embark with your meals for the morning, but if you wish not, there is a service on board Understand that if no one has lunch, this lady loses her income because will have unsold. The more you travel, the more you help support a growing economy. PS: The restaurant is also home to travelers on the road who have had no places to eat

WE VISITED GORGES DE KOLA

20-03-2019

I recently visited GORGES DE KOLA with my two friends . It's located in the Norther part of Cameroon , Guider, in a small village called KOLA We paid 500 fcfa per person and 1000 FCFA for non-nationals. We took the car from Garoua to Guider (1h30 drive) Then at the entrance of the village of Kola we went to the gorge where we paid 500 fcfa each A guide and 4 children drove us all along Hold this guide, the one we found is extremely talented in taking pictures! Just show him your phone or camera. He will hold the device all the way. We are in February, early dry season: we were dressed light and no jeans happily! We were able to move better! We were in sandals, we removed them at a time to climb better Do not worry the guide will tell you where to walk and how to walk to not fall. I encourage people to boost the local economy of KOLA by visiting this beautiful site , paying the entrance fees and some souvenirs will increase the economy. In accordance with SDGS 8, the more we visit and consume local products just like souvenirs locally made , the more we act through Sdgs, the more we will help the little village of Kola GORGES DE KOLA deserve to be part of the UNESCO's World Heritage List .

Futurismo BioBío

20-03-2019

Futurismo es un evento de alta convocatoria de tres días dedicado a la industria turística, sus innovadores, desafíos y oportunidades. Cuenta con la participación activa de expertos internacionales, nacionales y locales para fomentar el intercambio de ideas, la asociatividad y la conversación en torno a las próximas grandes tendencias y retos que impulsaran el sector del turismo. Es un encuentro gratuito abierto a toda la comunidad, reúne a emprendedores, empresarios, estudiantes, académicos, conservacionistas, influenciadores, expertos nacionales e internacionales para compartir prácticas y soluciones que ayuden a crear un turismo más sostenible, afrontar los retos actuales y futuros de la industria turística y posicionar destinos turísticos como polos de emprendimiento e innovación. El próximo encuentro se realizará en la región del Biobío; Provincia de Arauco, los días 23, 24 y 25 de abril. Los temas del evento son, > Turismo como motor de desarrollo social > Conservación en el turismo > Rol de la Mujer en el turismo

seeking for financial support

28-02-2019

Hello, My name is Alain Justin NIYONKURU, I am Professor of Arts at the Secondary Technical School of Art and head of a local association in Burundi, named "Etsa Press-book Production Center". We designed a tourist project in the city of GITEGA, a historic city in our country. This project has two parts: - Development of a tourist site; - Restitution of the national heritage: material and immaterial. We concluded that artists and artisans have a great role in "Protection and enhancement of tangible and intangible heritage" and that many sites, practices and objects are to be restored. Being engaged artists but of weak means, we would like to have a support for the implementation of our project. Because tourism is one of the key factors for peacebuilding and a path for sustainable development.

ROADMAP FOR SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT WITH INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES

26-02-2019

This project explores how social entrepreneurs can embrace the development of sustainable tourism with the collaboration of indigenous communities, in areas where the tourism industry directly impacts a local community. The project's case study focuses on the development of sustainable tourism in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico with local Maya indigenous communities to support the design of the proposed solution: a Roadmap for Sustainable Tourism Development with Indigenous Communities—a facilitating roadmap tool to design sustainable tourism projects. The roadmap is designed based on the following principles: a Triple Bottom Line by Design and Culture approach (planet, people, profit, and culture), the Sustainable Development of Tourism Principles by UNWTO (Respect, Conserve, Sustain), and Participatory action research for the engagement and empowerment of indigenous communities throughout the process. This work is a graduation project of the master's degree Design Management of Pratt Institute in New York. The group of Design Managers that researched, designed and created this project are Maria Camila Pava, María Fernanda Álvarez León, Vania Arevalo Garnica, Yu Chiu, and Apinya Rattananubal. Below is the description of the attached material: - Roadmap for Sustainable Tourism Development with Indigenous Communities - The project's Research Paper - The project's Presentation

Sustainable Tourism Leadership Programme

18-02-2019

The Sustainable Tourism Leadership programme is a 14 day ‘travelling’ programme across the South Island of New Zealand. Visiting and actively engaging with a variety of tourism operations and professionals in some of the most iconic locations of New Zealand Tourism. These locations are many and varied and we include visits to famous locations such as the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, Hanmer Springs and Kaikoura. The locations range from the high mountains of the Southern Alps where we visit the alpine parrot species ‘Kea’ to the oceans of the Pacific where we explore the town of Kaikoura and its indigenous tourism industry created around the ‘whales’ that frequent the vibrant marine habitats. Each of these learning areas target specific topics within the tourism industry and will use a combination of lectures, real time case studies/site visits and outdoor activities to reinforce learnings. TOURISM LEADERSHIP EXPLAINED: At the forefront in developing workable and sustainable tourism models and behaviours the importance of quality, informed and entpreneurial leadership is fundamental. One could ask ‘if the industry is not led wisely and honestly, can it utlimately be sustainable?’ This is across the spectrum; economically, socially, culturally and environmentally. During the programme we will explore and analyse a range of core leadership and management models and take participants on a personal journey through a range of key attributes required in developing oneself into an adaptable leader. This includes: Entrepreneurial Leadership Creativity and Innovation Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Communication and Collaboration Flexibility and Adaptability Initiative and Self Direction Social and Cross Cultural Skills Productivity and Accountability

Tourism and Technology Summit 2019

18-02-2019

The future of Tourism is Digital.With the arrival of disruptive brands like AirBnB,Uber,Amadeus,Booking.com etc.The Tourism landscape globally has changed irrevocably. The Tourism ecosystem in Africa is evolving rapidly and now is the right time to connect and attract the best brains using technology as a launch pad to change the narratives. There are new intersections for African narratives and opportunities in Afrotourism. Technology is an open avenue which creatives can explore to build businesses and create opportunities for prosperity around them. Africa has huge potentials for Tourism through their youthful population but is still struggling with an uncharted and uncoordinated roadmap to achieve huge windfalls from that sector. Experts have advised on how to reconstruct the Tourism ecosystem in Africa through Technology by identifying challenges and opportunities. Emerging Startups and an SME Ecosystem could just be the trigger needed for the role in redefining Tourism in Africa as a whole. Our role at TOURISM AND TECHNOLOGY SUMMIT is to develop a hub for this emerging innovations and provide a platform to showcase these innovations to the world and by extension invite venture capitalists and equity investors to have a buy in into some of these innovations. The primary aim for this community would be to engender solutions to numerous problems facing the tourism sector in Africa and how it can be easier to deploy technology to solve these problems. The ONE day Summit will create the platform for experts in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) industry to exchange ideas with their counterparts in the Tourism/Travel industry on how to drive it with contemporary technologies, with the goal of growing the industry, increasing quality, yielding a higher returns on investment to investors in the industry and creating business opportunities for the ICT/Telecoms industries.

François Tourisme Consultants

14-02-2019

Tourism and Hospitality international consultancy and training companies, serving the development of people, firms and destinations through sustainable development.

Hotel Sector Survey: Sustainable Indicators

12-02-2019

Hotel Sector Survey: Sustainable Indicators The research was done by the Secretary of Minas Gerais State for Tourism (SETUR MG), in 2015 and aimed to gather information to help the development of public policies to hotel business, especially with regard to the sustainability of establishments. The research was held in three of the main cities of the State, which have received Olympic delegations in preparation for Rio 2016 Olympic Games. The survey used followed models of hotel censuses conducted in Brazil and was also based on the “European Tourism Indicator System for Sustainable Destinations”, created by the European Union. In relation to the establishments, the following topics were analyzed: sustainable management, voluntary certification for the environment, sustainability measures, initiatives to reduce CO2 emissions, selective collection, water recycling and effective actions to support protection, conservation and management of local biodiversity and landscape. A new version of the survey is planned for 2019.

Linking travel marketing to the local economy

12-02-2019

Honduras Turismo y Marketing S.A. (HT&M), is a Honduran based travel marketing company working with local entrepreneurs and organized community groups in designing and marketing multi-day trip itineraries. showcasing the cultural and natural diversity of Honduras. Currently it markets the trips under two brands: Choose Honduras and Visit Honduras Coffee. As part of its marketing strategy, the company attends networking events, industry trade shows and travel shows in North America and Europe. Instead of purchasing the typical giveaways, HT&M purchases locally made products, bought directly from the artisans, to use as promos and giveaway items during events. For bird-watching shows, bird inspired key-chains are purchased from Artesanos y Guias El Pino, a grassroots organization that supports bird conservancy efforts, trains local guides, and provides free art classes to local kids. Located in the community of El Pino, Atlantida, Honduras. For other travel shows a document zippered pouch was designed by a local artist from La Ceiba, Honduras. The pouches are sewn by local seamstresses, and hand-painted with "Honduran travel themes" by local artist Ele from Cre@tive Enterprise. The result is that local artisans benefit from the tourism value chain even at the marketing and promotion stage. For potential travelers the giveaway has more meaning, as it is handmade, and this can create a positive emotional connection with the destination, even before the trip.

Tourism Observatory of Minas Gerais

12-02-2019

The Tourism Observatory of Minas Gerais is a research network composed by 18 entities between public and private institutions (including tourism universities) and coordinated by the Secretary of Minas Gerais State for Tourism. The Observatory aims to monitor, as a network, the touristic activities in the State, encouraging innovation, market intelligence and to promote academic researches. The entity has as fundamental premises the sharing of information and the establishment of partnerships to carry out its activities. The partnerships can help the formulation and application of researches, generation of reports, exchange of information and knowledge, fieldworks, academic work, among others. In the website (https://seturmg.wixsite.com/observatorioturismo), the surveys, data and results produced by the network can be downloaded and viewed in a practical and easy way, assisting in studies, planning actions and decision-making by those involved in the tourism sector. The Observatory is also responsible for the “Tourism Research and Innovation Seminar” (http://tourism4sdgs.org/events/seminario-mineiro-de-pesquisa-e-inovacao-em-turismo/), and also participates in the “ Brazilian Tourism Observatories Network”, which was originated in the first seminar edition. Through Decree No. 47,526/2018, the Observatory was regulated as a research entity, being supported by State Law No. 22,765/2017.

TUCO APP

12-02-2019

TUCO APP is a mobile app of free download to promote good practices for travelers through the tourism value chain. TUCO APP includes tips, news, social media and data to inform travelers about impacts and good practices to contribute with sustainability of destinies. The app provides information in Spanish and English and is developed by AB ORIGEN FOUNDATION, in order to raise awareness among travelers to recognize their role in the sustainable development of tourism.

thefairtraveller.org

12-02-2019

At thefairtraveller.org we believe in a world where travelling has a positive impact. Where fair travellers can spread awareness wherever they go, contributing to local communities and protecting the environment, and where businesses taking socially and environmentally friendly actions are rewarded. We aim to promote another type of travel to popular destinations and, at the same time, support other, lesser known, places. We are the first online platform based on user generated content that showcases only businesses/tourism activities where people are taking important environmental or social actions, which are called "fairspots" in our platform. Currently, there are over 1100 fairspots from 59 countries listed on our website and 78 fairpractices (actions taken by the fairspots) documented in the form of short videos or blog posts. We currently rely on 275 users from 27 countries to add new fairspots every month. We are constantly organizing events, called faircrawls, to raise awareness and promote hidden fairspots in Switzerland, but also in the US, Canada, Peru, Mexico and Finland. We were mentioned by the Swiss Radio and Television (RTS) and Elle Magazine in 2018, just to name a few, and we are partners with Agritourism Switzerland, with whom we have been organizing #swissfaircrawls during the European Sustainable Development Week and taking several travellers (using bikes, train and electrical cars) to spend a week in several fairspots, learning and documenting their fairpractices.

La innovación hace la fuerza!

12-02-2019

Hasta hace muy poco veíamos como la transformación digital había llegado a nuestra mente para fortalecer la manera como los destinos turísticos a través de campañas online, videojuegos e incluso como los viajes a través del móvil estaban cambiando nuestra manera de viajar. Sin embargo, la transformación digital ha evolucionado. Nos ha ayudado a ver que solo a través de la unión y el trabajo en equipo se hace la fuerza y que sin la creación de un verdadero ecosistema de innovación turística, no habrá crecimiento económico sostenible y a través de la innovación abierta vía startups podrán fortalecerse las nueva tecnologías y crear oportunidades de trabajo de valor agregado para todos. Pero, porque una agencia especializada de Naciones Unidas como la Organización Mundial del Turismo decide priorizar la innovación? Recuerdo hace apenas 7 meses cuando ingresé a la Organización Mundial del Turismo cuando conversábamos con nuestro Secretario General, Zurab Pololikashvili acerca del nuevo reto para el mundo: empezar a crear un ecosistema global de innovación especializado en turismo y posicionar al sector dentro de la agenda mundial de innovación. Saben porqué ? No solo porque es la manera de dar valor agregado a todos los países sin importar si son potencia turística o no, sino porque ningún organismo a nivel global estaba liderando la innovación turística para fortalecer los diferentes países. Gracias a esto, pusimos en marcha un sueño, un gran reto para el sector turístico: liderar una estrategia global de innovación que se adaptara a todos nuestros Estados Miembros. La estrategia de innovación, transformación digital e inversiones de la Organización Mundial del Turismo está enfocada en ayudar a los diferentes Estados Miembros a crear, conectar o escalar los ecosistemas de emprendimiento.

Positive Impact Travel

08-02-2019

Better Places Travel is a social enterprise that organizes trips with a positive impact. We believe travel can make the world a better place when it’s done in a sustainable and responsible way. This means that we are committed to making a social impact above making a profit. Our aim is to maximize the positive impact of our trips, for example, through creating work opportunities and stimulating cultural interaction, while limiting the negative impact as much as possible by, for example, minimizing waste, CO2 emissions and overtourism. Sustainability is also a major factor when choosing our partners. Our travel experts are enthusiastic, local professionals from the destination themselves or who have lived there for years. They work in small-scale local travel operators and help you design your ideal travel experience while trying to involve the local population as much as possible. This way we make sure you have an authentic travel experience, and the local people have a fair and direct source of income. Better Places Travel is introducing positive impact trips in order to create travel itineraries that contribute positively to local communities and the natural environment, and at the same time offer the best travel experience for the traveller, by working together with local experts and initiatives. These impact trips are all at least three weeks long and provide many opportunities for contact with locals during the trip. Think about using local drivers and guides, choosing special excursions and staying in homestays or small-scale sustainable accommodations. Travellers will not only see the highlights of a country, but also visit the more off-the-beaten-track places. With these trips, Better Places Travel helps contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals by, for example, creating work opportunities and stimulating economic growth.

VISTA Destination Network Open Platform and Ecosystem

08-02-2019

It is rainmaker’s passion to democratize world class technology to enable small, medium independent lodging and tour operator businesses in a destination to become more efficient and compete with global giants. We create competitive advantages and more efficiency for destinations and its hospitality and tourism businesses in Africa, keeping more tourism spend in the destination and thus, add more to the GDP and help against poverty, improve education and drive entrepreneurship in the destination, aligned to the Tourism Sustainability Goals. Our Award Winning 5 Stages of Success holistic methodology, enabled by the VISTA Destination Network Open Platform and ECO-System and powered by the Google Cloud Platform is time tested and proven. In less than two years, we created extraordinary results for more than 200 customers. For this, rainmaker and its team has won the HSMAI Adrian Gold Award for its business impact out of 1100 global applications from all over the world. We have been awarded with the Innovators Award from World Tourism Forum Luzern. The VISTA Destination Network Open Platform and ECO-System for Destinations, its DMO's, Associations and local in-destination businesses creates competitive advantages by connecting all stakeholders seamlessly together in terms of rich content and business transactions. We enable the destination to provide instant gratification to the consumer and change the way destinations control their visibility and distribution, winning back from the global giants. The rainmaker founders combine more than 50 years of experience in the hotel, tourism, sales and marketing fields, 36 years of experience in the IT, software development and systems integration fields, enhanced by more than 16 years of digital marketing expertise.

Black Sea Sustainable Rural Tourism Program

08-02-2019

The Black Sea Sustainable Rural Tourism Program is a community based, regionally integrated, social enterprise venture that will continuously improve livelihoods, promote entrepreneurship, support sustainable economic actions and preserve social, cultural and environmental heritage. The BSST Program is a result of over 4 years of preparation that included situational analyses and partner development in Ukraine, Turkey and, as of the summer of 2018, Georgia. It will expand to include rural communities in Moldova, Bulgaria and Romania. The Program is community membership based. It has adopted Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria as a foundation for working toward UN Sustainable Development Goals. GSTC criteria will be adapted to the local political and legal environment, and requires communities to create a formal organization ideally composed of local businesses, ordinary citizens and local government representatives who can complete a strategic plan for the development of the Program in the community. Community Organizations select and approve businesses and accommodation owners to participate within the Program and work directly with a National Office that reports to a Secretariat. The Program provides an international web platform on which communities describe their history, activities, festivals and events. Approved accommodation owners are able to showcase their facilities and bookings, packages, tours and events are handled on the web platform. Additionally, communities are encouraged take part in experiential exchanges with their partner communities in other countries. Since 2014 four exchanges have taken place between Ukraine, Turkey and Georgia giving participants the opportunity to refine their knowledge and apply sustainable practices to their communities. Training has been provided in gender equality, standards, service delivery and strategic planning. The BSST Program is a social enterprise of Sustainable Rural Development Int'l Ltd.

Guaravito - Sustentabilidad y Conservación

08-02-2019

We are an organization that works for the construction of peace through environmental conservation, decarbonization against climate change and sustainable development focused on ecotourism in Costa Rica. With communities, organizations, institutions and business, we have developed the Action Campaign for the Sustainable Development Goals. Our objective is to make sustainable coffee plantations an alternative ecotourism development promoter, in an inclusive, accessible and diverse way, sustainable with the environment, for the benefit of the communities in the region. Our vision is to develop the region's growth in a sustainable, inclusive, accessible and diverse way, with the joint effort of micro entrepreneurs and communities, coordinated by local and international authorities. Ecotourism and social innovation alternative services -on an inclusive, accessible and diverse rural circuits, contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals, as new opportunities are generated, it has a direct impact on the social development of the local communities involved. This project is also based on the World Tourism Organization's Code of Ethics for Tourism, which is a fundamental reference for responsible and sustainable tourism, linked to economic prosperity, job creation and resource growth for environmental protection, this global set of principles were designed to guide tourism development, and is equally aimed to governments, tourism companies, destinations, local communities and responsible tourists for a sustainable tourism industry. As one of the largest socio-economic sectors in Costa Rica, sustainable tourism can stimulate economic growth, create decent work and entrepreneurial opportunities, and help thousands of people out of poverty and improve their livelihoods.

Seminário Mineiro de Pesquisa e Inovação em Turismo

06-02-2019

The “Seminário Mineiro de Pesquisa e Inovação em Turismo (SEMPIT)” aims to provide an environment of knowledge and information exchange between the academic community and tourism professionals. Held every two years and already having two successful editions, SEMPIT has the intention to foment the production of studies and research related with the impact of tourism as a socioeconomic development activity. In addition, it enables the equality of information and methodologies among researchers. Also, it contributes to promote new projects in tourism sector related with public and private sector. The event stimulates publication of scientific papers with the aim to generate projects of greater assertiveness and costs reductions. It also encourages support from government and private sector to increase studies and investments in the field of innovation in tourism, generating products of greater acceptance in the market and increasing tourist satisfaction in Minas Gerais. In addition, the SEMPIT programme includes national and international speakers and presentation of articles where the best are selected to be published in academic journals. The event is organized by the “Observatório do Turismo de Minas Gerais”, which is a research network composed by public and private companies. It aims to promote tourism in Minas Gerais, incentive innovation projects, market intelligence and develop academic research in tourism.

Sosturmac

04-02-2019

Promote sustainable actions that place value on the natural and architectural heritage of the cooperation zone (Cape Verde and Canary Inslans), favoring its conservation and providing added value to its offer of sustainable and cultural tourism.

Lufthansa CSR Actions:

25-01-2019

Paperless Maintenance Program: The digital documentation of maintenance processes saves effort and redundant data entry, and avoids switching between different media. Another advantage: In the future, their technicians will have to deal with a significantly smaller volume of documentation relating to their work on aircraft. Their integrated platform Maintenance Log allows them to process all documents required by their customers both ergonomically and digitally. In this way, data transparency is generated in real time, which in the case of Lufthansa allows active control at an entirely new level. The advantage: Customers no longer have to produce and administer paper documents, while Lufthansa can work at an early stage with the data transmitted. In addition, digitalization can help conserve about 7,800 tonnes of paper across the industry per year.

Sustainable Tourism Assessment: Eritrea's Massawa and Dahlak Archipelago

25-01-2019

This assessment evaluates the potential for sustainable tourism development in Eritrea’s coastal Massawa and Dahlak Archipelago as an economic opportunity that can contribute to improved livelihoods, heritage promotion and natural conservation efforts. A total of 472 surveys were administered with local communities from Massawa and Dahlak; more than 200 surveys with local, diaspora and international visitors to these target destinations; and a series of key informant interviews with local and national level tourism stakeholders, to assess the potential for developing both a sustainable and competitive tourism sector. The assessment finds that the overall potential for Eritrea to develop a sustainable tourism industry in Massawa and the Dahlak Archipelago is substantial. The findings demonstrate that the destinations are not only endowed with significant natural and cultural heritage sites that are rated as high potential tourism assets, but also communities which have responded with a positive inclination towards tourism led economic growth. Resident and local stakeholders identify an increase in the tourism industry with positive gains in employment generation, development of the service sector, infrastructure and improved social welfare benefits. Visitors rank Massawa and the Dahlak Archipelago as high potential destinations that are endowed with attractive natural and cultural assets that are appealing to local and international tourist travel markets. However the research also finds that the development of a sustainable tourism sector in Massawa and the Dahlak Archipelago faces a number of branding, infrastructure and policy oriented challenges. These challenges necessitate a concerted effort from a diverse network of national and international stakeholders to develop an enabling environment that promotes the emergence of a successful and vibrant industry.

Hospitality and Tourism Congress 2019

21-01-2019

Hospitality and Tourism Congress (HTC) designed as a one-day event to build relationships between the Hospitality and Tourism Industry, to take over develop and manage places of touristic interest in the Union Territory of Puducherry and to promote tourism by all the ways and means to adopt such methods and devices necessary to attract tourists in large numbers, and also to call upon the new business of running Hotels, Restaurant and Watersports & Theme parks. It provides an exclusive platform for inspiration, innovation, and debate. It is our ambition to ensure the future success of our industry and a level playing field for hospitality and tourism businesses that operate in the Puducherry. Conference on Hospitality and Tourism aims to bring together leading academic scientists, researchers and research scholars to exchange and share their experiences and research results on all aspects of Hospitality and Tourism. It also provides a premier interdisciplinary platform for researchers, practitioners and educators to present and discuss the most recent innovations, trends, and concerns as well as practical challenges encountered and solutions adopted in the fields of Hospitality and Tourism. The hospitality and tourism industry is of central importance to the continued success and development of many countries and is a major contributor to economic growth. Designed as a one-day event to build relationships between the concierge community, meeting and event planning industry, and businesses that cater to Pondicherry’s visitors, this show highlights the best of what a business or leisure traveller could experience in Pondicherry and an opportunity to network with principals of businesses that cater to the city’s visitors.

Sustainable jet fuel from organic waste

21-01-2019

Our project will develop a process to produce sustainable biojet fuel (SBJF) from organic waste. The use of biojet fuel can reduce CO2 emissions in the aviation sector and will lead to sustainable travel. Our process will be able to convert any type of organic waste, including food or agricultural waste, to a ‘drop-in’ biofuel which can be mixed with traditional aviation fuel. The phase one of the project will be carried out at the University of Amsterdam. We are looking for funding or investment to scale up to pilot scale. We have been granted by Booking.com so we can start the R&D and then will look to scale this further. We are looking to partner with organisation that wish to turn their waste into fuel using circular economy principles. We are Amsterdam based but will look to scale to other locations also.

Flavours of Málaga: Empowering women through gastronomic heritage tourism in Málaga, Spain

21-01-2019

Málaga is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Spanish region of Andalusia that provides employment up to 20.5 percent of the labour force in the region, However, women have barely gained from these developments. As in many destinations worldwide, the labour force in Málaga is highly gendered and women are far behind in agency. This situation is particularly visible in the adjoined working-class neighbourhoods of Trinidad and Perchel which suffers by high unemployment rates (in total 62,3% in 2014) with 10% higher unemployment for women. Recently, women from Trinidad and Perchel have established their own association, called ‘La Alacena del Corralón’. As part of their activities, to generate income, they organise gastronomic activities in 19th century residential communities, called 'Corralones', every June and December. In order to further improve the socio-economic position of these women, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, in close collaboration with the Municipality of Málaga, the gastronomic club ‘Kilómetro 0’ and with financial support from TUI Care Foundation, initiated the gastronomic heritage tourism project ‘Flavours of Málaga’. The aim of this initiative is to enable socio-economic empowerment of 50-70 women and their families in Trinidad and Perchel by offering sustainable gastronomic heritage products and activities for the tourism industry. The following four mains aims are derived from and based on this project’s aim in the long run (5-10 years): 1. Increase women’s participation in the workforce and reinforce their socio-economic position. 2. Advance women’s entrepreneurial skills and leadership position through trainings and workshops. 3. Improve the livelihood of the wider local community through sustainable business developments 4. Provide an exemplary connection between women’s empowerment strategies and sustainable tourism development as pillars of urban development in vulnerable areas.

Corporate Social Responsibility

16-01-2019

SUSTAINABILITY ACTIONS SOCIAL MAINTENANCE BANK HOURS Through a local social organization (El Risell), the donation of 2 hours of maintenance work for residents of the neighborhood with few resources is managed. In this way those people generally of old age have access to a person in their house of confidence that can carry out the small repairs that normally would not manage well due to lack of resources or because they are too small for a technician to solve it. :-) SOCIAL IMPACT JAM "IMPERFECT" The hotel will have at the breakfast buffet of jams organized by the organization www.espigoladors.cat Local entity of El Prat (Barrio de Sant Cosme) that through a social entrepreneurship provides employment coverage to people at risk of social exclusion. SOLIDARY "VERMUTS" We organize solidarity vermuts in which the hotel offers space and vermouth with tapas for 100 people. The full collection of the tickets sold goes to the social organization gracia solidaria that brings together 17 solidarity and voluntary organizations that work to get the basic services of education, health and social assistance to those who can not have them. Https://www.facebook.com/graciasolidaria/ MEMBER OF THE SCHOOL ROAD The hotel is on the access road to 2 neighborhood schools. The hotel has been assigned as a member of the school path of these two schools. This means that children at a given time can enter the hotel and request help if necessary. The advantage of a hotel is that we are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. EXCESSING Whenever we have material, leftover foods or cleaning the forgotten clients, we contact local entities such as the Bank of Resources, The Bank of Foods, or the La Nau organization for the donation of these items and they distribute to local social entities or direct users. ENVIRONMENTAL LEED® Certification - Leader in Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Design, Sustainable Buildings Certification System. LEED® is a registered trademark of the U.S.

Alternative Camp

16-01-2019

Initiated by Alternative Life Association in 2002, Alternative Camp has been held in different cities in Turkey for 15 years, and since 2014 it is held in the Çukurbağ Village in Kaş/Antalya. It aims to spread the sense of volunteerism, to break social isolation and discrimination and to create an alternative model of holiday-making for the disabled and individuals with different needs. Alternative Camp organizes sports activities, workshops, cultural events and trips targeting disabled individuals, chronically ill persons, poor young people and volunteers. This project, based on volunteerism at each and every level, acts almost like a school for the disabled and for volunteerism. The project reached 150 institutions, 4,000 disabled people, 700 volunteers, 300 guests and companions so far. Alternative Camp has been awarded the World Young Entrepreneurs Award, the“Golden Love” Award of the Turkish Presidency and the “Special” Award of the Prime Ministry. The program continues to open up new windows in the world of young individuals with or without disability, engaging in projects “for a better world”. For detailed information: www.alternativecamp.org

Futurismo BioBío

11-01-2019

Futurismo es un evento de alta convocatoria de tres días dedicado a la industria turística, sus innovadores, desafíos y oportunidades. Cuenta con la participación activa de expertos internacionales, nacionales y locales para fomentar el intercambio de ideas, la asociatividad y la conversación en torno a las próximas grandes tendencias y retos que impulsaran el sector del turismo. Es un encuentro gratuito abierto a toda la comunidad, reúne a emprendedores, empresarios, estudiantes, académicos, conservacionistas, influenciadores, expertos nacionales e internacionales para compartir prácticas y soluciones que ayuden a crear un turismo más sostenible, afrontar los retos actuales y futuros de la industria turística y posicionar destinos turísticos como polos de emprendimiento e innovación. El próximo encuentro se realizará en la región del Biobío; Provincia de Arauco, los días 23, 24 y 25 de abril. Los temas del evento son, > Turismo como motor de desarrollo social > Conservación en el turismo > Rol de la Mujer en el turismo

Políticas publicas y gestión publica

28-12-2018

Aunque no es exclusivo de las instituciones públicas, en ellas es indispensable contar con un modelo de gestión por valores, para dar respuesta a los retos que tenemos a nivel internacional. Las instituciones públicas deben ser modernizadas; para lograrlo, se debe enfrentar algunas deficiencias surgidas en el transcurso del tiempo por diversas razones. Algunas de ellas son las siguientes:  Falta de un diseño de gestión por procesos, lo cual lleva a que muchos trabajadores consideren que cumplir con su función es suficiente, por ser lo que indican los documentos.  Mala distribución de infraestructura, con lo cual es posible encontrar muy buenas oficinas por un lado, mientras que, por otro lado, las personas pueden estar en condiciones totalmente inadecuadas.  Ausencia de criterios homogéneos, adecuados, así como indicadores para medir los resultados obtenidos.  Falta de mecanismos que permitan evitar la duplicidad de funciones, mecanismos para compartir información entre las distintas entidades públicas, así como para coordinar trabajos conjuntos.  Mala asignación presupuestal y su respectiva aplicación según lo planificado y lo requerido en cada situación.  Inadecuada estructura organizacional, en la que los cargos no obedecen a las necesidades reales y a la forma de operar de la institución.  Política y gestión de recursos humanos ineficiente. Estas deficiencias no pueden ser resueltas por personas que cumplen funciones de acuerdo con los programas preestablecidos; se requiere de personas que

Políticas publicas y gestión publica

28-12-2018

Aunque no es exclusivo de las instituciones públicas, en ellas es indispensable contar con un modelo de gestión por valores, para dar respuesta a los retos que tenemos a nivel internacional. Las instituciones públicas deben ser modernizadas; para lograrlo, se debe enfrentar algunas deficiencias surgidas en el transcurso del tiempo por diversas razones. Algunas de ellas son las siguientes:  Falta de un diseño de gestión por procesos, lo cual lleva a que muchos trabajadores consideren que cumplir con su función es suficiente, por ser lo que indican los documentos.  Mala distribución de infraestructura, con lo cual es posible encontrar muy buenas oficinas por un lado, mientras que, por otro lado, las personas pueden estar en condiciones totalmente inadecuadas.  Ausencia de criterios homogéneos, adecuados, así como indicadores para medir los resultados obtenidos.  Falta de mecanismos que permitan evitar la duplicidad de funciones, mecanismos para compartir información entre las distintas entidades públicas, así como para coordinar trabajos conjuntos.  Mala asignación presupuestal y su respectiva aplicación según lo planificado y lo requerido en cada situación.  Inadecuada estructura organizacional, en la que los cargos no obedecen a las necesidades reales y a la forma de operar de la institución.  Política y gestión de recursos humanos ineficiente. Estas deficiencias no pueden ser resueltas por personas que cumplen funciones de acuerdo con los programas preestablecidos; se requiere de personas que

Impact of tourism on socioeconomic development of Gilgit Baltistan

08-12-2018

TO ESTABLISH TOURISM SATELLITE ACCOUNT OF GILGIT BALTISTAN, THE NORTHERN PROVINCE OF PAKISTAN TO ALIGN TOURISM SECTOR OF GB WITH SDGs.

Responsible, ecological and personal-growth travel that supports the SDGs

24-11-2018

This book is about travel – not tourism per se, but travel – responsible, ecological and personal-growth travel; the kind of travel that benefits both the visitor and the visited while helping to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Leading travel expert Adam Rogers draws upon 40 years of experience exploring more than 130 countries in every region on Earth (22 years working with the United Nations Development Programme) to share the smartest and most conscious ways to travel in this tip-filled guide. Whether a budget traveler or Fortune 500 jetsetter, whether you are 18 or 80 years old and travel with a backpack, a duffel bag or a suitcase, this book has the inside scoop on how to navigate the often-perplexing world of travel, with detailed advice on: Airlines Ground transportation Culture shock Learning languages Ecotourism Pilgrimages Travel photography Hotels and alternative lodging Staying connected Passports, visas and red tape Avoiding trouble Staying healthy Finding work And much, much more Full of recommendations, real-life anecdotes, and answers to the most common questions about travel, this book is a must-read for anyone traveling anywhere.

Reviewing Tourism and Technology as Sustainable Rural Development Strategy: A Case of Hunza, Pakistan

15-11-2018

The rationale of this study is to envelop the debate on the role of tourism and technology for a sustainable rural development in the Hunza valley in North Pakistan and. And this study also guides us to build a viable socio-economic policy framework for CPEC and its projects in different regions of Gilgit-Baltistan. Following the qualitative research methods, an explanatory case study design was used. Purposive sampling technique was used to identify and reach respondents from district Hunza, Gilgit-Baltistan Pakistan. The data was collected through semi-structured interviews, unstructured interviews and participant observation. The findings of this study show that links between tourism, technology and rural development are not much complex to materialize for upgrading the socio-economic life of the local people.

Venezia Autentica

15-11-2018

Venezia Autentica is an impact-driven startup leveraging digital media & tech as well as cultural tourism to increase the retention of tourism revenue in urban destinations while improving visitors' experience. We do so to halt the impoverishment and displacement of the local residents and consequently preserve unique cultures, heritages, and ways of life. We are currently piloting and active in Venice, Italy and planning on expanding to other cities suffering from the problem of overtourism. Our work and expertise have been featured over 60 times in major international publications such as BBC, ABC, National Geographic Traveler, Arte TV, Conde Nast Traveler and more. Concretely, we make it easy and fun for visitors to have an authentic experience of their destination while making a positive impact on the local community, mainly by supporting vetted local businesses and associations. You can read more at https://veneziaautentica.com or e-mail me at valeria@veneziaautentica.com

Taiga Expedition

12-11-2018

"Taiga Expedition" is an eco-expeditions to various parts of our Russia and the first organized Russian whale watching tours. What does "Taiga eco-expedition" mean? Each of our expeditions has it's own mission: to show the beauty of our country to as many people as possible; to overcome indifference to environmental problems through the amazing experience that travelers will get by watching animals in their natural habitat. Each group is accompanied by a researcher who will make the trip incredibly educational. Also, each group spends several days in one of the most beautiful Russian reserves, doing some work for it: from helping to collect scientific data to arranging eco-paths.

Inventory analysis and carbon footprint of coastland-hotel services: A Spanish case study

05-11-2018

Tourism is a key industry in the Spanish economy. Spain was in the World top three ranking by international tourist arrivals and by income in 2015. The development of the tourism industry is essential to maintain the established economic system. However, if the environmental requirements were not taken into account, the country would face a negative effect on depletion of local environmental resources from which tourism depends. This case study evaluates, through a life cycle perspective, the average carbon footprint of an overnight stay in a Spanish coastland hotel by analyzing 14 two-to-five-stars hotels. Inventory and impact data are analyzed and presented both for resource use and greenhouse gases emissions, with the intention of helping in the environmental decision-making process. The main identified potential hotspots are electricity and fuels consumption (6 to 30 kWh/overnight stay and 24 to 127 MJ/overnight stay respectively), which are proportional to the number of stars and inoccupancy rate and they produce more than 75% of the impact. It is also revealed that voluntary implementation of environmental monitoring systems (like EMAS regulation) promotes the collection of more detailed and accurate data, which helps in a more efficient use of resources. A literature review on LCA and tourism is also discussed. Spanish hotels inventory data presented here for the first time will be useful for tourism related managers (destination managers, policy makers and hotel managers among others) to calculate sustainability key indicators, which can lead to achieve real sustainable-tourism goals. Further data collection will be needed in future projects to gather representative data from more hotels, other accommodation facilities and also other products/services offered by tourist sector in Spain (like transport of tourists, food and beverage, culture sports & recreation and others).

Value Chain Assessment in Tourism

05-11-2018

Since January 2014 the International Labor Organization (ILO) has implemented the SECO funded project “Supporting Tourism in Myanmar through Business Management training”. Following on from Phase 1, ILO carries out Phase 2 (2017-2021) of the Project on SME development in Myanmar supported by NORAD. In order to identify sensible development activities at local level and resources that could support their implementation, research into the domestic and international tourism value chains in Myanmar is considered vital. Tourism value chain assessments of this kind have been conducted in the two beach resorts Chaung Thar and Ngwe Saung (2014), in Bagan (2015), in Kyaing Tong (2015), in Myeik (2016), Mrauk-U (2017) and most recently a combined assessment of the two tourism destinations Mawlamyine and Hpa-An in January and February 2018. The Myanmar Tourism Master Plan defines cultural and creative tourism as the typical forms of tourism relevant for Hpa-An. So far however, most tour operators have not yet included Hpa-An and other parts of Kayin State in their tours. Kayin State including the region around Hpa-An started enjoying a relative peace and stability recently. In the past, the potential for armed conflict has hampered developing the tourism potential of the State. Many areas in Kayin State are still today restricted for tourists. However, the prospect of a peaceful future will further boost tourism in the city and the State. The tourism VCA has produced a comprehensive picture of challenges and opportunities local tourism SMEs and other tourism actors are facing in Hpa-An and helped identifying a first batch of 13 proposals for action that would address the kind of support tourism entrepreneurs would need to develop. The analysis indicates that Hpa-An has great future tourism potential, if current problems are addressed. Those problems include the availability of tourist information, transportation options to the destination, poor Internet access and quali

Bringing ecotourism and volunteerism together: a Case of the Great Baikal Trail

05-11-2018

Situated in south-east Siberia, the 3.15-million-ha Lake Baikal is the oldest (25 million years) and deepest (1,700 m) lake in the world. It contains 20% of the world's total unfrozen freshwater reserve. Known as the 'Galapagos of Russia', its age and isolation have produced one of the world's richest and most unusual freshwater faunas, which is of exceptional value to evolutionary science (UNESCO, 1996). Apart from being a natural wonder of the outstanding universal value, Baikal Lake also attracts thousands of tourists annually. Touristic exploration is present at both sides of the lake, i.e. in Buryatia and Irkutsk Oblast. As the most visited areas around Baikal are at the same time special protected natural areas, development of environmentally friendly infrastructure at National Parks and outside would be a reasonable solution to a mass-tourism-caused challenge. With that in mind Great Baikal Trail – a former interregional NGO and today an Association of Leadership, Ecological Education, and Trailbuilding has been built environmentally sensitive trails around Baikal Lake for the last 15 years. Through its diverse projects in environmental education and volunteerism it also aims to cultivate social responsibility in the modern society. Not only GBT’s projects evolve around environment that is a primary field within the discourse of sustainable tourism development, but they also clearly reflect the socio-cultural authenticity of host communities. Thus, the local region is a home to Buryats, the largest ethnic minority in Siberia. Every trailbuilding project involves introduction to this culture, including cuisine and traditions. Hence, such projects raise awareness about the unique local population domestically and internationally.

Global Sustainable Tourism Dashboard

25-10-2018

The Global Sustainable Tourism Dashboard provides a broader insight into how the sector is contributing to the SDGs by tracking indicators across a range of relevant sustainability dimensions.

Reducing plastic

25-10-2018

Oceans are, with their temperature, their currents and under life sea, the engine of global systems that make the earth habitable for people. Oceans cover three-quarters of the earth’s surface, and our drinking water, the weather, the climate, the coasts, most of our food and even the air we breathe are dependent of the oceans. Worldwide, everyone is aware of the plastic soup floating around in the oceans. Plastic fragments into small particles, which changes all our water into a global microplastic soup. Water animals and plankton eat these plastics, and this is how it enters our food chain. On average, travellers use at least 30 water bottles per person during a two-week trip, especially in warm countries where you have to drink a lot. This causes a huge amount of plastic waste. In many countries waste is not properly processed, and litter is a big problem. In order to reduce the amount of plastic waste, we work together with our local experts to expand the number of water refill stations in cities and hotels. This way our travellers can easily refill their own refillable bottle without having to buy plastic bottles. We are also partner of RefillMyBottle, a community that has mapped all locations where people can refill their bottle for free or minimum fee. In some of the countries where we organise holidays to, it is not possible to drink water straight from the tap. That is why we also started to promote the Lifestraw bottle, the SteriPEN and the Grayl bottle to our clients. This re-usable bottle filters unsafe drinking water into safe drinking water! We have started the plastic-free travel challenge with several bloggers to show our travellers that zero-waste travel is actually possible. Involved: Better Places network, Dopper, Lifestraw, SteriPEN, Grayl, RefillMyBottle, all local experts of the Better Places network.

OffWorld

17-10-2018

OffWorld is a brand new French company advising travellers with a responsible & ethical approach while booking their next trip. As a personal travel coach, OffWorld provides tailor made advice and work with a committed network in order to offer the best solutions for all the travellers. OffWorld works with local partners to participate to the economic development, it also promotes off-road destinations in order to avoid the mass tourism effect while offering responsible accommodation solutions and cultural activities to better understand every people. The goal is to find back the real values of a trip : the discovery, the feelings and above all the respect. Please feel free to contact us at contact@offworld.fr for any request about the company or even a partnership. Together, let's prove to all the travellers that responsible tourism ensure our future.

Kuoni Congress Sustainability

17-10-2018

Kuoni Congress strives to act as a good corporate citizen which takes into full account the current and future economic, social and environmental impacts of its business. Kuoni Congress seeks to manage meetings, events and congress activities in an ecologically and socially sustainable manner.

Wine Tours

17-10-2018

Venivinum’s wine tours give you the opportunity to taste the unique wines of Catalonia. Departing from Barcelona, you will enjoy vineyards, grapes, land, history and landscape, a combination of ancestral agriculture and expertise, in wineries that produce the best natural, biodynamic and organic wines and sparkling wines. From your accommodation in Barcelona -hotel, hostel, apartament, room, cruisers...- or from an agreed meeting point -like cruisers in Tarragona or other place-, we will use the most sustainable means of transport, whether that be train, electric bicycles, electric or hybrid cars or conventional cars for bigger groups (up to 6 people). We will visit wineries, enjoy a meal together and take you back to the meeting point at the end.

Globetrotterseven B2B tour

16-10-2018

The trip will serve as un opportunity for participants to get hands-on experience and exposure to Lesotho's cultural norms, business regulatory framework, political climate and socioeconomic challenges and opportunities. The visit is a mixture of tourism activities and face to face purposefully arranged meetings with local business and governmental offices. Participants will have an opportunity to explore business ventures available in Lesotho in 4 main sectors Agribusiness, tourism and creative arts, textiles and innovation.

National Dance Award with Histor

16-10-2018

The National Dance Award with History, is an initiative imagined by the Society of Historical, Archaeological and Geographical Studies of Chile, in conjunction with the directors of the Oriental Dance Academy Najmah All Sahara. With the main objective of stimulating creation in the field of historical research and geographical - historical analysis of oriental dance and tribal fusion in the continent, the meeting has been designed to educate the audience through dance and its interpretations with historical foundations, promoting good health and well-being through dance, with emphasis on social inclusion and gender equality. The contest, which hopes to bring together important representatives of the country and the American continent, will be held in the beautiful World Heritage City of Valparaíso; promoting tourism and the multicultural relationship. The alliance between the Dance Academy and the History Society, goes to show that both history and dance are made up of multiple aspects, beyond the technique or trajectory of those who represent them, in such a way that we have created a unique space for the multidisciplinary study of dance's history and its artistic interpretation. The event is sponsored by the Historical Bulletin (ISSN 0719-7802), a scientific journal that will publish all the reviews submitted to the contest, and supported by the International Symposium "Meeting of History and Geography" Concón, Chile; event that already has the support of the work of tourism4sdgs.

Tourism and the Sustainable Development Goals – Good Practices in the Americas

15-10-2018

This joint publication between UNWTO and the Organization of American States highlights case studies from across the Americas that showcase the contribution of tourism to sustainable development in line with the 17 universal SDGs. It shows how a common multi-stakeholder approach to tourism development can catalyze sustainable growth through our sector. Key recommendations: • Across the Americas and particularly in the Caribbean, tourism is one of the primary sources of employment, foreign direct investment and GDP. • Tourism in the Americas also improves livelihoods, promotes poverty alleviation, enhances the protection of biodiversity and cultural heritage development, and helps to build peace. • It is crucial to precisely define the role tourism should play in the sustainable development agenda of the region up to and beyond 2030. • Critical attention must be paid to the way tourism is managed, with its income generation and employment benefits at risk of being compromised by tourism 'overcrowding' and climate change. • The emergence of a more responsible traveller means that destinations in the region should integrate resource efficiency and multi-stakeholder involvement in adopting policies, actions and initiatives. • Managing tourism development sustainably also requires strengthening partnerships between national and international public and private stakeholders, as well as local communities. • Destinations can fill their data gap in measuring the social, economic and environmental impacts of tourism, and improve effectiveness of policies and programmes related to the SDGs, through a statistical framework such as is being suggested by the launch of the Measuring Sustainable Tourism (MST) project.

Tourism for Development – Volume II: Good Practices

15-10-2018

How can tourism effectively contribute to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development? This flagship report addresses the changes needed in policies, business practices and consumer behaviour. Showcased along 23 case studies from around the world, this two-volume report examines the role of tourism in each of the five pillars of the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, 2017: 1. Sustainable economic growth; 2. Social inclusiveness, employment and poverty reduction; 3. Resource efficiency, environmental protection and climate change; 4. Cultural values, diversity and heritage; and 5. Mutual understanding, peace and security.

Tourism for Development – Volume I: Key Areas for Action

15-10-2018

How can tourism effectively contribute to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development? This flagship report addresses the changes needed in policies, business practices and consumer behaviour. Showcased along 23 case studies from around the world, this two-volume report examines the role of tourism in each of the five pillars of the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, 2017: 1. Sustainable economic growth; 2. Social inclusiveness, employment and poverty reduction; 3. Resource efficiency, environmental protection and climate change; 4. Cultural values, diversity and heritage; and 5. Mutual understanding, peace and security.

Tourism and Culture Synergies

15-10-2018

The UNWTO report on Tourism and Culture Synergies highlights the symbiotic relationship between tourism and culture and the interdependency of the two sectors. The report, undertaken through a survey of UNWTO member states and expert opinion, affirms that cultural tourism plays a major role in global tourism today. It also reveals that the sub-sector, in keeping with the changes to tourism as a whole, has been transformed by changing lifestyles, new forms of culture and creativity, and evolution and innovation in technology.

Youth Career Initiative

15-10-2018

The Youth Career Initiative is the hotel industry’s award winning solution to global youth unemployment. It aids the hotel sector to address SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by supporting disadvantaged young people – including survivors of human trafficking – through skills and employability training. Such skills enable them to access employment and education opportunities, thereby boosting local economies. YCI currently works with eleven international hotel groups, including Marriott and the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), to transform the lives of youths in 16 countries and 26 locations across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Latin America and Asia Pacific. YCI centres on a six-month programme offering students hands-on vocation training in 15 hotel departments (80% of the programme). They also gain work and life skills in a classroom-based environment (20% of the programme). YCI’s partnership model is unique, bringing together hotels and local non-profit partners to work collaboratively to deliver the training programme. Hand in hand, they create an engaging curriculum with the support of dedicated mentors. YCI enables hotels and other businesses to recruit from an untapped talent pool, while building a motivated workforce. YCI began in 1995 as the Youth Career Development Programme in Bangkok, spearheaded by the Pan Pacific Hotels Group. Lyndall De Marco, Corporate Director of Education at Pan Pacific, and Dr Kitiya Phornsadja, Child Protection Officer for UNICEF Thailand, created the unique model. They recruited the programme’s first students from social welfare schools in northern Thailand’s rural provinces. In 2004, De Marco joined the International Business Leaders Forum (IBLF), where she expanded the programme under its current name (YCI) as an initiative of the International Tourism Partnership (ITP).

Enhancing the climate resilience of tourism-reliant communities

15-10-2018

Tourism is the dominant sector of the Samoan economy, contributing more than 20% of its GDP. The principle resource bases of tourism are Samoa’s pristine beaches and its coastal, lagoon and reef areas. Some 70% of Samoa’s population live within the coastal strips, with tourism operations generally within 100 meters of the coastline. As they are adjacent to the coast, many operators and reliant communities are exposed to the impacts of climate change-induced natural hazards and other long-term incremental changes like rising sea-levels. To address these issues, this project (2013-2017) focuses on expanding the resilience of natural and socio-economic systems in tourism-related operations and areas; on enhancing livelihood strategies; and on supporting communities to weather climate change-induced hazards. The initiative supported the formulation of integrated and climate-sensitive Management Plans for five Tourism Development Areas, involving at least 10 villages, 16 community-owned tourism operations, four tourism attractions, and the wider communities in the villages of South-East Upolu, Manono, Eastern Savaii, Northwest Savaii and South East Savaii. The project’s objectives are pursued by strengthening multi-level stakeholder collaboration and public-private partnerships, in order to introduce a set of locally-tailored adaptation measures; strengthen institutional capacities to integrate climate change and disaster risks in tourism-related policy frameworks; and improve local awareness and understanding of the importance and benefits of preparedness in the face of climate change risks.

Sustainable tourism governance in the Bohol Province

15-10-2018

Bohol province, located in the Central Visayas region, is the tenth largest of the Philippines’ 7,641 islands. With a main island surrounded by 72 smaller islands, Bohol is now one of the country’s most prominent tourism destinations. The province is best known for its tourism circuits involving one of the world’s smallest and most endangered primates – the Philippine tarsier – as well as the unique limestone formations of the Chocolate Hills, its white sand beaches and other natural wonders. Bohol is historically and culturally significant, with its Spanish-era heritage churches. Prior to its development as a major tourism destination, the province was characterized by widespread poverty, low incomes and high out-migration rates. Bohol was a member of Club 20 – the 20 poorest provinces of the Philippines – and a hotbed of communist insurgency, hosting the general headquarters of the Communist Party in the Central and Eastern Visayas. To address these issues, the Provincial Government of Bohol decided to pursue ecotourism as a form of regional development for environment-friendly and community-based economic growth. This decision was based on the influence of good governance practice, province-wide stakeholder consultations involving local communities, and the province’s inclusion as one of the key sites in the Philippines’ National Ecotourism Strategy. This led to the establishment of strong partnerships both within and outside the province. As such, provincial tourism stakeholders gained the skills to manage continued and sustainable tourism growth.

Sustainable Destinations Alliance for the Americas

15-10-2018

The SDAA focuses on two of the most tourism dependent regions in the world – the Caribbean and Central America. These regions are also biodiversity hotspots, particularly for marine ecosystems, and are highly susceptible to climate change vulnerability. If inappropriately managed, tourism may aggravate challenges in these areas, such as the misuse or degradation of precious ecosystems, economic leakages, and a loss of cultural traditions in face of rising homogenization. However, tourism can also be a powerful mechanism for addressing such issues by supporting conservation efforts, moves to protect reefs and forests, initiatives to safeguard culture and heritage, and by providing much-needed employment opportunities, foreign exchange earnings and prospects for investment. To harness tourism’s potential in this regard, the SDAA was launched in March 2014 by Sustainable Travel International (STI) and a range of partner organizations, listed below. This innovative public-private partnership is grounded upon a shared commitment to building resilience in local communities, improving the way tourism is managed, and enhancing competitiveness in destinations across the Caribbean and Latin America. Eleven destinations – mainly coastal regions and islands that are highly popular with tourists – are part of the Alliance, namely Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, the Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, Honduras, Jamaica, Nicaragua, Panama, Mexico, and St Kitts and Nevis. The SDAA demonstrates how sustainably managed tourism can be efficiently managed at the regional level to improve lives and protect the environment. The SDAA’s objectives are to: – Maximize tourism’s benefits for local communities and residents; – Protect the region’s natural and cultural assets by conserving its land and marine resources; and – Embed sustainability practices in the day-to-day management and marketing of destinations.

Chumbe Island Coral Park

15-10-2018

Tanzania’s coral reefs are under threat from dynamite fishing and overexploitation, while coastal forests are disappearing in the wake of rising charcoal production and coastal development. Marine Protected Areas play a crucial role in conversing biodiversity and replenishing coral and fish stock. They can also generate income for their own sustainable management through ecotourism. In response to this situation, CHICOP’s overall aim is to create a model of sustainable nature conservation – one in which ecotourism supports park management, research and Environmental Education Programmes for local school children. While the Park’s objectives are non-commercial, its operations follow commercial principles. Since 1991, CHICOP has turned the formerly uninhabited Chumbe Island into a fully-managed, internationally recognised nature reserve that: – Includes a marine park, forest reserve, visitors’ centre and eco lodge; and – Provides sanctuary to critically endangered species, such as Aders’ duikers, coconut crabs and Roseate terns. All this was achieved in partnership with local communities, through: – Village meetings before and during project development; – Employing and training former fishermen as Park Rangers, underscored by a preference for recruiting local people; – Basing all operations on detailed Management Plans spanning 1995-2027; – Creating a Park Advisory Committee with Government, university and village representatives; – Offering marine rescue services to local fishermen/women in distress; and – Developing Environmental Education Programmes for fishermen, school children and all visitors.

Ecotourism in Sundarbans Impact Zone

15-10-2018

The Sundarbans mangrove forest, a natural wonder and one of the largest continuous blocks of mangrove forests in the world, stretches across south-western Bangladesh. Local communities living along the fringes of this UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Ramsar Wetland Sanctuary, in the districts of Sathkhira and Khulna, are highly dependent on forest resources for their lives and livelihoods. Natural phenomena and the overexploitation of natural resources, including by growing human populations with few alternative livelihood opportunities, pose a threat to this delicate mangrove forest ecosystem. Relief International’s (RI) ecotourism project in the Sundarbans Impact Zone aims to lessen local communities’ dependence on forest resources by supporting them to explore ecotourism as an alternative income generating source, and develop their options as eco-entrepreneurs and service providers in the ecotourism value chain. The project’s overall objective is to strengthen local livelihoods and enhance respect for local culture, communities – including minority ethnic groups – and ecology through the development of ecotourism, cultural tourism and entrepreneurship. The initiative also instils a sense of respect and responsibility among tourists, encouraging them to buy local products, ensure that they have the least amount of impact on the surrounding environment, and understand that their contributions assist the conservation of the neighbouring mangrove forest.

Art, Culture and Tourism Centres

15-10-2018

Lanzarote, a leading European destination and the easternmost of Spain’s Canary Islands, receives 3 million tourists each year. Given the island’s unique landscape, local artist and architect César Manrique conceived an ambitious creative project to conserve Lanzarote’s environment and culture while showing its beauty to the world, involving interventions that explore the harmonious relationship between art and nature. Thus, the foundations of the Art, Culture and Tourism Centres (CACTs) were laid in 1966. Manrique began to develop a network of tourist centers for Lanzarote’s Cabildo (island Government), engaging fellow artist Jesús Soto and a range of outstanding craftsmen – gardeners, blacksmiths, stone masons, carpenters and Cabildo workers. Today, the network of Centers encompasses nine tourism attractions integrated with the surrounding natural environment. Combined, they receive 2.9 million visitors annually. The spaces include a cave (Cueva de los Verdes), a volcano (Jameos del Agua), other natural wonders (Jardín de Cactus, Mirador del Río, and Montañas del Fuego/Timanfaya), a castle (Castillo de San José), an underwater museum (Museo Atlántico) and cultural heritage sites (La Casa Amarilla and Monumento al Campesino).

Hostelling International

15-10-2018

HI USA, a national non-profit organization that operates 33 hostels across the United States of America, offers carefully-designed immersive environments that promote interaction and understanding among people of diverse backgrounds. Its targeted experiential learning programmes foster cultural competence and challenge the traditional tourism experience – one characterized by spectatorship and consumption as opposed to engagement and creation. HI USA’s education and engagement programmes are a permanent, recurring core feature of the organizations work. They are offered to guests and community members to strengthen intercultural understanding and global citizenship. Between April 2016 and March 2017, over 122,000 people participated in HI USA’s intercultural experiential learning programmes – 5,100 programmes were offered to travellers and 760 to community members. 56% of all programmes were led by community volunteers. Over the same period, HI USA’s New York Hostel offered 930 experiential learning programmes to travellers and 57 to community members. Led by locals interested in engaging visitors and learning about them, HI NYC’s programmes offer a deeper opportunity to think about travellers’ impact on the lived experience of the places they visit, and reflect on their own culture’s similarities or differences. Community-led discussions, events and service opportunities help visitors develop a more complex perspective of a place, how it shapes the people who live and work there, and the challenges that local communities face. This impacts what tourists think about others, themselves, and the actions they take. The good practice lessons learned from these programmes have direct impacts on intercultural understanding.

Mayakoba Tourism Development

15-10-2018

The Mayakoba Tourism Development initiative is situated in Riviera Maya, within the Solidaridad municipality in the northern reaches of the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. It encompasses a 249 hectare complex, located on a karstic coast with a humid tropical climate. The local environmental systems – known as Punta Bete and Punta Maroma – form strips parallel to the sea, consisting of beaches, coastal dunes, mangrove forests and ‘medium’ forests. Tourism has a high environmental impact on such dune and mangrove ecosystems, especially mass tourism with a high density of rooms. Recognizing the need for a very different model of tourism development in Mayakoba, the Spanish company Obrascón Huarte Lain (OHL) designed and implemented an innovative, low-density model. Engineers, architects, experts, consultants and scientists from research centres – both local and international – undertook specialized studies and participated in technical planning. Mayakoba’s main location lies behind the mangrove forest and involves minimum use of the rear dune’s watershed. It seeks to have the lowest possible impact on local ecosystems. The complex forms an environmental matrix, marked by the use of existing terrestrial ecosystems and the creation of a 25 hectare aquatic ecosystem of canals, which functions as a natural estuary. Designed through rigorous study based on scientific foundations, the area’s tourism infrastructure consists of four world-class hotels and a PGA Tour-certified professional golf course. Mayakoba’s natural and anthropic elements are integrated within a framework of ‘lasting natural luxury’. Its operation has enabled the maintenance of pre-existing flora and fauna, as well as the creation of aquatic and coastal habitats that did not previously exist. This has sparked an increase in fauna, particularly birds, fish and amphibians, forming an important new wildlife sanctuary.

Climate Change Vulnerability Studies

15-10-2018

Mexico is highly exposed to natural hazards – ranging from droughts to hurricanes. As climate change gains pace, wide-ranging shifts in climate variability are anticipated, including increases in extreme weather events and associated likely impacts on economic activities like tourism. To address these challenges, a series of Climate Change Vulnerability Studies on 20 of Mexico’s priority tourism destinations were conducted between 2012 and 2016. These studies were undertaken by a research centre, the National Academy of Research and Development, at the request of the Ministry of Tourism. They assess vulnerability to climate change in Cancún, Riviera Maya, Acapulco, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, Nuevo Vallarta, Mazatlán, Boca del Río, Veracruz, Ixtapa Zihuatanejo, Huatulco, Campeche, Coatzacoalcos, Costa Esmeralda, Tlacotalpan, Guanajuato, Monterrey, Morelia, Puebla, San Miguel de Allende and Manzanillo. These Climate Change Vulnerability Studies have four main components: - An assessment of the destination’s vulnerability to the impacts of climate variability and climate change, considering various risks; - An Adaptation Programme for each destination, carried out through an on-site workshop with local actors. These evaluate the matrix of specific adaptation actions to be carried out by the tourism sector in each destination, subjected to a hierarchical and cost-benefit approach; - Vulnerability and risk maps for each destination, featuring geographic information on vulnerabilities; and - Analysis of each destination’s Early Warning System, operated by the Directorate General of Civil Protection of Mexico’s Ministry of the Interior.

Olderkesi Community Wildlife Conservation Trust

15-10-2018

The Olderkesi Community Wildlife Conservation Trust (OCWCT) spans 7, 608 acres in the south-eastern reaches of the Maasai Mara region in Kenya, bordering Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and Kenya’s Maasai Mara Game Reserve. Home to the Maasai tribe, the area is known for its abundant wildlife – both flora and fauna – including several endangered species of animals. In 2013, the OCWCT was initiated by the Cottar’s Wildlife Community Trust (CWCT) and landowners in Olderkesi, with the aim of improving the livelihoods of the Maasai community in Olderkesi. All activities undertaken through the OCWCT seek to strengthen livelihoods, preserving Maasai culture and enhance visitor experiences at Cottar’s 1920s Camp and Bush Villa. Community land is leased to OCWCT for wildlife conservation and tourism. In return, the community receives an incentive in the form of a land lease fee. Wildlife and the area’s rich Maasai culture are the main tourism products which have been sustained through the CWCT and OCWCT. The latter’s main stakeholders are Cottar’s 1920s Camp and landowners in the area, who are involved in decision making. The participation of all land owners has been vital, as is the involvement of relevant local authorities to ensure proper documentation and certification.

El Carlos Ecotourism and Archaeological Centre

15-10-2018

The village of El Carlos in northern Colombia, situated in the Necoclí municipality in Antioquia state’s Urabá region, lies next to the border with Panama. Due to its strategic location, the Urabá region has suffered a history of violence. El Carlos itself was affected, obliging communities to develop survival strategies to avoid becoming a target of conflict. In 2005, with the demobilization of paramilitary forces, a process of community reconciliation began. Communities began working together in the spheres of tourism, handicrafts, fisheries and cocoa farms. Thus, the El Carlos Ecotourism and Archaeological Centre was created to strengthen tourism and peace in the area. The community was supported by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Prosperity Department, which initiated a programme to provide community members with alternatives to illegal economic activities. Support was also forthcoming from the local government for various projects, with funds from a range of ministries and institutions. The community developed ties with tourism stakeholders in the area. In 2015, Colombia’s Vice Ministry of Tourism designated the Urabá region as a pilot in its Tourism Development Plan, within the context of its Tourism, Peace and Coexistence programme.

Nearly Zero Energy Hotels (neZEH)

15-10-2018

Buildings account for 40% of the European Union’s (EU) total energy consumption and 36% of CO2 emissions. Accommodation is responsible for 21% of the tourism sector’s CO2 emissions. While there is immense potential for savings in this sphere, the hospitality sector’s fragmented nature poses challenges to this objective. As EU directives for Nearly Zero Energy Buildings (nZEB) are rolled out, Europe’s hospitality sector will have to comply with these requirements. The Nearly Zero Energy Hotels (neZEH) Consortium was created to assist hotels to save energy, reduce their carbon footprint and build a more competitive and sustainable hospitality sector. It supports hotels to reach Nearly Zero Energy levels, in response to the EU’s commitments on energy efficiency and climate change (2020 and 2050 targets), specifically its policies of transforming Europe’s building stock into Nearly Zero Energy Buildings. The neZEH initiative provides hotels with tailored technical advice, shares good practices and undertakes capacity building related to energy renovations. The project offers sound, adapted guidance, practical training and useful tools such as the neZEH e-toolkit. This free online tool assists hotels to identify appropriate solutions in the area of energy efficiency. The toolkit and the overall neZEH project build upon the Hotel Energy Solutions (HES) initiative, used by over 1,540 hotels to improve their competitiveness through resource efficiency. To date, renovation projects have been implemented in seven EU member states, with 16 Nearly Zero Energy Hotels supported between 2013 and 2016. Championing an approach can lead to a 70% reduction in energy consumption, these innovators serve as an inspiration towards a more sustainable hospitality sector.

Dubai Sustainable Tourism Initiative

15-10-2018

Tourism is one of the strongest pillars of Dubai's economic growth. With the aim of attracting 20 million visitors by 2020, Dubai has set clear targets for sustainable development. These are in line with the vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashed Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to transform the United Arab Emirates (UAE) into a ‘Green Economy for Sustainable Development’. Dubai Sustainable Tourism (DST) is a public-private partnership, with the involvement of civil society, that aims to contribute to Dubai’s broader clean energy and sustainable development targets by embedding the principles of sustainability into all aspects of the tourism sector. DST brings together all economic stakeholders involved in tourism and hospitality – from tour operators to hotel developers and operators. Its holistic approach builds on common goal to achieve the long-term objective of a sustainable economy. The initiative’s structured approach to achieving sustainability identifies four clear targets – energy efficiency; environmental protection; awareness and education; and sectoral engagement. These fall within the overall context of environmental protection, social development and economic enablers, which will enable tourism in Dubai contribute to the overall journey of mitigating climate change and promoting sustainability by using four working streams or delivery platforms.

Global Himalayan Expedition

11-10-2018

Ladakh, located in the Indian Himalayas, boasts rich cultural heritage due to its location on the ancient silk route. Tourists from around the world visit the area to meditate, explore its mountain valleys and its traditional heritage. Local communities were largely dependent on kerosene lamps for lighting, which emitted toxic fumes and caused health problems. In 2013, the Global Himalayan Expedition initiative (GHE) was founded by Paras Loomba in Ladakh to expand access to electricity for the area’s remote Himalayan communities by leveraging tourism as a model to provide their villages with electricity. The GHE offers tourists the opportunity to travel to the most remote reaches of the Himalayas, while having a tangible, positive impact on the lives of local communities through expanded access to electricity. It offers a life changing experience for visitors and local indigenous communities through its three-step expedition approach: – A survey of the communities, involving the creation of an itinerary for the expedition which revolves around adventure and social impact; – Reaching out to tourists through social media, inviting them to be part of the impact expedition; and – Taking groups of 15-20 tourists from around the world to improve the lives of marginalized local communities. To date, GHE has conducted 37 expeditions which have provided 53 villages with access to electricity, improving the lives of at least 20,000 people. The initiative has formed partnerships with several global enterprises, which send their employees to serve as part of leadership expeditions and extend electricity to the area’s villages.

Sabyinyo Community Livelihood Association (SACOLA)

11-10-2018

Volcanoes National Park (VNP), a haven for the highest concentration of endangered mountain gorillas in the world, is situated in northern Rwanda, on the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The region is characterized by its high population density – of some 700 people per square kilometre – land scarcity and poverty. These factors have prompted some locals to illegally access the Park’s resources to sustain their livelihoods – including water, meat, wood, medicinal herbs and honey. To enhance the Park’s conservation and protect its biodiversity, there was a need to actively involve the neighbouring community in protection efforts. SACOLA was created to contribute to Volcanoes National Park’s sustainable conservation, while improving the socio-economic conditions of the local population. The Association’s tourism project involved the construction and operation of a high-end community lodge – the Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge – marked by community participation and representation. SACOLA’s members include local leaders, key community representatives of the Rwandan Office of Tourism and National Parks (RDB) and the International Gorilla Conservation Programme (IGCP). Its composition was guided by a desire to ensure the appropriate representation of the local community, and to ensure sustainability by involving RDB and IGCP. Responsibility for environmental conservation and strengthening community livelihoods is shared among all the institutions involved. The initiative is grounded upon Rwanda’s political will to link conservation to the principles of sustainable development.

ILUNION Hotels

11-10-2018

ILUNION Hotels is a chain of accessible hotels offering differently-abled professionals the opportunity to work in the tourism sector. The ILUNION Hotels project covers the entirety of Spain, with physical representation in the provinces of Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Bilbao, Seville, Zaragoza, Malaga, Huelva, Cadiz, Gerona, Menorca, Merida and Badajoz. One of its main objectives is to integrate persons with disabilities in a working environment where such professionals are lacking. Appreciating the great potential of Special Employment Centres (CEE) – where the vast majority of staff members are persons with disabilities – ILUNION decided to carry out a trial in one of its hotels. After a trial lasting several months, which verified the viability of this approach, ILUNION requested the hotel’s official classification as a CEE. Today, all of ILUNION’s hotels offer employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. Those classified as Special Employment Centres, where over 70% of employees have disabilities, are especially significant examples of labour integration. These CEEs offer all key hotel services, from accommodation to event hosting and catering, in Barcelona, Madrid and Valencia. The success of this initiative has involved a range of actors alongside ILUNION, including its dedicated staff and management, and several foundations, like FSC-INSERTA, dedicated to working with persons with disabilities.

Supporting Women Entrepreneurs

11-10-2018

The region of Mopti in Mali boasts two prominent tourism destinations – Djenné, a flooding area, and Sangha, a non-flooding area. Women in Mali are highly engaged in the production of handicrafts, hotel services, restaurants, the supply of produce and product processing. In Mopti, many small camps, restaurants and eateries are run by women. Women also dominate several branches of handicrafts – including jewellery making, pottery and the dyeing of traditional fabrics like indigo and bogolan – as well as agricultural and processing activities like vegetable growing and the production of natural jams and fruit juices from local produce, such as tamarind, bissap and baobab. Nonetheless, great swathes of women in Mali are impoverished. In this context, a project by UNWTO’s Sustainable Tourism - Eliminating Poverty Initiative (ST-EP) worked to support women entrepreneurs in the Mopti region, enabling them to become integrated into the tourism value chain and related local supply chains. Targeting community groups and vulnerable women in region’s leading tourism destinations, the project structured, organized and reinforced several women’s associations and cooperatives. Beneficiaries included: – Women artisans in Djenné; – The Sevaré/Mopti Agro-Food Processing Women’s Network; – The Association of Women Produce Suppliers of Sangha; – The Women's Hotel and Restaurant Association of Mopti and Djenné; – Women tour operators, alongside food and beverage operators in the informal sector; – Women’s associations in the Mopti region involved in tourism, agro-food, arts and crafts, and produce; and – Tourism establishments in the Mopti region who support gender equality, especially in terms of job creation.

Las Terrazas Complex

11-10-2018

Cuba’s Las Terrazas Complex spans 5,000 hectares in the eastern reaches of the Sierra del Rosario UNESCO biosphere reserve, in the Candelaria municipality of the province of Artemisa. The area is traversed by several rivers, including the San Juan and Bayate rivers, and boasts natural pools of fresh, crystalline water. Situated in the area are the colonial-style Hotel Moka; the Casa del Lago, located on the shore of Lake San Juan; and the Ecological Research Centre, responsible for overseeing the well-being of forest ecosystems. The local community’s rich cultural life is showcased to visitors through workshops that specialize in painting, serigraphy (screen printing), ceramics, woodwork and plant fibres. The Las Terrazas Complex was created in 1994 as a tourism-based sustainable rural development project, giving continuity to the country’s Integral Development Plan, initiated in 1968. The Complex aims to rehabilitate and preserve the area’s environmental integrity through the reforestation of terraces, while achieving a balance between the local population and the environment. Since the founding of the Las Terrazas community, tourism has been their main source of livelihood through the Las Terrazas Complex. It is considered Cuba’s first eco-museum, serving as a national and international reference point. It strives not only to incorporate tourism as an economic facilitator, but also to ensure social and environmental sustainability through responsible tourism. This prevents negative socio-environmental impacts while creating links between tourism and the community, thus guaranteeing tourism’s compatibility with social development.

Kumarakom Responsible Tourism Initiative

11-10-2018

Kumarakom is situated on the banks of the Vembanad Kayal – the second largest lagoon in India – near the city of Kottayam, in the heart of the Kerala backwaters, a chain of brackish lagoons and lakes in the southern Indian state of Kerala. Tourism is thriving as visitors are drawn to the area’s immense lake and lush green paddy fields, variety of migratory birds, farmers tending tiny plots of land inter locked with small canals, fishermen’s boats plying travellers across canals and lagoons, and rich culinary traditions. Although Kerala was doing well in terms of tourist arrivals, tourism projects were marked by a top-down approach that did not sufficiently take into account the voices of tourism stakeholders, local communities and local self-government. Tourism development often led to conflicts over resource use, employment and benefit sharing with the local community. In 2007, the Department of Tourism of the Government of Kerala established the Kumarakom Responsible Tourism project to foster sustainable tourism development in the state. Kumarakom was selected as a pilot destination for the initiative, as one of Kerala’s most globally renowned destinations. The project envisages that each stakeholder in the destination has a responsibility to make tourism sustainable, prioritizing economic, socio-cultural and environmental sustainability through responsible activities by all stakeholders. An institutional mechanism was created to lead the project. This destination-level Responsible Tourism Committee encompasses representatives from the local self-government (panchayat ), the tourism industry, NGOs and the community.

Club Med and Agrisud Contributing to Local Development

11-10-2018

The local development project spearheaded by Club Med and the NGO Agrisud supports local producers who are in precarious situations and live in the vicinity of Club Med resorts in Senegal, Brazil, Morocco and Indonesia. The initiative’s challenging aim is to organize a lasting match between the local supply of food products and the demands of Club Med resorts – meeting quality, quantity, diversity, regularity and price criteria. Its objective is also to ensure fair remuneration for producers and a strong distribution of added value, giving the poorest groups access to these markets. The project has trained 350 Very Small Enterprise (VSE) vegetable and produce suppliers in agro-ecology, as well as organizing these suppliers into commercial cooperatives. They have since been able to supply 92 tonnes of vegetables to Club Med resorts in these four countries. Overall, the partnership has benefited about 2,400 people – both local producers and their families. The project’s approach is comprehensive – spanning the entire supply chain from the producer to the end customer, in order to match the now-professional supply side with the high expectations of the demand side. Agrisud interacts with farming VSEs near Club Med resorts in order to: – Strengthen producers’ capacities in technical matters (e.g. agro-ecological practices), economic management (e.g. the development and analysis of operating accounts) and organizational issues (e.g. the bulk purchase of seeds, the maintenance of irrigation systems, etc.); and – Establish a sustainable local procurement system through the participatory development of the procurement protocol, as well as by grouping producers into commercial cooperatives.

Green Supply Chains

10-10-2018

As Slovenia’s capital city, Ljubljana, prepared to assume the title of European Green Capital 2016, a study among local hoteliers and restaurants revealed that two main obstacles prevented them from purchasing locally produced goods – price and complexity. In order to resolve these issues, the Green Supply Chains project was launched in 2015. It aims to increase the percentage of locally produced food and drinks available in hotels and restaurants in and around Ljubljana by offering these stakeholders the possibility of purchasing 100% locally produced foods and drinks via a uniquely managed, centralized and easy-to-use online system. By 2017, the initiative had spread to the entire region of central Slovenia, linking Ljubljana and 25 other municipalities. The project enables tourism sector stakeholders – specifically hotels and restaurants – to easily access local farmers, and vice versa, via a Rural Development Cooperative which acts as a linkage between suppliers and buyers. Farmers, hotels and restaurants who wish to participate in the project sign a formal contract with the Cooperative, obliging them to either deliver or purchase locally produced goods. Seasonal offers are available online (see: http://www.jarina.si/) , at prices negotiated by the Cooperative on behalf of its members. This site enables members to submit their daily/weekly orders. Goods are then delivered to their doorsteps. The Green Supply Chains project was initiated by Ljubljana Tourism, hand in hand with the Institute Factory of Sustainable Tourism, the NGO GoodPlace, the municipal Department of Rural Development and the Jarina Rural Development Cooperative.

Dahshour World Heritage Site for Community Development

10-10-2018

Dahshour is home to two of Egypt’s oldest and best-preserved pyramids. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, comprising five small villages, is located less than an hour from Cairo. Covering an area of 70 km2 between the river Nile and the desert, Dahshour is home to some 40,000 people. Many local community members maintain old customs, living in a traditional manner. Most of the population’s livelihoods are based on crops and livestock rearing. The region is marked by severe food insecurity, malnutrition, vulnerability and poverty. The Dahshour World Heritage Site for Community Development project (2009-2013) was a joint initiative by the Egyptian Government and five UN agencies – UNWTO, UNDP, ILO, UNESCO and UNIDO. To protect the area of the Dahshour pyramids, its ecosystem and communities, the project supported tourism-based sustainable development, cultural and ecological management, and opportunities for revenue generation. It focused on improving the livelihoods and working conditions of the local population through targeted employment-generation activities, with special focus on women’s and youth employment, as well as the development of locally-driven MSMEs. The development of community-owned and operated MSMEs enabled the community to access microfinance schemes. The project also provided the population with technical training and expertise in small business sector development. The initiative was based on the premise that a well-planned influx of tourists could benefit Dahshour so long as local stakeholders gained the necessary capacities to ensure sustainable community development through tourism-related opportunities. The pioneering initiative marked the first time national and international partners from the tourism, cultural heritage and natural heritage sectors came together to work with the Dahshour community to reduce poverty.

Mumbuca Community

09-10-2018

Mumbuca's Community is one of the most african-brazilian communities in Brazil. It is located in the middle of Jalapão State Park, state of Tocantins. The mainly activity in this community is 'capim dourado' handcrafts. Nevertheless, 'capim dourado' had been desappearing over the years so locals had the idea to responsibly manage it. Locals are friendly people and the conection with tourists is great. They have felt grateful for receive different people to visit their comunnity and the ecoregion where they lives.

POUSADA UACARI - RESERVA DE DESENVOLVIMENTO SUSTENTAVEL MAMIRAUA

08-10-2018

TURISMO DE BASE COMUNITÁRIA NA RESERVA DE DESENVOLVIMENTO SUSTENTÁVEL DE MAMIRAUÁ, REGIÃO CENTRAL DA FLORESTA AMAZÔNICA. POUSADA UACARI, ECOTURISMO, TURISMO SUSTENTÁVEL, GESTÃO PARTICIPATIVA PRA GERAR RENDA PARA A COMUNIDADE. A ÁREA E A MAIOR RESERVA DE PRESERVAÇÃO DA VÁRZEA DA FLORESTA AMAZÔNICA. O TURISMO VEM GERANDO RENDA PARA A POPULAÇÃO RIBEIRINHA COMO FORMA DE COMPENSAÇÃO ECONÔMICA PARA A CONSERVAÇÃO DO ECOSSISTEMA

SDGs Study Program and “Youth for SDGs” Scholarship

08-10-2018

Travel around the tip of South America with the Peace Boat and learn about the UN SDGs in an experiential study program “Peace Education and the SDGs in South America,” taking place February 18-28, 2019 during Peace Boat’s 100th Voyage, sailing from Ushuaia, Argentina to Valparaiso, Chile. Achieving the SDGs requires mobilization of young people through entrepreneurship, volunteering, research, education and other endeavors. Toward this aim, Peace Boat US is providing two full scholarships (program fee and travel expenses) and a limited number of partial scholarships under the “Youth for the SDGs” theme. Please visit http://www.peaceboat-us.org/programs/peace-education-and-the-sdgs-in-south-america-winter-2019/ for more information regarding application details.

POUSADA UACARI - RESERVA DE DESENVOLVIMENTO SUSTENTAVEL MAMIRAUA

06-10-2018

TURISMO DE BASE COMUNITÁRIA NA RESERVA DE DESENVOLVIMENTO SUSTENTÁVEL DE MAMIRAUÁ, REGIÃO CENTRAL DA FLORESTA AMAZÔNICA. POUSADA UACARI, ECOTURISMO, TURISMO SUSTENTÁVEL, GESTÃO PARTICIPATIVA PRA GERAR RENDA PARA A COMUNIDADE. A ÁREA E A MAIOR RESERVA DE PRESERVAÇÃO DA VÁRZEA DA FLORESTA AMAZÔNICA. O TURISMO VEM GERANDO RENDA PARA A POPULAÇÃO RIBEIRINHA COMO FORMA DE COMPENSAÇÃO ECONÔMICA PARA A CONSERVAÇÃO DO ECOSSISTEMA

SDGs Study Program and “Youth for SDGs” Scholarship

04-10-2018

Travel around the tip of South America with the Peace Boat and learn about the UN SDGs in an experiential study program “Peace Education and the SDGs in South America,” taking place February 18-28, 2019 during Peace Boat’s 100th Voyage, sailing from Ushuaia, Argentina to Valparaiso, Chile. Achieving the SDGs requires mobilization of young people through entrepreneurship, volunteering, research, education and other endeavors. Toward this aim, Peace Boat US is providing two full scholarships (program fee and travel expenses) and a limited number of partial scholarships under the “Youth for the SDGs” theme. Please visit http://www.peaceboat-us.org/programs/peace-education-and-the-sdgs-in-south-america-winter-2019/ for more information regarding application details.

Jetwing UN SDG Forum

28-09-2018

A high-level forum held under the theme of “People, Planet, Profits — How the UN Sustainable Development Goals can Help Build a Stronger, More Sustainable Tourism Industry in Sri Lanka.” Aims to help senior management across the entire Sri Lankan travel & tourism industry better understand the UN Sustainable Development Goals and brainstorm ways to mainstream them into corporate agendas and business plans. The forum’s co-organized and partnered by one of Asia-Pacific region’s longest serving travel trade journalists, Mr. Imtiaz Muqbil (Bangkok-based Executive Editor of Travel Impact Newswire and The Olive Tree),; who will present a specially-designed simplified summary of the UN SDGs and outline how they are relevant to travel & tourism and, provide a comprehensive perspective of the state of play in the world and Asia as well the key issues, trends and challenges facing travel & tourism. The forum will also feature a panel discussion with the participation of leading industry members sharing best practices and their perspectives on how to mainstream the SDGs in Sri Lankan travel & tourism industry.

Hospitality Soap and bottled amenities Recycling Program

28-09-2018

Through a Strategic Partnership with the Company Clean the World, the hotels that work on our Sustainability Program collect, sort, sanitize used amenities to produce hygiene Kits that are delivered to highly vulnerable communities in Dominican Republic The first hotel company in the Dominican Republic to adopt Clean the World’s Hospitality Recycling Program is Karisma Hotels & Resorts with its 2 properties: Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts and Sensatori Resort Punta Cana. With a combined 460 rooms on the ocean-side properties, in just a three month time period, the hotels have already diverted 255 pounds of waste from Dominican landfills, contributing to the creation of over 800 newly recycled bars of life-saving soap to be distributed within the country. “We believe that Tourism Industry is the right answer for the Sustainable Development of many communities and destinations, and it requires a serious and long-lasting commitment from our company, in order to make Sustainability a strategic pillar of our operation,” said David A. Ortegón-Martínez Sustainability Director at Karisma Hotels & Resorts. “By working with Clean the World, we are making a positive impact on the health conditions of vulnerable communities in the Dominican Republic, a very important step for the sustainable development of this destination.” With 39 additional resort properties in Punta Cana alone, the opportunity for hospitality recycling is great. To facilitate the Clean the World Hospitality Recycling Program, Clean the World has partnered with Ecoservices, a Dominican Republic-based environmental consulting company, to leverage existing logistics with local hotels.

CTR Seminar Series 2018 - Tourism and SDGs –

26-09-2018

Tourism can contribute to the achievement of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) ― Center for Tourism Research (CTR), Wakayama University under its mission aims to contribute to the development of a sound and sustainable society through the advancement of tourism research. Recognizing the importance of sustainability, the concept and related activities of SDGs are actively promoted through diverse range of research activities including the CTR Seminar Series ‘Tourism and SDGs’, CTR funding scheme and dissemination of UNWTO publications as an affiliate member.

Access to clean water for 400 vulnerable malagasy

22-09-2018

This project will enable provision of safe water in vulnerable households living surrounding protected areas in Madagascar. Two hand pumps boreholes will be installed with a budget of $5,994 to boost the livelihood of 400 people. One borehole costs $2,945, has a capacity to pump between 20-35 liters per minute and serve 200 people. This project will improve well-being, reduction in women and children's burden collecting water. Starting with just $14.98 you can boost the livelihood of 1 person

'Overtourism'? – Understanding and Managing Urban Tourism Growth beyond Perceptions Report

19-09-2018

The management of tourism flows in cities to the benefit of visitors and residents alike is a fundamental issue for the tourism sector. It is critical to understand residents’ attitude towards tourism to ensure the development of successful sustainable tourism strategies. This report analyzes the perception of residents towards tourism in eight European cities – Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin, Copenhagen, Lisbon, Munich, Salzburg and Tallinn – and proposes 11 strategies and 68 measures to help understand and manage visitor’s growth in urban destinations. The implementation of the policy recommendations proposed in this report can advance inclusive and sustainable urban tourism that can contribute to the New Urban Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Co2 compensation

18-09-2018

Climate change literally knows no boundaries, it affects every country. Consequences each country increasingly faces are droughts, extreme storms and floods. Travelling by plane creates prosperity and jobs worldwide, but also produces high levels of CO2 emission. In case of long journeys, the flight to the destinations is the largest part of the total CO2 emissions. The CO2 footprint of transport and stay at the destination is limited, especially if travellers make use of small-scale, sustainable accommodations, eat in local restaurants and do not travel too many kilometers. Better Places is initiative taker of a group of 13 Dutch tour operators compensating all the CO2 emissions of their travels. Better Places does not only compensate the on-land package clients have booked, but also the emission that is needed for the clients to reach the destination. In order to map these emissions, we make use of a carbon calculator that calculates the exact CO2 emission per travel item. Better Places makes journeys CO2 neutral by investing in (for example) more efficient cookers in Ghana and solar energy in Thailand. We work together with the Swiss South Pole Group that has selected these projects. Involved: Better Places, Aksja Reizen, Koning Aap, Shoestring, Yourway2go, Footprint Travel, Labrys Reizen, Riksja Travel, Sawadee Reizen, SNP Natuurreizen, SRC Travel, Thika Travel, Travelhome, Carmacal carbon calculator, South Pole Group

Travelife Certification

18-09-2018

Better Places is certified by Travelife since January 2017. Travelife for Tour Operators is a management, training and certification scheme and they aim to support tour operators in implementing sustainability practices in their operations by advising them on the latest trends and developments. The Travelife standard has been acknowledged as the first standard for tour operators by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). The sustainability standards created by Travelife include criteria that relate to internal management, product range, animal welfare, partners and suppliers, and client communication. Requirements include having a publicly available sustainability policy, buying sustainable and local products (FSC paper, green energy and fair-trade coffee), and stimulating partners and suppliers to also work sustainably. The main goal is for tour operators and destinations to sustainably develop themselves. After all, sustainable tourism is nothing more than celebrating holidays and having respect for the environment, people, nature and culture. Better Places has made agreements with the local travel experts in terms of sustainable operations. All our partners have followed the Travelife training and are either already Travelife certified or working on it at the moment. By stimulating this, we are creating a baseline of sustainability practices the whole Better Places network complies with and commits to in order to make the tourism industry more sustainable. Involved: GSTC, Travelife, Better Places, all local experts of Better Places worldwide (35)

Sistema de Indicadores de Turismo Sostenible para los municipios Tolú y Coveñas, departamento de Sucre, Colombia.

17-09-2018

El propósito central es diseñar un sistema de indicadores de turismo sostenible para facilitar y orientar la toma de decisiones por parte de los sectores público y privado en los municipios Tolú y Coveñas en el Golfo de Morrosquillo, departamento de Sucre, mediante el análisis y la adaptación al territorio de modelos exitosos y en funcionamiento, con el fin que se pueda mejorar la información asociada a la toma de decisiones. Se trata de un proyecto de investigación que identifica una batería de indicadores de turismo sostenible para implementar en los municipios objeto del estudio, cuyo desarrollo se presenta a lo largo de cuatro capítulos. El primero contiene el marco teórico y referencial del desarrollo sostenible, el turismo sostenible, los indicadores y sus sistemas. En el segundo capítulo se identifican y analizan varios sistemas o modelos de información turística y de indicadores de turismo sostenible, En el tercer capítulo se precisa la información requerida por los actores de turismo del territorio, priorizando los principales aspectos de su interés para que orienten la selección de variables del sistema de indicadores para que su información sea pertinente. El cuarto y último capítulo incluye la escogencia de indicadores de turismo sostenible, previas consideraciones, relacionadas con el número óptimo de indicadores para un destino, la tipología, los criterios de selección y el modelo de priorización escogido, y finalmente se presenta la batería de indicadores propuesta.

Red Rocks Success Stories

17-09-2018

Red Rocks Rwanda is a social enterprise that was established in 2013 in Nyakinama village, Musanze district. Our main mission is to harness tourism, conservation, intercultural exchange and community development through working together with local communities living around the Volcanoes National Park, which is among the homes to the last surviving mountain gorillas and other precious but endangered animal and plant species. We have a compelling desire to empower socially and economically the people living around the park so that they can see the benefits of conserving the environment and natural resources for the benefit of everyone and posterity. It is with this in mind that we created a physical space where talented artists, craftsmen and women, musicians, entrepreneurs, farmers and those supporting them, like cultural and social institutions, government agencies, corporate organizations, NGOs, private funders, volunteers, educational institutions and researchers among others can have a place they can get deeply involved to build a stronger society through bringing in their own local community development agenda, and to use tourism as a vital tool for community development. We envisage Red Rocks Rwanda to be a place where local talents can be tapped and promoted, and the youth can have enough training to secure their future through using their respective talents. We also envision that tourists, entrepreneurs, financers and corporate organization can come together so that we may ultimately succeed in creating positive impact in our community through supporting various community programs developments we have initiated. Visiting Red Rocks Initiatives is more than adventure. This is an experience and education of Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage, signifying how the local community can develop, and how the people can become even more responsible in protecting our natural environment and heritage.

Hilton Worldwide CSR Actions:

13-09-2018

Hilton Worldwide CSR Actions: Education - Awareness , Funds, in kind donations

13-09-2018

Hilton has a global commitment that aims to impact at least one million young people by 2019 by helping them to reach their full potential. This new initiative will open doors for young people by:

Connecting them to the world of travel by enabling them to experience new cultures, contributing to the improvement of the sustainability of the industry and shaping their future with opportunities in Hilton Worldwide's expansive supply chain.
Preparing them for success in the world of work, travel and beyond by supporting their basic needs and developing their life and professional skills with mentorships, appprenticeships and Hilton Worldwide's innovative career awareness program, Careers@HiltonLive; and
Employing them across all divisions of the business across more than 4,000 owned, managed and franchised hotels worldwide.

Hilton Worldwide issued an industry-wide call to action in collaboration with the International Youth Foundation (IYF) to help prevent a "lost generation" by building awareness and creating opportunities for young people in the hospitality industry. Changing perceptions of career opportunities in the travel and tourism industry is a key priority for Hilton Worldwide and the sector. The commitment builds upon Travel with Purpose^TM, Hilton Worldwide's global corporate responsibility strategy to create shared value for our communities, business and environment in which we operate. It brings together a range of existing programs and company resources around the world that connect, prepare and engage young people including:

Careers@HiltonLive, Youth in Hospitality Month: A month-long awareness campaign where hotels connect with young people via job fairs, career guidance talks, and job shadowing to learn about careers in hospitality. In 2013 hotels across Europe hosted over 320 events reaching more than 20,000 young people.
Bright Blue Futures: The program, led by the company's flagship brand Hilton Hotels & Resorts, encourages Team Members to donate their time and expertise to help young people achieve stability and bring hope to their communities, preparing them for a brighter future. The program launched last year at the World Economic Forum.
Apprenticeship Programs: Widespread skills and training programs at properties across Europe and Asia including Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Turkey, China and the UK.
School Partnerships: Relationships with more than 50 hospitality schools and universities around the world to prepare the next generation of talent.
Professional Development Programs: Comprehensive hands-on accelerated training programs that help train the next generation of hospitality leaders.
Life and Soft Skills Trainings: Life skills training program leveraging IYF's Passport to Success. To date, the company rolled out the training program in Saudi Arabia and South Africa and plans to launch a version globally in 2014.
Teaching Kids to CARE: For more than a decade, DoubleTree by Hilton Team Members have connected young people to opportunities to learn about sustainability, encouraging them to be engaged global citizens.

More information about Hilton Worldwide's global commitment to open doors for young people is available at hiltonworldwide.com/youth

Tourism and youth development in Tanzania

12-09-2018

Why Can Tourism be an efficient tool to fight poverty and unemployment rate in Tanzania especially among youth?? (1). Tourism is Consumed at the Point of Production. (2). Tourism is a more diverse industry than many others. (3). Tourism is labour intensive, which is particularly important. (4). It creates opportunities for many small and micro entrepreneurs. (5). The infrastructures required by Tourism can also benefit communities and Youth activities. (6). Tanzania has a comparative advantage in tourism. (7). Tourism provides not only material benefits for the country but also cultural pride. (8). Tourism is taking an increasing importance in the economy of Tanzania. I believe that tourism is in a good position to contribute to the poverty alleviation and job opportunities among Tanzanian. On the other hand I think Tourism industry should be promoted by allowing young people to start their own businesses (Social Enterprises), as it happens in South Africa, Kenya and Ghana but regulations must be simple and easy in order not to discourage them. ( e.g Tourism Act 2008, TATO, Brela & TRA) Likewise I urge young people to create the culture of visiting tourist attractions found in Tanzania.

Wyndham Resorts and Hotel CSR Actions: Responsible purchases - diversity and respect policy

11-09-2018

Wyndham Resorts and Hotel have placed measures to improve practices related to diverse and sustainable sourcing. They have worked with suppliers to develop more environmentally friendly, diverse and socially- responsible products. They have reviewed suppliers doing business in high risk countries or offering high risk products or services and conduct due diligence on our existing and prospective suppliers on an ongoing basis to ensure their ethical conduct meeting Wyndham standards. Furthermore, they have continued to execute on targets to increase spend on Responsible and Diverse suppliers. This is exemplified during the fourth Wyndham Hotel Group Global Conference, where they invited more than 150 suppliers to participate and identified vendors with Green and Diversity designations. They have also recognised suppliers through the Vendor and Distributor of the Year as well as awarded ' Diversity and Green Supplier of the Year' award.

#GoGreenWeskus Responsible Tourism Outreach 2018

10-09-2018

Weskus Tourism is passionate about promoting Sustainable Living. Join the 4th Annual #GoGreenWeskus Responsible Tourism Outreach on 30 Oct 2018 at the West Coast Fossil Park. Entry is Free. Please book early to avoid disappointment. The “Responsible Tourism Outreach” has a vision of promoting sustainable living, as well as the Development of a sustainable Destination. We feel that we can learn and be inspired, about the development of Cape Town as a sustainable destination, with Environmental, Economic and Social Development. The Main Focus Areas of the Outreach are: * Promote Social Wellbeing * Stimulating the Economy * Preserving the Environment We invite tourism products and businesses to share their success stories and give encouragement and advice to SMME's on how to Promote Sustainable Living in the Cape West Coast.

Live the History

10-09-2018

My name is Negin Boushehri and last week I had the pleasure of spending two nights at Meymand troglodyte village. I am training to become a tour guide and I was there to explore what the area has to offer for future tours. I stayed at MeymandMoon Ecolodge with friendly and caring people who have themselves escaped urban life to seek refugee in the peaceful nature. What took me to the Cultural Landscape of Meymand was that it was inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List in 2015, confirming its outstanding universal value as a cultural and natural property which requires protection for the benefit of all humanity. What stands out for me is that the semi-nomadic villagers live in cave dwellings carved out of soft rock by their ancestors, an unusual form of housing in a dry, desert environment. The above picture is a troglodyte room in MeymandMoon ecolodge where I got to spend the night in an over 2000-year-old, man-made cave and fell sleep on its comfy beds reflecting on all the life that had happened there through out the years! I spent a few days away from city life experiencing three different settlements in the area: the caves in the ecolodge, Sar-e Aghol, and Sae-e Bagh/Abadi, where I joined the locals in washing and shearing the sheep, played fun, traditional games, and made the local "kornou" bread and other food, In Sar-e Bagh I was able to taste some great local wine as I watched the beautiful historical petroglyphs. I also had the opportunity to learn to make "namad", and other types of handicraft which I took with me as a souvenir. Current dwellers are mostly seniors with a decreasing population, which makes authenticity and integrity vulnerable within a generation. Thus, as a guest in MeymandMoon, I was introduced to appropriate sustainable development such as dredging canals and vaccinating livestock, while beautifully taking part in the authentic life to support the traditions and produce that make the village both attractive and sufficiently viable.

Tour ODS. Lomas de Ancón

10-09-2018

TOUR ODS es una innovadora propuesta que busca fomentar la participación ciudadana a través de la práctica de un turismo responsable, aplicando los principios de la Agenda 2030 y los Objetivos de Desarrollo sostenible. De esta forma, el turismo se vuelve un instrumento educativo, sumamente pedagógico, que sensibiliza y transforma la vida de los visitantes y comunidades receptoras. En esta oportunidad, tendremos nuestra primera salida de campo a la Zona Reservada Lomas de Ancón donde realizaremos un taller de sensibilizarnos en ODS, generaremos un impacto positivo en la localidad a través del voluntariado ambiental, y finalmente, practicaremos sandboarding con los participantes.

7 Million Jobs

10-09-2018

Bringing up to 7 million tourism related part time employment opportunities to citizens along the major corridors in Asia, Africa, Australia and the Americas. We implement the desired goals included in the PDF attached. Also available is online discussion forum at https://asianhighwaynetwork.com/forum for collaboration purposes.

Kondopina Community Based Tourism

07-09-2018

The initiative will consist of Cultural groups Orchid farms Arts and crafts The initiative aims to bring in cash to boost local economy within the community. The entire community will be involved in this project and participate actively in all aspects of the project

Red Rocks supporting conservation and community development

07-09-2018

Red Rocks Rwanda is a social enterprise that was established in 2013 in Nyakinama village, Musanze district. Our main mission is to harness tourism, conservation, intercultural exchange and community development through working together with local communities living around the Volcanoes National Park, which is among the homes to the last surviving mountain gorillas and other precious but endangered animal and plant species. We have a compelling desire to empower socially and economically the people living around the park so that they can see the benefits of conserving the environment and natural resources for the benefit of everyone and posterity. It is with this in mind that we created a physical space where talented artists, craftsmen and women, musicians, entrepreneurs, farmers and those supporting them, like cultural and social institutions, government agencies, corporate organizations, NGOs, private funders, volunteers, educational institutions and researchers among others can have a place they can get deeply involved to build a stronger society through bringing in their own local community development agenda, and to use tourism as a vital tool for community development. We envisage Red Rocks Rwanda to be a place where local talents can be tapped and promoted, and the youth can have enough training to secure their future through using their respective talents. We also envision that tourists, entrepreneurs, financers and corporate organization can come together so that we may ultimately succeed in creating positive impact in our community through supporting various community programs developments we have initiated. Visiting Red Rocks Initiatives is more than adventure. This is an experience and education of Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage, signifying how the local community can develop, and how the people can become even more responsible in protecting our natural environment and heritage.

Wyndham Resorts and Hotel CSR Actions : Water - new equipment and technologies

04-09-2018

Wyndham's water conservation programs strive to use products and implement services that promote cleaner water as well as more conservative and efficient consumption. Wyndham Worldwide locations in all business units globally, including franchise locations, are encouraged to use low flow showerheads, faucet aerators and consider other conservation programs, including low flow toilets, urinals and minimizing water loss due to poor landscaping management practices. They have developed a series of programs and engagement initiatives with their guests, suppliers and franchisees to support water conservation plan. Guest sustainability programs, in particular, are a priority for the Company. The towel and linen re-use program at the hotel, where guests can choose not to have their linens and towels laundered every day- helps reduce water and energy consumption. Furthermore, Wyndham Worldwide have made assessments on water risk from owned, managed and leased properties in their portfolio using the World Resource Institute's Aquaduct tool and the World Wildlife Fund's Water Risk Filter. Based on the location of their property, they consider a series of risks, which include water scarcity-, water stress, food occurrence, pollution and overall water risk, across thousands of properties. The results of the water risk assessment were presented to the Wyndham Green Council with the objective to develop targeted programs to address communities and properties with the greatest exposure to water risk.

Wyndham Hotels and Resorts CSR Actions : Recycling and waste - basic processing

03-09-2018

Wyndham Hotels and Resorts have embarked on a journey to minimize waste to landfill. Their waste reduction goal is to advance best practices and engage associates to reduce, re-use, donate and recycle waste from the resorts' properties and corporate facilities. Their strategy builds on Wyndham Green’s commitment to reduce its environmental impact by implementing innovative sustainable practices through its Wyndham Green program. The program focuses on all of Wyndham's relevant waste streams which include: glass, plastic, aluminium, paper, soap, food, organics, kitchen grease, lamps, batteries, e-waste, mattresses, furniture, linens and carpet In 2016 Wyndham expanded its national program with Waste Management in an effort to build a cohesive waste program and leverage their portfolio to deliver value to the properties while increasing diversion from landfill. This program is just one step in an effort to meet long term waste to landfill minimization, but it is critical to ensure all properties are on one common waste program to streamline reporting initiatives. Through this partnership, the enhanced reporting and transparency will ultimately result in an accurate baseline for which they can measure the diversion progress. The program includes enhanced reporting for organic collection, Landfill Gas to Energy, Waste to Energy, recycling and landfill trash. Currently 20% of the Company’s North America managed hotel locations are enrolled under the new program and as contracts expire new locations are added where applicable. For the properties enrolled in the program in 2016 the average diversion rate was approximately 40% and delivered almost $60,000 in value.

Wynn Resorts CSR Actions: Education - funds/in kind donation

31-08-2018

In 2017, Wynn Macau donated $10million to the University of Macau Development Foundation to support the long-term success of the University of Macau and its Asia-Pacific Academy of Economics and Management. This effort plays a key role in developing local expertise and sharing talent throughout the region. To support the growth of neighboring countries and regions, the initiative will also provide diverse opportunities for local youth, allowing them to contribute to the economic development of the country.

Wynn Resorts CSR Actions: Local Enterprises: Responsible Investment

31-08-2018

Wynn Macau Community Engagement creates opportunities in business and education. Wynn Macau are committed to sourcing products and services locally to support the development of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). In partnership with Macau Chamber of Commerce, their procurement team hosts meeting with local businesses to discuss potential partnership opportunities. This process has helped increased procurement from three types of SMEs, as identified by the Macau government: Local small and micro enterprises, 'Made in Macau' enterprises and enterprises by young entrepreneurs. In 2017, the Wynn Local SME Network, an initiative designed to further the development of local SMEs. Their network leverages support from the Macau government, chambers of commerce and community members to advance these enterprises. With this network, Wynn Resorts hopes that it will strengthen existing relationships and help establish long-term partnerships with even more local SMEs.

Wynn Resorts CSR Actions: Education- Awareness campaigns

31-08-2018

Wynn Las Vegas works with Green Our Planet, a nonprofit conservation organization that brings experiential learning through outdoor garden classrooms to student attending local Title I schools, which are defined by having more than 40 percent of students come from low-income families. Wynn Resorts sponsors Green our planet has enabled the organization to build four outdoor garden classrooms that impact more than 4,000 students in the Las Vegas area. Weekly garden workshops immerse students in science, technology, engineering ,art and mathematics (STEAM) education through the real-world application of growing local produce. The outdoor gardens give students and their teachers opportunities outside of traditional classroom garden. Students also learned about nutrition to complement their growing efforts in the gardens. Wynn's involvement beyond monetary investments, with employees also supporting the local missions. Professional Chefs from the resorts have held cooking demonstrations for students using fresh produce from the garden classrooms that emphasize health and wellness through a balanced diet. Wynn employee volunteers have also helped maintain and expand gardens at each of the schools.

Wynn Resorts CSR Actions: Recycling and waste - specific material

31-08-2018

Wynn Resorts have been working with Clean the World - a non profit organization that collects and recycles soap and other hygiene products discarded by the hospitality and similar industries daily and prevents millions of hygine related deaths by donating and distributing these products to people living in poverty. Wynn Resorts in Macau have worked with Clean the World for the past six years, resulting in the recycling of 13 metric tons of soap. More recently Wynn Las Vegas has been working with the non profit, as well. Clean the World has distributed more than 44 million bars of soap to over 127 countries with the help of companies like Wynn Resorts.

Wynn Resorts CSR Actions : Renewable Energies

31-08-2018

Wynn Resorts invests heavily in alternative energy with the aim to reduce environmental impact, ensure a reliable power supply, and reduce peak demand on local power grids. In 2017, the Wynn Solar Facility was completed, a 160- acre solar energy facility located in Fallon, Nevada, hat is dedicated to providing sustainable energy solely to Wynn Las Vegas. Created in partnership with Enel Green Power North America, one of the world's most advanced clean energy companies, the Wynn Solar Facility will begin delivering power in the first half of 2018. Since 2012, Wynn Las Vegas has reduced its energy use by more than 100 million kW through technologies such as LED lighting. Wynn Macau also began installing energy efficient LED lighting starting in 2016, a project that is about 80 percent complete and contributed to a nearly 10 percent reduction in GHG emissions at the resort from 2016 to 2017. Encore Boston Harbor is incorporating highly efficient lighting as well. At their Encore Boston Harbor resort, they are installing a rooftop solar array capable of producing 1.5 megawatts of power, which will be integrated into the property's conventional supply. Wynn resort, together with Tesla were awarded $1.1 million by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center for the installation of utility scale battery storage. Encore Boston Harbor will be able to reduce its demand on the electrical grid and provide critical reliability during outages on the local power grid.

Wynn Resorts CSR Actions - Personal development - training

30-08-2018

Wynn Resorts provides employees with professional development and training opportunities to elevate their job, people and leadership skills. They also provide career development, personal performance, and leadership courses throughout the year at no cost to their employees. They require employees to participate in a responsible gaming course, which is offered biannually. These classes address how to identify problem gaming and prevent underage gaming and drinking. In addition, all employees who serve alcohol are required to participate in an online course to receive their Alcohol Awareness card. Among the professional training to improve job and leadership skills conducted by Wynn Las Vegas and Wynn Macau are the following:

Wynn Welcome - new employee orientation Leader Orientation - for new managers or newly promoted managers
ID Training - for all employees who are normally required to check guest identification
Leadership Acceleration Program - elevates employees to the next level of leadership
Alcohol Awareness - for all employees who serve or sell alcohol
Performance Management - mandatory for new and newly promoted supervisors
Anti-Phishing and Email Data Security - for all employees with Wynn email addresses and computer access
Communication and Smart Goals - focuses on setting realistic goals for teams
Responsible Gaming - focuses on problem gaming, policies on minors in the casino, prevention of underage gaming and drinking alcohol, and more True Colors Workshop - delves into different personalities and points of view
Service Standards - all employees undergo training on great guest service Team Building - focuses on understanding team members
Facilities Trainee Program - trainees build technical and engineering skills Situational Leadership - addresses leadership adaptability
Public Speaking - two levels focus on hands-on experience
Emotional Intelligence - helps leaders harness emotional intelligence
Career Advancement Program - management training

TUI CSR Actions - Ecosystem - waste treatment

30-08-2018

TUI Cruises is committed to supporting its implementation through targeted measures. Examples of these are comprehensive wastewater treatment systems for the entire fleet, the self-imposed obligation to not discharge any untreated wastewater into the sea and the zero-discharge target for pupled food waste. In order to increase the previous extend to 100%. TUI Cruises will further raise the efficiency of its drying systems for food waste, thus enabling the incineration process to be optimized. The section on Emissions contains a detailed description of the closed-loop operating mode that TUI Cruises uses voluntarily in the whole of the Baltic Sea on its newbuilds equipped with a scrubber. This is also a measure to protect the oceans and seas, as disposal of the scrubber water produced during the exhaust gas treatment takes place on shore. Like all newbuilds Mein Schiff 5, which entered service during the reporting year, is also equipped with a Wastewater Purification System (AWP) for treating all the effluent generated on board. measure to protect the oceans and seas, as disposal of the scrubber water produced during the exhaust gas treatment takes place on shore. Like all newbuilds Mein Schiff 5, which entered service during the reporting year, is also equipped with a Wastewater Purification System (AWP) for treating all the effluent generated on board (see diagram on p. 29). In this system, the wastewater from the various collection and generation points on board is fed into a mixing tank. After the mixing process, larger solids and impurities, such as plastic or paper, are removed from the effl uent in a coarse prefi ltration step. The next treatment stage takes place in a bioreactor with the aid of bacteria, which settle on a membrane and break down the organic constituents of the wastewater. Afterwards, the AWP pumps the effl uent into a fl otation tank. There, the addition of oxygen and polymeric compounds causes the remaining solids to rise to the surface, where they can be skimmed off for subsequent incineration or disposal. The wastewater then passes through a so-called polishing fi lter, which removes even the ultrafi ne solid residues. The fi nal purifi cation stage is the UV disinfection to kill all germs and bacteria. At the end of the process, the purifi ed effl uent meets very high standards and is either discharged overboard on the high seas, outside the three-nautical-mile zone or disposed of on shore. … Control is better TUI Cruises adopts a similarly careful approach to disposing of water from the engine room contaminated with oil. The company discharges this so-called bilge water into the sea exclusively outside of the twelve-mile zone. Prior to this, de-oiling equipment is used to separate the oil and treat the bilge water. Using a multistage monitoring process, TUI Cruises ensures compliance with its self-imposed limit of 5 parts per million (ppm) for water discharged into the sea.

Wynn Resports CSR Actions - Diversity Management

30-08-2018

In early 2018, Wynn Resorts established an expanded Culture and Community Department. The department supports diversity and inclusion, gender equality, fair treatment in the workplace, and employee charitable efforts in the communities Wynn Resorts serves. One of the department's first major initiative is the Women's Leadership Forum. The forum is designed to close the gender gap in management, provide career growth opportunities for female employees at all levels, create pay and title equity, and ensure a safe workplace. To better understand to accomplish these goals, focus groups, studies and surveys have been commisioned to identify inequities and pinpoint areas where female employees could be advancing faster. The 2018 Initiative of the Women's Leadership Forum includes the following:

Pay Equity Study
Women’s Leadership Evaluation Opportunities
Sexual Harassment and Safe Place to Work Survey
Focus Groups
Women’s Leadership Forum Town Halls
Women’s Leadership Panel Discussions
Mentorships for Women
Diversity and Inclusion Training

Empowering Women in Myanmar’s Hospitality Sector

29-08-2018

Swisscontact, financed by SDC and in partnership with hotels in four of Myanmar’s tourism hotspots, started the Hotel Training Initiative in September 2014. Part of the Vocational Skills Development Programme, the courses offer disadvantaged women and men a chance to learn needed job skills, while supplying much-needed skilled workers to the areas’ hospitality industry. This story is about three women who are full of perspectives for their lives thanks to the training.

Tourism Impacts in Labuan Bajo, Flores, Indonesia

28-08-2018

Like so many other places before it, Labuan Bajo on the Indonesian island of Flores is undergoing the metamorphosis from a quite harbour and fishing town to a busting tourism destination. Vastly growing numbers of tourists travel to Labuan Bajo in order to hop on a boat and take a trip to Komodo National Park. Indonesia’s central government has recognised the potential of the destination and is determined to boost its development. It wants “10 new Balis” to rise until 2020 and Labuan Bajo is supposed to be one of them. To reach this goal visitor numbers are targeted to grow to 500,000, which is a fivefold increase within four years. The intense plan of the central government is based on a common conception of tourism as a driver for development and poverty reduction. However, experience over decades of tourism growth all over the world has proven that the expected ‘trickle-down-effect’ does not actualise. Undeniably tourism development is a double-edged sword. This impact assessment aims to put the governmental development plans for Labuan Bajo in perspective by describing the current state of development and emerging trends as well as existing benefits and pitfalls along the triple bottom line of sustainability.

Comunity-based Tourism in Flores Impacts and Carrying Capacity

28-08-2018

The research of this report describes the perception of the tourism development in three communities in different locations across the island of Flores in Indonesia. Two of the communities are traditional villages. The third is a typical Flores farming community. The research answers the following questions: Which impacts are important to the communities and how is the current situation with regard to each of these impacts? How sustainable is the tourism development and did the communities become depend on the new benefits? What can the people not tolerate to happen in their communities? Has the carrying capacity in terms of visitor numbers, acceptance of changes and livelihood transition been overstepped? The study considered 44 different factors in order to evaluate the impact of tourism development on the communities.

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN TOURISM

28-08-2018

The training based on Digital Transformation in Tourism. People involved are the Youth of United Nation Association and United Nations Chapters Tanzania from 24th September to 28th September. As we celebrate the World Tourism Day 2018 by Visiting Historical sites in one region known as Tanga.

African Responsible Tourism Awards

28-08-2018

The African Responsible Tourism Awards were established in 2014 to celebrate and inspire change in the African tourism industry. The awards rest on a simple principle – that all types of tourism, from niche to mainstream, can and should be organised in a way that preserves, respects and benefits destinations and local people. Our ambition is to showcase great examples of responsible tourism in practice and to use them to educate others about what can be achieved and to challenge others to do as well or better. We are also keen to see businesses which can report their initiatives and document their impact, both increasing positive economic, social and environmental impacts and by reducing negatives ones. So the awards also includes a category for Best for Global Goals Reporting. This category is awarded to a tourism organisation that leverages tourism to contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and then transparently reports on the impacts.

RED ROCKS TREE PLANTING PROJECT

28-08-2018

Rwanda forests and woodlands can be classified into four categories, including the natural forests of the Congo Nile Ridge comprised with Nyungwe National Park Gishwati, and Mukura ; the natural forests of the Volcano National Park , the natural forests in savannah and gallery‐forest of the Akagera National Park. Most of the plant species found in these forests are used in traditional medicine and some plants reveal important biochemical extracts. With more than 104 flower species, wetlands and aquatic ecosystems are also rich in biodiversity. Red Rocks Initiatives supports a local Women Association called IGIHOHO PROJECT Cooperative which promotes sustainable forest management, balancing social, environmental and economic concerns to meet today’s requirements. We launched the project to support the conservation of endangered tree species around the volcanoes national park. The project will contribute towards the aims of the United Nations sustainable development goal number thirteen – to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impact.

Green Key National Operator Meeting

28-08-2018

Every one to two years, the Green Key National Operators from all around the world gather to exchange best practices, discuss latest trends in tourism ecolabels and build a strategy to involve more tourism establishments in sustainability. Green Key is a voluntary ecolabel for hotels, hostels, campsites, holiday parks, small accommodations as well as conference centres, attractions and restaurants. The Green Key award is based on compliance with strict criteria in the areas of environmental management (water, energy, waste, cleaning, etc.) and sustainability education (staff, guests, suppliers, etc.). Compliance with the criteria is confirmed through a rigorous application process and verified at on-site audits. The award is valid for one year at a time. Currently, more than 2,900 establishments in 57 countries are Green Key awarded. The programme is managed by the international charity, the Foundation for Environmental Education. Green Key is endorsed by the World Tourism Organization and its hotel criteria are recognised by Global Sustainable Tourism Council.

African Responsible Tourism Awards Ceremony

28-08-2018

Winners of the African Responsible Tourism Awards will be announced at the awards ceremony to an audience of tourism ministers, destination managers, industry professionals and media. Winners will include the winner of the category for Best for Global Goals Reporting. This category is awarded to a tourism organisation that leverages tourism to contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and then transparently reports on the impacts.

The 1st UNWTO Tourism Startup Competition

27-08-2018

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), in partnership with Globalia, launched the 1st UNWTO Tourism Startup Competition, the world’s largest initiative dedicated to identifying the startups that will lead the transformation of the tourism sector! ‍ Tourism is one of the best positioned sectors to drive inclusive growth, create jobs, reduce poverty, and foster sustainable development and peace. Accounting for 10% of the world GDP, tourism has a significant impact on exports, job creation, investment, development of infrastructure, and the promotion of social inclusion. Moreover, given its cross-sectorial nature, tourism’s wide reach also stimulates entrepreneurship and growth of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), which along with start-ups, are an important driver of innovation and job creation. Furthermore, tourism engages all sectors to collaborate and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. The objective of the programme is to select the best solutions and the most disruptive projects. The search will focus on finding pioneering proposals for implementation of emerging and disruptive technologies, as well as on startups based on new business models, such as the circular economy. In this regard, one of the pillars of this competition is to give visibility to projects that are committed to enhancing sustainability in tourism. The startup search process is as ambitious as it is complex: identifying the best projects in all corners of the planet. For this, UNWTO and Globalia have enlisted the innovation consultancy firm Barrabés.biz, which boasts more than 20 years’ experience in the creation, connection and activation of entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystems. To broaden the scope of the competition and to facilitate the registration of interested startups, the programme will be implemented through the digital platform YouNoodle, a leading Silicon Valley company in the startup evaluation space at the global lev

Kenya Airways CSR Actions - Education funds/in-kind donations

23-08-2018

The Kenya Airways Corporate Social Responsibility program aims at delivering sustainable educational programs to support future generations. Some accomplishments related to education projects are:

Putting up school infrastructure such as: a dormitory at Esageri School for the Deaf in Baringo County; science laboratory at Songeni Mixed Secondary School in Makueni County; two classrooms at Ongora Primary School in Rongo County; and a dining hall at Namunyak Girls Secondary School in Narok County.

Education is also one of the Core sustainability Pillars of Kenya Airways Corporate Social Responsibility program, which include but not limited to below: 1. Education 2. Water 3. Environmental conservation 4. Resource Mobilization projects 5. Health and Sanitation 6. Disaster Response 7. Sports & Cultural engagements

How botanical gardens help to conserve the environment around Volcanoes National Parks

21-08-2018

To conserve and educate people on the value of plants, Red Rocks Cultural Centre started a botanical garden around the Volcanoes National Parks in 2016. The main aim of the gardens was to make environmental sustainability a priority and to protect endangered species of plants. So far, Red Rocks botanical gardens have played a great role not only as resource for the study and cultivation of plants with healing properties but also as key component for environmental conservation. The botanical gardens are also starting to play a role in the mitigation of the effects of climate change, and could be vital to the survival of the planet as they are perfectly placed to help ecosystems to adapt to new climates in the Volcanoes National Park and the Virunga massif. We have hosted many researchers and students from various universities and other institutions in Rwanda who are doing botanical studies. They come and we teach them about the scientific names of various plants together with their medicinal value. Red Rocks botanical garden project has become a useful resource for various national and international researchers. Apart from helping in environmental conservation-which was the key objective of establishing the gardens, they have also become a significant component of tourist attraction, saying ‘many tourists visit the gardens to see some species of plants for the first time that can only be found around these areas.

Global Sustainable Tourism Dashboard

21-08-2018

The Global Sustainable Tourism Dashboard provides a broader insight into how the sector is contributing to the SDGs by tracking indicators across a range of relevant sustainability dimensions.

Solar electrification of trans himalayan homes

21-08-2018

Offbeat Tracks is an experiential travel company that promotes experiential and sustainable travel across India. We work with rural communities to encourage homestay based experiential travel with a focus on rural micro entrepreneurship and skill development. All our projects are set out to promote sustainable and responsible travel in alignment with the Sustainable Developmental Goals set out by the UN. " Think global and act local" is the motto that we strive towards. Tourism is one of the largest revenue generators all over the world and we at Offbeat Track's aim to promote sustainable development across the Himalaya's via tourism. Keeping that in mind we have identified 3 SDG's as mandated by the UN that we would adopt in all our travel related experiences. These are as follows: Affordable and clean energy (Goal 7) Decent work and economic growth (Goal 8) Responsible consumption and production (Goal 12) Affordable and clean energy: The Trans Himalayas (Ladakh and Zanskar) are an arid, high altitude region with a lot of settlements having limited or zero access to electricity. People living in these regions traditionally depend on Kerosene and firewood as sources of light and energy. These traditional sources of energy have adverse effects on the health of the community leaving the young and elderly extremely vulnerable to Carbon monoxide poisoning. These regions are essentially high altitude cold deserts with nearly 300 days of abundant sunshine. Keeping this vital asset in mind, we realised that Solar energy harnessing units would be an ideal clean energy solution to people of this region. Vision: We have envisioned solar powering 1000 homes in the Trans Himalayas over the next five years. We plan to use tourism as a tool via which we can bring clean energy access to rural and nomadic communities living across the Trans Himalayas. Our first expedition last year had the team successfully solar electrify 10 rural homes in Ladakh that were off the grid.

Say HI to Sustainability

21-08-2018

Say HI to Sustainability is a HI (Hostelling International) Sustainability Exchange project. This is a cooperation between HI Norway and HI Brazil, funded by the Norwegian governmental organ FK Norway, which is a part of the Norwegian foreign affairs ministry. The aim of Say HI to Sustainability is to foster sustainable travel, gathering and sharing valuable tools and ideas to create a Sustainability Strategy around the Hostelling International network. focusing on the importance of local products, services and activities. The project will run over a 3-year period and each year two participants from Brazil and two from Norway will have the opportunity to work and learn about sustainability in the partner country. Thus, the project is a mutual exchange of knowledge between the participants and hostels. It is important for us to always learn about, as well as promote and educate as many people as we can about sustainability. We do this by presenting our project to the hostels we travel to, as well as participating on events that might be beneficial to the project, such as for example World Travel Forum. This gives us the ability to reach several businesses and people at once, as we are always looking to expand our network. Since this is a project funded by FK Norway, mutual exchange between countries is a large part of our project. Therefore, all participants are actively trying to understand and grasp our new host countries, learning the language and customs, to bring back this knowledge to our home country upon return. To share our gained knowledge, we are actively using social media as well as this website. We keep ourselves updated on what other hostels in and outside the HI network do towards sustainability all around the world. On this website we gather all the great ideas hostels have given us throughout our travels, frequently posting tips and blogposts about our quest to make the hostelling world more sustainable.

TRIANGLE - Building a European Knowledge Alliance for Sustainable Tourism

21-08-2018

Within the framework of the EU’s Erasmus Knowledge Alliance programme, the EuropeanECOTRANS Network for Sustainable Tourism Development has teamed up with leading universities and businesses with core ICT and tourism interests to create an innovative European wide collaborative online learning delivery system for Higher Education Institutes to offer quality tourism sustainability training to destination administrators, SMEs and workforce individuals linked to tourism activity in Europe’s protected areas. At the heart of the Alliance will be a collaboratively-managed ICT Portal - the TOURISM2030 platform - containing online training tools for b2b or b2c use, including: A knowledge alliance of universities wishing to manage their sustainable tourism offers in a collaborative framework. A collectively-managed tourism knowledge base configured as an applications database engine, supporting: A Competence in Sustainable & Responsible Tourism Certification online course (graduate level with ECTS credits) A Sustainable Tourism Development Handbook and Online course A Travel Green Europe Mapping App for certified tourism businesses to reach out to responsible consumers A Certification Quickfinder to help businesses choose the most suitable certification process A Tourism Sustainability Best Practice Browser for evidenced-based decision taking A Europe-wide student intern placement system offering in-situ and online certification & auditor skills training.

5th FERIA NACIONAL DE PUEBLOS MAGICOS

21-08-2018

Beautiful colonial city of Morelia, located in Michoacan State, Mexico, will host the 5th Magical Towns Fair, which will gather the 111 localities that have obtained this denomination. A Magic Town is a small town, located mostly in rural but accessible areas, which offers its visitors unique experiences based on its historical, cultural and natural assets, making them live truly magical moments. This edition will also include the participation of Latin American countries interested in joining eforts to develop a regional LATAM product from the sum of communities with similar characteristics. Visitors will find an exhibition area, local products and handcrafts fair trade, local food tasting, training seminars, learning talks and art shows based on the cultural heritage of each participating town. The Magic Towns program was created in 2001 and fosters roots by creating employment linked to tourism; reinforces the values of identity; contributes to reduce poverty and inequality. It is managed from the local level by empowered civilian committees that work together with the acting governments in turn to guarantee their continuity.

International Symposium "Meeting of History and Geography" Concón, Chile.

21-08-2018

The International Symposium "Meeting of History and Geography" maintains an open call to the historical debate and related sciences, which does not reduce its issues to the national limits of Chile. Advances in the investigation of history, geography and related sciences such as archeology, botany, zoology, heritage management and tourism, for example, encompass an ever broader subject of specialties that escapes the very borders of its discipline, provoking the necessary interdisciplinarity; especially for "Special Interest Tourism", which requires a solid historical base that supports the cultural discourse that is offered. The event, which has its beginnings in 2014, has had as main stage the Historical and Archaeological Museum of the city of Concón; an excellence tourist destination, standing out for being the Gastronomic Capital of Chile; which form part of a great regional axis united by history that goes back thousands of years behind. In previous years, the event attracted the attention of great Chilean experts, as well as outstanding scholars from Mexico, Peru, Argentina and Panama. In 2017, the event was considered part of the global activities of the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development 2017. Two of the lectures of the year 2017 were published in Issue Number 20 of the Historical Bulletin of the same company. In the same way, the 2016 and 2015 editions have also obtained a space in this outstanding magazine.

Red Rocks Cultural Tourism Week 2018

20-08-2018

31st August – 04th September Join our exhibition on this date to have a hands-on experience of how Red Rocks is keeping our cultural heritage alive. There will be a show of how local community benefits from tourism activities together with the ways we can preserve our pristine culture for the benefit of future generation. Visitors will participate in different cultural expressions like basket weaving (The AGASEKE), Pottery and the process of making the banana beer (URWAGWA) among others. Conservation & Community Success Stories 05th September The local community will be happy to share their success stories concerning harnessing tourism as a means of socio-economic and sustainable development. Apart from celebrating viable conservation efforts that the local community has undertaken, you will also have the chance to meet different tourism and conservation players from a broad spectrum in the industry who will provide you with salient details about the history of ecotourism around the Virunga massif. Football & Arts for Conservation, plus Crazy Gorilla Night 06th September Our key mission is to promote art for conservation. Consequently, we have scheduled an event on this date where you’re going to be introduced to conservation-themed art exhibits, live painting demos, and you too are going to actively take part in the demos by doing your own painting and taking it with you home as a souvenir. This is an event you cannot afford to miss. Furthermore, our host of activities will include also a football tournament organized with conservation education in mind. Kwita Izina 07th September The Kwita Izina annual event has become a must-attend ceremony. Now in its 14th year, this year’s event promises to sparkle just like it has done before. It has also played a significant role in conservation of the rare mountain gorillas. This year, 23 baby gorillas are to be named. But we have organised a party for you at Red Rocks Rwanda where you will join our local people

Centro American Community Based Tourism Encounter

20-08-2018

Networking event for CBT entrepreneurs, responsible travel agencies & tour operators, academia, NGOs and public offices representatives. First two days are for workshops and forums related to relevant topic for CBT Second two days are for market and business rounds to promote selling alliances between attendees. General public is invited since there will be cultural activities and tours.

East Africa Community Based Tourism Encounter

20-08-2018

The East Africa Community Based Tourism Encounter (EACBTE) is a Project that aims at promoting networks between Community Based Tourism initiatives and other relevant stakeholders in order to create business opportunities, collaboration alliances, capacity building and promotion of CBT as a sound means for local sustainable development. This is a two-year project, rotating in countries of East Africa (Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania) which actively work in Community Based Tourism.

Igihoho Support Cooperative helping kick out plastic seed-bags.

17-08-2018

Red Rocks support the local women associations who came together under Igihoho Support Cooperative to seek ways on how to promote environmental conservation but also sustain community development.

ONE PLANET – SUSTAINABLE TOURISM PROGRAMME ANNUAL MAGAZINE 2017/2018 – Lead Innovate Finance Empower (LIFE)

17-08-2018

In this third annual edition, the One Planet - Sustainable Tourism Programme magazine presents the highlights of the network’s activities from 2017 to 2018. Please find more information from the link.

Carbon offsetting and responsible tourism

17-08-2018

Since our launch 20 years ago, low impact, responsible tourism has been at the heart of everything we do.

United Against Waste

14-08-2018

United Against Waste is a national sector network across the whole value chain of the out-of- home consumption. Together we will halve Food Waste in the hospitality sector!

International Conference on Sustainable Mountain Development & Tourism

14-08-2018

In order to raise some un-addressed yet fragile mountain development issues, GEA is organising 1st International Conference on “Sustainable Mountain Development & Tourism (SMDT)” at Kathmandu/Nepal, by supporting the philosophy & mission of UN-SDGs (https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org & UN WTO (http://tourism4sdgs.org) collectively. We seek support from everyone or anyone, who is really concerned abt Mountain issues by promoting n supporting thiis Campaign thru SMDT Conference. Nepal

International Conference on Sustainable Mountain Development & Tourism

12-08-2018

In order to raise some un-addressed yet fragile mountain development issues, GEA is organising 1st International Conference on “Sustainable Mountain Development & Tourism (SMDT)” at Kathmandu/Nepal, by supporting the philosophy & mission of UN-SDGs (https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org & UN WTO (http://tourism4sdgs.org) collectively. We seek support from everyone or anyone, who is really concerned abt Mountain issues by promoting n supporting thiis Campaign thru SMDT Conference. Nepal

Adventure Junky App

09-08-2018

The Adventure Junky App is 'earth's sustainable travel game'. Adventure Junky uses the proven tool of gamification to engage the world's biggest demographic - Millennials - to travel more sustainably. With literally billions of travellers circling the planet every year, the travel industry has a significant impact on the well-being of people and planet. Adventure Junky is working in partnership with the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), and its membership to create a more fairer, inclusive and sustainable future for global tourism, through the support of the adjacent values. The app will be a showcase for leaders in sustainability, be they destinations, operators, gear suppliers or apparel companies. Equally the app will promote the importance of the values below to its adventurers in order to raise the awareness and adoption of our guiding principles and responsible adventure travel.

Aventure Colombia CSR Actions - Fight against sexual exploitation in tourism - awareness campaign

08-08-2018

Some difficult situations in Colombia may lead to the development of cases of sexual exploitation of minors. Aventure Colombia fights against this sexual exploitation by supporting the national campaign and sensitizing its collaborators, travelers and service providers via the publication of articles on its blog, the signature of engaging contracts and of the internal regulation by its collaborators and service providers. Furthermore, Aventure Colombia respects and only works with service providers that respect the Colombian laws that indicates the sentences for anyone who develops suspect activities with minors

BCD Travel CSR Actions -Ecosystem - pollution reduction

08-08-2018

BCD Travel engage employees in resource efficiency efforts. A dedicated team of CSR coordinators in their global locations oversees the implementation, tracking and improving of local environmental initiatives. Some of the 2016 initiatives are as follows:

Green teams were organised in countries that previously did not have this engagement
Offices ran local campaigns encouraging employees to create personal sustainability plans or otherwise incorporate sustainability into their everyday lives
Global promotion and participation in Earth Day, Earth Hour and World Environment Day events to engage and educate employees.
Employee award and recognition programs that reward measurable environmental improvements or demonstrations of best-in-class practices.
Six percent increase in work from home opportunities for U.S employees, resulting in reduced gasoline and CO2 emissions, cost savings on office space, and better work-life balance.
Implemented a Global Energy Saving program to help reduce operational energy usage by 11,661,915 kilowatt-hours (KWh) and CO2 emissions by 18,460,810lbs. ISO 14001 specifies the requirements for an environmental management system that BCD travel has used to enhance its environmental performance in a systematic manner that contributes to long-term environmental goals.

Plan Estrategico de Turismo Sostenible para Ibague

06-08-2018

El objetivo principal del presente documento “Memoria Diagnóstico del Destino”, es el de servir de documento de referencia para el posterior proceso de auditoría y consecuente certificación de Ibagué

Tourism & the SDGs: Papua New Guinea

06-08-2018

Three day intensive workshop on tourism and the SDGs for PNG. Developed and led by Steve Noakes.

The Macedonian Experience

06-08-2018

The Macedonian Experience is a 1 week Tourism Program which kicks-off the start-up of our Cooperative Movement Changemakers4all (www.changemakers4all.com). In the program we work with the local community, often small farmers, shop-owners or individuals which are very involved in offering a different Touristic Experience. Lazar Stamkov is one of the key figures in this respect who has a massive experience in all kinds of Adventurous Sports Activities and Programs with respect for the environment.

Sustainable Enterprise Sonoma

06-08-2018

With the 2018 theme “Play, Work, Live for a Sustainable Future,” the conference will explore sustainability on the personal, business, and regional scale. The program is designed through the use of the One Planet Cafe to give plenty of opportunities to join the conversation and find new collaborators. The goal of the conference is promote sustainable operating practices, kickstart regional collaborations, and build a network of professionals working for more sustainable and resilient communities

Tourism and the Sustainable Development Goals Conference 2019 (Tourism4SDGs19)

06-08-2018

Tourism4SDGs19 offers the opportunity for a wide range of scholars and tourism stakeholders to discuss and debate both (i) challenges to tourism contributing to the SDGs, and (ii) ways in which tourism can deliver on its potential to be more inclusive, equitable and sustainable, in line with the values embedded in the Global Goals. CFP open now : https://tourism-sdg.nz/call-for-papers/; due date 16 Sept. Visit the website for information about keynote, speakers, programme and registration

Día Mundial del Turismo: El Turismo en la Era Digital

06-08-2018

El Turismo en la Era Digital En la actualidad, las empresas y las personas están conectadas, intercambian información y realizan transacciones de formas que nunca habíamos imaginado. La combinación de plataformas digitales, las opiniones y contenidos creados por el usuario, la integración de las redes sociales, los sistemas de posicionamiento global y el uso de los macrodatos y la inteligencia artificial han transformado nuestra forma de gestionar, consumir y compartir la información.

Kalpak Travel: Our commitment to sustainable, responsible tourism

06-08-2018

The UN’s sustainable development goals (SDGs) is an opportunity for all of us — tourists and tour operators alike — to think about how we can travel in a way which not only minimises the damage we cause to the environment, but we can also positively contribute to realising the UN’s 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs). So what does that mean in practice? https://kalpak-travel.com/blog/central-asia-sustainable-responsible-tourism/

Language Games Festival

06-08-2018

languages are invited to form clubs and participate in the games. thereafter, the surplus will be channelled to building a global language centre that will introduce LANGUAGE TOURISM & preserve langu

Circuitos icultural

06-08-2018

The plan is develop one day tours that will provide guide trips and visits to the process of every handmande crafts in the city of Ita, located in the Central Department of Paraguay.

Festival de las Lomas de Mangomarca

06-08-2018

El domingo 22 se llevó acabo el "Festival de las Lomas de Mangomarca" en el cual participamos como promotores en el cuidado de las lomas #Innpulsaturismo contribuyendo al cuidado del medio ambiente.

Fair Voyage

06-08-2018

Conscious travel platform promoting exclusively certified socially & environmentally responsible local tour companies, accommodations & projects.

Rural women and girls master farmer empowering; smart farming program - Rural women and girls master fishing program & climate smart fisheries; aqyaculture programe

06-08-2018

Working in Sustainable Development by Resilient Climate Creativity making sustainable business & Civic Media through AI & the 2030 Agenda

UNWTO Tourism Tech (Ad)venture: Big Data Solutions in Tourism

06-08-2018

In the framework of the 109th session of the UNWTO Executive Council, UNWTO in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism of Bahrain will organize a UNWTO Tourism Tech (Ad)venture Forum (TTAF) focused on Tourism Smart Management and Big Data solutions in tourism – powering new business models through innovation.

The Macedonian Experience

04-08-2018

This is an event organized by Changemakers4all (www.chagemakers4all.com) - a Dutch-Macedonian Cooperative Movement that has recently been set up. With this Program we kick-start the first Touristic Program of the Cooperative which supports the SDG2030 goals for responsible and inclusive tourism. It is a journey in the southern-region of Macedonia, which takes people through the history, nature, culture and culinary tradition of Macedonia. The Program involves the local community.

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03-08-2018

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22nd UNWTO General Assembly in Chengdu, China

02-08-2018

Sustainable tourism is increasingly relevant in national agendas for its role in fostering economic growth, social inclusiveness and the protection of cultural and natural assets. This is now also recognized at the highest international level with the UN General Assembly having adopted several resolutions acknowledging the role of tourism in sustainable development, including the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This calls for evidence to support policy and track progress. UNWTO recognizes that, apart from being a technical exercise, the development and implementation of a statistical framework for sustainable tourism is very much a strategic endeavor that will require stakeholder engagement, inter-institutional coordination and political leadership. Participants had the chance to discuss methodological advances, explore emerging issues and learned from pioneering country experiences in this area of measurement. The Manila Conference gathered for the first time Ministers, Statistical Chiefs, Policy experts and statisticians dedicated to sustainable development, environment and tourism.

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02-08-2018

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TUI Cruises - Recycling and waste

30-07-2018

TUI Cruises place special focus on the issue of food waste through the launch of the project supported by Futouris entitled “Food Waste – Reduction of food waste on cruise ships”. The aim of the pilot project is to make efforts to tackle the tremendous waste of food around the world. The project launched in September 2016 has a duration of 18 months, during this time the causes of food waste on board the Mein Schiff ® fleet will be identified with the aid of the project partner United Against Waste e. V. and processes relevant for reducing food waste will be optimized. After the first analysis phase on board Mein Schiff 4, TUI Cruises is working with United Against Waste e. V. and Futouris in a second project phase to develop specific measures from the results and is set to conduct trials of these measures on board as from the summer. These measures are intended to organize the processes involved in the preparation, presentation and disposal of food on board more efficiently. The aim is to use the resources employed to the best possible effect, reduce the consumption of resources and food waste as well as create awareness for this topic amongst the crew and guests. The company will then prepare a catalogue of actions from the final results and carry out targeted training for the employees on board. TUI Cruises will implement the effective measures within the entire Mein Schiff ® fleet. The results of the project will be published via Futouris and thus made available to the cruise industry as a whole. This will enable far-reaching stimuli to be given in the form of specific proposals for measuring food waste and best practice measures for reducing waste. This is intended to promote greater sustainability in managing food on cruise ships.

TUI Cruise CSR Actions - Wildlife and Ecosystems - animal protection

30-07-2018

TUI Cruises cooperated with several environmental protection organizations, whose campaign goals include the conservation of whales. Through donations from the Green & Fair excursions, for instance, the company again supported the organizations MEER e.V. and Pottwale e.V. The latter organization mainly uses the donations for information activities for the population on Dominica and, in particular, the newly created Marine Education Program, which is particularly aimed at children. In 2016, TUI Cruises also successfully continued its important awareness campaign on whale conservation for guests. As part of its more than two-year collaboration with the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), the company created a flyer called “Meet us don’t eat us”, which informs guests on the Nordic routes about the threat presented to whales and the concerns of consuming whale meat. In the summer of 2016, the subject of whale conservation featured strongly in the media in connection with whaling on the Faroe Islands, a destination which TUI Cruises served once during 2016. TUI Cruises expressly distances itself from worldwide whaling. If the company encounters practices that raise concerns about species protection at its destinations, it consistently seeks a dialogue with the authorities, environmental protection organizations and its local partners. This was also the case in connection with the whaling on the Faroe Islands, which was criticized most strongly by TUI Cruises. In a meeting held at the destination, TUI Cruises was able to convince itself that the company’s tourist attractions on the Faroe Islands had nothing to do with whaling and will continue to actively inform its guests on the route about the local situation and thus create awareness of what is happening in the region.

TUI Cruises CSR Actions - Wildlife and ecosystems - landscape protection

30-07-2018

TUI Cruises contributed to the conservation of biodiversity on the high seas and in the global destinations in a variety of ways in 2016, especially in sustainable coral conservation. Many species of coral are threatened by extinction due to the destruction of their habitats, which is leading to a loss of diversity in species and to a deterioration of ecosystems. In collaboration with zoo aquaria, scientists and local lobby groups, the non-profit foundation SECORE International (“SExual COral Reproduction”) is pursuing new procedures in nature and species conservation and ismaking efforts to find innovative strategies to recultivate coral species threatened by extinction and to restore the functionality of coral reefs. One of the SECORE projects, with which TUI Cruises has been involved since 2012, is coral conservation off of the coast of Curaçao. In addition, TUI Cruises and SECORE as part of the collaboration with Futouris e. V. have developed a campaign on the subject of sustainable snorkeling and diving within the coral conservation project. All over the world, inattentive or unwitting visitors cause severe damage to coral reefs and have had an alarmingly adverse affect on their condition. Against this backdrop, the campaign provides targeted information for tourists on excursions and trains local diving schools and their guides in the Caribbean. TUI Cruises has integrated a Code of Conduct into its contracts with the diving schools, which lay down sustainable diving standards. The campaign entitled “Sustainable under water” focuses the awareness of tourists and local divers on sustainable conduct during the dives and thus promotes environmentally acceptable dive trips. As a result, it makes an additional contribution to the SECORE recultivation projects for coral conservation.

EXO Travel -

30-07-2018

EXO Travel developed guidelines with the support of environmental NGOs (TRAFFIC,WCS,WWF, EARS) and other specialists to inform travellers and travel agencies. These guidelines include The Global Standards for Animals in Tourism and address in particular issues concerning elephants, tiger, primates and monkeys, marine life, turtles. EXO Travel works only with elephant camps that treat their animals properly and help them in the future to shift towards more friendly activities for elephant. They consulted several experts from EARS, WPA, Elefantasia, Traffic and developed their own specific evaluation check list for elephant camps and a rating scheme. They developed guidelines with the support of environmental NGOs (TRAFFIC, WCS, WWF, EARS, etc.) and other specialists to inform travellers and travel agencies what are the issues at stake and how to behave properly. These guidelines include The Global Standards for Animals in Tourism and address in particular issues concerning elephants, tigers, primates & monkeys, marine life, turtles. EXO Ethical code directs the way that EXO is not, as some other tour companies, willing to cease all elephant rides abruptly as this means a serious loss of revenue for local communities whose livelihoods depend on it, as well as elephants. They prefer to raise the issue and continue working only with those who treat their animals properly and help them in the future to shift towards more friendly activities for elephants. They consulted several experts from EARS, WPA, Elefantasia, Traffic and, developed their own specific evaluation check list for elephant camps and a rating scheme. SC have started conducting inspections. - Within the frame of Travelife certification the EXO Foundation reviewed the EXO Responsible Travel Policy and elaborated a range of key documents outlining policies, guidelines, check lists to assess their suppliers, etc. All these are meant to facilitate the implementation of the certification process by over 500 staff, as well as inciting their suppliers & clients to join their march towards sustainability. - EXO Ethical code directs the way that EXO Travel conducts its business. It was designed to fight against corruption and ensure EXO fair relationships with all interested parties: customers, competitors, staff, destinations and suppliers. It guides every step of decision making in line with their ethical commitments and those that are important for a healthy and sustainable business. - Since 2013, EXO Travel has made the decision to cease visits to schools, orphanages and other children’s centers following reports on the numerous unseen negative impacts of such visits from child welfare organizations such as Friends International, Save the Children, UNICEF, which work closely with disadvantaged children and families.

TUI CSR Actions - Ecosystem - Pollution reduction

30-07-2018

TUI Cruises attach particular attention to the environment-friendly mobility of its employees. Following a review of the current situation and needs analysis, a comprehensive mobility program with short-term and long-term measures was developed. In order to optimize level of emissions, TUI Cruises conducted an employee survey with an analysis of their place of residence. It then realized the potentials revealed by implementing measures such as promoting use of the public transport network and rail discount cards. The company implements measures such as promoting the use of public transport network, rail discount cards and offer of company bicycles. In addition, the company created a section called “Nachhaltig Unterwegs” [Sustainable Travel] on the intranet in which it provides employees with information on offers of sustainable mobility, ranging from the Profi Card for employees from the HVV (the Hamburg public transport network) through to car sharing schemes.

WEAR-ABOUTS

28-07-2018

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Curso de Turismo sostenible y desarrollo local en áreas rurales

27-07-2018

El curso está basado en el concepto del turismo como motor para la creación de actividades económicas y de empleo decente en las áreas rurales. Durante las fases a distancia y presencial se examinarán en detalle las claves necesarias para que el turismo pueda ser una alternativa socioeconómica sostenible, y cuáles son los elementos a tener en cuenta para diseñar una estrategia de desarrollo rural basada en el turismo.

Tourism & the SGDs in Mongolia

27-07-2018

Tourism and the SDGs - a 3 days training program conducted in December 2017. A total of 150 specialists from the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, the Ulaanbaatar City Tourism Department, the Development center of Tourism, specialists in charge of tourism from districts and 21 aimags, other private organizations and entities attended the training.

International Adventure Conference

27-07-2018

The International Adventure Conference attracts a truly worldwide audience, from a range of different specialisms. The challenging ideals and targets of the United Nations’ SDGs go way beyond environmental concerns and emphasise human interaction with the planet, with nature and with each other. Our delegates carry with them stories related to all seventeen SDGs. The event will open up critical discourses about these powerful new goals – economic, social, cultural, philosophical and physical.

Halt Poverty supporting sustainable tourism

27-07-2018

Halt Poverty was launched as a project in 2015 in response to the needs to empower human capital in tourism-based activities. Based in Madagascar. Halt Poverty is now officially registered as a social venture that support local communities with sustainable tourism initiatives. Our actions encourage sustainable tourism experience in Madagascar including relieving pressure on overcrowded tourist areas. Inappropriate actions can be damaging to the destination. Tourism has direct linkages with other businesses. It has a broad resource from which many new businesses may emerge. Economic survival and from tourism demand communication and education as prerequisites.

Reduce use of plastic bags

27-07-2018

The Choose Honduras team is fully committed to sustainable tourism practices. Since 2003 we’ve worked closely with many of the regions of Honduras we operate in, with an eye toward helping the host communities and inhabitants become active participants in the travel industry and not just spectators. We believe that responsible travel must be beneficial to everyone involved; the travelers, the local service providers, the host communities, and the natural environment where it takes place. When local people benefit from tourism and participate in its value chain, they become committed; and local commitment helps maintain the cultural experiences truly authentic and helps protect the natural landscapes. As an initiative to support responsible and sustainable tourism, Choose Honduras is providing travelers with reusable shopping bags that are crafted and hand painted by local artisans, with the aime of reducing the consumption of plastic bags.

model-of-sustainability-balanced-scorecard

25-07-2018

The purpose of this project is to design a model Sustainability Balanced Scorecard that will develop and integrate strategic planning of tourism companies in the region of San Antonio De El Tequendama

EXO Travel - Professional development

23-07-2018

EXO Travel started a series of trainings to all staff to raise staff awareness on issues related to office consumption and their environmental and social impacts, and to raise awareness on the importance of considering the consequences of their actions, which is a major Buddha teaching making it even more relevant in our destinations. To shift from a didactic training to a more fun and accessible learning tool and to find a away to get their staff to be more familiar with sustainability principles and aware of all the new policies and guidelines, they have launched a game : EXO Sustainability Game. In September 2015, EXO Foundation launched a monthly sustainability game to improve staff knowledge on sustainability. The game includes a quiz and/or a mission with a specific theme, such as: responsible tourism, environmental management in the office, local communities, climate change, etc. Questions are specifically relevant to tourism and EXO Travel. Winners are rewarded with 'responsible' gifts. This game has been proven quite successful and was recognized by Travelife as an outstanding tool. The game has created a dynamic learning process, stimulating initiatives and creativity of the staff.

Wilderness Scotland CSR Actions -Wildlife and ecosystems - pollution reduction

23-07-2018

Wilderness Scotland have taken significant steps to deliver meaningful action on climate change. In accordance with the advice of The Carbon Trust, their climate change strategy is based upon the following business actions:

To encourage clients to access the start/end point of their trips by public transport
To deliver a low carbon holiday experience, relating to the activity, transportation, accommodation and other services used.
To elsewhere reduce energy consumption and consequent carbon emissions throughout our business, wherever possible.
To work with suppliers to reduce carbon emissions and to develop new low-carbon products, wherever possible.
To focus on trips to parts of Scotland where tourism will deliver positive socio-economic and environmental benefits.
To financially offset all unavoidable carbon emissions which are generated by the company.
To make clients aware of these issues and encourage them to offset their own carbon emissions arising from air travel

G Adventures CSR Actions - Funds/in kind donations

20-07-2018

G Adventures strongly believes that tourism is a force for global good, and we’re committed to promoting sustainable solutions in communities around the globe. G Adventures and their non-profit arm, the Planeterra Foundation deliver the greatest impact for disaster relief by supporting local communities year-round through their commitment to responsible tourism and social development. Established in 2003, Planeterra is G Advantures non-profit partner dedicated to ensuring communities touched by tourism benefit from the opportunities it provides. Planeterra helps empower local people to develop their communities, conserve their cultures, and create humane and supportive systems for their endeavours. Planeterra manages over 50 social enterprises on all seven continents, that benefit women, at-risk youth, and rural and indigenous communities Women make up over half of the tourism workforce and yet they are often underpaid and have limited opportunities to move into higher positions in their jobs. Planeterra helps women redefine their roles in society by providing life-changing access to education and job-training. To discover more of Planeterra' projects in helping empower local people to develop their communities, click here

Light up Borneo

20-07-2018

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The Value of Human Rights on the Camino de Santiago: harnessing the power of tourism to promote cross-cultural dialogue and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals

20-07-2018

The International Project "The Value of Human Rights on the Camino de Santiago: harnessing the power of tourism of tourism to promote cross-cultural dialogue and achieve the SDGs" is a project for university students to study and analyze tourism and the human rights and their reflection in the Camino de Santiago as vital elements that shape the global identity and culture, as well as the relation between tourism, the Camino de Santiago and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In addition, the project will incorporate the UNWTO Framework Convention on Tourism Ethics as a guiding principle. The forum achieves the international commitment of the participating universities to work continuously and tirelessly towards the fulfillment of the SDGs and the achievement of sustainable tourism practices. It is a platform for benchmarking tourism on cultural routes, exchanging best practices, learn from each other and gather knowledge that can later be applied to other cultural routes worldwide.

LA HEROICA: YO VIAJO RESPONSABLE

20-07-2018

La campaña LA HEROICA: YO VIAJO RESPONSABLE fomenta el impacto positivo que el Turista ejerce en el medioambiente, la cultura y la economía del lugar que se visita, a través de BUENAS PRACTICAS

Experience Travel Group CSR Actions - Responsible Investment

20-07-2018

Experience Travel Group is working with all parties affected by their business, including clients, colleagues, suppliers, industry partners and local communities, to ensure that the experience they offer cause minimal disturbance whilst providing the utmost enjoyment for the client. They also increase focus of sustainable options throughout their destination countries and encourage suppliers to improve their product with regards to making it more sustainable. Through continued correspondence with all parties involved, products will be developed accordingly in an effort to ensure that not only the experiences provided to the client are authentic and enjoyable, but that the impacts caused by such experiences do not negatively affect the local communities or environment. Local community perceptions will be periodically garnered via a community survey, to receive information from communities on how the group can work more effectively and positively for them. Wildlife and nature product will be continuously reviewed based on the latest information in the press and scientific literature to ensure not only the experience is enjoyable for the client but that it is not negatively affecting the wildlife involved and that the practice is not encouraging unethical/illegal activities such as poaching. As an action to increase focus on sustainable options throughout their destination countries, a review of safari drive operators and the production of guidelines for all safari drive operators used by Experience Travel Group. We also aim to review the experiences offered with regards to tribal trekking, particularly in relation to the tourist heavy areas of Sapa in northern Vietnam, and Chiang Mai in northern Thailand, and the employment practices of hotels and ground handlers. This initiative has already begun with the removal of excursions to the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage and continues to develop through the review of elephant riding activities throughout their destinations countries. Experience Travel Group will also raise awareness of sustainable travel practices to their clients to reduce negative environmental impact, for example through promoting the use of filtered water bottles to replace single use plastics.

Experience Travel Group CSR Actions - Wildlife and ecosystems animal protection

20-07-2018

Experience Travel Group is committed to animal welfare, both for captive animals and those you observe in a wild environment. They commit to continuously work with suppliers to ensure compliance with relevant national and international welfare legislation and best practice. The Group is committed to upholding and enhancing the minimum standards of welfare for animals whose lives are impacted by tourism, and to protecting animals from exploitation, neglect and cruelty at the hands of the tourism industry. They commit to abiding by the Five Freedoms adopted by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) as a benchmark for animal's physical and mental well being. These are:

Freedom from Hunger and Thirst: nutritious food and clean water
Freedom from Discomfort: a suitable living environment that provides shelter, opportunities to rest and considers the species-specific needs of wild animals
Freedom from Pain, Injury and Disease: preventative and curative health care
Freedom to express Normal Behaviour: living space that encourages natural behaviour
Freedom from Fear and Distress: appropriate areas to seek privacy and limit human contact

As a member of ABTA (Association of British Travel Agents) and AITO (Association of Independent Tour Operators), they work closely with these groups as well as animal welfare NGO’s worldwide in order to better understand and identify practices which may pose a risk to animal welfare and our client’s health and safety in our destination countries. They provide the following guidelines to clients for responsible wildlife viewing:

Do not feed wild animals – this can have severe consequences for an animal’s welfare as well as your own personal safety
Do not touch wild animals – you can unwittingly pass on diseases that the animal has no immunity against, as well as placing yourself at risk.
Do not smoke when close to animals
Do not tease or provoke animals
Do not shout of make loud noises when close to animals
Do not drop litter – please dispose of it responsibly
Do not support the use of animals as photographic props
Do not support animal performances where animals are trained to perform tasks that have no basis in their natural behavior – for example riding bikes, cleaning teeth, elephants doing headstands. These behaviours are unnatural and may involve adverse training techniques which can have serious animal welfare implications.
Do not purchase souvenirs made out of wildlife products or other threatened natural materials e.g. coral, shells, starfish. Wildlife products may include but are not limited to: skin (handbags, belts, and drums), ivory, bush-meat, bones, feathers, quills, teeth etc., traditional medicines, good luck charms, tortoiseshell or plant parts.

In their commitment to wildlife and ecosystems - animal protection, they provide clients with information on animal welfare issues as they arise through the Experience Travel blog, and employ customer feedback mechanisms to provide clients with a platform to inform of new issues.

Experience Travel Group - CSR Actions - Host community involvement

20-07-2018

Experience Travel Group has in place The Experience Travel Group Sustainable Travel Policy that is about continual improvement, monitoring and evaluation. The Group is committed to maximizing the positive impacts of monetary and cross-cultural exchanges between clients and the local communities in their destination countries. They aim to be completely transparent the Sustainable Travel Policy and ensures wealth is spread around the community and not concentrated on small sections and interest groups by avoiding taking shopping/food commissions, doing their best to ensure drivers not to pressure guests to use particular shops where they can earn commissions, and encouraging a tipping policy to encourage excellent service and discourage over-reliance on commissions. The Sustainable Travel Policy also ensure guests are well-informed travellers through the provision of comprehensive pre-departure information on tipping, begging, cultural norms etc., as well as an in-country welcome pack with information on major sights, activities, local eating, shopping and language.

EXO Travel CSR Actions - Responsible purchases

19-07-2018

EXO Travel raises awareness about sustainable-sourced goods amongst staff. For example:

Clients are given welcome pack which includes a Shan bag made by local people in Ywa Ma Village near Inle Lake and a fan made from natural palm materials. These are practical items which travelers can use during their stay in Myanmar that also showcase the work of local artisans:
Employees are encouraged to purchase local coffee for consumption in the office
The company has implemented using chemical-free office cleaning materials. (mixture of one or more of water, vinegar, baking soda)

EXO Travel CSR Actions - Recycling and Waste - specific material

19-07-2018

EXO Myanmar is taking responsibility for setting an example by ensuring as little waste as possible is wasted:

All pantry waste is separated according to the following categories: wet waste, dry waste, instant coffee packets, plastic bottles, aluminium cans.
Used individual coffee packets are sent to the Mary Chapman School for the Deaf on a monthly basis. The school uses these as raw materials to create handicrafts in their training workshop_
Used aluminium cans are sent to Pomelo on a monthly basis. The social enterprise sends these to its suppliers who use them to create innovative products.
Staff have been sensitized about the negative health and environmental impacts of polystyrene and are requesting caterers for private office events to bring reusable plates rather than polystyrene.
Housekeeping staff sell accumulated used plastic bottles and paper to informal waste collectors who recycle these products. This raise awareness that 'waste is not waste' and in fact has a value.
Begin monitoring our monthly recyclable and non-recyclable waste production
Identify further options for recycling/'upcycling' izr waste to reduce our production of non-recyclable waste
Install paper towel dispensers in all small office bathrooms to help staff use just one paper towel every time they use their hands. They have also trainedstaff to use the 'shake and fold' method which involves shaking one's hands 12 times after washing and then folding one paper towel to dry the hands.

EXO Travel CSR Actions - Professional Development

19-07-2018

EXO Travel invest in training to empower their employees. They promote a culture a culture of passion, innovation, sharing and caring, life-long learning in EXO Travel. This is underlined by the company's annual EXO Academy training conducted by Mekong Train Coaching Agency . The training is customized every year and based on various topics such as teamwork, time management, planning, productivity, etc. EXO also provides sustainability training and in Responsible Tourism. They undertook the Travelife certification process to motivate employees to think about sustainability throughout all aspects of business and raise awareness of key issues to consider.

In 2013 and 2014 a presentation was given by the EXO Foundation to all Yangon staff members about Responsible Tourism and how EXO is getting involved with the Travelife certification scheme.
50 members of Yangon office staff (including ALL managers) passed the online Travelife training in October 2014.
All key documents such as Responsible Travel Policy, Ethical Code, Guidelines for Wildlife Viewing and Protection, and EXO Saving Tips (discussed in 'Internal management: Environment and community relations') are clearly communicated to staff via email and the EXO 24 intranet service.
Since 2015, new staff are introduced to Responsible Tourism and Travelife during the induction training provided by HR.
STeam was set up in April 2015 and consists of at least one staff member from each department. At present,there are 28 members of the team. Meetings are arranged twice per month and the objective is to empower team members and make them more familiar with sustainability concepts. They become ambassadors for sustainability within the company and convey their knowledge to fellow members of their department. Examples of topics discussed during STeam meetings: Saving energy, reducing paper usage, reducing waste, recycling and 'upcycling'

Cox and Kings CSR Actions - In kind donation for education

18-07-2018

Cox and Kings believe that many of societal issues including poverty, unemployment and gender violence can be addressed through timely intervention through education. The company is committed to the cause of education and support the education of under privileged girls in India. Cox & Kings Foundation has facilitated quality education to students including both pre-primary and primary schools in Pune and Nashik. n 2013, Cox and Kings adopted the Amrutdham NMC School in Nasik, where they supported the education of 200 girls per year from Std II - VI. The donated amount is used for the school's academic support. The Nanhi Kali Kit includes uniforms, notebooks, stationary and hygiene material. It is also used for social and moral support like sports, competitions, celebrations, communication, consumables, stationary and for personal cost. Besides facilitating education for girls and children from economically weaker section of the society, Cox & Kings Foundation has also been enabling the 'Education for Life' project that gives educational and nutritional support at 7 schools under Children's Aid Society. Under this project, our association with Ojus Medical Institute has given a platform to many vulnerable children to seek support. Nutritional support of egg and banana is given on a daily basis or as per need based at Chembur Children’s Home, Bal Kalyan Nagari, Additional Observation Home, New Observation Home, Dongri Observation Home and David Sassoon Industrial School. The foundation continues to eliminate the societal evils through education in conjunction with NGO partners, Nanhi Kali, Ojus Medical Institute and the Mamta Trust.

Cox and Kings CSR Actions - Health awareness campaigns

18-07-2018

Every human has a right to a healthy life. However, the wide socio-economic gap in society denies large populations access to accessible and affordable medical care. The underprivileged and those most at-risk are also those most unlikely to receive timely healthcare interventions. Cox & Kings is committed to bring quality healthcare to the lives of everyone. With our partners we also work to improve the lives of children facing multiple disabilities, thus enabling them to lead an independent life. In the year 2016-17, Cox & Kings Foundation has implemented the following health care projects -

Providing Iron chelators (medicines to control iron overload) to Thalassaemia patients: Iron overload is an undesirable outcome of the regular blood transfusions. Conditions arising out of iron overload are the main cause of fatalities among thalassaemia patients. Cox & Kings Foundation ensured seamless flow of iron chelators to the thalassaemia patients belonging to lower-income families. Patients belonging to various centres in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane, Kalyan, Ulhasnagar, Pune Loni, Srirampur, Dhule, Solapur and Kolhapur were benefitted due to the availability of Iron chelators.
Upkeep of Ashray and Ankur Asmita Centres: Cox & Kings Foundation supports Ashray and Ankur Asmita, temporary Crisis Intervention Centres (CIC) set up by CCDT to ensure the protection of children, especially those who are orphaned and vulnerable. CCDT along with the Cox & Kings Foundation has been able to positively impact the lives of children by way of nutritious food, timely medical care, psychosocial & recreational support and counselling and attention to their developmental needs.
Making wishes come true: Cox & Kings Foundation supports Make a Wish Foundation in fulfilling ‘To Have’ wishes of the critically ill children. With this money, MAWF buys the child a gift of his or her choice, such as a toy car, computer, a doll house, digital camera and so on. The Foundation also supports the 'to go' wishes wherein we fulfill travel wishes of these terminally ill children. Cox & Kings Foundation sponsors the trip of the child to any destination of his choice, within India. With this initiative, we have created happy memories at the children’s dream destinations such as Delhi, Goa, Ajmer, Agra, Kulu Manali and so on.
Gifting vision: Cox & Kings Foundation believes that sight should be a gift everyone should enjoy - regardless of their socio-economic status. Our efforts are to bring advanced healthcare and eye treatments to the millions who are denied it. Cox & Kings along with Poona Blind Men's Association has undertaken cataract surgeries of needy and economically weaker patients.
Beating cancer: Cox & Kings Foundation stands shoulder to shoulder with its NGO partners in supporting children suffering from cancer. They continue to hold awareness programmes and sponsor treatment as they enable hundreds of children to beat the fatal disease. Cox and Kings also celebrated International Childhood Cancer Day with Make a Wish Foundation and CanKids KidsCan in different states of India.Whereas, CanKids KidsCan organised the Go Gold India – for Warriors and Angels campaign that aimed at creating awareness about the central message that childhood cancer is curable.
Special therapies to children with multiple disabilities: Each child with multiple disabilities is unique. He/She has his/her own set of experiences, medical condition, style of learning, likes dislikes, etc. Cox & Kings Foundation believes in assisting these kids to make them independent in their daily lives as much as possible. Our association with Muskan Foundation has yielded impressive results year on year. For the overall development of the child facing multiple disabilities, therapies are extremely important. The apt therapy is selected and complemented with special education. Keeping the child’s age in mind, he or she is enrolled in an early intervention program or the special education program. Based on the needs of the child, therapies like Vision Rehabilitation, Occupational, Physiotherapy, Sensory Integration & Speech Therapy are executed.
Clean Drinking Water: The famous tourist destination of Gujarat, known for its serenity, has been facing a severe problem - water salinity. Water in Kutch is excessively saline, with TDS levels well above the permissible limits of WHO (World Health Organisation). This has caused deterioration of health of the young kids in schools. The steady fall in the number of school children coming to school and severe water salinity affecting their health prompted Cox & Kings Foundation to set up RO filters in association with Centre for Desert and Ocean and Green Works Trust

Cox and Kings CSR Actions - Funds/in kind donations

18-07-2018

Cox and Kings have been working in partnership with local NGOs and communities through different agricultural programmes and sustainable models. Cox & Kings aims to provide easy and implementable solutions to rural areas in order to address problems of poverty, education, outdated farming techniques and social welfare. Cox & Kings Foundation teamed up with Pragati Pratishthan to provide sustainable solutions to the water scarcity and farming crisis by donating materials to set up drip irrigation and water conservation projects in Jawhar, India.

Cox and Kings CSR Actions - Awareness campaigns and education

18-07-2018

Women in India are disproportionately affected by poverty and discriminations; and suffer abuse and violations in the realization of their rights, access to resources, and opportunities for a better life. Experience shows that, when equipped with proper resources, women have the power to help entire families and communities overcome poverty, marginalisation and social injustice. Cox & Kings believes that the empowerment of women is the key to progress as a society. Through skill building and employment programmes, they aim to make women self-reliant and poised for success.

In partnership with Ojus Medical Institute, the foundation has empowered women living in the slum areas of Ghatkopar, Mumbai through the Damini Project. The special vocational training has enabled self-employment and employment in local institutions. This has improved their socio-economic status which has impact their families positively. Courses including Tailoring, Mehendi and Beauty classes are organised to empower the underprivileged background, marginalized women, students and dropout students from Municipal schools.
To save the girls from getting abandoned or killed, Cox & Kings Foundation with Maa Bhagwati Sansthan has facilitated installation of 65 cradle points throughout the state of Rajasthan. This initiative encourages parents to not abandon their daughters and simply place the unwanted children in these cradles. The Sansthan then adopts the children and takes care of them.

American Express Global Business Travel CSR Actions - Diversity Management

17-07-2018

American Express began to formalize its commitment to diversity and inclusion nearly three decades ago with the official launch of an Employee Network, the Black Employee Network. In addition, the company introduced a Diversity Council, a diversity awareness training and the inclusion of diversity goals in its Performance Management Process. Today, American Express continues to evolve and grow our diversity and inclusion programs and initiatives. Our goal is to create an employee base that is as diverse as the customers and communities we serve. Through the diverse insights and experiences of our employees, we can better serve our customers. Since 1987, Employee Networks at American Express have provided opportunities that support personal and professional development, skill building and career growth. Completely employee-driven, they bring value to our company in many ways, from creating an inclusive workplace to driving product innovation. Employee Networks encompass the full spectrum of diversity at American Express, including disability, ethnicity, faith, gender, gender identity, generations, sexual orientation and veteran’s status. In 2015, with 15 networks and nearly 100 chapters worldwide, our Employee Networks ran many career-focused events including panel discussions, speaker series, leadership spotlights, clinics, career fairs and virtual forums.

American Express Global Business Travel CSR Actions - Professional Development

17-07-2018

American Express Global Business Travel invest in research to help identify potential barriers to women’s advancement in the workplace and created programs designed to develop and promote high-potential women at American Express. These programs include Pathways to Sponsorship and Women Rising at American Express, which focus on: gender intelligence training, strengthening talent pipeline; building a global network; and sponsorship. In addition, they also offer an online learning module to help encourage more effective relationships between high potential women and executive sponsors. More than 1500 employees have completed the module since it was introduced in June 2015. In addition, American Express have joined with several Fortune 500 companies as inaugural members of Blue Circle Institute’s ‘Transformational Leadership’ program to address the lack of representation of multicultural women in managerial, senior or executive jobs, and on boards. The nine month program gives high-potential, mid career women of colour the resources they need to get to the next level, including tailored and self paced leadership development guides and live web-based discussions.

Amadeus CSR Actions - Education - Funds/in kind donations

16-07-2018

Building on years of skills training for young people by Amadeus country offices, Amadeus initiated a pilot programme with the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the Ministry of Tourism in Kenya to increase access for women and youth from underserved communities to employment and entrepreneurship in travel and tourism. This project addresses two global challenges:

the need for more skilled professionals in the fast-growing sector of travel and tourism, and
the dire situation of millions of unemployed youth who, though educated, lack the sector-specific skills required by businesses.

To achieve this, we will be encouraging multiple stakeholders in the travel and tourism sector in Kenya – including hotels, travel agencies, tour operators, and airlines - to support the project’s development and implementation. This industry-wide collaboration is necessary to ensure that these young people gain experience with businesses throughout the travel and tourism sector during training, and develop the practical skills needed to enter the job market or the supply chain.

Accor Hotels CSR Actions - Eco design

16-07-2018

The development of urban agriculture provides a response to growing urbanisation – the growing gap between agricultural rural areas that produce food for cities and consumers. Recent years have seen the emergence of new innovative approaches to bring these two worlds together including urban gardens, educational peri-urban farms and direct sales models. Locally, AccorHotels has set a target of 60 hotels with vegetable gardens by 2020. In order to be valid, gardens need to meet certain criteria, including a minimum cultivation area of 20m2, production of plants for food consumption and regular maintenance. Each garden will be adapted to the context of the hotel and relevant space constraints. In 2017, a review was conducted of properties which identified 16 Australian hotels with existing herb and vegetable gardens. A number of hotels have well established productive kitchen gardens, for example:

PULLMAN REEF HOTEL CASINO Pullman Reef Hotel Casino has brought to life unused roof and balcony space with the installation of two Ebb and Flow (flood and drain) hydroponic systems which produce a range of herbs and edible plants for hotel guests food and beverage outlets. The hotel has also set up two bee hives hosting a total of approximately 20,000 bees on the hotel’s rooftop. All honey produced is passed directly onto the hotel’s award winning Tamarind Restaurant.
NOVOTEL CAIRNS OASIS RESORT Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort successfully relocated and replanted their existing herb garden to make it closer to the kitchen and accessible to guests. The Hotel has expanded the variety of planted herbs which are used in the menus and the hotel bar has come up with a number of herb infused cocktails using basil, rosemary and min

AccorHotels have also participated in the Univative program which involves giving university student teams real world problems in a hackathon style event run over four weeks. Four teams from University of New South Wales, University of Technology Sydney, University of Wollongong and Macquarie University took on the AccorHotels project which focused on how best to expand the use of vegetable gardens across the Australian network. Teams were asked to consider garden design, cost, productivity and guest engagement in developing their solutions. University of New South Wales won the challenge based on their innovative 3D printed modular design concept and plant selection.

Southwest Airlines CSR Actions- Human rights awareness,diversity and respect policy

16-07-2018

Southwest offer a wide array of professional opportunities through internal training programs, and they encourage employees to extend their knowledge through external training engagements in their respective fields. They have enhanced Leadership courses to include sustainability content. In these courses, they discuss sustainability, their fuel usage and its impact on their greenhouse gas emissions and climate change, their initiatives to decrease emissions, and their recycling programs. Annual environmental training for operational groups that includes storm water pollution prevention, proper waste disposal, air permit compliance and aircraft drinking water compliance are also provided to employees. In 2014, they collaborated with Lewis University in Romeoville, Illinois, and its aviation maintenance department, where they donated actual aviation equipment so their students could acquire hands-on experience and become better prepared to enter the airline industry. This collaboration has led to an increase of Lewis University graduates working at their maintenance facility base at Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW).

Emirates CSR Actions -Education - Awareness campaigns

16-07-2018

In 2013, Emirates launched a new environmental initiative called ‘A Greener Tomorrow’. The aim of the initiative is to support not-for-profit environmental or conservation organisations by providing a funding award of up to $150,000. ‘A Greener Tomorrow’ is an outcome of Emirates’ commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation. The money for ‘A Greener Tomorrow’ is raised through various recycling programmes across the Emirates Group. Winners of the initiative:

South African Wildlife College Trust: provided three scholarships and two bursaries for their certificate programmes in nature conservation to students who already work in the conservation area but who do not have formal educational qualifications to advance their careers. These qualifications will help students move into roles such as wildlife area managers, park rangers and senior field rangers, working to protect wildlife parks within southern Africa.
African Parks: used the funding from ‘A Greener Tomorrow’ to support educational development within the Barotse community who live within the Liuwa Plain National Park in Zambia. African Parks provided educational tablet computers and employ additional teaching assistants within the schools in the park. Improved access to education is expected to decrease the pressure on the wildlife and natural resources of the park

Emirates CSR Actions - Wildlife and ecosystems - animal protection

16-07-2018

In 2013, Emirates launched a new environmental initiative called ‘A Greener Tomorrow’. The aim of the initiative is to support not-for-profit environmental or conservation organisations by providing a funding award of up to $150,000. ‘A Greener Tomorrow’ is an outcome of Emirates’ commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation. The money for ‘A Greener Tomorrow’ is raised through various recycling programmes across the Emirates Group. Through ‘A Greener Tomorrow’, Emirates is able to support organisations that work at the grassroots level in engaging with communities to conserve their environment.As part of the 2016 'A Greener Tomorrow', Emirates selected three not-for-profit organisations working in wildlife protection and environmental conservation in Africa as recipients of a funding awards. The winners were selected from a global pool of applicants working towards environmental sustainability and conservation in their respective regions. One of the winners is The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB), an international body dedicated to seabird rehabilitation. The fund will support SANCCOB’s rehabilitation, protection and chick- rearing programmes. SANCCOB is recognised internationally as a leader in the field of seabird rehabilitation with veterinary staff working around the clock to provide the best care to the ill, injured, abandoned and oiled African penguins and other seabirds that are admitted to its two centres annually.

Emirates CSR Actions - Energy- New equipment and technologies

16-07-2018

To improve local air quality emissions, Emirates operates modern, low emissions aircraft that meet applicable international engine emissions standards, using ground- supplied power where available, instead of aircraft auxiliary power unit. Emirates employ electric and low-emissions ground equipment and vehicles. For example, Dubai National Air Transport Association (dnata) continued to expland its fleet of green vehicles and ground service equipment, including in:

Dubai (86 hybrid or electric vehicles),
Switzerland (electric forklifts, vehicles and stairs)
Singapore (pallet jacks and forklifts)

Emirates also acquired an electric Bollorè Bluecar for ramp operations at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport and Emirates flight catering trucks all operate on low-sulphur diesel.

Club Med - Responsible purchases - diversity and respect policy

16-07-2018

Club Med has a role as an assembler of various services, in which purchasing plays an active part approximately 75% of the business volume. Responsible purchasing thus fits naturally into the Group’s strategy of responsible performance. Since 2007, raising the buyers’ proficiency in sustainable purchasing has been the focus of regular workshops, especially during annual international conferences. Sustainable purchasing concerns everyone, and is addressed based on the degree of maturity of the geographical regions. The Group obtained in 2014 OEA/AEO customs certification. This customs procedures and safety/security quality label is a measure of the confidence invested in Club Med by European customs which recognizes the company as a reliable international trading partner. This internationally recognized certification accords certain privileges in terms of customs procedures and controls relating to safety and security. Stages of the purchasing process Sustainable development actions are incorporated at each stage of the purchasing process:

In defining the purchasing policy: managing risks and developing responsible purchasing is one of the four pillars of the policy;
In sourcing criteria: certifications and/or the implementation of good environmental and social practices are one of the questions asked of any potential new supplier through the dedicated website;
In the main operating specifications and the selection criteria for tenders and contracts;
In reporting on sustainable purchasing: monitoring methods and computer tools have been developed; their use should continue to increase;
In improvement processes requested by the buyers from their suppliers.

Club Med CSR Actions - Local supplier prosperity- local purchases

16-07-2018

The vast majority of Club Med's purchases of goods and materials for the villages is from local suppliers in their countries of operation (ranging from 83% in the North America to 100% in China, with an average of 89.7%)14. If a portion of these purchases consists of imports by the local supplier (which is very difficult to assess), this rate nonetheless reflects Club Med’s intention to work as much as possible with local partners, producers and distributors. Supporting and developing local farming: a unique partnership with Agrisud Finding that in some cases local supply was inadequate to meet its villages' demand for fresh produce, Club Med decided to help strengthen this network, thereby playing an active role in the economic development of the regions where it operates. This decision led to a partnership with the NGO Agrisud signed in late 2008, to enable local producers to supply Club Med villages, and to guide them towards more sustainable land use, based on the principles of agro-ecology. The benefits of this are multiple and contribute to several of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG):

helping farmers to escape poverty (SDG 1 & 8) by training them (SDG 4) towards a market economy (SDG 10 & 11) and sustainable use of their lands (SDG 2, 9 , 12, & 15);
contributing to the relocation of subsistence farming (SDG 2 & 8); - buffets offering customers fresh produce that is local, eco- friendly and meaningful (SDG 3);
securing supplies of fresh produce (SDG 3) and increasing the share of local purchases in Club Med's procurement process (SDG 9);
securing water supply for farms (SDG 6) with solar energy (SDG 7);
affording women equal rights to economic resources (SDG 5) in the Senegal the project is specially focused on the women vegetable producer - about 13.3 tons of carbon sequestered by market gardening and arboriculture and reducing the CO2 impact of transporting such produces (SDG 13) ;
more firmly rooting the villages in their host communities (SDG 16); - involving diversified actors everywhere: customers (SDG 17)

In 2017, the projects, including Agrisud-Club Med were :

the early cropping of production (two months earlier than normal), improved diversity and higher quantities tripled VSB income at Cap Skirring (Senegal). Completion of the project to install solar powered pumps has provided easier access to water for 179 market gardeners, enabling them to cut their fuel consumption by 30%
the startup of agro-ecology production and sales to Club Med from the newly-supported project at La Palmeraie in Marrakesh, Morocco
the second year of agro-ecology production and the doubling of production supplied to the Village by the Bali project in Indonesia
closer involvement of Club Med teams and a strengthening business relationship with confirmed weekly purchasing commitments at Rio das Pedras, Brazil.

Club Med CSR Actions - Health prevention program, Customer security and health prevention and facilities

16-07-2018

The profession of G.O (Gentil Organisateur) was invented by Club Med 60 years ago. The G.O is the ambassador of the Club Med spirit and upholds the company's values. In addition to their professionalism and know-how is added a way of being, which brings them close to customers and produces moments of happiness, kindness, conviviality, friendliness and humour. Club Med commits itself to the welfare and fulfillment of its employees in offices and agencies and in villages, where particular living and working conditions call for attention and specific actions adapted to them. Backed by an independent organization that specializes in studies of internal opinion, Inergie, Club Med deployed “GO®-GE Voice”, its first worldwideinternal barometer in 2014. The purpose of “GO®-GE Voice” is to listen to the voice all GO®-GEs around the world in order to improve their wellbeing at work. It is based on an on-line questionnaire dealing with subjects such as pride in affiliation, integration, personal development, sharing, overall satisfaction, confidence, management, working environment, conviviality, recognition and respect. The questionnaire is personal and is accessible for everyone; it has been translated into 20 languages and has an innovative audio version adapted to people with a lower level of literacy. The survey is conducted every two years, the most recent being in 2016. The participation rated up by 10 points in villages with very high GE mobilization (a 69% participation rate, +14 points) and a 73% participation rate in offices.

Club Med CSR Actions - Health prevention program, Customer security and health prevention and facilities

16-07-2018

Club Med has developed a high degree of expertise in preventing risks related to the health and safety of its customers and employees. All employee training stresses the safety of employees and customers as a top priority. Club Med also puts a special focus on prevention and on providing medical support and assistance to its teams whenever necessary. The Health and Safety (HS) department and its networks of coordinators are vital to this effort. In 2017, the mechanism to track professional moves of office GO® (Club Med staff are called "GOs", or Gentils Organisateurs ) abroad using the tool, SSF Locator, selected in 2015 by the Department of Human Resources, Safety-Hygiene and Health, is being deployed in all agencies that the Group calls on. This tool enables to better anticipate, react to and communicate with those traveling, if needed. It integrates bookings made by the various booking agencies and notifies travelers prior to departure about the security situations at their destination. It also enables the traveler to be contacted during their trip if necessary.

Club Med CSR Actions Fight Against Sexual Exploitation in tourism - awareness campaigns

16-07-2018

Respect for host countries and their inhabitants is one of the founding principles of Club Med and is an essential condition for the local acceptance of its villages. Fighting against sexual exploitation of children in tourism This concern for respect relates to all of the riches of the country hosting a village, starting with the most precious of them: its children. The actions defined in the partnership agreement signed with ECPAT in 2005. ECPAT is an international organization with a presence in over 70 countries worldwide. Its aim is to fight against child prostitution, child pornography, and the trafficking of children for sexual purposes. Many tourism professionals are committed with ECPAT to fight against the sexual exploitation of children in tourism. The partnership was renewed in 2017, with the further distribution of the joint Club Med – ECPAT leaflet that ties in with the NGO’s communication campaign. These leaflets are sent to the homes of French, Belgian and Swiss customers heading to sensitive countries. Outreach is also conducted via the commercial website in several countries, including France and the US. In 2017, more than 43,400 leaflets were sent to French, Belgian and Swiss customers, ringing the total number sent since 2005 to more than 800,000. Furthermore, a procedure intended for use by Reception staff of risked destinations to identify underage guests has been updated in 2014

Club Med CSR Actions - Diversity Management

16-07-2018

In 2012, Club Med introduced a set of dedicated measures to promote the principle of workplace gender equality and enable all employees to fulfill their family duties more easily. This commitment is built around three action areas:

hiring
promotion
work/life balance

The measures in place include:

Monitoring the hiring process for village GO® and GE with a position-based analysis of gaps in the breakdown of me and women between applicants and those hired;
Setting progress targets on the proportion of women promoted to service manager in village Mini Clubs, Events and Bars;
Mechanisms to strengthen support during lengthy absences, such as interviews with a manager both before and after maternity, paternity or parental leave;
Aligning the treatment of paternity leave to that of maternity leave; - Extending the right to exceptional “sick child” leave (five days a year) to cover the period of adaptation to child care arrangements (institutional child care, home-based child care, nanny, etc.) or entry into preschool;
Considering the family and marital status of service managers and GO® in village hiring and assignment decisions

Club Med operates a gender-transparent hiring policy, and offers the same salary to men and women of equivalent experience and job profile. In 2017, 44% of Club Med Leadership Committee members were women; a figure slightly above the average for CAC40 listed companies (42% - Source: Deloitte survey – Women in the boardroom, A Global Perspective - 5th edition). In the villages, women benefit somewhat more than men (in FTE) from occupational and geographical mobility, as well as from training. The proportion of women managers is slightly lower than that of men among village managers and Service manager.

Club Med CSR Actions - Customer security and health - prevention and facilities

16-07-2018

Disabled access in Club Med's Villages Accessibility agendas were filed by the statutory deadline of January 1, 2015. Work on compliance upgrades was launched in successive phases. To date, rooms have been made compliant in 82% of villages (vs 62% in 2015) and are scheduled in 2017/2018 for 14% of the villages and, on communal areas, compliance upgrades have been completed in 14%, nearly finished in 5% and started in 45% of villages and scheduled in 36% of the resorts. In accordance with French legislation, Club Med has introduced accessibility registers and trained all its hospitality staff working in its French vacation villages and offices in how to welcome disabled customers and employees. A project spanning all the villages around the world has also been launched to improve the provision of Club Med premises and activity accessibility information to all customers. Lastly, a training module called ‘Extending a warm welcome to disabled customers’ has been rolled out for reception teams in France, as part of the in-house receptionist training program and in preparation for the opening of new villages. This training is led by physicians from the village health network.

Club Med CSR Actions - Diversity Management, Non discrimination values in staff recruitment and training

16-07-2018

Equal Treatment related to disabilities The company is continuing its commitment to integrate Club Med SAS handicapped employees through the fourth agreement running through to year end 2018. Club Med is also an active contributor to a network of companies working for the positive development of disability employment policies. It also contributes to the working group formed to define the key indicators for monitoring these policies. Civil year 2017: 42 hirings and 133 salaried workers employed (fixed-term, permanent contracts), at the end of December 2017 In 2017:

the actual level of disabled employees hired was significantly above the committed level: up 25% on 2016
Club Med has introduced accessibility registers and trained all its hospitality staff working in its French vacation villages and offices in how to welcome disabled customers and employees
the number of voluntary recognition of disabled worker status cases has risen significantly
the opportunity to opt for teleworking four days per month (rather than two for other employees) is greatly appreciated by disabled employee

American Airlines CSR Actions - Responsible purchases- diversity and respect policy

16-07-2018

American Airlines prioritize diversity and inclusion. Their Supplier Diversity Program, established in 1989 adds value to their supply chain by proactively seeking out diverse suppliers, such as women , the minority , or LGBT- owned businesses as well as small businesses that are owned by the disadvantaged, veterans, service-disabled veterans and those with HUBZone certification. The process includes:

Evaluating products and services on their merits, giving fair and impartial consideration to all suppliers
Awarding contracts based on highest quality and best delivery combined with most competitive cost to us
Reviewing performance of suppliers and contractors to enhance their ability to provide products and services that exceed industry standards
Ensuring inclusion of diverse companies in procurement opportunities

In 2017, American spent 18 percent more with small and certified-diverse suppliers over the previous year. They participated in 43 supplier diversity events around the United States, which provided networking opportunities through matchmaking sessions, business fairs and other events supporting diverse and small business connections. For example, at the Rainbow Coalition Conference in Chicago, we presented a seminar on “How to do Business with American.” For Black History Month, our African-American Diversity Network EBRG worked with our Supplier Diversity team to put on a business fair at American’s headquarters. The business-to-business portion of the event allowed small local suppliers to sell their products and services to team members. The business-to-consumer portion featured invited local certification organizations that spoke about the pathways to successfully becoming certified.

American Airlines CSR Actions - Education - Funds in Kind

16-07-2018

American Airlines support several community education programs, including the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, the nation’s oldest and largest provider of need-based scholarships to military children. In 2015, American honored 210 children of employees, including 40 first-generation college attendees, with $560,000 in scholarships through the combined American Airlines Education Foundation. They also donated an MD80 aircraft to Oklahoma State University to serve as a learning laboratory for the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology’s Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering program.

Amadeus CSR Actions - Education - Funds/in kind donations

16-07-2018

Amadeus has a global partnership with Computer Aid International that came to fruition in a pilot to tackle the digital divide in Sierra Leone. Amadeus contributed computers to equip e-classes in rural primary and secondary schools in the country. This project ensures that all students, regardless of learning ability, location and social or financial background, are able to access the e-classes. With further contributions in 2017, Njala University became the first accredited International Computer Driving License center in Sierra Leone. In the project’s next stage, Njala University will be able to train 30 teachers across 10 schools and impact over 5,000 students in 1 year.

Air Nippon Airways CSR Actions - Diversity Management

16-07-2018

In February 2017, the Air Nippon Airways (ANA) Group signed the CEO Statement for Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs). This initiative, which is promoted by the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) and UN Women, bolsters gender equality in high-level corporate leadership. The company cooperated in the test operation of the WEPs GAP Analysis Tool, a self-assessment tool intended to foster understanding of WEPs. In addition, the Group is working to support the success of women on a Group wide basis through ongoing network building and information exchange through ANA-WINDS, which is composed of female managers among the Group. ANA has also formulated numerical targets in such areas such as the number of female officers and the ration of female managers.

Air Nippon Airways CSR Actions - Diversity Management

16-07-2018

ANA is embarking on a number of employee initiatives to support its diversity and inclusion policies. These include the establishment of a new consultation service for LGBT employees, an expanded program to improve awareness of and education about LGBT issues, starting with training for management personnel, and a review of the airline’s welfare and benefits arrangements based on the premise that a same-sex partner is equivalent to a spouse. In March 2017, the ANA Group was awarded with the highest level of Gold in the ACCESS 2017 Index of the Accessibility Consortium of Enterprises (ACE), a general incorporated association. The group aims to establish workplace environments that make it easy to work, regardless of challenges and promotes the adoption of the 36K – Employee Kickoff approach to the employment of people with disabilities and working to systematically expand employment of people with disabilities. In a further move to underscore its commitment to diversity and inclusion, ANA is re-labelling multi-purpose lounge toilet facilities at Haneda, Narita and Osaka Itami airports to make it clear that they are available for the use of passengers of either sex and also transgender passengers.

Air Nippon Airways CSR Actions - Wildlife and ecosystems - Animal protection

16-07-2018

The rising temperature of seawaters is causing bleaching and a large-scale outbreak of crown-of-thorns starfish that threaten Okinawa's coral with extinction. Air Nippon Airways participates in the Coral Restoration Project Team Tyura Sango, working to restore and protect the critical coral community near Onnason, Okinawa Prefecture. Team Tyura Sango is a project formed in 2004 as a partnership among government, academia and business to restore and protect the coral community near Onnason, Okinawa Prefecture, in a bid to support the restoration of coral reef ecosystems.

Volunteer divers plant coral by hand after it has been grown at onshore facilities. Since the project began, more than 1,200 volunteers have helped in the restoration, and more than 1,600 heads of coral have been planted. In addition to continuing these preservation activities, ANA ensures that the hand-planted coral continues to grow and spawn to increase in size and number. They want these activities to inspire as many people as possible with an awareness of the importance of the beauty of the seas.

Air Nippon Airways CSR Actions - Recycling and Waste Management

16-07-2018

The ANA Group is working to realize closed-loop recycling of waste that is generated on board aircraft, at airports, and at offices in order to reuse resources. The Group recycles used paper generated by office equipment and also recycles old inflight magazines, etc., into items such as timetables, envelopes, and business cards for use in its offices throughout Japan. Used cabin attendant, ground staff, and flight crew uniforms are broken down into fiber and reused as automotive soundproofing material. In addition, the uniforms themselves are made from materials produced from plastic bottles and other recyclables.

Accor Hotels CSR Actions - Recycling, Efficiency technologies for energy and water

16-07-2018

Accor Hotels commits to offer guests a true culinary experience through high-quality, healthy and sustainable food, all the while contributing to the transformation of the agricultural model and fighting against food waste. Through the Healthy and sustainable food charter, Accor hotels are reducing food waste in the restaurants by 30%, by weighing, monitoring, analysing and making every effort to reduce consumption at every stage: at the time of ordering, storing ,serving and prepping in the kitchen. They also encourage their hotels to donate unsold food, subject to local regulations and health rules. They are also reducing the quantity of packaging used. For example, by eliminating individual portions, favouring large-sized bottles of water and dispensing with bottles of water smaller than 33cl. Where the technical and health conditions allow, Accor Hotels offer filtered water or bottled water coolers. In its restaurants, Accor Hotels is committed to:

Reducing food waste by 30% by 2020
follow their charter on healthy and sustainable food
65% of waste from hotel operations will be recovered and reused by 2020
5% reduction in energy consumption per room per night by 2018 (owned, leased and managed hotels).
5% reduction of water consumption per night by 2018 (owned, leased and managed hotels)

Accor Hotels CSR Actions - Local supplier prosperity- local purchases

16-07-2018

During 2016, AccorHotels Australia rolled out the Healthy and Sustainable Food Charter to all hotels. The goal of the Charter is to offer guests a true culinary experience through high-quality, healthy and sustainable food, all the while contributing to the transformation of the agricultural model and fighting against food waste. AccorHotels Australia has made the following commitments in line with the Charter:

Preference products and ingredients supplied from Australian producers to avoid transportation impacts
Ban the use of overfished species.
Offer one or more fish options from certified sustainable fisheries or aquaculture.

As part of AccorHotels commitment to serve consistently healthy and safe food for our guests, the business has adopted the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) Food Safety Methodology. HACCP provide a methodology to ensure that all raw materials, products and services that are purchased,handled and processed conform to specified requirements and provides traceability throughout the supply chain.With an initial focus on luxury and upscale brands, hotels across the Australian network are receiving certification, in addition to the suppliers engaged by National Procurement. All other hotels are required to implement a comprehensive and compliant Food Safety Program that meets the needs of their operations.

Accor Hotels CSR Actions - Eco design

16-07-2018

In order to roll out ecological design on a large scale, AccorHotels has defined sustainable development criteria for the 10 families of products that are key to its business. The criteria identified include prohibiting the use of certain chemicals, using recycled materials, green labelling of products and using wood or paper products that do not result in deforestation. In 2015, 98% of Accorhotels were already using at least one ecolabel product for floor coverings, paints or cleaning products. 94% purchased certified sustainable paper. Novotel, a hotel within the AccorHotels Group lead the way by taking eco-friendly action to another level, especially with the "Live N Dream", Novotel’s 100% sustainable bed. In 2014, Novotel created "Live N Dream", the bed system that resulted from an eco-design scheme that also addressed other sustainable development concerns. To date, about 14,000 beds have been introduced in some fifteen countries, mostly in Europe. Accorhotels also have adopted the use of innovative pillows and duvets filled with bedding fibers made from 100% recycled PET; materials chosen for their low environmental impact (a bed base made with wood from sustainably managed forests); less packaging material and end-of-life product recycling solutions. Furthermore, with the involvement of ergonomists to create a design that limits the risk of musculoskeletal disorders for housekeeping staff; training videos to teach them the right bed-making gestures and postures and how to use the hydraulic Levly® bed-lifting system.

Accor Hotels CSR Actions- Diversity Management

16-07-2018

AccorHotels has a strong commitment to gender equality. It has signed the UN's Women's Empowerment Principle and is an Impact Champion in the HeForShe Program. The Goal is to have 35% of hotel managers to be women by 2017. (This commitment was realised during 2017 with the total reaching 36%. AccorHotels Australia has now committed to target 50%). In 2016, the business started reporting on gender balance of department managers across the business. In 2017, 45% of department managers were female. The Strategic Leaders Development Program, facilitated by AccorHotels Académie, is the Group's high potential female leadership program designed to accelerate the development of female department managers. Department managers are a major source of new General Manager appointments. The Woman at Accor Generation (WAAG) is a global program focused on providing leadership training and networking opportunities for female managers and executives at AccorHotels. The program is also supported by the Australian Inclusion and Diversity Committee. AccorHotels globally supports the United Nations’ HeForShe program. The program promotes women’s empowerment and gender equality by inviting all members of society to make a commitment to actively increase gender equality – especially in the workforce. The program has been actively promoted across the hotel network. In Australia, 636 AccorHotels staff had made the pledge as of November 2017, up from 328 at the same time in 2016 (source: http://www.heforshe.org/en/accor-hotels)

Accor Hotels CSR Actions - Customer Security and Health

16-07-2018

Accor Hotels offer their customers healthy and high quality food. They place great importance on the quality of their meat and livestock products by including a piece of high-quality meat on the menu, at a good price and if possible of local origin, the meat do not contain hormones and milk comes from cows raised without growth hormones, and eggs from free range hens reared outdoors. Trans fatty acids are limited, and where solutions are available, for example, palm oil is replaced with other non hydrogenated fats. They favour processed products that do not contain palm oil in particular for sandwich bread and crisps. The hotel also limit the presence of sugar in the food offered. For example, they work to ensure bread, pastries, and cakes contain lower quantity of glucose-fructose syrup, or even none at all. During 2016, AccorHotels Australia rolled out the Healthy and Sustainable Food Charter to all hotels. The goal of the Charter is to offer guests a true culinary experience through high-quality, healthy and sustainable food, all the while contributing to the transformation of the agricultural model and fighting against food waste. AccorHotels Australia strives to source the best, freshest, seasonal produce from local markets nationally. Locally, AccorHotels Australia has made the following commitments in line with the Charter.

Club Med CSR Actions - Diversity Management

16-07-2018

As a signatory to the Diversity Charter in 2004 (the year of its launch), Club Med has long been sensitive to issues of diversity in the workplace. By tradition and especially considering the countries where it operates, Club Med promotes pluralism of origins and seeks diversity through recruitment and career management. The principles of diversity and non-discrimination have been reaffirmed in the ethics charter since 2009. Among the elements that illustrate and help to ensure nondiscrimination are the importance placed during the recruitment process on relational skills and on the objective assessment of associated skills. Measures taken to promote equality between women and men. In 2012, Club Med introduced a set of dedicated measures to promote the principle of workplace gender equality and enable all employees to fulfill their family duties more easily. This commitment is built around three action areas: - hiring - promotion - work/life balance Club Med operates a gender-transparent hiring policy, and offers the same salary to men and women of equivalent experience and job profile. In 2017, 44% of Club Med Leadership Committee members were women; a figure slightly above the average for CAC40 listed companies (42% - Source: Deloitte survey – Women in the boardroom, A Global Perspective - 5th edition). In the villages, women benefit somewhat more than men (in FTE) from occupational and geographical mobility, as well as from training. The proportion of women managers is slightly lower than that of men among village managers and Service managers. Hiring diversity for GO® and GE is reflected today, for example, by the number of different nationalities represented in each village:

105 nationalities represented;
90% of Club Med villages have eight or more nationalities among their employees;
55% of villages have 15 or more nationalities among employees;
some villages can have up to 25 different nationalities (average of the 5 villages with the greatest spread of nationalities)

NTF IV Myanmar: Inclusive Tourism development with focus on Kayah state (consolidation) and Tanintharyi Region (extension)

13-07-2018

Following the success of the "NTF III Myanmar: Inclusive Tourism focussing on Kayah state" project, ended in July 2017, Myanmar authorities asked ITC to extend activities to other parts of the country. ITC conducted a feasibility study on the potential of the destinations and the feasibility of an ITC inclusive tourism project. The studies included destinations prioritized by international and national Tour Operators, namely Tanintharyi, Kayin, Mon and Shan. Thanintaryi stood out as the destination with most potential. Tanintharyi has relavant revenue generation potential becasue of its pristine beaches and easy accessibility both from the capital Yangon (by flight) and from Thailand with three border crossing open to tourists. The three-and-a-half-year project is part of the fourth phase of the Netherlands Trust Fund (NTF IV) portfolio of trade development projects, which started last December 2018 with funding from The Netherlands. It will seek to bolster tourism capacity at the national and regional levels building on the results of NTF III by expanding tourism product development to Tanintharyi region and further consolidating the achieved results at national and at Kayah state level. The same successful value chain approach, from product and service development over association strengthening and destination branding to market linkages will be adopted. The project aims to improve livelihood of local village stakeholders and expects an increase in income generated by tourism of 20% and 200 jobs created/supported and an increase in international tourist arrivals to Tanintharyi Region by at least 35%.

NTF III Myanmar: Inclusive Tourism focussing on Kayah State

13-07-2018

Recently opened and with a diverse ethnic culture and history, Myanmar offers tourism experiences that cannot be found elsewhere. Myanmar’s tourism sector can, if managed correctly, contribute to spur socio-economic progress and support local provision of products and services for sustainable livelihoods. Nevertheless, the country’s annual increase in international visitor arrivals has slowed down, calling for a diversification of Myanmar’s tourism offer. The industry cannot rely any longer solely on the country’s main tourist attractions (Bagan, Mandalay, Yangon and Inle Lake) and activities. Beyond these known destinations, there are still many authentic places to discover, Kayah state being one of them. Tourism in Kayah State holds great potential for growth, particularly for cultural and eco-tourism. Located south of Inle Lake, it is endowed with pristine nature and cultural diversity. At the same time, it is one of Myanmar’s poorest states. The Myanmar NTF III project, funded by The Netherlands and implemented between August 2014 and July 2017, addressed the whole tourism value chain by overcoming bottlenecks at each point from product development over market linkages to destination branding, bringing all stakeholders together towards sustainable tourism. One single project that truly connected all players in a sustainable manner with the aim of enhancing Myanmar tourism industry as a way out of poverty. The NTF III project built skills across the tourism value chain and maximized benefits to local businesses and communities. In four traditional villages ITC helped develop respectful cultural tourism tours, creating jobs and increasing incomes for the ethnic minority residents, who in many cases were post-conflict returnees. Over the project duration (2014-2017) income for Kayah’s SMEs and providers of tourism products and service increased by 83% and jobs supported (formal and informal) by 28%. Between 2014 and 2017 the number of international tourists in Kayah state grew by about 230% and domestic tourists by almost 200%. Client spending in the state almost quadrupled over the same period. Next to financial indicators, the project is generating important intangible impact, namely facilitating the peace process in Kayah state by enforcing cooperation between all stakeholders, including government authorities, private businesses and local communities. ITC built capacity on three levels—(1) tourism products and service providers in Kayah state and tour operators in Yangon, (2) tourism sector associations and (3) national and state government enhancing Myanmar’s tourism sector and linking it to international markets.

Manual on Tourism and Poverty Alleviation – Practical Steps for Destinations

10-07-2018

With the aim of contributing to the understanding of tourism as a tool for poverty alleviation and sustainable development, UNWTO jointly with SNV has produced this publication, which outlines some practical steps that can be taken in tourism destinations to shape and manage tourism in ways which deliver more benefits to disadvantaged individuals and communities. The manual looks at the process of analysing a tourism destination in terms of current contribution of tourism to the poor and planning how this could be strengthened in the future. It proposes the establishment of a tourism strategy and action plan based on this analysis which embraces pro-poor concerns and actions and provides guidance on planning monitoring and evaluation. Furthermore it contains an indicative programme of training sessions, including handouts, using the material contained in the manual.

Tourism Driving Trade, Fostering Development and Connecting People

10-07-2018

This brochure discusses the importance of tourism as a force for driving trade, fostering development and connecting people. The publication explores tourism's economic and social benefits; it's resilience as an industry; the opportunities it builds for succesful partnerships; the role of politics and its effects on the industry, and the necessity to close the aid gap in regards to tourism.

Tourism in the Green Economy

10-07-2018

Over the past years, and particularly since the start of the global economic crisis, a widespread consensus has emerged on the need to build a new economic paradigm. Multiple crises – in climate, biodiversity, fuel, food, water and the economy as a whole – have led to calls for a new development model: a “green economy”. The UN Green Economy Report demonstrates that the greening of economies is not a constraint on growth, but rather a new engine of development, able to create decent jobs, reduce poverty and address major environmental challenges. Tourism, finds the Report, is one of the ten economic sectors best able to kick-start the transition to a sustainable and inclusive green economy.

EU Guidebook "Sustainable Tourism for Development"

10-07-2018

Tourism is a major activity with characteristics that make it particularly valuable as an agent for development. Developing countries however face a particular fragility in their natural, economic, social and human environments which could jeopardize the sector’s dynamism and beneficiary qualities. With such a significant potential for development, the need for a sustainable approach to tourism in developing countries to promote growth in the long term while maintaining a balanced use of resources is imperative… The Guidebook “Sustainable Tourism for Development” has been carried out by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) with the financing of the European Commission Directorate-General Development and Cooperation, within the framework of the project “Enhancing capacities for Sustainable Tourism for Development in Developing Countries”. The European Commission (Directorate General Development and Cooperation – DG DEVCO/ EuropeAid) requested UNWTO to prepare a Guidebook on Sustainable Tourism as an engine for development, trade in services, job creation and poverty reduction. The Guidebook seeks to enhance the understanding of tourism in all its dimensions and describe how the sector relates to the EU Agenda for Change. This enables EU services in Brussels and the EU Delegations in 180 countries, as well as other development institutions, to include sustainable tourism development in their programme cycles. The guidebook was tested in six developing countries (Botswana, India, Kenya, Vietnam, Senegal and Timor-Leste) and was publicly launched on the 27th of June 2013 in Brussels, Belgium. The Guidebook takes a comprehensive approach to tourism, covering a wide range of topics relating to its planning, development, management and impact. By working through the whole document, users can identify priorities for intervention across a spectrum of issues.

Sustainable Cruise Tourism Development Strategies – Tackling the Challenges in Itinerary Design in South-East Asia

10-07-2018

The cruise industry is one of the fastest growing segments of tourism. Although a recent development in Asia and the Pacific as compared to the traditional destinations in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean, cruise tourism has been growing at double-digit rates in the region fuelled by the increasing demand from the North-East Asia markets, namely from China. In this context, South-East Asia has gained particular relevance as its ports account for around 45% of all port calls in the region. The exponential growth of cruise tourism in Asia, and particularly in South-East Asia, presents a major opportunity, but also an undeniable challenge to ensure that the policy, planning and development of cruise tourism is done in a sustainable and responsible manner. Indeed, cruise tourism, though still an emerging segment in Asia, has an immense potential to contribute to the region’s socio-economic progress while enhancing regional integration as many itineraries include ports in different countries. Yet, as highlighted in the present report “controlling tourism demand and mitigating its impacts will be the 21st century challenge. Cruise tourism will be one of the focal points of this shift in the way we experience the planet”.

Highlights of the 1st UNWTO Conference on Accessible Tourism in Europe

10-07-2018

UNWTO’s commitment to accessible tourism is guided by the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, a fundamental frame of reference for responsible and sustainable tourism development. Article 7 of the Code recognizes that “direct and personal access to the discovery and enjoyment of the planet’s resources constitutes a right equally open to all the world’s inhabitants”. As such, UNWTO collaborates with Disabled People’s Organizations to mainstream accessibility throughout the tourism sector. In 2013, the UNWTO General Assembly adopted Recommendations on Accessible Tourism for All to guide stakeholders in implementing universal accessibility in practice.

Case Studies of Traditional Cultural Accommodations in the Republic of Korea, Japan and China

10-07-2018

Cultural accommodations are emerging as a form of tourism product with a great potential to attract tourists combining traditional lodging services with authentic cultural experiences based on the traditional way of life of the host community. With a view to further support governments and other institutions in their endeavours, this UNWTO and KCTI joint publication presents 13 cases from three North-East Asian countries – Republic of Korea, Japan and China – as good practices in cultural accommodation approach for sustainable tourism development.

Mekong River-based Tourism Product Development

10-07-2018

It is hoped that this report will support further product development and assist the public and private sectors in planning and expanding the breadth river-based tourism activities along the Mekong River. The report is divided into four sections. The introduction outlines the approach to the study and defines river-based tourism. This is followed by the situational analysis, which explores the current product, market and policy dynamics of the Mekong River region and highlights opportunities and challenges for the development of river based tourism. Section three of the report provides a strategic framework and action plan for improving the quality, quantity and breadth of river-based tourism along the Mekong River. In section four of the report, river-based tourism development zones are mapped with complementary itineraries. And finally, the appendices provide a detailed implementation plan, summary of existing cruise products, and an indicative monitoring framework.

Benchmarking Methodology for the Development of Sustainable Cruise Tourism in South-East Asia

10-07-2018

Benchmarking Methodology for the Development of Sustainable Cruise Tourism in South-East Asia follows the 2016 publication on Sustainable Cruise Tourism Development Strategies – Tackling the Challenges in Itinerary Design in South-East Asia. Both reports were prepared in cooperation with the Asia-Pacific Tourism Exchange Center (APTEC).

This second publication aims to support data-driven collaboration by encouraging information exchanges related to sustainable cruise tourism in South-East Asia. The report presents a methodology for policymakers and stakeholders to evaluate the impacts of cruise tourism at the destination level. With this methodology, destinations can benchmark their progress compared to that of their neighbours and, ultimately, enhance their regional collaboration.

Manual on Accessible Tourism for All: Principles, Tools and Best Practices: Module V: Best Practices in Accessible Tourism

10-07-2018

The Manual on Accessible Tourism for All: Principles, Tools and Good Practices, co-produced with the ONCE Foundation for Cooperation and Social Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities and the European Network for Accessible Tourism (ENAT), is intended to provide stakeholders with a useful tool to understand the needs of the tourism sector in terms of accessibility, the competitive advantages of tourism for all, and the methods for its implementation. Module V: Good Practices for Accessible Tourism provides an overview of case studies and good practices which have proven a successful implementation of universal accessibility in different spheres of tourism, such as promotion, market research, travel agencies, transportation, accommodation, training and capacity building and destination management. The examples analyze a wide spectrum of conditions which were decisive in making accessible tourism a reality and are meant to inspire the key stakeholders to engage in similar initiatives in their respective areas of influence. The manual´s objectives are to provide stakeholders with a useful tool to understand the needs of the tourism sector in terms of accessibility, the competitive advantages of tourism for all, and the methods for its implementation.

Tourism and Culture Partnership in Peru – Models for Collaboration between Tourism, Culture and Community

10-07-2018

The publication Tourism and Culture Partnership in Peru: Models for Collaboration among Tourism, Culture and Community analyses the importance of collaboration among three essential elements for the sustainable development of tourism destinations: tourism, culture and the community. Starting with a general framework, this book explores the subject by studying the case of Peru, as a country that has distinguished itself in its links to cultural tourism and in the tourism management of its heritage.

5th Global Summit on City Tourism: Cities – Local Culture for Global Travellers 1–2 November 2016

10-07-2018

The 5 th Global Summit on City Tourism as a follow up of the previous four Summits once again aims at providing a comprehensive understanding of the new opportunities, challenges and the dynamics of city tourism in urban