16 Jul Programming to Support Sustainable Tourism

Destinations, where sustainable tourism is thriving, have a range of programs that contribute to the sustainability of the destination community. It is important to note that these programs aren’t just activities that the Destination Management Organization runs – they can be initiated by a range of organizations (some of which may not even consider themselves part of the tourism Industry.

During some recent analysis of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council’s Destination Criteria I conducted with Jennifer Romanchek, we identified the following programs that represent a foundation for destination-based sustainable tourism.  Sustainable tourism destinations have programs that:

• Encourage tourism businesses to adopt sustainable tourism practices
• Engage with tourism stakeholders including tourism businesses, residents, and visitors
• Manage visitor flows within the destination, and through the year (seasonality)
• Protect the environment.
• Celebrate Heritage and Culture
• Ensure decent work and workforce development
• Support local businesses and encourage entrepreneurs
• Manage risk and respond to crisis.
• Ensure safety and security for visitors and residents

For more details on these programs – get the (free) report: click through to Sustainable Tourism for Destinations: Insights from the GSTC Destination Criteria 2.0 for Sustainable Tourism.