Ayako Ezaki’s Post

ATTA: Members are asked to prove their commitment to responsible tourism and sustainability in one of three ways: through a third-party certification program like Travelife and B Corp, by demonstrating progress in working towards certification, or by participating in third-party sustainability assessments such as Nature Positive Tourism. Good to see this coming from a global tourism sector association. Tourism BSOs could do with taking a more pro-active role in helping members work on sustainability. I suspect that there too they are lagging behind other sectors. Should 3rd party sustainability certification become a requirement for membership of national/international tourism sector associations? PS: Bit tiring to see the same few people plugging their rather repetitive ‘certification is good/bad’ pitch. Posts on certification (and accreditation) seem to generate some very predictable responses…. 🫣

We’re still on such a high after the 2024 Global Sustainable Tourism Summit! Over three days, 62 speakers and more than 280 passionate sustainable tourism operators, businesses, destinations, government departments, and national park agencies, solutions providers, researchers, and conservation advocates congregated in Meeanjin/Brisbane. Representing each Australian state and territory, as well as five international countries, the summit highlighted common industry challenges and collaborative solutions. The summit reinforced that sustainable tourism is a collective effort. As we continue to protect our planet, respect cultures, and engage communities, we shape a future that honours the interconnectedness of People, Planet, Place, and Purpose, the theme of the event. Several impactful messages resonated throughout the Summit, recurring in presentations and conversations. Here are some of the greatest takeaways from the Global Sustainable Tourism Summit: 🌎“Tourism can help us save what we cannot afford to lose.” Tourism can be a powerful and inspirational mechanism for storytelling, conservation, and community-building, so long as we put People, Planet, Place and Purpose first. 🌎Tell your story. Sharing your journey and experiences fosters greater connection and change. 🌎“Look forward in the micro, look backward in the macro.” Take your sustainability journey one step at a time, and suddenly you’ll have walked a marathon. 🌎Authentic engagement is about listening. Showing up is one thing, but being present, purposeful and listening is another. 🌎Just start. Sustainability is not about perfection, it is a journey, but that journey cannot start without commitment. Start with what makes a difference to you. Let's commit to taking the first step, sharing our stories, and fostering collaboration for a sustainable future. If you’d like to see a more thorough rundown of the Summit, take a look at the Key Takeaways article. https://lnkd.in/gj7t6iqW Elissa Keenan Alyssa Sanders Nadine Schramm Georgie Snare Shea Wittig Corinne Lewis Martin Lopez Behar 🌠 Jillian Santry Despina Karatzias Anni Fichtner Video credit: MAD Panda Media

The Global Destination Sustainability Movement (GDS-Movement) has unveiled its 2024 rankings, highlighting the Top 40 Sustainable Destinations from around the globe. 🏆 We are absolutely thrilled to share that 7 business events hubs on the island of Ireland are now ranked in the top 40 sustainable destinations with improvements across most regions compared to last year. These results show that Ireland is investing in its sustainability towards regeneration, and as a country, we are committed to making a difference. Ireland is among the best sustainable destinations in the index and we’re super proud to be able to share this news today. Current rankings for 2024 with improvements over last year are as follows; ✴ Belfast 9th (up 2 places) ✴ Kerry 19th (no change) ✴ Cork 21st (up 5 places) ✴ Galway 25th (up 14 places) ✴ Clare 28th (up 10 places) ✴ Dublin 29th (up 21 places) ✴ Limerick 38th (up 3 places) See the Top 40 rankings & insights 👉 https://lnkd.in/dikWXS7j Galway Convention Bureau Kerry Convention Bureau Cork Convention Bureau Dublin Convention Bureau Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau Visit Belfast Tourism Northern Ireland

Sustainability News Alert: Kerry maintains #19 ranking in the 2024 Global Destination Sustainability Movement (GDS-Movement) Index!! ☘️ We scored 77.65% out of 100 ☘️ Sixth consecutive year in Top 20 ☘️ Retaining our position of #1 Irish destination as per the Index As a #FutureFocused region committed to regenerative destination management, this year's result once again illustrates the true spirit of collaboration, partnership and commitment of our #Kerry industry. This year, 99 destinations were benchmarked, including ten new participants. The GDS Index is dominated by large cities, a metropolis and a megacity and there, maintaining a presence in the Top 20 for the sixth year in a row is Kerry, a unique region unified by its vision for the future of sustainability woven into the fabric of its distinct landscape, culture and heritage. We are inspired and proud that the sustainability ambitions of our community of tourism suppliers, event profs and industry partners mirror those of our valued clients and partners on a global stage. We are also thrilled that ALL of our fellow Convention Bureaux of Ireland colleagues are represented in the Top 40 - it is an incredible achievement to see all our regions represented and ranked alongside key MICE destinations across the world - this is testament to the collective mission we are all undertaking to put Ireland on the map as a green business events destination of choice. We’d like to extend a massive thank you to all our industry partners; Kerry Tourism Industry Federation and the Kerry Sustainable Tourism Group, Kerry County Council, Fáilte Ireland and Munster Technological University who once again supported us to collate all the necessary information for the submission 🙏 This ongoing industry support is invaluable & we look forward to continuing together with our #Kerry partners on this #SustainabilityJourney, implementing and delivering on #SustainableTourismGoals which strengthen and underpin #Kerry's reputation as an Irish #GreenDestination of choice ☘ #EventProfs, for more information on how you can partner together with KCB to #MakeItIreland and deliver legacy and impact in a memorable and meaningful #MeetInKerry event, please visit https://lnkd.in/dKG9kgP #SmallStepsMakeBigDifferences #KerryTourismTogether #MeetInKerry #MakeItIreland

Embracing Sustainable Tourism: A Pathway to Global Harmony As the world gradually emerges from the shadows of the pandemic, the travel and tourism industry stands at a pivotal crossroads. With an increasing awareness of our impact on the planet, there's a growing call to redefine our approach to tourism. It's no longer just about ticking off destinations on our bucket lists; it's about embracing sustainable travel as a pathway to global harmony. Sustainable tourism isn't just a buzzword; it's a mindset shift that acknowledges the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and economic factors. It's about treading lightly on the Earth while enriching the lives of local communities. From minimizing carbon footprints to preserving cultural heritage, sustainable tourism embodies responsible travel practices that benefit both present and future generations. At its core, sustainable tourism fosters authentic experiences that go beyond the surface. It's about immersing oneself in the local culture, supporting small businesses, and forging meaningful connections with people and places. Whether it's exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations or engaging in eco-friendly activities, sustainable tourism offers a deeper, more enriching travel experience. Moreover, sustainable tourism holds the power to drive positive change on a global scale. By prioritizing conservation efforts and promoting environmental stewardship, we can preserve the natural wonders that make our planet so awe-inspiring. By empowering local communities through tourism revenue, we can alleviate poverty and promote social inclusivity. By championing sustainable practices within the industry, we can pave the way for a more equitable and resilient future. As professionals in the tourism sector, we have a unique opportunity and responsibility to lead by example. By integrating sustainability into our business models, we can not only attract conscientious travelers but also contribute to the greater good. Whether it's implementing green initiatives, partnering with local organizations, or advocating for policy changes, each of us has a role to play in shaping the future of tourism. "Be the change you wish to see in the world." Let us embrace sustainable tourism as not just a trend, but a guiding principle that drives us towards a more harmonious and prosperous future for all. Together, let's explore the world responsibly, leaving behind nothing but footprints and taking away memories that last a lifetime. #SustainableTourism #ResponsibleTravel #GlobalHarmony #TravelResponsibly

Sustainable and Regenerative Tourism: A Series for Businesses and Destinations Discover the tools to thrive in the growing market of sustainability-conscious travellers with the Sustainable and Regenerative Tourism Workshop Series 🫱🏼🫲🏽 Hosted by GreenStep and supported by RTO9. This engaging four-part virtual series empowers tourism professionals to create a customized sustainability action plan aligned with global standards. Through interactive sessions, you’ll: *Please note these dates have been modified from the original post. 👍🏼What you will learn By the end of the series, you’ll walk away with a tangible plan, practical insights into sustainability challenges and solutions, and a Certificate of Completion. Plus, you’ll gain access to optional one-on-one consulting to further refine and implement your strategy. ✅Master key sustainability criteria and assessment techniques. ✅Set actionable, impactful goals. ✅Learn to effectively showcase your progress to customers and industry partners. 👍🏼Why Join? This is your chance to future-proof your business, boost its resilience, and elevate its appeal in a competitive market. Make sustainability your strength and stand out to today’s discerning travellers. 👍🏼Who Should Attend? This workshop is designed for tourism business owners, operators, and destination managers dedicated to integrating sustainable practices. Full participation in all virtual sessions and completion of assigned exercises are required to earn the certificate. Dates & Times: Bi-weekly on Wednesdays - Jan & Feb 2025 - Registrants MUST attend all sessions. 📆 January 15, January 29, February 12, February 26, 2025 🕐 1pm - 3pm EST Don’t miss this opportunity to transform your business and shape a sustainable future. 📝Register now to secure your spot! https://lnkd.in/emnd587g Optional 1:1 Support Following the Sessions: Workshop participants can book optional paid consulting sessions with a GreenStep advisor.

The traditional tourism model poses a significant threat to the environments it depends on, with concerns such as overexploitation of resources, pollution, and cultural homogenization. To ensure the sustainability of this vital industry, a shift towards sustainable tourism is essential.   The impact of unsustainable tourism on the environment is clear. Large numbers of tourists strain local resources and disrupt ecosystems, ultimately degrading the very attractions that draw visitors in.   In contrast, sustainable tourism prioritizes both economic development and environmental protection. By integrating conservation efforts into the tourism experience, promoting environmental awareness among visitors, and involving local communities in initiatives, cultural heritage can be preserved and economic benefits evenly distributed.   For governments, transitioning to sustainable tourism is not only environmentally responsible but also economically beneficial. With an increasing number of environmentally conscious travelers seeking out responsible destinations, embracing sustainability can attract this profitable market segment and ensure the long-term viability of tourism as an economic driver.   Here's how pivotal AMFORHT's role can be in influencing the future workforce of the tourism industry through its focus on hospitality education and training: - Advocating for incorporating sustainable tourism principles into hospitality and tourism education programs globally, equipping future professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills for sustainable operations. - Conducting workshops and training sessions for educators to integrate sustainable practices into their teaching, ensuring the next generation imparts eco-conscious values effectively. - Cultivating partnerships with tourism businesses to offer internship and training opportunities focused on sustainability, bridging the gap between theory and practice for graduates prepared for the industry's changes. - Creating and supporting specialized certifications in sustainable tourism management for hospitality professionals, promoting ongoing learning and setting high standards for sustainability practices. - Spearheading research on sustainable tourism education best practices and advocating for their adoption worldwide, influencing not only hospitality education but also government-level tourism policies.   Through these efforts, AMFORHT plays a leading role in shaping a more sustainable future for tourism, influencing industry practices and inspiring responsible approaches among governments and businesses. Sustainable tourism is more than just a trend; it is a survival essential for long-term environmental, cultural, and economic prosperity in travel and tourism. AMFORHT is a UN Tourism affiliate, holding a Special Consultative status with the United Nations Economic & Social Council (ECOSOC) Visit AMFORHT Website amforht.org #amforht #sustainability #tourism #education #hospitality #training

Dear colleagues and friends, We invite contributions for a Special Track on ‘Degrowth in tourism: debates, complexities, practices’ at the ATLAS Annual Conference 2025, taking place in June 17-20, in Vilaseca, Catalonia, Spain. Please see more information about this special track attached, and conference details here: https://lnkd.in/dNN3Siiw   Deadline for abstracts: 15th January 2025.   Special Track 5 Degrowth in tourism: debates, complexities, practices ATLAS SIG Space, Place, Mobilities in Tourism   Special Track Convenors Ilaria Pappalepore – University of Westminster, UK (i.pappalepore@westminster.ac.uk) Antonio Paolo Russo – Rovira i Virgili University, Spain (Antonio Russo antonio.russo@urv.cat)  Isabel Paulino – University of Girona, Spain (Isabel Paulino Valldeperez isabel.paulino@udg.edu) Giacomo-Maria Salerno – University of Siena, Italy (giacomo.salerno@unisi.it)   This special track continues the academic dialogue held at the 2024 Breda congress in a special track on “Tourism mobilities and the challenge of climate change, at a crossroads” organised together with the SIG Climate Change and Tourism. Degrowth in tourism hints at fundamental revisions of mobility systems and affordabilities at different scales, which challenges established notions of the ‘right to travel’ and the democratizing character that has for long been attributed to international tourism; at the restructuring of industry operations and the way they ‘land’ in destination spaces (supply systems, use of common pool resources, place promotion, accessibility); and at fundamental questions of visitor behaviour both to and at destinations, including issues of destination selection and consumption practices. We are especially keen on welcoming contributions tackling topics among the following: - Degrowth and post-growth paradigms applied to tourism: conceptual advances - Sustainable degrowth for liveability: stakeholders’ perspectives (Who would benefit from tourism degrowth? What inequality issues could be nested in a degrowth agenda? Is a future without tourism de-growth even possible?) - The complexity of transitions towards a degrowth agenda – regime survival, multi-scale incrustations, governance turns - Planning for degrowth: systems, interactions, narratives - ‘Doing more with less’: the (potential) realignments of the tourist & travel industry to a degrowth agenda; developing a tourism doughnut economy - Methodologies and epistemologies for degrowth research - Case studies of ‘actually implemented degrowth’, partial or fundamental. Successes, failures, measures, lessons learned   As usual, we will explore opportunities for publishing this collection of papers in a special high-impact journal issue, as we did before with papers presented at the SPMT seminar of 2021 (in Tourism Geographies) and at the Cork meeting in 2023 (in Applied Mobilities).    Ilaria, Paolo, Isabel and Giacomo      

Miral Sustainability Strategy aims to lead sustainable leisure, entertainment, and tourism (LET) in the region by 2030, positioning its destinations as sustainability benchmarks. #sustainabletourism

AMFORHT firmly believes in the power of sustainable tourism as a catalyst for peace, following in the footsteps of UN Tourism (formerly UNWTO), with whom we are affiliated. The beauty of sustainable tourism lies in its ability to bridge cultural divides and foster mutual understanding, respect, and appreciation among diverse cultures. One of the key strengths of sustainable tourism is its inherent nature of bringing people from different backgrounds together. However, it is the sustainable management of these interactions that truly sets it apart. By ensuring that these interactions are respectful, beneficial, and enriching for all parties involved, sustainable tourism promotes cultural exchange on a profound level. As tourists learn about the host civilization, and locals gain exposure to foreign cultures, prejudices and stereotypes are dismantled, making way for understanding and appreciation. Not only does sustainable tourism focus on cultural exchange, but it also places great emphasis on local community involvement and empowerment. By directing tourism benefits to the local community, sustainable tourism helps reduce economic disparities that can potentially lead to conflicts. When locals are given a stake in the success of tourism, it encourages them to maintain peace and stability within their communities. Another crucial aspect of sustainable tourism is its commitment to environmental conservation. Without a doubt, environmental degradation can be a source of conflict, as it can lead to resource disputes. On the other hand, preservation of healthy ecosystems supports livelihoods and reduces vulnerability to natural disasters. By advocating for responsible travel practices and supporting environmental conservation efforts, sustainable tourism contributes to long-term peace by protecting the very foundations of our planet. In essence, sustainable tourism acts as a bridge between cultures and plays a significant role in fostering peace. Through its promotion of cultural exchange, community empowerment, and environmental conservation, it showcases the positive impact travel can have on understanding and cooperation among diverse cultures. As responsible global citizens, it is our duty to support and promote sustainable tourism practices, as they contribute to the creation of a more peaceful world. It is important to note that sustainable tourism is a multifaceted field with various dimensions, and its role in fostering peace is intriguing and extensive. This is why AMFORHT's mission reaches far beyond the surface, delving into the depths of sustainable tourism potential impact on creating a more harmonious world. AMFORHT is a UN Tourism affiliate, holding a Special Consultative status with the United Nations Economic & Social Council (ECOSOC) Visit AMFORHT Website: amforht.org #amforht #sustainability #tourism #hospitality #untourism #unwto #education #training #environment #peace