EU Rural Tourism’s Post

Did you know that Horticultural Expos significantly boost tourism in host cities, with effects lasting well beyond the event itself? AIPH-approved Expos, like the Suncheon Garden Expo 2023, create lasting legacies that enhance visitor experiences through Expo parks. Outdoor experiences remain popular among travellers, and ecotourism is rising, with an annual growth rate of 13.4%. Suncheon City saw increased visitors and income post-2013 Expo. Despite a pandemic-induced decline in 2021, 2023 visitor numbers surged thanks to the Suncheon Garden Expo 2023, attracting 9,812,157 visitors. The Expo surpassed 4 million visitors by its 58th day and exceeded its 8 million visitor goal with 24 days remaining. Visitor satisfaction was rated 4.47 out of 5. Read more stories of past AIPH-approved Expos at https://lnkd.in/evQwbDHK

Accelerating the shift towards a sustainable tourism is multifaceted and therefore requires a wholistic approach with communities taking center stage.

In the frame of the ECOTOURS project, a fundamental pillar of sustainability is responsible and sustainable tourism. How? 🤔 By enhancing local resources, we can preserve cultural tangible and intangible heritage and contribute to more sustainable tourism. From the last study visits in Bastia (Corsica) and Szeged (Hungary), in May 2024, we discovered how ecosystem renewal programs will combine new experiential tourism with sustainability issues. The benefits of this approach are numerous: reducing environmental impact, promoting biodiversity, enhancing local traditions, and supporting local economies. Tangible expected results will include increased environmental awareness, greater sustainability of agricultural and industrial practices (and the local food), and the creation of green and human-based travel experiences for all. In ECOTOURS 🌱, we strongly believe that sustainability must be integrated into various sectors, creating value for local communities and offering meaningful experiences to tourists. The path to a sustainable future is clear, and the involvement of all stakeholders in ECOTOURS is essential to achieving long-term sustainability goals. Do you want to join our network? Visit: https://lnkd.in/dqFjZvuZ and register on “JOIN US” #sustainability #responsibletourism #circulareconomy #localheritage

Overtourism is one of the most pressing issue facing many popular destinations worldwide. Its negative impacts are evident, from environmental degradation to the decline in the quality of life for local communities. However, there is an approach that can help us turn this challenge into an opportunity. Hoteliers and destinations can promote sustainable tourism development through unique and authentic experiences that highlight the culture, history, and natural beauty of each destination. In that way guests have the chance to live unforgettable moments away from the crowds by participating in activities such as: - Exploring Non-Touristic Areas and discover hidden trails and traditional villages. - Participating in cultural experiences such as local festivals and traditional art workshops. - Experiencing local cuisine through private tastings and cooking classes with local chefs. By focusing on quality over quantity, we can offer experiences that respect the destination and enhance the local economy, while also providing unforgettable memories for our guests. If you want to learn more about how we can help you create such unique experiences for your guests, don't hesitate to get in touch with us at Secret Treasures. Together, we can promote a sustainable and responsible future for tourism. https://lnkd.in/dPh2fMZy #Overtourism #SustainableTourism #UniqueExperiences #SecretTreasures #CulturalExperiences #GastronomicTours

Thoughts while enjoying a well deserved holiday in Crete… Traveling to Crete, Tenerife, and Turkey unveils more than just picturesque resorts and luxurious getaways. Beyond the verdant oases where hotels thrive, a stark reality unfolds—arid lands and ecological wastelands starkly contrasting with the lush, manicured grounds of tourist accommodations. The toll of tourism is evident as these paradisiacal regions suffer from overextraction of precious drinking water, funneling resources away from the local environment to maintain the green facades of hotels. This unsustainable practice leaves behind dry, barren landscapes and a severe ecological imbalance. Why aren’t governments and investment firms channeling the revenue from tourism into regenerative nature projects? The funds could revitalize these regions, promoting a sustainable balance between tourism and the environment. It’s time to demand accountability and push for investments that restore and preserve the natural beauty and health of these travel destinations. Let's support and advocate for regenerative projects that ensure the long-term health of our favorite travel spots! #SustainableTravel #Ecotourism #RegenerativeTourism #SaveOurPlanet #TravelResponsibly ---

Tomorrow, February 17, 2023, marks World Tourism Resilience Day. It’s crucial to understand that safeguarding tourist sites through ecotourism practices is vital for sustainable development. Tourism’s connection with nature empowers sustainable practices, fostering environmental responsibility and conservation. #planetpulse #tourismresilience #sustainabledevelopment

The proposed Vlora airport aims to boost tourism in southern Albania, but at what cost? Experts warn that such a decision would compromise biodiversity. It's time to consider nature-based ecotourism as a sustainable alternative, balancing social, economic, and environmental factors. Let’s discuss how we can develop tourism responsibly and protect our natural heritage. PPNEA AOS - Albanian Ornithological Society EuroNatur Foundation BirdLife Europe and Central Asia Wetlands International Tour du Valat

💭 TOPIC PERSPECTIVE💭 🎯"Green Hospitality: Setting the Bar for Sustainability Certification in the Hospitality Sector." - Thematic Topic at Ecotourism Kenya's Sustainable Tourism Forum 2024. 🎯As the demand for eco-conscious travel experiences continues to rise, #hospitality establishments are increasingly recognizing the importance of integrating a people-planet-prosperity approach into their operations. 🎯Going beyond the proactive steps taken by #hotels, resorts, and lodges to minimize their environmental impact, conserve natural #resources, and support local #communities, #sustainability #certifications communicate commitment and have the potential to influence supplier and consumer connections. There's more for you at #estf2024: 🔗https://lnkd.in/dVgkiju8 #ecotourismkenya

Blue Tourism Initiative participated in the recent global meeting of the Mediterranean Posidonia Network focused on sharing cutting-edge methods and tools for collecting Posidonia data. 📊 Blue Tourism Initiative is actively working on a Mediterranean coastal and marine tourism #vulnerability #map, integrating crucial data on tourism pressure, ecological vulnerability, and #Posidonia Oceanica vulnerability, among other key factors. Our project partner IUCN Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation led this activity, with technical support from ETC-UMA. The early findings from this mapping work were presented by ETC-UMA, showcasing a remarkable example of providing consistent, high-resolution, and multi-dimensional Posidonia data 🌊 👉 Stay tuned for more updates on our mission to promote sustainable coastal and marine tourism. #bluetourism #Mediterranean #posidonia #vulnerabilitymap

Sustainable tourism benefits local communities living in tourist destinations and provides a framework for conserving cultural heritage, protecting the environment and creating authentic experiences. As the term is often bandied today with an intention to profit, it is important to understand its true nature and context. Explore the topic in our blog “HOW SUSTAINABLE TOURISM BENEFITS LOCAL COMMUNITIES”: https://lnkd.in/dYJ9ev9r — #royalmountaintravel #sustainabletourism #sustainability #localcommunity #nepal #nepaltourism #visitnepal