Sustainable Tourism

As record numbers of tourists are returning to destinations across the globe the focus of attention for the industry has shifted back to the climate crisis and sustainable tourism. Destinations and tourism businesses are aware that they need to minimise the negative impacts of their activity, whilst harnessing and promoting the positive, both for the present and future.

With aggressive carbon emission targets and a plethora of local or global “green” initiatives it is easy to lose sight of true sustainability and the challenges that need to be overcome to maximise the very positive impact that tourism delivers. Unfortunately, the term “Greenwashing” has become more prominent, where organisations unintentionally (or even intentionally) focus on the marketing of sustainability more than implementation and results. Even where there is genuine achievement this can quickly be negated when there is contradicting or disjointed activity across a destination or organisation.

Sustainable tourism needs to ensure that each destination or business understands the unique aspects of its environment and that a one size fits all approach is not going to be effective. Partnerships and connectivity are fundamental to establishing a resilient roadmap to achieving and maintaining true sustainability.

Intertek Cristal is working with our clients and partners to ensure that the importance of the long-term view is balanced against the urgency associated with pandemic recovery. As the post-lockdown rush to escape the confines of home and explore the world subsides, travel and tourism needs to ensure that the appropriate infrastructure, plans, and processes are in place for a very sustainable future.

Intertek Cristal has more than 20 years’ experience of working with tourism organisations to assist them in developing sustainability solutions. Click the following link for more information on how we can help you.