SUSTAINABLE TOURISM
While the use of the word “sustainability” is becoming more commonplace within the tourism industry, understanding exactly how it can be achieved remains a challenge. LTC can assist with introducing sustainability practices into your daily operations – or helping you to become certified in a specific accreditation programme.
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Partnership launched the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria in 2008. These criteria were designed to be the minimum standard that any tourism business should aspire to reach, in order to protect and sustain the world’s natural and cultural resources, while ensuring tourism meets its potential as a tool for poverty alleviation. Through whatever sustainability certification programme you wish to follow, Lodestar Tourism will provide you the foundational knowledge in sustainability management and help you build the skills to implement environmental best practices in your destination or business.
We also work with academic institutions to carry out research, provide training and undertake market assessments.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Training Programme
Develop and implement a comprehensive training programme to help to make sustainability a practical part of what every person in the organization or destination does every day.
Codes of Conduct
To help visitors, residents and service providers understand the behaviours and standards that they need to comply with to make sure tourism is not compromising the natural, environmental or cultural aspects of the community.
The Green Destinations’ Standard
Is recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), is composed of sustainability management guidelines covering six main themes:
GREEN TOURISM BUSINESS SCHEME
The Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS) is the leading green tourism certification scheme in the UK. Businesses opting to join are assessed by a qualified assessor against a rigorous set of criteria covering energy and water efficiency, waste management, biodiversity and much more. If businesses meet the required standard they are awarded Bronze, Silver or Gold based on their level of achievement.
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SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and improve the lives and prospect of everyone, everywhere.
In 2015 the 17 SDGs were adopted by all UN Member States as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to deliver actions for People, the Planet, Prosperity, Peace and Partnership.
Globally, tourism has a vital role to play in contributing to these goals
Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalise
the global partnership for sustainable development
Due to its cross-sectoral nature, tourism has the ability to strengthen private/public partnerships and engage multiple stakeholders – international, national, regional and local – to work together to achieve the SDGs and other common goals. Public policy and innovative financing are at the core for achieving the 2030 Agenda.
Companies and CSR Actions
Professional development; partnerships for education; wildlife and ecosystems animal protection; offsetting actions; supplier and customer involvement; client relationships; staff involvement and relationships; community involvement
Global Safety Stamp to Recognise
Safe Travels Protocols
The specially designed stamp will allow travellers to recognise governments and companies around the world which have adopted the SafeTravels health and hygiene global standardised protocols – so consumers can experience ‘Safe Travels’.
Eligible companies such as hotels, restaurants, airlines, cruise lines, tour operators, attractions, short-term rentals, car rentals, outdoor shopping, transportation, and airports, will be able to use the stamp once the health and hygiene protocols, outlined by World Travel & Tourism Council (wttc.org), have been implemented.
Please note that while the protocols take into account current WHO and CDC guidelines, they are living documents which WTTC will update as new information becomes available about COVID-19.
Interested in applying for the stamp? Click here.
