Sustainable tourism development: Tour operators take the initiative


The tourism industry took a major step forward when UNEP's Executive Director, Klaus Töpfer, launched the Tour Operators' Initiative for Sustainable Tourism Development.

The Initiative is the result of substantial collaboration between tour operators and UNEP, UNESCO, and the World Tourism Organization (WTO/OMT). The Initiative was designed by tour operators for tour operators to improve the environmental performance of their businesses and the bottom line, and to contribute to the economic and social well-being of local communities.

The Initiative is designed to help tour operators share information and develop skills that can lead to significant economic and environmental benefits. Improving the efficiency of energy, water and other resources, for example, can directly improve the profits of tour operator businesses. Better managed tours that preserve environmental and social values can improve a company's image, attract more customers, reduce health and safety risks, and create a higher quality experience for the customer, all of which can lead to increased revenue.

The Initiative is voluntary, non-profit, and open to all tour operators regardless of their size and geographical location. It is principally focused on businesses who want to reflect the 'best practice' in sustainable tourism, which includes:
  • responsibly using natural resources such as land, soil, energy, and water;
  • reducing, minimising and preventing pollution and wastes including solid,
    liquid and atmospheric emissions;
  • maintaining or enhancing biodiversity through the protection of plants, animals, ecosystems and sensitive areas;
  • maintaining or enhancing cultural diversity through the protection of landscapes and cultural heritage;
  • respecting the integrity of local cultures;
  • co-operating with local communities and people;
  • utilising local products and skills.

'When businesses as a group decide to improve their environmental performance, they are taking a very important competitive step,' says Töpfer. 'When those businesses are part of one of the largest industries in the world – an industry that contributes US$ 3.5 trillion to world gross domestic product and creates 200 million jobs – they are also creating a significant opportunity,' he concluded.


Our Planet complimentary articles:
Issue on Tourism 1999
Francesco Frangialli: Preserving Paradise (Small Islands) 1999
Greg Neale: Walking on the wild side... (Biodiversity) 2000
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