International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development 2017
Imagine if we were able to live more sustainably because of innovative tourism experiences that enabled us to better appreciate the world we live in. This is the aim of the UN International Year 2017 of Sustainable Tourism for Development. It seeks to tackle the integrated challenges of Climate Change, population growth and resource depletion by raising awareness of our rich global
heritage and fostering better understanding through sustainable tourism. This task reaffirms some of
tourism’s loftier yet sometimes forgotten values, that of discovery and appreciation. To help sustainable tourism deliver sustainability it must have knowledgeable hosts, who are aware of their impacts, which they share with visitors to gain their support and participation. Over the next 15 months the ICRT-Australia is running a project ‘Richer Experiences Less Resource’ that contributes to the aim of this International Year and is open to tourism businesses and destinations around the world.
‘Richer Experiences Less Resource’ combines a technical innovation system, staff training and visitor experience design which encourages their positive participation. The results seek to reduce resource consumption, support local cultural and natural conservation, choose local responsible tourism experiences and increase visitor satisfaction. As an official member of the UNEP/UNWTO 10YFP Sustainable Tourism Programme, the ICRT Australia welcomes applications from tourism partners.
How ‘Richer Experiences Lower Resource Use’ contributes to IY.2017 Sustainable Tourism for Development:
1. Knowledge Creation and Dissemination
- We have developed innovative tools which help both tourism businesses and visitors measure and monitor their impacts
- Prepare case studies using these tools to demonstrate how sustainable tourism can contribute to cultural understanding, nature conservation and local economic development
2. Capacity Building and Education
- We will run training programmes that empower men, women and youth working in hospitality with knowledge about sustainable production and consumption
- The training will teach hospitality men, women and youth to better create sustainable tourism experiences through exceptional customer relations
3. Advocacy – Awareness Raising
- We will inform tourism businesses and visitors of tourism’s local footprint within the confines of the destination’s resources and the cultural way of life
- By promoting the positive results from the innovative tools we will demonstrate how responsible tourism businesses can positively contribute to sustainable development
Find Out More – How You Can Be Involved
The ICRT-Australia is seeking to collaborate with tourist accommodation providers, destinations and travel corporations to participate in this project and benefit from use of the innovative tools, training and communication materials. See the ICRT’s presentation, made at the UNWTO/UNEP Sustainable Tourism in a Change Climate Conference here.
To learn more please contact Christopher Warren at: [email protected]
The International Centre for Responsible Tourism-Australia is an official partner with the UNEP and UNWTO Sustainable Tourism Programme – Global Action for Sustainable Consumption and Production. The ICRT-Australia has also contributed to the Envirocitites Conference Coastal ‘Cities Management Challenges & Solutions to Climate Change’ in Rabat 2016 and the World Travel Market/World Responsible Tourism Day 2016.