Being a sustainable tourism business in urban environments
Read to learn about our ongoing efforts and progress.
55%
of the world’s population lives in cities, which are key drivers of socioeconomic growth.
However, cities also account for 60% of global energy consumption, 70% of global waste and 70% of global green gas emissions.
These numbers highlight a pressing challenge for businesses: the urgent need to adopt sustainable practices. By embracing eco-friendly initiatives, businesses can not only reduce their environmental footprint but also become part of the solution, fostering healthier communities and creating a more resilient future for urban areas.
Amid the constant hustle and bustle of cities, achieving sustainability can seem like a daunting task for tourism businesses. However, embracing this responsibility is not only feasible but also brings numerous benefits.
Urban tourism is a powerful driving force for the development of many cities and countries, playing a crucial role in advancing the New Urban Agenda and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 11: "Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable."
The relationship between tourism and urban development is profound, directly influencing the quality of life for residents and the experiences of visitors.
Once the strategy is focused, companies in urban environments can take smaller, more feasible steps, such as:
But, how?
Implementing sustainable urban tourism: the importance of collaboration
For tourism to reach its full potential as a tool for sustainable and inclusive growth in cities, a collaborative and multifaceted approach is essential.
This requires close cooperation among tourism and non-tourism administrations at various levels, the private sector, local communities, and tourists themselves. Moreover, the development and management of sustainable tourism must be integrated into the broader urban agenda.