It is well known that the tourism industry holds immense potential for driving economic growth, cultural exchange, and environmental stewardship. However, as the world grapples with the challenges posed by climate change, it has become imperative for the tourism sector to align with more sustainable practices in order for future generations to enjoy the travel experiences we enjoy today.
So, that is why we have signed The Glasgow Declaration for Tourism, a commitment from us to do everything we can to make our industry more sustainable.
The Glasgow Declaration for Tourism, inspired by the overarching Glasgow Declaration, is a commitment made by governments, organizations, and businesses within the tourism sector to address the challenges of climate change and foster sustainable tourism practices. By signing the declaration, we pledge to reduce carbon emissions, protect natural and cultural heritage, enhance community engagement, and promote sustainable tourism development.
Why Signing the Glasgow Declaration for Tourism Matters:
- Driving Climate Action: The tourism industry significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, resource consumption, and waste generation. Signing the Glasgow Declaration for Tourism signals a commitment to reducing the carbon footprint of the tourism sector. This includes adopting energy-efficient practices, promoting sustainable transportation options, and embracing renewable energy sources, thereby contributing to global climate action.
- Protecting Biodiversity and Cultural Heritage: Tourism has the power to either preserve or degrade natural and cultural heritage sites. By signing the declaration, stakeholders in the tourism industry commit to protecting these valuable assets. This entails implementing sustainable tourism practices that minimize environmental impact, respect local communities and cultures, and promote the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystems.
- Enhancing Community Engagement and Empowerment: Sustainable tourism requires the active involvement and empowerment of local communities. Signing the declaration highlights a dedication to fostering community engagement, creating economic opportunities for local populations, and ensuring fair and equitable distribution of tourism benefits. By supporting community-led initiatives, tourism can become a catalyst for inclusive growth and poverty alleviation.
- Promoting Responsible Consumption and Education: The Glasgow Declaration for Tourism encourages signatories to promote responsible consumption patterns among tourists. This involves raising awareness about sustainable travel choices, supporting local and eco-friendly businesses, and minimizing waste generation. Additionally, it underscores the importance of education and capacity-building within the tourism sector to empower stakeholders to adopt sustainable practices.
- Nurturing Resilience and Adaptation: Climate change poses significant challenges to the tourism industry, including increased vulnerability to extreme weather events and shifting travel patterns. Signing the declaration signifies a commitment to building resilience within the sector, including implementing climate adaptation strategies, diversifying tourism offerings, and investing in infrastructure and technology that reduce vulnerability and enhance preparedness.
Signing the Glasgow Declaration for Tourism marks a crucial step towards transforming the tourism industry into a force for good. However, the true impact will be achieved through collective and sustained action from the whole industry.
As a signatory, we have made a commitment to supporting the global target of halving emissions by 2030 and to reach Net Zero by 2050. We also have plans to report publically on the progress we are making, both as a business and those we create by booking our clients on holidays and cruises around the world.
Signing the Glasgow Declaration for Tourism represents a shared commitment within the tourism sector to embrace sustainability and contribute to the global climate agenda. By prioritizing responsible travel practices, protecting natural and cultural heritage, engaging communities, and mitigating the environmental impact, we can create a tourism industry that benefits the planet, the people, and the economies.
