The picturesque island of Mallorca recently became the focal point for global sustainable tourism discussions. The Fundació Mallorca Turisme (Consell de Mallorca), with the support of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), hosted the 2024 INSTO meeting as part of the III Sustainable Destinations Summit. This pivotal gathering attracted over 100 key players, including academics, government officials, and industry experts from around the world, all united by their dedication to advancing sustainable tourism practices.
The summit provided a platform for in-depth discussions on critical aspects of sustainable tourism development. Participants delved into strategies for improving governance frameworks across national and regional levels, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts to create a more responsible and sustainable future for tourism. The meeting also underscored the critical role of data management in understanding tourism’s local impact. By gathering and analyzing precise data, stakeholders can better assess the environmental, economic, and social effects of tourism and develop targeted strategies to mitigate negative impacts and maximize positive contributions.
These dialogues, which brought together a diverse group of experts, resulted in the identification of key approaches for developing policies that promote sustainable practices in various destinations. The discussions centered around balancing the needs of local communities with the desires of tourists, ensuring that tourism’s benefits are shared equitably and that its impacts are minimized.
Highlighting the importance of science-driven transformation, UNWTO Executive Director Ms. Zoritsa Urosevic emphasized the significance of embracing new metrics beyond GDP to measure the sustainability of tourism. She called on the INSTO network to actively integrate these new indicators, placing science at the heart of transforming the tourism industry.
José Marcial Rodríguez Díaz, Executive Counsellor for Tourism of Consell de Mallorca, also emphasized the commitment of his Department to promoting responsible tourism. He highlighted the efforts to foster real coexistence between residents and tourists, encouraging responsible behavior among visitors and promoting sustainable development within the tourism sector. “From day one, at the Consell de Mallorca we have been committed to the maximum respect for coexistence; this is our main purpose and mission. For all these reasons, we cannot make the wrong enemy in tourism. We must find the balance between the temporary resident and the permanent resident; between feeling visited and not invaded,” he stated.
Since its inception in 2004, the UNWTO International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO) has played a vital role in promoting responsible travel. By monitoring tourism dynamics and fostering a collaborative environment, INSTO facilitates the sharing of knowledge and best practices among its 45 member observatories spanning the Americas, Asia & the Pacific, and Europe. The network has recently welcomed new members from Colombia and Austria, further expanding its global reach and impact.
The Mallorca INSTO meeting serves as a clear indication of the growing global focus on balancing tourism development with environmental and social well-being. With stakeholders from diverse sectors coming together to discuss solutions, the future of tourism looks increasingly bright and sustainable.