GoPro and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) have partnered to host GoPro World Ocean Day 2024, a four-day event in Ko Tao, Surat Thani, focused on ocean conservation and sustainable tourism. The event included GoPro workshops, #SeaGlass workshops, and a PADI Instructor course, aimed at inspiring responsible travel and showcasing the beauty of Thailand’s marine ecosystems.
Parc Broekhuizen, a boutique hotel in Utrecht, Netherlands, has achieved Green Globe certification, recognizing its commitment to sustainable luxury. The hotel boasts a unique blend of 18th-century history and modern art, offering 15 rooms and suites across two buildings. The certification process involved a rigorous audit of the hotel’s sustainability practices, encompassing everything from responsible procurement to staff training. Parc Broekhuizen is now offering guests a range of green experiences, including paperless meetings, vegetarian meals, and activities like vegetarian cooking workshops and mountain biking excursions.
D&E Journey, a community-based initiative in Xishuangbanna, China, has received the inaugural Green Globe certification for its efforts in rainforest conservation, cultural protection, and community empowerment. Their project, ‘Returning rubber trees to rainforest and rainforest reforestation,’ encourages locals to replace rubber trees with native species, fostering sustainable tourism and economic opportunities for villagers.
Trip Concierge, a leading luxury travel agency, has launched a new sustainability program that automatically offsets carbon emissions for all client bookings. This initiative also includes a comprehensive framework for responsible travel practices, making sustainable luxury travel accessible and hassle-free for discerning travelers.
The South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) has been actively promoting sustainable tourism practices in the Blue Pacific region, culminating in a series of impactful events and discussions throughout May 2024. This includes the SPTO Tourism Week in Nadi, focused on regional consultations and the South Pacific Tourism Exchange, as well as the ‘Remembering for Resilience: Nature-Based Tourism, COVID-19, and Green Transitions’ report highlighting the importance of sustainability in the tourism sector.
Nestled along the Tuscan coastline in Italy, Hotel Il Pellicano has been awarded the prestigious Green Globe certification for its commitment to sustainable practices. The hotel’s dedication to ethical luxury, responsible travel, and community engagement reflects the evolving landscape of hospitality.
The 121st session of the UN Tourism Executive Council focused on promoting the sector’s recovery from the pandemic and fostering innovation and investment. International tourist arrivals increased by 20% in the first quarter of 2024, and receipts rebounded to USD 1.5 trillion in 2023. The Council approved the Work Plan for the UN Tourism Agenda for Europe, endorsed Uruguay’s bid to host the Tourism Law Observatory for Latin America and the Caribbean, and signed an MoU with Greece to establish a Research and Monitoring Centre for Coastal and Maritime Tourism. The agenda also highlighted urban tourism management, with Barcelona sharing its strategy for responsible and inclusive growth.
Indonesia, an archipelago rich in cultural heritage, is promoting tourism beyond the popular destination of Bali. The country prioritizes quality tourism, sustainability, collaboration, and safeguarding its cultural capital. Regions like East Java showcase a blend of natural wonders and cultural experiences. Through traditional dance performances, batik workshops, and village stays, Indonesia immerses tourists in its heritage. Sustainable tourism practices, such as managing visitor numbers at Ijen Crater, are implemented to preserve fragile environments. Collaboration between destinations, local communities, and international organizations fosters complementary tourism experiences. Preserving cultural diversity through the revitalization of traditional arts and crafts, like batik, and the protection of intangible cultural heritage ensure the longevity of Indonesia’s cultural wealth. While Bali remains a major draw, other destinations like Nusa Dua and Ubud offer unique experiences that highlight Indonesia’s diverse cultural and natural heritage.
Destination Canada’s 2024-2025 Tourism Corridor Strategy aims to transform travel in Canada by promoting sustainable and community-driven tourism in various regions across the nation. The initiative builds upon the 2023 pilot program, emphasizing community-based development and diversification of the Canadian tourism landscape. The program includes projects such as the Atlantic Canada UNESCO Tourism Corridor, showcasing 13 significant sites recognized globally for their importance. Additionally, the Sustainable Journeys from Prairies to Pacific Corridor highlights the tourism potential of Highway 3, while the Northern Indigenous Lodge Network Corridor focuses on addressing the demand for authentic Indigenous tourism experiences in Northern Canada. The tourism sector has seen significant growth in recent quarters, with a 2.3% increase in expenditure in Q4 2023 and a 13.5% annual increase in 2023.
The Canadian government has announced a repayable contribution of $220,000 to The Inn at Bay Fortune through the Tourism Growth Program (TGP) to support the creation of a new event space and the modernization of accommodation suites. The new 3,300 square foot event space will double as a fully operational greenhouse, providing fresh sustainable produce year-round and offering an innovative tourism experience integrated into the Inn’s farm-to-table gastronomy. Additionally, improvements to existing heritage buildings will enhance guest accommodations to match the high standards of the Inn’s culinary experiences. This investment underscores the Government of Canada’s commitment to diversifying regional economies by investing in tourism products and experiences that encourage visitation to and within Canada.
