A new report from Marriott International’s Luxury Group reveals the booming state of luxury travel in Asia Pacific. Affluent travelers are seeking unique experiences, regional destinations, and exquisite cuisine. Sustainability concerns are also on the rise, with 80% of high-net-worth travelers considering a hotel’s environmental practices when making their choices.
The Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) has announced plans to collaborate with entrepreneurs to boost tourism in the state. This initiative aims to attract fresh investment and creative ideas to develop new tourist attractions, improve existing infrastructure, and create unique and memorable experiences for visitors while maintaining environmental sustainability. The collaboration is expected to cover various aspects of tourism, including adventure tourism, wellness retreats, cultural festivals, and culinary tourism, with the government providing necessary support and incentives.
Fiji has taken a major step towards sustainable tourism by launching the Fiji National Sustainable Tourism Framework. This comprehensive strategy, developed with collaboration from government agencies, industry stakeholders, and regional partners, aims to benefit local communities, the environment, and the Fijian people. It aligns with regional initiatives and sets a new standard for sustainable tourism in the Pacific.
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.
