In a thriving destination, tourism is about more than ecology; it is about the well-being of the people who work there, the people who live there and the people who are guests there. The place is embedded in our planet. Sustainability therefore transcends place. It is “integral”: it connects ecological boundaries with a social foundation through which no one should sink.
1. The Vision: Tourism as a Force for Connection
- The thriving community: A lodging contributes to a community where the business owner is vital, the resident does not experience a nuisance and the employee is valued.
- The Host as placeholder: You are not just a room host, but an ambassador who cares for the human fabric of the place.
- Impact over profit maximization: The goal is a “sharing economy” that ensures a fair redistribution of capital in the local economy.
2. Governance and Ethical Management.
A social policy must be embedded in the corporate structure.
- Code of Conduct: Formulate a written code that has zero tolerance for corruption, discrimination and any form of exploitation or harassment, especially of children and vulnerable groups.
- CSR Policy: Your policy statement should include explicit commitments to labor rights, human rights and local community support.
- Legal Compliance: Guarantee that all activities respect local land, water and property rights, including free and prior consent of local people.
3. Dignified work
Your staff is the backbone of the guest experience.
- Fair remuneration: All employees, including externally hired staff, receive at least the legal wage, have a written contract and work within legal hours.
- Equality and Inclusion (DEI): Implement diversity, equity and inclusion policies. This includes fair opportunities for minorities, women and people with disabilities in all positions.
- Training and Growth: Offer staff annual training on sustainability, social rights, and specifically on “disability etiquette” (dealing with guests with special needs).
- Feedback: Give employees the opportunity to anonymously make suggestions or raise concerns about their working conditions.
4. Inclusive Accessibility
Sustainable lodging does not exclude anyone.
– Universal design: Provide barrier-free access to reception, public areas and at least 5% of rooms.
– Provide information: State clearly on the website what facilities are available for people with visual, hearing, mental or motor disabilities. Use recognized labels such as “Accessible Flanders.”
– Social Rates: Support the right to vacation for all by participating in initiatives such as “Everyone Deserves Vacation” or by offering discounts to disadvantaged groups.
5. Fair Purchasing and Local Economy
– Fair Trade: When purchasing goods (coffee, tea, cotton), give preference to Fairtrade-certified products.
– Local entrepreneurs: Offer small local entrepreneurs and artisans space to sell their products in your lodging or actively promote them to your guests.
– Social employment: outsource jobs such as catering, printing or cleaning to social economy companies or custom firms.
6. Global Impact: SDGs and the Donut
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- UN SDGs: Your policy contributes directly to SDG 8 (Fair Work), SDG 10 (Reduce Inequality) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).
- Social Fundament: You help guard the inner circle of the Donut economy by ensuring adequate income, social justice and a voice for the local community.
7. More Information & Tools
- GSTC Hotel Criteria.: Section B on social and economic benefits.
- Green Key Belgium: Criteria chapter 11 on Corporate Social Responsibility.
- EU Ecolabel TAS Report.: Theme 6 on social criteria.
- Doughnut Economics (DEAL).: Principles for regenerative and distributive entrepreneurship.
- Travel to Tomorrow: Vision of the human side of tourism.
This guide is a living document. By working with local partners and sharing experiences, we are building journeys to tomorrow together.
Collective intelligence, stronger than artificial intelligence !
