Are you interested in sustainable operation, but not sure how to get started? We help you with a thorough analysis of the existing situation and give you tips for next steps. A no-nonsense approach, based as much as possible on existing tools.
Background
In a world increasingly confronted with the impacts of climate change, biodiversity loss and social inequality, the hospitality sector is aware of its crucial role in promoting sustainable practices. This sustainability report has been prepared from the starting point of “Traveling to Tomorrow,” a vision that recognizes not only the need for change, but also the opportunities that arise for a future-proof tourism sector. Tourism Flanders aims to play a leading role in this transition by integrating sustainable development into all facets of tourism. To concretize this vision, we have also drawn inspiration from the global standard in the field of sustainability in the tourism sector: analyses by the Global Council for Sustainable Tourism. These analyses provide a valuable framework for assessing the current state of the industry and planning future steps. We will use existing methodologies as much as possible to gain a clear understanding of five key aspects of sustainability: sustainable management, economic sustainability, social and local impact, environmental impact, and heritage and cultural impact. With this report, we aim not only to chart the current performance of the hospitality industry, but also to provide a roadmap for the future. By working together on sustainable initiatives, we can ensure that tourism is not only a source of economic growth, but also makes a positive contribution to society and the environment. We invite all stakeholders to join us in this Journey to Tomorrow. Our analyses do not intend to be a label. Rather, it is intended to inform and help you as an operator to make sustainable choices. While the different sub-aspects receive an estimated score by analogy with other systems (A to G), the focus is rather on the advice of what can be improved.
Journeys To Tomorrow
Tourism Flanders’ strong vision entitled: “Traveling to Tomorrow” is quite comprehensive about sustainability in the tourism world. It recognizes the importance of the different players in the field, as well as the relationships between them. The vacation maker, here also called entrepreneur, host or operator, obviously plays a very important role. The sustainability analysis report is viewed entirely from that angle: How can the entrepreneur operate as sustainably as possible in the various categories (line marked in green below). The relationships with the other players are also important here.
For more details, see here.
Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).
GSTC criteria for hotels describe guidelines that hotels, as well as small-scale lodgings, can follow to promote sustainable practices and improve their impact on the environment and society. The criteria are divided into four main themes.
For more details, see here.
