UNIT 4

KEY AGENCIES AND INFLUENCERS OF

SUSTAINABLE TOURISM
 INTER GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS

United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)

Policy Guidance and Research: UNWTO leads the global tourism

agenda, offering guidance on sustainable tourism policies and best
practices. It publishes reports and research papers on key issues like
sustainable development, climate action, and community
involvement in tourism.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): UNWTO works to align
tourism policies with the UN's 2030 Agenda and its 17 Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 8 (Decent Work and
Economic Growth), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and
Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
Capacity Building: UNWTO organizes workshops, conferences, and training
sessions for government bodies, tourism boards, and industry stakeholders to
enhance their capacity for sustainable tourism management.
Global Tourism Plastics Initiative: In collaboration with the UN Environment
Programme (UNEP), this initiative aims to reduce plastic pollution from the
tourism sector.

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Environmental Guidelines: UNEP provides environmental guidelines and

toolkits for sustainable tourism, helping destinations manage resources such
as water, energy, and waste more efficiently.
Partnership for Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria (GSTC): UNEP played a
role in the development of the GSTC, which defines the minimum standards
for sustainability in tourism, covering management, social, and environmental
practices.
Eco-labeling and Certification: UNEP supports eco-labeling schemes that
promote sustainable tourism practices, helping tourists make environmentally
friendly choices.
European Union (EU)

Sustainable Tourism Policy: The EU promotes sustainable tourism

through its tourism policies, which are integrated into broader
environmental and economic frameworks like the European Green
Deal.
Funding and Support for Innovation: The EU funds sustainable
tourism projects through initiatives like the LIFE Programme and
Horizon Europe, encouraging innovation in waste management,
resource efficiency, and biodiversity conservation in tourism.
Destination Management: The EU’s programs also focus on
destination management, encouraging local authorities and
stakeholders to develop strategies to minimize the negative impacts
of tourism on natural and cultural heritage.
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)

ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan (ATSP): ASEAN countries collaborate on

implementing a regional tourism plan that includes sustainable
practices. Key priorities include promoting community-based tourism
and ensuring that economic benefits of tourism are distributed to
local communities.

Green Hotel Awards: ASEAN promotes sustainability by recognizing

eco-friendly hotels through its Green Hotel Awards, which incentivize
hoteliers to adopt sustainable practices in areas such as energy and
water management, waste reduction, and biodiversity protection.
Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA)

Sustainable Tourism Initiatives: PATA works closely with both public and
private sectors to foster sustainable tourism across the Asia-Pacific region.
Its initiatives include developing sustainable tourism indicators and
promoting community-based tourism.

Tourism Risk Management: PATA also helps destinations prepare for and
recover from natural disasters and environmental risks, ensuring that
tourism development is resilient and sustainable.
Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO)

Climate Action: CTO addresses the unique challenges faced by

Caribbean nations, including climate change, through sustainable
tourism policies that focus on environmental conservation, reducing
carbon footprints, and promoting eco-tourism.

Training and Education: CTO offers training for tourism professionals in

areas like environmental management, climate adaptation, and the
development of eco-friendly tourism products.
International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS)

Cultural Heritage Protection: ICOMOS focuses on preserving cultural heritage

in tourism destinations. It promotes sustainable tourism that balances visitor
access with the need to protect historical sites and intangible heritage.

Sustainable Tourism Charter: ICOMOS has developed the International

Cultural Tourism Charter, which provides guidelines for managing tourism in
heritage sites in a way that safeguards cultural assets while enhancing the
visitor experience.
 NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS

The International Ecotourism Society (TIES)

Focus: Ecotourism, sustainable development, and responsible travel.

Activities: TIES promotes ecotourism as a tool for conservation and
sustainable development by providing guidelines, education, and
networking opportunities for stakeholders in tourism.
Global Reach: Provides standards and best practices for destinations
worldwide, focusing on reducing environmental impacts and supporting
local cultures.
Sustainable Travel International (STI)

Focus: Sustainable tourism development.

Activities: This NGO works on implementing sustainable tourism
practices by providing strategies for tourism businesses and
destinations to minimize their environmental impact, support local
communities, and protect natural and cultural heritage.
Projects: They have developed initiatives like the "10 Million Better"
campaign, which aims to improve the lives of at least 10 million people
through responsible travel.
World Wildlife Fund (WWF) – Travel and Tourism Program

Focus: Conservation of biodiversity through sustainable tourism.

Activities: WWF supports sustainable tourism by focusing on conservation in
areas threatened by mass tourism, such as natural ecosystems and protected
areas. It collaborates with communities, governments, and tourism operators
to ensure tourism benefits conservation efforts.
Center for Responsible Travel (CREST)

Focus: Sustainable and responsible tourism.

Activities: CREST conducts research and advises governments, businesses,
and communities on responsible travel practices. Their focus areas include
reducing the carbon footprint of tourism, promoting social justice, and
supporting the conservation of ecosystems.
Research and Advocacy: CREST advocates for sustainable tourism policies
and best practices through their research and reports.
Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)

Focus: Setting global standards for sustainable tourism.

Activities: The GSTC develops and manages global standards for
sustainable travel and tourism (known as the GSTC Criteria). These
criteria are used for accreditation, certification, and promoting
sustainable tourism practices across destinations, businesses, and
governments.
The Blue Flag Program

Focus: Coastal tourism and marine sustainability.

Activities: Managed by the Foundation for Environmental
Education (FEE), the Blue Flag is an international certification
awarded to beaches, marinas, and sustainable boating tourism
operators. It encourages sustainable coastal development and
marine conservation by ensuring compliance with stringent
environmental, educational, and safety standards.
Rainforest Alliance

Focus: Environmental sustainability in tourism and other industries.

Activities: This NGO works with businesses, governments, and local
communities to encourage responsible tourism that promotes
environmental sustainability and social responsibility. Their certification
program covers eco-friendly practices in hospitality and tourism.
 THE ROLE OF PRESSURE GROUPS IN SUSTAINABLE TOURISM
MANAGEMENT

Advocacy and Awareness Raising

❑ Pressure groups often act as the voice for communities and ecosystems that
may be adversely affected by unsustainable tourism practices.
❑ They work to raise awareness among the public, local authorities, and the
tourism industry about the potential negative impacts of unchecked
tourism, such as environmental degradation, cultural disruption, and
resource depletion.
❑ By doing so, they create a push for more sustainable practices in tourism
planning and development.
Lobbying for Policy Changes
❑ Pressure groups actively lobby government bodies and international
organizations to adopt and implement policies that support
sustainable tourism.
❑ This could include pushing for legislation on waste management,
carbon emissions reduction, eco-friendly infrastructure, and
community-based tourism models.
❑ Their advocacy can lead to stricter environmental regulations,
better labor practices in tourism, and fairer distribution of tourism
revenues.
Monitoring and Accountability
❑ Pressure groups often monitor tourism projects and development
plans to ensure they comply with sustainability guidelines.
❑ They may expose violations or irregularities, such as illegal
constructions, environmental damage, or exploitation of local
communities.
❑ By holding companies and governments accountable, they can
prevent unsustainable tourism practices from being normalized.
Collaboration with International Bodies
❑ Some pressure groups work in collaboration with international
organizations like the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) or the
Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).
❑ Through these partnerships, they help develop global standards for
sustainable tourism and influence international tourism policies that
prioritize sustainability.
Case Example: Green Pressure Groups in Kerala

In destinations like Kerala, pressure groups such as local environmental

NGOs and community organizations have played a significant role in
promoting sustainable tourism. They have successfully pushed for policies
that protect ecologically sensitive areas like the Western Ghats and
backwaters, advocating for responsible waste management, and ensuring
that tourism development benefits local communities without harming
the environment.
 THE ROLE OF PUBLIC SECTOR INFLUENCERS IN
SUSTAINABLE TOURISM MANAGEMENT

Policy Formulation and Regulation

❑ Public sector influencers, such as government officials,
policymakers, and local authorities, are responsible for creating
sustainable tourism policies that guide the development and
management of tourism destinations.
❑ These policies often address issues like environmental conservation,
waste management, infrastructure development, and resource use.
Example: In Kerala, the state government’s involvement in promoting
eco-tourism through initiatives like Responsible Tourism and Green
Carpet encourages sustainable practices among tourism operators and
local communities.
Funding and Infrastructure Development
❑ Public sector bodies often control the allocation of resources and funding
for sustainable infrastructure development, including transportation, waste
management systems, and energy-efficient facilities.
❑ They can incentivize sustainable practices through subsidies, grants, or tax
breaks for businesses that adopt eco-friendly measures.
Example: The Swachh Bharat Mission in India, aimed at improving sanitation
and waste management, has a direct impact on tourism by enhancing the
cleanliness and appeal of tourist destinations.
Education and Awareness Campaigns
❑ Public sector influencers lead initiatives to raise awareness about the
importance of sustainable tourism among tourists, local communities,
and businesses.
❑ This often includes campaigns about responsible behavior,
environmental conservation, and the importance of preserving local
cultures.
Example: The Incredible India campaign has included efforts to educate
tourists about responsible travel and respecting local environments and
cultures.
Collaboration with Private Sector and NGOs
❑ Sustainable tourism requires multi-stakeholder collaboration.
❑ Public sector influencers often act as mediators between private
businesses, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and local
communities to ensure that tourism development aligns with
sustainability goals.
Example: In Kerala, the Responsible Tourism Mission involves
collaborations between local communities, private tour operators, and
public sector bodies to promote community-based tourism models.
Crisis Management and Resilience Building
❑ The public sector is often at the forefront of managing tourism-related
crises, such as natural disasters, pandemics, or environmental degradation.
❑ They play a vital role in creating frameworks that ensure tourism
destinations are resilient and capable of recovering while maintaining
sustainability principles.
Example: Kerala’s response to natural disasters like floods includes rebuilding
tourism infrastructure in a way that promotes sustainability, reducing the
future impact of such crises.
 THE ROLE OF PRIVATE SECTOR INFLUENCERS IN
SUSTAINABLE TOURISM MANAGEMENT

Sustainable Business Practices

Eco-friendly Operations: Many private sector companies, including hotels,

tour operators, and restaurants, adopt environmentally friendly practices
such as reducing energy consumption, waste, and water usage. By using
renewable energy sources, recycling, and promoting sustainable products,
they influence broader industry standards.
Sustainable Supply Chains: Private businesses often source materials and
services from local, eco-friendly suppliers. This not only reduces carbon
footprints but also promotes the local economy and encourages the
preservation of local cultures and traditions.
Investment in Green Infrastructure

Innovative Technologies: Companies invest in green infrastructure, such as

energy-efficient buildings, sustainable transportation (electric vehicles or
bicycles), and water conservation systems. For example, some hotel chains are
pioneering zero-waste policies or using smart technology to minimize energy
consumption.
Eco-certifications and Standards: Many private sector influencers seek eco-
certifications such as LEED, Green Globe, or EarthCheck, which signal their
commitment to sustainability. These certifications help businesses set
benchmarks and attract eco-conscious tourists.
Collaboration with Local Communities

Community-based Tourism: Businesses, especially in developing regions,

collaborate with local communities to promote tourism that benefits the
locals, preserving their culture and improving livelihoods. This ensures that
tourism generates positive socio-economic impacts while minimizing negative
effects.
Support for Local Entrepreneurs: Many private sector companies also partner
with or invest in local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), including
artisans, guides, and farmers, helping them integrate into the tourism supply
chain.
Examples:

The Travel Corporation: Through its sustainability initiative, TreadRight

Foundation, they fund environmental and cultural heritage projects worldwide.
Accor Hotels: Their Planet 21 program focuses on sustainable development,
including reducing carbon emissions, improving waste management, and
fostering local employment.
Intrepid Travel: As a certified B Corporation, they focus on community-based
tourism and offsetting their carbon footprint, providing travelers with
sustainable options.
 THE ROLE OF EDUCATION AND COMMUNICATION INFLUENCERS IN
SUSTAINABLE TOURISM MANAGEMENT

Raising Awareness of Sustainable Practices

❑ Influencers, educators, and communicators can help raise awareness about
the importance of sustainability in tourism.
❑ Through social media platforms, blogs, and public campaigns, they can
highlight issues like waste reduction, responsible wildlife tourism, and eco-
friendly travel practices.
❑ By emphasizing the environmental, economic, and social benefits of
sustainable tourism, they create a broader understanding of its significance.
Promoting Responsible Tourist Behavior
❑ Influencers can educate tourists on how to minimize their environmental
impact when visiting destinations.
❑ They can advocate for practices like respecting local cultures, reducing
plastic waste, supporting local businesses, and using eco-friendly
transportation.
❑ This helps foster a culture of responsible travel, where tourists are more
conscious of their actions and the long-term impact on the destinations they
visit.
Empowering Local Communities
❑ Education initiatives that engage local communities are key to
sustainable tourism.
❑ By involving local people in the management and decision-making
processes of tourism development, influencers can empower
communities to maintain control over their cultural and environmental
resources.
❑ This helps prevent exploitation and encourages a more equitable
distribution of the economic benefits of tourism.
Creating Engaging Narratives
❑ Communication influencers can tell compelling stories that connect
tourists emotionally to destinations.
❑ By showcasing the beauty of a location while also illustrating the
challenges it faces due to overtourism, pollution, or loss of cultural
heritage, they encourage tourists to take responsibility for preserving
these areas.
❑ Through their storytelling, they inspire people to choose more
sustainable options.
Providing Educational Resources
❑ Educational platforms, workshops, and training programs can be
designed specifically for tourism industry stakeholders, including tour
operators, guides, and local businesses.
❑ These resources help them understand how sustainable tourism
practices can benefit both the environment and the local economy.
Communication influencers can help distribute these resources widely.
CROSS-CUTTING ISSUES IMPACTING SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

❑ Climate Change
❑ Biodiversity Loss
❑ Over Tourism
❑ Waste Management
❑ Water Scarcity
❑ Socio-cultural Impact
❑ Economic Inequality
❑ Health Issues