During the needs analysis phase with French tourism SMEs, several challenges relevant to Topic 19 of the Transition Pathway emerged prominently. A key issue was raising tourist awareness about environmental issues and encouraging sustainable behavior, highlighting the necessity for robust education and sensitization efforts within the industry.
The SusTour project, funded by the European Commission under the EU COSME programme, underscores the importance of integrating sustainability into tourism operations and provides tangible guidelines for excursion providers to adopt responsible practices. This aligns with the objectives of Topic 19 of the Transition Pathway, which focuses on raising awareness of skills needed for sustainable tourism transition. The project engaged multiple European travel associations, including ECEAT, ECTAA, Futouris, ANVR, UHPA, APAVT, SMAL, and over 20 other partners, to advance sustainability practices in the European travel sector. One notable outcome of this project is the development of Sustainability Codes of Good Practice for excursion providers. These codes aim to guide tourism companies in executing activities with minimal negative impacts on destinations while maximizing benefits for local communities and participants. Emphasizing responsible management of environmental, socio-cultural, and economic impacts, the codes were informed by industry criteria from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) and the Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) reference document. Additionally, input was gathered from stakeholders across continents to ensure global relevance.
Another significant lesson from projects like SusTour is the importance of stakeholder engagement and collaboration. By involving multiple travel associations and stakeholders across continents, these projects ensure that sustainability guidelines are relevant and applicable globally. This collaborative approach fosters knowledge-sharing and capacity-building, essential components of the transition towards sustainable tourism practices.
Moreover, projects like SusTour highlight the role of policy support and funding from entities like the European Commission in driving sustainable tourism initiatives. The availability of resources and funding opportunities encourages tourism stakeholders to invest in sustainable practices and innovations, further advancing the twin transition agenda.
Overall, lessons from the projects underscore the need for holistic approaches to sustainable tourism development, encompassing environmental stewardship, socio-cultural considerations, and economic viability. These are crucial components of the transition pathway towards a more sustainable tourism industry.
