paradise found

guiding principles for a sustainable tourism development

By Stephanie Draper and Vicky Murray With Fiona King, Shannon Carr-Shand, Vanessa Ravenscroft and Ben Wood. September 2008 contents 1 introduction 3

2 environment 7

3 people 15

4 community 20

5 infrastructure 25

6 finance 30

7 creating sustainable 34 destinations

Forum for the Future – the sustainable development charity – works in partnership with leading organisations in business and the public sector. Our vision is of business and communities thriving in a future that is environmentally sustainable and socially just. We believe that a sustainable future can be achieved, that it is the only way business and communities will prosper, but that we need bold action now to make it happen. We play our part by inspiring and challenging organisations with positive visions of a sustainable future; finding innovative, practical ways to help realise those visions; training leaders to bring about change; and sharing success through our communications. www.forumforthefuture.org

Registered charity number: 1040519

Cover image: www.bernardtouillon.com Throughout 2008 and 2009, Forum for the Future is engaged in an ambitious work plan around issues of sustainable tourism and travel. Paradise Found – a report focusing on sustainable destinations – is the first in a suite of projects that we are conducting with the leading players in the sector.

The Overland Heaven project aims to make overland travel in Europe a genuinely exciting and low-carbon alternative to flying. An intial scoping study for the project, conducted with The Co-operative Travel, confirmed the potential for this and identified some of the challenges and perceptions that will need to be overcome. We hope that this will catalyse an industry- wide initiative to meet these challenges and create an accessible and sustainable overland travel market.

Tourism 2023 is a project that aims to help the UK outbound industry and some of its key destinations understand more about their future and be able to plan for it. The study will explore issues around climate change and increasing pressure on key resources such as water. Forum for the Future will deliver this crucial piece of work during 2009 with key members of the industry, including TUI Travel, Thomas Cook, ABTA, The Travel Foundation, Carnival UK, The Co-operative Travel, and British Airways. 1 introduction

“One of the most encouraging developments in the travel industry is that ‘responsible tourism’ has become a buzzword, something we all want to sign up to. But it has been used far too loosely and it’s time to draw breath and work out just what it all means and how we can adopt it. Incorporating sustainability into the travel business is in the interest of everyone – not least the industry – by preserving the environments and cultures that we all want to continue to enjoy.” Mark Ellingham, Founder – Rough Guides

Holidays are a positive part of our lives and they make This report demonstrates that the tourism industry, by an important contribution to the global economy. investing in these five broad areas, can reap both But there is potential for them to be more beneficial, long-term and some immediate financial benefits: in most cases substantially so. We want a sustainable future where tourism always benefits the local economy Environment: The hotel chain Accor will not only and community, enhancing rather than damaging the benefit the environment with the installation of solar natural environments that support them. panels for water-heating purposes in 47 of its hotels (page 9), but should also reduce energy bills. Sustainable tourism has sometimes been portrayed as a trade-off between the negative environmental impacts People: UK luxury hotel chain, Hotel du Vin, is of developing and travelling to destinations and the already seeing the financial benefits of adopting more socio-economic benefits that activity can bring. But as sustainable business practices. Its recruitment costs this report demonstrates, this is increasingly out-of-date. have halved with the implementation of a development Sustainable tourism is a clear opportunity to combine programme, which has significantly reduced staff environmental protection with socio-economic benefits, turnover (page 16). in a profitable, future-proofed business. Community: Further afield, in , the tourism At the Forum, we consider that to be truly sustainable business in the Maasai Mara Game Reserve is enjoying businesses must invest in five key areas: the Five new-found sustainability due to changes in the way the Capitals. We rely on natural capital – the environment – Maasai receive revenue from tour operators and for overall sustenance; human capital and social capital lodges (page 23). – our people and communities – describe our personal happiness and the soundness of the social structures Infrastructure: Investment in infrastructure in the that support us; manufactured capital relates to physical early stages of a project can make significant financial infrastructure; and financial capital enables other forms savings. By integrating sustainability and energy of capital to be traded. efficiency into the construction of the new Soneva Kiri Eco-suite in (page 27), the organisation will see financial benefits.

Finance: The Sheraton Rittenhouse in made a huge saving of $65,000 after implementing several energy saving initiatives, including a state-of-the- art heating and cooling process that virtually eliminates the need for air conditioning and heating equipment (page 30). 3 Why is sustainable development stretching targets needed to tackle climate change. important? But we are already at a stage where a degree of climate change is inevitable and leading businesses are already There is a strong business rationale for a sustainable planning for some level of adaptation. Sustainable approach to tourism. Businesses need to manage the tourism is not merely about managing risks though – it’s risk presented by key issues like climate change and about opportunity too. High energy prices present an water stress. But there are also substantial opportunities opportunity to make savings through greater efficiency. to innovate and differentiate too.

Slowly, customers too are starting to ask for more It makes good business sense to think about sustainable holiday choices. TripAdvisor’s annual travel sustainability upfront in any big investment – be that a trends survey of 2500 travellers from around the world new development, a redevelopment or a refurbishment. last year found that: ‘26% of respondents said they The unabated growth of tourism in some areas has will be more environmentally conscious in their travel destroyed the character of places we love to visit decisions in the coming year.1’ Whilst people often through overdevelopment and this is bad for business. say they’ll do something and then do something quite New developments need to learn from past mistakes. different, this shows the intention, and market, is there.

It is also important to have considered other options As a result, business is booming for an ever-increasing before developing on a virgin site. It is generally number of hotels, resorts and even entire destinations preferable from both a cost and environmental claiming to be ‘eco’ for a share of the growing market for perspective to redevelop or retrofit, as it uses fewer sustainable holidays. But are they truly sustainable, or is resources and can protect pristine sites, as well as use it just ‘greenwash’? What does being sustainable actually existing infrastructure and labour. mean for a tourism development?

Climate change is a live issue too, representing a double-edged sword for tourism. The industry’s CO2 emissions – particularly from aviation – are contributing to climate change. At the same time tourism will be seriously impacted by a changing climate. Leading travel businesses and developers are wise to this and are taking a proactive response. They are anticipating greater regulation, particularly on transport, to meet the

1http://www.tripadvisor.com/PressCenter-i155-c1-Press_Releases.html 4 Destinations: getting there and of sustainability. That said, we are not endorsing the being there case studies featured as 100% sustainable. Few, if any, The main focus of this report is to identify what it really developments have been able to excel in all areas. As means for a tourism development, resort or hotel to be this report shows, some elements of sustainable tourism sustainable. However, to provide a really sustainable are harder to achieve – whilst others are already easily holiday destination, operators need to consider how within reach of the mainstream tourism sector. For this tourists get there too. We recommend using the ‘travel reason some of our hallmarks are, or will appear to be, hierarchy’: more aspirational than others.

1. Go local Reflecting the global nature and huge diversity of the 2. Go overland industry, our examples are drawn from across the 3. Go longer globe. This also helps to demonstrate the variety of 4. Go direct sustainability challenges. It is obviously important for 5. Offset tourism developments to prioritise the most relevant areas to have maximum impact from the start e.g. water This means providing local holidays and offering low- stress in drought-prone regions. In order to be truly carbon alternatives to flying. Where flying is unavoidable economically, socially and environmentally sustainable, this means encouraging fewer, longer holidays, and all our hallmarks of a sustainable tourism development offering direct routes as well as offsetting transport need to be considered. It may not be possible to act on emissions that cannot be avoided. them all at once, but beginning with the most pressing issues is a good start. About this report This report outlines the key features of an exemplar sustainable tourism development. There are impacts throughout the holiday experience – both in getting to a tourism destination and in the time spent being there. This report focuses on the latter, and so is aimed at developers, operators, hoteliers and other holiday providers. By using this guidance, leading businesses can be confident that they are tackling the key issues and are well placed to capture the sustainability opportunity.

Using the Forum’s Five Capitals model we have pulled together a total of 21 features of a sustainable tourism development. Where possible we have used case studies to illustrate these features of sustainable tourism – hotels, resorts and developments of all sizes that have demonstrated excellence in different areas

5 Sustainable tourism developments ...

Environment • are zero carbon and ready for a ‘low-carbon economy’ where people see carbon as a valuable currency that is in short supply. Developing and • protect and enhance local biodiversity. operating within environmental • ensure that materials are responsibly sourced – where possible knowing their provenance from the bottom of the supply chain. limits • protect water resources and water quality – abstracting less water from fresh supplies than is replaced naturally, and do not impact on the ability of local communities to meet their water needs. • are zero waste – they do not send any waste to landfill.

People • develop local staff for long-term employment opportunities and career progression. Helping staff • are safe places to be, have happy, healthy employees and protect and guests to fulfil the local community from exploitation. their potential • are accessible and can be enjoyed by everyone. • help staff and visitors change their behaviour to live more sustainably. • are places to unwind, relax and have a good time – visitors and staff enjoy being there and their well-being is actively promoted.

Community • respect local culture and are sensitive to local customs. • involve and enhance the local community. Building strong links with the • benefit the local economy and prioritise goods and services from the local area. local community

Infrastructure • use innovative design to promote sustainable living. • are built to the highest environmental standards. Creating a built environment • have smart logistics and encourage people to travel to and from the resort in the most sustainable way possible. that supports sustainable living • enhance the infrastructure in the local community in the most sustainable way. • are prepared for the future impacts of climate change.

Finance • are a good long-term investment, with solid returns to shareholders. • promote their sustainability credentials and encourage other businesses Creating long-term to do the same. financial value • have a long-term vision for and commitment to the local area.

6 2 environment Developing and operating within environmental limits 7 Zero carbon To do this, tourism developments need to have a Sustainable tourism developments are zero carbon carbon strategy in place that follows the carbon and ready for a low-carbon economy2 – where people management hierarchy: see carbon as a valuable currency that is in short supply. • Avoid: rethink your business – design out carbon Climate change is a major challenge facing the world. and develop low-carbon processes and products; It will also have a profound effect on tourism. It is • Reduce: do whatever you do more efficiently; estimated that travel and tourism contribute between • Replace: substitute high-carbon energy sources 4-6% of global emissions and that these are forecast with low or zero-carbon ones; to grow by up to 150% in the next 30 years.3 At the • Offset: offset those emissions that can’t be same time tourism is vulnerable to the effects of climate eliminated by the above. change as many holiday experiences are reliant on predictable weather patterns. What’s more, increasing oil prices are making tourism operations more expensive. Actions at the top of the hierachy are more So it makes sense for developments to reduce their transformative and lasting in terms of reducing carbon intensity and their reliance on fossil fuels. a company’s emissions baseline

2A low-carbon economy is, quite simply, one in which the use of carbon has been constrained – either voluntarily or by obligation. See Forum For The Future’s publication Making Sense of a Low Carbon Economy www.forumforthefuture.org.uk/publications/lowcarboneconomy_page575.aspx 3Climate Change and Tourism: Responding to Global Challenges Advanced Summary, World Tourism Organization, United Nations Environment Programme and the World Meteorological Organization, October 2007. 8 7 The design and positioning of the development is key Nevertheless, high-quality offsetting has a role to to avoiding and reducing greenhouse gas emissions play in tackling climate change, especially where it is from the outset. Both new-build sustainable tourism currently impossible to be zero-carbon without it. The developments and retrofits need to be designed and type of offset is important. It needs to be ‘additional’ – constructed with zero-carbon living in mind. They should something that would not happen anyway – and focus be intelligently sited and as energy efficient as possible. on setting up new renewable energy infrastructure. Focusing on avoidance at this stage is paramount. We recommend offsets that are certified to the Gold Natural shading could avoid the need for air conditioning Standard (or, failing that, the Voluntary Carbon Standard) for example, alongside the use of natural daylight to limit using offset providers that have signed up to the ICROA energy needed for lighting. Code of Best Practice.4 The best offsets not only result in genuine emissions reductions, but can also have Renewable energy will play a major part in zero-carbon positive secondary benefits by providing employment, development, whether sourced on or off-site. Ideally, protecting biodiversity, or by increasing the reliability some renewable energy would be generated on-site of electricity supply. and factored into infrastructure development as early s as possible. On-site generation contributes to a wider The Best Western Hotel Victoria in Freiburg, network of renewable energy sources, making the resort is considered a zero-carbon hotel. The hotel has a mix more energy secure while some resorts will even have of on-site renewable energy technology, solar water the potential to benefit financially by selling energy heating, and a wood pellet heating system to ensure back to the grid (or the local community). Where it is there is sufficient hot water throughout the year. The not possible to generate energy on-site, resorts should on-site photovoltaic solar panels provide 25% of the look for green tariffs that encourage the development of hotel’s electricity needs and the rest is met by an renewables in the area. ongoing investment in a local hydropower plant and purchasing green energy from the grid. Once up and running, sustainable tourism developments www.bestwestern.com also need to be operated to be zero-carbon and benefit s fully from the ‘avoid, reduce and replace’ elements that Accor have set themselves a target of fitting 200 have been factored into the design. Energy efficient hotels with solar water-heating panels by 2010, which electrical appliances with activity sensors can be used. will produce 40% of domestic hot water. In 2004 Regular maintenance and staff education will help Accor saved 1,120 MWh of energy by installing 2,370 minimise energy use, particularly in energy intensive square meters of solar heating panels on 28 hotels. areas like the kitchens and laundry rooms. By the end of 2007, the number of hotels equipped with solar panels for the production of domestic hot Offsetting is placed at the bottom of the hierarchy on the water reached 47, and the quantity of solar power used basis that it does not directly reduce a development’s amounted to 1,796 MWh. emissions baseline. Developments looking to go zero-carbon www.accor.com cannot simply turn to offsets – they must first look for actions further up the carbon management hierarchy as described above. There is lots of cynicism about companies buying their way out of environmental responsibility. It is also very difficult for developers to predict what the carbon intensity and carbon price will be on completion of a development. An early commitment to an offsetting strategy could be expensive.

4International Carbon Reduction and Offset Alliance 9 s Zero carbon by 2010. That’s the goal that Six Senses birds are threatened with extinction. The evidence shows Resorts and Spas has set for Soneva Fushi (below), that, alarmingly, “a sixth major extinction event” is currently its flagship hotel in the . Six Senses has been underway. And that this time, unlike the previous five, it is monitoring and managing its energy use since 2006 and primarily the result of human activities.5 estimates a 50% carbon reduction between 2006-2008. A raft of initiatives have been put in place. For example The marine environment is also a critical part of the the resort has installed a deep-sea water cooling system. tourist attraction in many areas. Yet 40% of the world’s For transport, it has fitted more efficient outboard motors oceans are heavily affected by human activities. to boats, switched to battery-operated golf buggies We’re polluting the oceans (for example land runoff of and provided guests with bicycles. The group has set pollutants and nutrients into coastal waters), overfishing up a scheme to offset carbon emissions from all guest and removing, altering and destroying natural habitats. flights, resort travel and operations. Set up with The There is almost no part of the ocean that is not affected.6 Converging World, the non-profit programme is building wind turbines in South . The Six Senses turbine is So, whilst tourism is clearly not responsible for all of expected to generate US$2,127,000 worth of carbon this, many tourism locations rely on pristine natural credits over the next 20 years, with any surplus being environments with diverse plant and wildlife to draw invested in environmental and social projects. visitors in. Whatever the location, many tourists value www.sixsenses.com/soneva-fushi wildflowers, great views, sea-life and bird song. At the very least, it makes sense that sustainable tourism developments ensure the local biodiversity is protected from the impacts of construction and visitors.

In addition, as long as it is truly economically, socially and environmentally sustainable, tourism can offer a viable alternative income for communities living in areas where delicate ecosystems are threatened by the money that can be made from destroying them for short-term gain. Sustainable tourism is about recognising that wildlife and wild areas have a long-term monetary value. As the Lonely Planet guide Green Code points out “you can only kill a gorilla once, but if you can keep it alive, it can earn your

Image: Six Senses Resorts & Spas/Jorg Sundermann Image: Six Senses Resorts & Spas/Jorg country US$90,000 every year, year after year, through tourism”.7 A sustainable approach to tourism has helped turn the tide on forest degradation. It is one Local biodiversity of the few countries where forest cover is increasing – Sustainable tourism developments protect and important for biodiversity and, critically, climate regulation. enhance local biodiversity. Sustainable developments will ensure that this opportunity The grim reality is that globally, most ecosystems are is maximised and may even employ innovative financial becoming increasingly degraded, and it’s mainly down to instruments such as tariffs or bonds to protect the local us. According to the UN, species are becoming extinct a area and provide returns to the local community. hundred times faster than the rate shown in the fossil record. Over 30% of amphibians, 23% of mammals and 12% of

5Global Environment Outlook: environment for development (GEO-4), United Nations Environment Programme, October 2007 6A Global Map of Human Impact on Marine Ecosystems, The National Centre for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis Science, February 2008 7 Green Code: Experiences of a Lifetime, Lonely Planet, 2006 10 Measures to prevent degradation of critical species, at the centre of its strategy. Since opening in 1995 communities or ecosystems include minimising the Duke’s has created a mosaic of woodland, scrub, disturbance such as noise, dust and destruction, grassland and open water habitats. The course has been during the construction or renovation phase. Where designated a Listed Wildlife Site and has won a number appropriate to the habitat, native planting and of environmental awards such as the ‘Scottish Award vegetation restoration can restore the natural balance for Environmental Excellence’ through its work with the of biodiversity. Vegetation can also provide flood or fire Scottish Golf Environment Group. protection, which is increasingly important as our climate www.sgeg.org.uk changes [see adaptation to climate change, page 31]. s Developers and operators should not introduce any new The Al Maha desert resort and spa (below) is situated species that might disrupt the local biodiversity balance. in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. Its owner, Invasive species often cause irreversible damage. Emirates Hotels, has worked with the government of Dubai on a desert conservation programme to reintroduce Sustainable tourism developments need to protect particularly indigenous plant and animal species to the region, sensitive areas completely, working with the scientific and many of which were endangered. It has successfully local communities. Visitor education on the importance and re-established valuable habitats that have been lost in components of local biodiversity and conservation is key – many other parts of Dubai. Emirates Hotels was also and could add to the holiday experience. instrumental in the region gaining National Park status. www.ddcr.org The responsibility for biodiversity goes beyond the borders of the resort and the immediate surrounding area. Developers and tour operators should seek to secure food supplies that also protect biodiversity. Taking steps to work with local people to protect local fish stocks and identify opportunities for certification is a good approach, as is promoting local organic farming [see benefits to the local economy and community, page 23]. s Wilderness Safaris has been operating in southern Africa for 25 years, existing first and foremost to protect Image: Emirates, courtesy of www.al-maha.com wilderness and wildlife. Over the years, it has achieved a number of conservation successes. For example, through collaboration with the Botswana government, Wilderness Responsible sourcing of materials Safaris has been working on the re-introduction of black Sustainable tourism developments ensure that and white rhinos into the wild. This has been hugely materials are responsibly sourced, knowing their successful – the number of wild rhinos in Botswana has provenance from the beginning of the supply chain grown from none in 2001 to 45 in 2008. wherever possible. www.wildernesstrust.com Globally, human consumption of resources significantly exceeds what the earth can provide. The resources s Formally an agricultural site, the Duke’s Course we rely on (clean air and water, a stable climate, viable in St. Andrews aims to be an example of what golf forests and fisheries) are being depleted at accelerating course planning can achieve when conservation is rates. As the tourism industry continues to grow it

11 contributes to the over-consumption of our earth’s negative environmental impacts from the production and resources. One of the key impacts of a resort is the use of their products. One example of this commitment to materials and goods that it uses. responsible sourcing is the four million breakfasts served annually by Scandic, all of which are certified organic. This means taking a different approach to purchasing. www.scandichotels.com Sustainable tourism developments need to prioritise the use of sustainable materials and substitute scarce raw Protect water resources and materials for more abundant, sustainable sources. This water quality includes using reclaimed or recycled materials where Sustainable tourism developments abstract less available, using renewable materials and prioritising water from fresh supplies than is replaced naturally, the use of local supply to reduce transport impact and return water to the environment of a quality benefit the local community. exceeding that encountered naturally, and crucially do not impact on the ability of local communities to This should apply to both materials for construction meet their own water needs. and for day-to-day operation. Responsible purchasing Water is going to be a critical issue in the future of policies need to apply to large items such as furnishings tourism, and more widely. Goldman Sachs has listed it right down to choice of cleaning product, paper and as one of the five key global issues that will affect the toiletries. Where appropriate a ‘service approach’ can economy. Water stress is a problem across much of the reduce impact, for example focusing on comfort and world. According to the United Nations Environment light, rather than energy. Programme “about one third of the world’s population lives in countries with moderate to high water stress with s Travelife is a collaboration of European tour operators disproportionately high impacts on the poor.”8 Water and associations (UK Federation of Tour Operators and stress occurs when more water is demanded than is Dutch, and German associations) working on a available during a certain period, or when poor quality common approach in the industry towards sustainability. restricts its use. Climate change is likely to make this Tour operator suppliers have the opportunity to evaluate their problem worse and will impact on different tourism own social and environmental management practices using destinations in different ways [see adaptation to climate a simple web-based system. Upon reaching a certain level change below, page 29].9 of best practice, they can apply for bronze, silver or gold Travelife sustainability awards, which are then featured in Many of the areas of the world affected by water stress the catalogues of tour operators. Tour operators can follow are heavily dependent on the tourism industry. At the a training programme in sustainability management and same time, tourists tend to use more water than people can monitor their performance through the standardised in the local community. An average tourist in uses reporting system for tour operators. 440 litres of water a day, which rises up to 880 litres of www.travelife.eu water if you factor in filling up swimming pools, watering gardens and golf courses, compared to 250 litres of s Scandic requires all of its suppliers, whether they water a day for a Spanish city dweller.10 This inequity supply centrally or locally, to sign a ‘supplier declaration’ is problem enough – especially when it means that stating that they operate according to a sustainability locals struggle to meet their basic water needs. It is also policy. It covers both environmental and social areas. costing the industry money. In 2008, it has been reported Amongst other things, the declaration asks for practical that Barcelona is spending €22m importing shiploads of examples of how suppliers are working to reduce the water to ensure that demands can be met.11

8 www.unep.org/themes/freshwater/ 9Simpson, M.C., Gossling, S., Scott, D., Hall, C.M. and Gladin. E. (2008) Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation in the Tourism Sector 10 World Climate News, World Meteorological Organization, No. 27, June 2005 11 www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/may/14/spain.water 12 s Water resources should be considered from the start Sandals Negril Beach Resort in has been of a development, particularly when placing water managing its water use for a number of years. Measures intensive features like swimming pools and golf courses. to increase efficiency include using low-flush toilets, Developments in arid areas need to avoid the temptation low-flow and aerated devices on taps, water-saving to make the desert green and instead use approaches showerheads and a computerised leak monitoring like natural rough and drought tolerant (indigenous) system. In addition the thawed water from the icehouse species. There are also energy and water efficient is stored in fishponds and used for irrigating the grounds. alternatives for swimming pools like natural bathing www.sandals.com/main/negril/ne-home.cfm pools, which also enhance biodiversity. s Hotel Dietlgut in Hinterstoder, , abandoned its It is critically important that sustainable tourism conventional chlorinated pool in 1995 and commissioned developments maximise water efficiency on site – during a 900m natural open-air swimming pool. The pool construction and in day-to-day resort management. This system is made up of a regeneration pool into which the can be achieved in a variety of ways, such as installing water from the swimming pool flows to be cleaned by the water meters, use of grey water and recycling water to plants and bacteria to cleanliness levels that meet health country specific standards and minimising the need for and safety standards. The pool is heated by the sun in its irrigation through design and innovation. shallows. The temperature is maintained between 22 and 30 degrees centigrade without any additional heating. Ideally resorts would be designed in a way that does www.dietlgut.at/englisch/dietlgut.asp not need additional provision of water. But desalination plants will be needed in some areas. Desalination is Zero waste generally energy intensive so plants should be run on Sustainable tourism developments do not send any renewable energy. waste to landfill. Poor waste management can have far-reaching s Given the dry climate of , the Aliathon Holiday consequences in tourist destinations for humans, Village is keenly aware of the need to conserve water wildlife and the environment. According to a report from and has implemented several water-saving measures. Greenpeace at least 267 different species are known to Water-saving aerators, dual flushes and efficient have suffered from entanglement or ingestion of plastic showerheads and taps have been installed throughout marine debris including seabirds, turtles, seals, sea lions, the complex. Toilets are flushed with lower-quality dam whales and fish. Tourists who leave litter on the beach water and pool waste, rather than the treated water are cited as one of the sources of this debris.12 supplied by the municipality. Water use is monitored daily to identify any unusual activity such as leaks and Waste elimination for sustainable tourism developments housekeepers have been trained to detect toilet leaks. starts upfront at the design phase. Structures can The Aliathon uses 44% less water than the efficiency be designed for flexible future use, configuration and benchmark established by the International Hotels recyclable dismantling. In addition sustainable waste Environment Initiative. management infrastructure should be designed into www.aliathonvillage.com plans from the very beginning (e.g. natural wastewater management, composting and recycling points).

During day-to-day resort management staff and guests should follow the reduce, reuse, recycle mantra, and compost all biodegradable waste on or off-site as

12Allsopp, Michelle., Walters, Adam., Santillo, David., and Johnston, Paul., Plastic Debris in the World’s Oceans, Greenpeace, November 2006 13 14

s in Thailand is Kiri resort Senses Soneva The Six to turn waste programmes several innovative working on and used for waste will be treated into wealth. All liquid waste will also go some way watering, while solid garden composting and through the landscape to improving oil will be converted in a biofuel fertilising. Used cooking engines to power the resort plant for use in conventional the bottled water, avoid the need for plastic vehicles. To rain treating by water, drinking own its producing is resort successful in which is already a process water, and bore Soneva Fushi and Soneva Gili. sister resorts www.sixsenses.com/soneva-kiri s 72 lodges, Thirty years of tourism, 47 hotels, toll on the and 350 shops all took their 44 restaurants in south-west India. beautiful beach of Kovalam (below) coupled with a very laid back local attitude litter, Tourist in some serious waste disposal, had resulted towards authorities and public health issues for the environmental of a zero to deal with. Recognising the potential from the authorities, with support waste programme, Thanal, took several and local organisation Greenpeace and disposal. waste production steps to re-examine and introducing Alongside raising public awareness project techniques, a community waste segregation an income to local women which provides emerged, waste. various items from creating www.zerowastekovalam.org/theproject 13 A Manual for Water and Waste Management, United Nations and Waste Amit., Sunalai, Pawinee., and Mandki, Pallavi, A Manual for Water Kelovkar, Jamieson, Walter., 13

Bay hotel has been managing its The Hilton Tokyo its rate of waste since 1998. By 2004 it had increased than 50 million Yen. to 58.2%, saving more recycling The hotel achieved this by composting, using reusable more containers and actively looking for ways to recycle materials. It has also found ways to cut down on waste; engineers worked with the housekeepers the hotel’s to design an innovative gadget that winds together too small to put in guest rolls unused toilet tissue from Waste is landfill. diverting the tissue from bathrooms, kinds of divided into sixteen kinds, including six different paper waste free-of- now remove paper waste. Vendors paper. due to the rising cost of recycled charge www.hilton.co.uk/tokyobay Again visitor and staff education will be key to achieving education will be key Again visitor and staff of waste – and could have the added benefit zero return habits when they potentially changing people’s 18]. and visitor education, page home [see staff the Five hotels in Hua Hin, Thailand, recognised Waste grounds. hotel the in use for composting of benefits sessions training and introduced were systems separation techniques. composting in staff hotel the educated the sale of from One hotel manager used proceeds for fund low-interest a support to waste recyclable the personal for money borrow then could Staff staff. hotel loans These education. and healthcare as such purposes, waste in involvement staff for incentive an created have management practices in the hotel. reduce waste and where possible should avoid buying products products to buying need the reflect should avoid policy procurement should resort’s A working possible where include and will waste This reduce composted. or recycled be cannot that packaging. reduce and waste out design to suppliers with used be can it eliminated be cannot waste organic Where digestion. anaerobic through source as a useful energy appropriate. In some destinations local facilities don’t facilities don’t destinations local In some appropriate. the should aim for so tour operators easy make recycling the then, with others, try to influence best solution and better infrastructure. development of a s s 3 people

Helping staff and guests to fulfill their potential 15 Image: www.hog-hollow.com Employee development In addition, sustainable tourism developments should Sustainable tourism developments develop local enable and encourage staff to work efficiently with a staff for long-term employment opportunities and low impact on the environment [see staff and visitor career progression. education below]. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, s tourism employs approximately 231 million people Hotel du Vin has successfully implemented a series worldwide.14 Tourism in developing countries is growing of policies designed to increase staff satisfaction and year-on-year, where it has the potential to lift millions out benefit the business. Development of existing staff is at of poverty [see pro poor tourism, page 24]. According to the heart of the company’s policies; career development the World Tourism Organization “developing countries opportunities have led to an improvement in staff are attracting an increasing share of global international turnover and a halving of recruitment costs. 80% of tourist arrivals up from 20.8% in 1973 to 42% in 2000”.15 management is home grown. Multi-skilling and flexible working practices have cut the average working week It goes without saying that, wherever a tourism business from 55 to 40 hours per week. Hotel du Vin was the is based, employers should ensure their staff are winner of Best Places to Work in Hospitality 2008. paid a fair wage and have varied and satisfying work. www.hotelduvin.com During construction and operation sustainable tourism s developments should have exemplary standards on Hog Hollow country lodge in has made health and safety [see employee, visitor and local a commitment to the transformation and employment community wellbeing, page 17]. There should also be of previously disadvantaged people and only employs general best practice employment policies and practices people from the local area. Each new staff member is such as diversity policies, health promotion, regular staff put through a rigorous training programme consisting of consultation (including employee surveys) and equal accredited courses in various aspects of the hospitality access to training. To have the most positive impact on industry. This ensures that the resort meets and exceeds employee work-life balance, staff accommodation and international standards of service excellence. Many of working practices need to encourage the full diversity of the staff have been with the lodge for several years, so family living. The location of tourism developments also it’s often the same friendly faces that welcome guests plays its part. Developing pristine desert islands not only back on their return. has an environmental impact, but also moves employees www.hog-hollow.com away from their communities.

Many tourism developments rely on seasonal, casual cheap labour. Sustainable tourism developments should invest in the long-term employment needs of their staff. The long-term cost savings on repeat training and the benefits of having local staff with local knowledge are obvious. In addition local recruitment will maximise the benefit to the local community. For any staff that are not from the local area, efforts should be made to integrate employees into the local community.

14 www.wttc.org/eng/Tourism_News/Press_Releases/Press_Releases_2008/Tourism_leaders_examine_employment_issue_for %E2%80%99s_Travel__and_Tourism/, World Travel & Tourism Council, 2008 15 Tourism and Poverty Alleviation, World Tourism Organization, Madrid, 2002 16 Employee, visitor and local community Accessibility wellbeing Sustainable tourism developments can be enjoyed Sustainable tourism developments are safe places by everyone. to be, have happy, healthy employees and protect Making sure a tourism development is accessible by as the local community from exploitation. many people as possible makes sound business sense. Health and safety for staff and guests need to The design and operation of a resort needs to cater for be considered for the whole lifetime of a tourism everyone, regardless of age, gender, disability or development – from construction through to operation. sexual orientation. Health and safety records are clearly a crucial issue for attracting and retaining staff. It is something that is taken Facilities, goods and services should also be available as a given by guests – until anything goes wrong – after to the local community. This level of inclusivity can be a which the reputational costs are high. source of tension, however, for luxury or more exclusive resorts. Even in the most exclusive resorts there should As many tourism developments are in areas where be scope for developing a pricing strategy that enables disease is rife, this has implications for employment locals to enjoy some of the facilities. This will contribute (see Serena Hotels case study below). Working with to a greater sense of community and a more authentic governments or local NGOs to improve employee health holiday experience. This could also provide an alternative can bring obvious and immediate benefits. income during any low seasons, and help to diversify income to help secure against any financial downturns. s The Serena Hotels Group is the largest hotel chain in s east Africa with 2300 employees. Following the deaths Scandic Hotels aims to make all of its guests’ stays of several hotel employees of AIDS in the late 90s, the as easy as possible. To help achieve this it has an chain developed an HIV workplace and community accessibility standard for all hotels with 93 commitments, programme and trained 175 wellness champions to 77 of which are compulsory. These include walking stick educate staff. Serena Hotels also provides voluntary HIV holders and hearing loops in reception, shower stools counselling, testing and free contraceptives. As a result, and vibrating alarm clocks in disabled rooms and gluten AIDS-related deaths amongst employees have declined and lactose-free bread at breakfast. and the programme has been expanded to provide www.scandichotels.com advice on a range of issues such as drugs, alcohol, sexual harassment, violence and other diseases.16 www.serenahotels.com s Sexual exploitation is undeniably the dark side of global tourism. UK-based children’s rights organisation ECPAT (End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography and the Trafficking of Children for Sexual Purposes) provides training to the travel and tourism industry on developing policy and practical measures to protect children from sexual exploitation. Training is available to hotels, tour operators, travel agents and others interested in ethical and sustainable tourism. www.ecpat.org.uk

16 AIDS is Everybody’s Business. UNAIDS and Business: Working Together, UNAIDS Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, 2007 17 s Run by the Berber people of , the Kasbah Staff are the interface between the resort and visitors, du Toubkal hotel (below) is a mountain resort catering for so their enthusiasm for reducing their impacts will a range of guests. Accommodation ranges from basic encourage others to do the same. Getting staff involved salons for multiple-occupancy to en-suite rooms in the in sustainability initiatives is the key to success. gardens. The Kasbah du Toubkal resort can cater for all Integrating sustainability responsibilities into job roles levels of accessibility needs including serious hikers and and performance reviews, practical guidance and leisurely strollers. training, encouraging staff to come up with sustainability www.kasbahdutoubkal.com initiatives of their own via competitions and other means, all play their part. s Guests of the Caiman Ecological Refuge (CER) are never far from the wildlife of the Brazilian Pantanal. Since 1987, the owner has been implementing a sustainable development programme to promote the conservation of the area, focusing on three research projects: the Blue-fronted parrot, the Hyacinth Macaw and the Jaguar. The owner also created a private Reserve of Natural Patrimony encompassing 5,600 ha (13,837 acres) to preserve fauna and flora, and the Environmental Interpretation Centre, with a photographic exhibition to educate visitors about the region. Guests staying at the Caiman Lodge can learn more about all these projects on tours with bilingual naturalist leaders and local guides, who also have extensive knowledge about the ecosystems of the surrounding area. www.caiman.com.br

s Guests at the Orchid Hotel, Mumbai, are encouraged

Image: Alan Keohane to get involved in saving energy by pushing the ‘green button’ on the control panel in their guest Staff and visitor education room, automatically reducing the air conditioning by Sustainable tourism developments help staff two degrees. The hotel calculates the energy saving and visitors change their behaviour to live more associated to this simple action and converts it to a sustainably. financial saving, displayed on the guest’s bill. Whilst the As highlighted throughout this report, sustainable guest’s voluntary participation is commemorated with tourism developments have a unique opportunity to a certificate at the end of their stay, the hotel commits educate guests about sustainable living. By being part of to funding local environmental programmes with the a development with sustainability at its heart, guests can financial saving. see first hand that sustainability needn’t mean sacrifice www.orchidhotel.com and this may inspire them to make changes in their everyday lives.

18 s The Aspen Skiing Company runs a ‘save snow’ Relaxation and fun campaign educating its visitors on the action they Sustainable tourism developments are places to can take to cut carbon and that way safeguard their unwind, relax and have a good time – visitors and enjoyment of snowsports in the future. Activities range staff enjoy being there and their well-being is from encouraging visitors to take political action to actively promoted. promoting the use of green armbands on the slopes We live in a world where it sometimes seems as if to show solidarity. As well as providing online energy happiness and well-being are in short supply. There saving tips, the Aspen Skiing Company sent 40,000 is evidence that as we get richer as nations, we aren’t low-energy light bulbs to its visitors, packaged with getting any happier. According to a BBC poll in 2006, information on climate change. Britain is less happy than in the 1950s – despite the fact www.savesnow.org that we are three times richer. The proportion of people saying they are “very happy” had fallen from 52% in 1957 to just 36%.17

Tourism plays an important part in taking a break from the everyday working life and contributes to general well-being. At the same time we’re beginning to rethink what we look for in a holiday and even what ‘luxury’ means. Increasingly luxury is less about ostentatious wealth. According to the Future Foundation, “today’s luxury traveller looks for an experience that is unique and individual, without sacrificing the comforts of everyday living”.18

As a recent report for Defra showed, currently the majority of people do not tend to think about the environment when they make their holiday choices.19 Also, people don’t like to think about the environment, recycling, social impacts and the like while they are on holiday. In a survey conducted by First Choice Holidays in 2005, 80% of the people surveyed claimed to recycle at home, but only 50% would be prepared to do so on holiday.20 The focus for any break from everyday lives is about hedonism and escapism. On the one hand this reduces our sense of responsibility whilst on holiday. On the other, we may be more receptive to new ideas. In addition, tourism often takes place in beautiful environments, which presents a valuable opportunity to increase the awareness of guests to issues of sustainability [see staff and visitor education, page 18]. So, the challenge and opportunity for sustainable tourism developments is to make sustainable behaviour easy and enjoyable.

17http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/happiness_formula/4771908.stm 18The Future of Luxury Travel, Future Foundation, December 2005 19 Miller, G., Rathouse, K., Scarles, C., Holmes, K. and Tribe, J. ‘Public understanding of sustainable leisure and tourism: A report to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ University of Surrey, Defra, London, 2007 20Responsible Tourism – who cares?, First Choice, 2005 19 4 community

A low carbon economy is, quite simply, one in which the use of carbon has been constrained – either voluntarily or by obligation. See Forum For The Future’s publication ‘Making BuildingSense of a Low Carbon strong Economy’ www.forumforthefuture.org.uk/publications/lowcarboneconomy_page575.aspx links ‘Climate Change and Tourism: Responding to Global Challenges’ Advanced Summary, World Tourism Organization, United Nations Environment Programme and the World Meteo- withrological Organization, the localOctober 2007 community 20 Respect cultural heritage as it was designed in close co-operation with the local Sustainable tourism developments respect local chief and community. The museum is an extension of culture and are sensitive to local customs. this existing collaboration, making the both the Park and By their very nature, tourism developments attract Eco-Museum an integral part of the local community.21 visitors from across the globe with different cultural s norms and behaviours. It is important to ensure that Castello di Spannocchia is part of a centuries old guests (and staff) respect local traditions, religions organic agricultural estate in central Tuscany. The and cultural sensitivities. Indeed, there is increasing building’s conservation efforts focus on architectural evidence that people are seeking out these differences. preservation and the use of traditional materials and Cultural tourism is on the increase and more and more methods. Internally, the rooms of the villa are being holidaymakers are looking to experience ‘authentic’ restored to their original 18th and 19th century styles holidays where local food is served, where the beaches using natural pigment-based paints, restoring or are unspoilt, or where English isn’t routinely spoken. replicating the original uncovered designs. The property is also a diversified organic farm and educational centre, Protecting the local culture by promoting local crafts hosting a range of enrichment programmes focused and festivals can contribute to enhancing the authentic on Tuscan culture and history, and a residential farm holiday experience. At the design stage sustainable internship programme. tourism developments should replicate local design www.spannocchia.org and architecture, while protecting and incorporating archaeological features into the plans. This can also play an important part in reviving local traditional methods of building and design that might otherwise be lost. s A partnership between the owners of the Kasbah de Toubkal hotel and the local Berber community is at the heart of this enterprise. The hotel was restored by local builders and craftsmen using only traditional methods, and is furnished with the work of local artisans. It is managed and staffed by local Berber people and the local community is paid a levy from the takings to spend on community projects. www.kasbahdutoubkal.com s The Lope National Park in the west African country of Gabon is home to an Eco-Museum, which is more than just a stopping point for tourists. It is also about providing a space to help local tribal populations preserve their traditions and cultural identity. In fact, the National Park itself was also created with this in mind

A low carbon economy is, quite simply, one in which the use of carbon has been constrained – either voluntarily or by obligation. See Forum For The Future’s publication ‘Making Sense of a Low Carbon Economy’ www.forumforthefuture.org.uk/publications/lowcarboneconomy_page575.aspx ‘Climate Change and Tourism: Responding to Global Challenges’ Advanced Summary, World Tourism Organization, United Nations Environment Programme and the World Meteo- rological21Chehoski, Organization, Eric., Going October Back to 2007 Their Roots, Gabon, Summer 2006 2117 Involving and enhancing the local To ensure that tourism developments continue to community engage with all key stakeholders, people from the local Sustainable tourism developments are part of the community can be involved in the governance structures local community. for the resort. This can bring lasting reputational gains, Once pristine locations around the world are becoming licence to operate and potential cost savings. so overdeveloped and overcrowded that they are s no longer pleasant places to visit. Overdeveloped Tribewanted is a unique community tourism project regions are increasingly losing out to less developed that is simultaneously based on Vorovoro Island, Fiji and destinations. Figures released by the Canaries online. Started in April 2006, the online tribe is made up government reveal that in 2006, the number of of over 1500 members from 35 countries, 500 of which visitors to the lesser developed of the Canary Islands, have already visited Fiji. As well as a virtual space, this Fuerteventura, increased by 8% compared to online social network has a real project in the South 3.39% for Tenerife and 1.68% for Gran Canaria.22 Pacific where Tribewanted members live alongside a small indigenous Mali community on the island of Far from being overdeveloped blots on the landscape, Vorovoro, helping to build a simple sustainable village sustainable tourism developments should actually during their one to 12 week stay. Members have debated enhance the local area, foster involvement in community and voted on how the online and on-island communities life, and ensure that they are good neighbours. This should be structured. At the end of this innovative and includes consulting with local stakeholders during the experimental project, the Fijian chief and landowner, design and planning stage to take their needs into Tui Mali, will decide the future of Vorovoro. account upfront, and to respond to any concerns. This www.tribewanted.com could have a knock-on benefit for future relationships s with the local community, and help to create innovative The founders of Guludo Beach Lodge in Mozambique solutions to avoiding overdevelopment. forged a partnership with the local community right from the start. On the very first day they stepped onto the During construction, being a good neighbour includes beach and realised its potential, they held a meeting with limiting noise and congestion, and controlling air quality the Guludo community to talk about the idea of a lodge. issues. During the day-to-day operation of a resort, Alleviating poverty in the local community has remained many things can be done to build strong links with at the heart of the development and operation of the the local community. As well as employing local staff, lodge. More than 80% of the lodge’s expenditure, sustainable tourism developments should make facilities from construction to operation, stays within a available to the local community, for example, opening five km radius. up conference rooms out of peak season for local group www.guludo.com meetings, making facilities available for IT or sports for local people. Developments can be operated with a holistic management plan that incorporates sustainability into the day-to-day running of the resort.

22http://www.ukprwire.com/Detailed/Travel_Tourism/Tourists_Seek_Authentic_Holiday_Experiences_7195.shtml 22 Benefits to the local economy and It could also help secure supply chains from the future community impacts of climate change, and potentially translate into Sustainable tourism developments benefit the local cost savings as fuel prices rise. economy and prioritise the use of local goods and services. Operating through local tourist operators will help keep Many tourism developments across the world operate benefits local and, although it might seem counter as all inclusive, closed-gate communities, with a limited intuitive at first, sustainable tourism developments amount of the revenue generated from tourism activities should also invest in local enterprises. Encouraging local flowing back to the host community. (and even rival) businesses to develop sustainably will help to promote a flourishing local economy, ensure the Several steps can be taken to ensure the local economy local community does not become too dependent on gets the maximum benefit possible from hosting a the resort, and can effectively function out-of-season. tourism development. At the design phase, investment in s sustainable infrastructure within and beyond the project The Kapawi Ecolodge opened in 1996 as a area will provide long-term benefits for local economies. partnership between Canodros, an Ecuadorian tourist During construction, the employment of local architects company, and the indigenous Achuar people. Each and builders and the purchasing of local building partner shared a vision of building an economically materials are crucial for the support of local sustainable project with a plan to transfer the supply chains. management of the project to the Achuar over the years. At the beginning of 2008 total ownership and Alongside sourcing local expertise and materials, responsibility for the operation of Kapawi Ecology sustainable tourism destinations should ensure that and Reserve passed to the Achuar people. The local local people are employed as guides or in other roles. communities also benefit by selling products and They can lead the way in paying above-average wages services to the lodge, their main source of income. and providing training. Providing market space for local www.kapawi.com goods and handicrafts can encourage local enterprise, for example The Banyan Tree in Phuket, Thailand, has constructed a food centre where the local hawkers and traders can operate. According to the Overseas Development Institute, between one quarter and a half of tourist spending can reach the poor from expenditure on shopping (particularly handicrafts); local transport and excursions; and restaurants (if supplies are purchased locally).23

There is also a key role for developments in encouraging best practice with local suppliers, for example supporting local farmers to go organic and fair trade, and stimulating efficient water management. As well as ensuring the local community gets maximum benefit from the resort, this will bring carbon savings from avoided transport.

23Ashley, Caroline., and Mitchell, Jonathan, Assessing how tourism revenues reach the poor, Overseas Development Institute, June 2007 23 s Communities in the Maasai Mara Game Reserve, Pro-poor tourism Kenya, are now benefiting from an 800% increase In September 2005, the World Tourism Organization in tourism revenue compared to previous years. issued a declaration on tourism and the Millennium With continued support from The Travel Foundation, Development Goals. It states that the tourism sector responsible tourism consultancy, Tribal Voice can make a substantially greater contribution to poverty Communications, has worked to ensure the Maasai alleviation, economic growth, sustainable development, now receive 100% of tour fees from lodge-generated environmental conservation, inter-cultural understanding business and 75% of the revenue generated by tour and peace among nations. The declaration called on the operators through the Kenya Association of Tour UN as well as governments, international and bilateral Operators. Whereas in the past driver guides acquired development assistance agencies, financial institutions, the majority of tourist revenue for cultural tours, the private corporations, NGOs and other interested parties to Maasai can now look forward to a sustainable future “Fully recognize tourism, when sustainably developed and through tourism. managed, as an effective tool to realize the Millennium www.thetravelfoundation.org.uk/kenya.asp Development Goals – especially poverty alleviation”. s Tourists travelling through Central America are Not many mainstream tourism developments are created being encouraged to visit the remote Mosquito Coast with poverty alleviation as a main priority. Yet, the in Honduras, thanks to an alliance of five indigenous economic benefits of tourism are often cited and tourism communities and RARE, an international conservation generates over 10% of world GDP. 24 There is some organisation which works with local villagers. This concern, however, that much of this benefit never makes community-based tourism project has already created it to the local host communities – even when it comes 150 jobs, supporting more than 750 family members, down to services provided at the destination. with the majority of the income generated staying with At the very least there is little evidence of exactly the communities involved. The “La Ruta Moskitia” how much money reaches the local economy from alliance offers tourists a unique insight into this mainstream tourism. undeveloped region, with jungle-trekking, bird-watching tours and authentic cultural exchange, as determined by Pro-poor tourism is tourism that results in increased the indigenous communities themselves. net benefits for poor people.25 Many of the countries www.larutamoskitia.com in which tourism is an important economic sector are

s among the poorest and least developed in the world. In Tobago, The Travel Foundation is working Support for local businesses, training up local unskilled closely with local farmers and the tourism industry to or semi-skilled workers and local sourcing of products restore the country’s agricultural economy and reduce can all help to boost the local economy and improve the its dependency on imports. The ‘Adopt a Farmer’ quality of the holiday experience – win-win solutions. programme is helping Tobago’s farmers supply fresh, locally grown produce directly to hotels at the right One of the steps to achieving this will be for sustainable quantity, quality and price. This arrangement has led tourism developments to have a fully transparent supply to farmers earning 30-100% more and allowed them chain – knowing where all materials come from and to grow their businesses. So far, 20 farmers and their ensuring they are responsibly sourced, with maximum families have supplied hotels with local produce worth benefit (including fair wages) for producers. There will over TT$260,000 (£26,000). need to be deliberate strategies in place for working with www.thetravelfoundation.org.uk/tobago.asp suppliers to make improvements.

24www.wttc.org/eng/Tourism_News/Press_Releases/Press_Releases_2008/Tourism_leaders_examine_employment_issue_for China%E2%80%99s_Travel __and_Tourism/, World Travel & Tourism Council, 2008 25www.propoortourism.org.uk 24 5 infrastructure Creating a built environment that supports sustainable living

25 Image: www.whitepod.com Innovative design One of the key things that existing resorts can do to Sustainable tourism developments use innovative reduce their carbon emissions is encourage people design to make sustainable living a reality. to stay longer [see integrated transport and logistics, To be able to holiday in the future within environmental page 30]. This might involve developments looking for limits and to the same, if not improved, standard as ways to enhance their information and communication today, entails making changes that do not compromise technology facilities for example, which enables guests on the quality or enjoyment of the holiday experience. to stay up-to-date with events back home – particularly This will require cutting edge innovation. Sustainable in the workplace. tourism developments need to lead in this new thinking s and develop revolutionary new ways of holidaying. But At Whitepod in , guests stay in ‘pods’ they also need to apply tried and tested techniques such (below) raised from the ground by wooden platforms as using local architectural practices to reduce the need designed to leave no trace. When they are taken down for artificial cooling. at the end of the season the idea is that you wouldn’t know that they had ever been there. White covers in Sustainable tourism developments will use innovative winter and green in summer help them to blend into design to avoid and reduce energy consumption, design the surrounding alpine terrain. Wood burning stoves out waste and help make sustainability easy to achieve simply add to the relaxing ambience. for guests and staff. Buildings that are at the real cutting www.whitepod.com edge of design can become educational in themselves – promoting sustainable living as aspirational. The use of the latest technological solutions, especially around energy saving and generation, also need to be given priority.

26 s Green building The Six Senses Soneva Kiri Eco-suite on the Sustainable tourism developments are built to the island of Ko Kut in Thailand (below) combines luxury highest environmental standards. accommodation with absolute minimal impact on the Research from the United Nations World Tourism environment. The zero emissions villa has been built Organization (UNWTO) shows that transport aside, using recycled materials, Forestry Stewardship Council accommodation accounts for 21% of the CO2 emissions certified pine, and reclaimed teak. The use of natural from tourism.26 Inefficient buildings will also require building techniques and non-toxic adhesives and wood more energy to heat (or cool). Therefore investing treatments has meant no need for concrete or cement. A upfront to ensure that buildings are designed to be as green roof not only provides a home for native flora but efficient as possible makes sound business sense when also helps control storm water run-off, and skylights and operating costs are considered. Although it can be more state-of-the-art LEDs provide lighting. Energy will costly, retrofitting existing tourism developments to be soon be produced via a wind turbine, solar panels more efficient can also save money in the long-term. and a micro-hydro system using waste water from the According to the BRE Trust, the energy and water saving restaurant. Even grey water from the shower is being measures they identified for an air conditioned office recycled to irrigate the bamboo hedges. (including rain water recycling, building user guides www.sixsenses.com/soneva-kiri and increasing insulation thickness), led to in-use cost savings of 26% and 55% respectively throughout the life of the building.27

Sustainable tourism developments should be designed to high standards, such as BREEAM Excellent.28 They should also use bioclimatic design, for example buildings that are sited to take advantage of natural features like breezes or shading to enable energy saving. Infrastructure needs to also be designed for low energy use by being sited to minimise transport distances between accommodation and key services, for example, in order to reduce the need to travel. Image: Six Senses Resorts & Spas/Kiattipong Panchee

s s The Adrère Amellal Oasis ecolodge in Siwa, , The Travel Foundation has developed Sustainable uses traditional Siwan architecture to limit its impact on Tourism is Good for Business, a toolkit for the environment. It has been built using local, renewable accommodation providers and guidelines to help tourism materials such as palm roofing and kershef, a mixture developments take small steps towards becoming of local rock salt and mud, used to build the walls. The more efficient. According to The Travel Foundation, by hotel was designed to blend in with the landscape and following the guidelines hotels can save up to 25% on has a natural ventilation system. Strategic positioning of water and energy costs. The free pack includes posters doors and windows make the most of desert breezes so and training materials for staff, tailored to different that air conditioning is not required. departments and available in several languages. www.adrereamellal.net www.travelfoundation.org.uk

26Climate Change and Tourism: Responding to Global Challenges, Advanced Summary, October 2007, World Tourism Organization, United Nations Environment Programme and the World Meteorological Organization 27Sweett, Cyril, BRE Centre for Sustainable Construction and BRE Trust, Putting a Price on Sustainability, May 2005 28www.breeam.org 27 Integrated transport and logistics visitors to fly with airlines operating the most efficient Sustainable tourism developments have smart fleets. Tourism developments should also develop a logistics and encourage people to travel to and from ‘green travel plan’ including, for example, centralised the resort in the most sustainable way possible. guest collection from arrival/departure ports in efficient, By far the largest single carbon impact of overseas low-carbon transport. holidays is air transport to and from resorts. Data from the UNWTO analysed the contribution of various Once guests have arrived, much can be done to reduce tourism subsectors to CO2 emissions. It shows that transport-related carbon emissions in resorts. Tourism the 17% of aviation-based tourist trips contribute developments should discourage guests from hiring to 40% of global tourism related CO2 emissions. In private vehicles (by, for example, limiting parking) and contrast, trips by coach and rail account for 34% of instead offer incentives for the use of public transport

29 all trips, but contribute only 13% of CO2 emissions. and/or bikes. Where cars are a necessity, resorts should Ideally, to be most successful at reducing this impact, encourage low-emission vehicles by, for example, tourism developments should avoid the need for flights supporting hybrid car-hire companies. altogether by, for example, appealing to a domestic market, or by providing alternative, more sustainable Other transport issues to consider include transporting transport options like rail. materials and people to and around the site as efficiently as possible during the construction phase, green travel Where air transport is unavoidable, a resort can plans for staff, and low-carbon transport for excursions. significantly reduce its carbon footprint by encouraging guests to stay longer. This maintains occupancy rates, but reduces the number of visitors overall, minimising the number of flights taken. Resorts can also encourage

29Climate Change and Tourism: Responding to Global Challenges, Advanced Summary, October 2007, World Tourism Organization, United Nations Environment Programme and the World Meteorological Organization 28 Positive contribution to local Adaptation to climate change infrastructure Sustainable tourism developments are prepared for Sustainable tourism developments enhance the the future impacts of climate change. infrastructure in the local community in the most Tourism destinations across the world will be seriously sustainable way. impacted by climate change. A one to two degree Tourism developments are often in poor countries temperature rise, as predicted by many, including the with inadequate infrastructure. Although tourism is Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), often blamed for competing with local communities will have far-reaching consequences. Traditional for water, land, and coastline, they can also gain from holiday seasons might change as destinations become opportunities for infrastructure development.30 uncomfortably hot in summer, or inaccessible due to unpredictable weather, storms, flooding or drought. Snow To make the most positive contribution to the local lines will rise and delicate coral reef systems will die. Rising community it is important to consult local stakeholders sea levels mean that certain locations such as the Maldives, on their needs early in the design stage. This could will continue to disappear. Elsewhere, the principal climate also include providing support for local schools and/or threats to tourism are likely to include increasing water healthcare and enabling sustainable mobility. scarcity as a result of soaring temperatures.31 s The philosophy of Borana Lodge in Kenya is about Resorts in the future will have to be designed and built sharing its wealth with surrounding communities. to be prepared for unpredictable weather, including The lodge and its ranch employ around 200 people and longer dry spells, flash flooding, more powerful storms, buy locally to boost the local economy. Borana supports and rising sea levels. a number of primary schools in the area, providing s construction and equipment support, as well as some A range of government departments and tourism teacher accommodation. Its mobile medical clinic businesses in Fiji have joined forces to cope with the works in the community five days a week and cyclones and storms that cause structural damage and 16 employees with disabilities work in its tannery shoreline erosion in its coastal resorts. Resorts are built and leather workshop. 2.6m above the average sea level, 30m off the high www.borana.co.ke tide mark, and can also withstand strong winds. Many businesses have a direct line to the Meteorological s The Samba Foundation, co-founded by the Nihiwatu Service for early warnings and have evacuation plans resort in , works to benefit the surrounding and supplies in place.32 Sumbanese communities. Through its philanthropic s programmes 200 villages now have clean drinking water, Diminishing natural snowfall means that ski resorts 15,000 people have access to medical clinics, 6,000 in New are looking at new ways to enhance people sleep under insecticide-treated mosquito nets, their destinations. New ski runs are being developed 2,000 children are equipped with all the school supplies on higher, north-facing slopes and resorts are making they need and six schools have been renovated or the most of landscaping and slope contouring, but completely rebuilt, and are now safe venues for learning. snowmaking remains a vital aspect of resorts. Many www.nihiwatu.com have diversified to include non-skiing activities, such as health spas and ice-skating, and are open for business all year round providing conference facilities or non- winter activities.33

30Ashley, Caroline and Mitchell, Jonathan, Can tourism accelerate pro-poor growth in Africa? Overseas Development Institute, 2005 31AMcGuire, Bill, Holiday 2030, Benfield-UCL Hazard Research Centre, September 2007 32Simpson, M.C., Gossling, S., Scott, D., Hall, C.M. and Gladin. E. (2008) Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation in the Tourism Sector: Frameworks, Tools and Practices, UNEP, University of Oxford, UNWTO, WMO: Paris, 33ibid 29 6 finance Creating long-term financial value 30 s Returns to shareholders The Sheraton was the first eco- Sustainable tourism developments are a good hotel to be established in the US. The Hotel has been long-term investment. recognised for a variety of energy saving initiatives, Any business investment needs to deliver good returns including state of the art heating and cooling processes, to its investors. More and more mainstream investors are recycling water systems, staff training in environmental taking sustainability considerations into their investment maintenance techniques, energy efficient windows and decisions. For example, DTZ, one of the world’s largest a 40-foot bamboo plant that is used in purifying the real estate advisors, recently launched Sustento, hotel air. Within its first year of operation the hotel saved a sustainable investment fund aimed at investors a total of $65,000 and in 2007, the Hotel made a 78% wishing to future-proof investment in new and existing saving in energy consumption. commercial property across Europe. The fund will seek www.Sheraton.com/Philadelphia to invest in buildings designed to high environmental s standards, and will encourage more sustainable Our Planet Retreats provides the opportunity for behaviour by tenants via financial incentives such as people to own part of their very own ‘Sphere’ – unusual ‘green leases’. tourist accommodation located in tree canopies. People who contribute to the cost of a $55,000 Eco-Retreat, Fifty leading US and European institutional investors either through investments from as little as $30, or by managing over $1.75 trillion in assets recently signed buying a full Sphere, can expect a share of 75% of the up to and released a Climate Change Action Plan. profits. Local people can also invest in the retreats and The Action Plan was in part put together in response the organisation aims to involve them in other to investors demanding greater scrutiny in assessing aspects of the experience, such as providing the financial risks and opportunities posed by climate tourists with local culinary delights. Our Planet change. Notably, investors were calling for policy action Retreats is also committed to helping solve local from governments that would deliver a 90% reduction environmental problems. in carbon emissions by 2050.34 www.ourplanet-retreats.com

Sustainable tourism should be about ensuring the long- term successes of any tourism development. Tourism is so closely tied to the natural environment and the vibrancy of the local community, that protecting and investing in them makes sound business sense. In addition, many of the energy saving initiatives will also save money through reduced energy bills – creating win- win opportunities for the environment and investors.

34Investor Network on Climate Risk, February 2008 31 s Responsible marketing The Greenbox (below) is ’s first integrated Sustainable tourism developments promote their ecotourism destination. The unspoilt nature of the sustainability credentials and encourage other Greenbox region has contributed to attracting a high businesses to do the same. concentration of ‘green’ and ecotourism operators Sustainable tourism developments should make sure to the region – now numbering more than 120. To that they can back up their sustainability claims. There strengthen the Greenbox brand they have developed are a variety of eco tourism and/or sustainable tourism a quality Ecotourism label for tourism providers and schemes that can provide independent, credible also use the EU Flower Eco-label to raise standards in assurance to guests that where they are staying meets a accommodation across the region. Key strengths of the minimum sustainability criteria. Their various labels, strap project, which includes both Northern Ireland and the lines and awards can then be used to promote Republic of Ireland, are training, marketing, events and the development. capacity building. www.greenbox.ie Ultimately, however, only a small (but growing) customer base will be solely interested in a development’s sustainability credentials. For the rest, a sustainable resort development will need to promote its other qualities – luxury, quality, relaxation and/or fun – and ensure that it delivers all these things in a sustainable way.

Sustainable tourism developments should also play their part in promoting their success and encouraging other businesses to follow suit and become more sustainable. This includes pushing for local and national quality schemes to include sustainability criteria to help improve the overall sustainability performance of the industry. s The New Forest has been very successful at promoting its Green Leaf Tourism Scheme, a process for businesses and communities wanting to develop more socially and environmentally responsible forms of operations. Participants annually assess their progress in such things as car-free visitor programmes, the establishment of Green Staff teams, and the purchase and use of New Forest Marque food and goods which have been grown, reared, caught, brewed or produced in the New Forest. Businesses that reach a certain number of points in the assessment process are able to use the Green Leaf symbol in their advertisements in the New Forest Where to Stay guide and website.

www.thenewforest.co.uk Image: www.greenbox.ie

32 s Long-term vision and commitment The signing of a Declaration of Commitment by Sustainable tourism developments have a long-term cruise companies, NGOs and government in Belize has vision and commitment to the local area. recognised the need for more stringent environmental The future is uncertain. Global issues such as shifting measures to deal with the growing numbers of demographics, climate change and changing customer tourists. Belize is one of the fastest growing cruise preferences mean that to be sustainable in the future destinations in the western Caribbean and is home to businesses have to be prepared to change. One way part of the Mesoamerican reef, which is one of the most to approach this is to build a vision of a sustainable endangered in the world. The Declaration commits to future – what would your operation look like if it was as enhancing marine management and regulation in the sustainable as possible? How would it respond to future area and promoting conservation awareness about factors? What changes do you need to make now to Belize amongst cruise passengers. make a sustainable future a reality? www.conservation.org s During the development of the Corbett National Park in northern India (below), community-based tourism Using innovative financial instruments plans were developed for each of the four local villages. to value culture and the environment They used a ‘4 D Cycle’ – first Discovering what is successful, what is working, what the local community As this report highlights, tourism makes a significant is proud of and would like to share with tourists. Next economic contribution. It also presents an opportunity was Dreaming – creating a vision of their future. This was to value assets that are not always given a financial followed by Designing through feasibility studies and value. For instance, coral reefs in the Caribbean have development of action plans. The final stage of the cycle been estimated to be worth from $2,000 a year in remote was Delivering the plans. Each community tourism plan areas to $1 million beside a tourist resort where they took six to eight months to prepare and involved around draw scuba divers.35 This fragile asset is in desperate ten village meetings. need of saving. In the last 50 years many Caribbean www.corbettnationalpark.com reefs have lost up to 80% of their coral cover. 36

There are mounting examples of innovative ways of valuing natural assets that can be applied to tourism, for example the Lonely Planet’s estimated value of gorilla populations cited on page nine. Sustainable tourism developments are beginning to find ways to use techniques such as forest-backed bonds, wildlife premiums and carbon taxes to ensure that their products are protected and benefit people now and in the future. As natural assets become even more endangered and in need of protection, more instances of placing financial values on these assets should be encouraged.

35Wells, Sue., Ravilious, Corinna., and Corcoran, Emily, In the Front line – Shoreline protection and other ecosystem services from mangroves and coral reefs, United Nations Environment Programme, the International Action Network on Coral Reefs and the World Conservation Union, January 2006 36A World of Science, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, Vol. 6, No. 2 April – June 2008 33 7 creating sustainable destinations

This report shows that sustainable tourism is achievable, For developers: desirable and profitable if you get it right. There is a This guide gives you an overview of the factors robust business case for taking a sustainable approach to consider when creating a development that – from cost savings to market advantage. Most of the has principles of sustainability at its heart. The companies in this report are becoming more sustainable hallmarks provide principles against which to plan the not because they’re altruistic, but because it makes development. More detailed guidance can be found good business sense. in reports like ‘Sustainable Hotel – siting, design and construction’ produced by the International Business The hallmarks are a guide for anyone wanting to create Leaders Forum and organisations like LEAD who are a sustainable destination. They should be used to shape driving standards in this area. overarching vision and strategy. Not every hallmark will necessarily be relevant for every destination but taking all For hoteliers: the five capitals into account is a must. A strong vision These guiding principles can be used to assess how based on these guidelines will drive a more sustainable sustainable your hotels are and to find the gaps where outcome and elicit a different, more future-proofed more action could be taken. approach. They can also be complimented by existing standards and guidelines, many of which are listed in For tour operators: section eight. It’s time to start asking questions about the sustainability of your resorts. Many tour operators already have CSR No one player can create a sustainable destination. policies and practices. These hallmarks for a sustainable Collaboration is needed to make it happen – between development would take these policies right to the heart government, industry and communities. Paradise Found of the operation. Ensuring that the resorts and hotels needs to be an aspiration for all those players. We that you commission become increasingly sustainable is recommend the following: an industry imperative. These hallmarks provide a high standard to aspire to – especially for signature products For governments and tourist boards: and own-brand properties and areas. The model of a sustainable destination outlined in this report can form the basis for decisions about how to For the communities and develop your tourism assets. Governments should use destinations themselves: the hallmarks to create a vision of sustainable tourism These hallmarks offer an indication of what’s possible. in their region or country. With this, you can create Communities local to tourism developments should ask policies and make investment decisions that are based for these hallmarks to be reflected in what happens next on a sustainable model. There are also opportunities to – and hold governments, and industry players to account encourage more sustainable practice through for them. fiscal measures. Sustainable tourism has to be the way of the future. By taking a proactive, collaborative approach the groups above can contribute not only to their own success but also to a more sustainable future. That way, paradise really can be found.

34 8 sustainable tourism links

Accreditation International awards: (accommodation only): • Tourism for Tomorrow Awards • The Green Tourism Business Scheme www.tourismfortomorrow.com www.green-business.co.uk • Responsible Tourism Awards • EU EcoLabel www.responsibletourismawards.com www.ecolabel-tourism.eu

Listings: Accreditation (worldwide): • www.responsibletravel.com • Green Globe • The ethical travel guide from Tourism Concern www.greenglobe.org www.tourismconcern.org.uk • Rainforest Alliance • Code green from the Lonely Planet www.rainforest-alliance.org www.lonelyplanet.com • Travelife • Fair Trade holidays in South Africa www.travelife.eu www.fairtourismsa.org • Blue Flag www.blueflag.org • Tour Operators Initiative for Sustainable Tourism Pro-poor tourism: Development • Overseas Development Institute Tourism www.toinitiative.org Programme www.odi.org.uk/tourism • Pro Poor Tourism Partnership www.propoortourism.org.uk Fair Trade tourism: • Tourism Concern – Fair Trade in Tourism Network www.tourismconcern.org.uk Responsible tourism • Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa organisations: www.fairtourismsa.org.za • The Travel Foundation www.thetravelfoundation.org.uk • The International Tourism Partnership Indicators: www.tourismpartnership.org • WTO Indicators of Sustainable Development for • United Nations Environment Programme (Tourism) – Tourism Destinations www.unep.fr/scp/tourism www.wtoelibrary.org

With thanks to Jane Ashton and Sean Owens at TUI Travel, Jonathon Mitchell at the ODI, Graham Miller from the University of Surrey and Sue Hurdle at the Travel Foundation for peer reviewing this report.

Forum for the Future is not endorsing any of the destinations featured in this report nor have we necessarily visited them. The case studies are based on publically available information. Any errors are the authors’ own.