Eco-Warriors, Rejoice Right, Now The World’s Most Sustainable Travel Destinations Are Here – Travel And Tour World

Report on Global Sustainable Tourism and its Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction: The Role of Tourism in the 2030 Agenda

The global tourism industry is increasingly aligning its practices with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A recent study by InsureandGo quantifies this trend by ranking cities based on the percentage of hotels with third-party sustainability certifications. This report analyzes these findings, highlighting how leading cities are contributing to key SDGs, including:

• SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): Promoting green infrastructure, sustainable transport, and responsible urban planning.
• SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): Encouraging sustainable business practices and providing consumers with eco-conscious choices.
• SDG 13 (Climate Action): Implementing strategies to reduce carbon emissions and enhance climate resilience.
• SDG 14 (Life Below Water) & SDG 15 (Life on Land): Conserving and protecting marine and terrestrial ecosystems.

Key Findings: Leading Cities in Sustainable Accommodation

The study identifies cities that are at the forefront of sustainable tourism, measured by the prevalence of certified eco-friendly hotels. The top-ranked cities demonstrate a significant commitment to integrating sustainability into their tourism infrastructure.

1. Helsinki, Finland (68.8% of hotels certified)
2. Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt (54.5% of hotels certified)
3. Winnipeg, Canada (52.8% of hotels certified)
4. Glasgow, United Kingdom (52.4% of hotels certified)
5. Barcelona, Spain (Over 50% of hotels certified)

City-Specific Analysis and SDG Contributions

Helsinki, Finland

With 68.8% of its hotels holding sustainability certifications, Helsinki leads globally. The city’s strategy directly supports several SDGs:

• SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): Helsinki’s “Think Sustainably” digital guide empowers tourists to make informed, sustainable choices regarding accommodation, dining, and activities, promoting a culture of responsible consumption.
• SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): The high percentage of certified hotels reflects a city-wide commitment to sustainable urban development, integrating green practices into the core of its economic and social identity.

Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt

Demonstrating that sustainability is achievable in diverse environments, 54.5% of hotels in Sharm El Sheikh are certified. The city’s initiatives are particularly relevant to environmental SDGs:

• SDG 14 (Life Below Water): The city’s sustainable tourism model supports the conservation of the Ras Mohammed Marine Reserve, a critical marine ecosystem, thereby protecting biodiversity.
• SDG 13 (Climate Action): By hosting the COP27 climate conference, Sharm El Sheikh has solidified its role in the global climate dialogue and is implementing policies to balance tourism with environmental preservation.

Winnipeg, Canada

Winnipeg has emerged as a key player in sustainable urbanism, with 52.8% of its hotels certified. The city’s efforts contribute to multiple goals:

• SDG 15 (Life on Land): The city supports conservation through attractions like the Leatherdale International Polar Bear Conservation Centre, which focuses on wildlife rehabilitation.
• SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): Winnipeg is home to one of North America’s most energy-efficient skyscrapers and promotes expansive green spaces, showcasing a commitment to sustainable urban infrastructure.
• SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): Initiatives such as the zero-waste policy at the Forks Market exemplify the city’s dedication to sustainable production and consumption patterns.

Glasgow, United Kingdom

Ranked fifth in the Global Destination Sustainability Index, Glasgow has certified 52.4% of its hotels. The city’s strategy is heavily focused on climate action:

• SDG 13 (Climate Action): Glasgow has set an ambitious target to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. Its role as a host for a COP climate summit underscores its commitment to global climate goals.
• SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): The city is advancing sustainable transport and energy efficiency, positioning itself as a model for green urban transition in the UK.

Barcelona, Spain

Over half of Barcelona’s hotels are sustainability-certified. The city has institutionalized its commitment to responsible tourism:

• SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): Barcelona was the first city to receive the Biosphere Responsible Tourism certification, a global standard recognizing destinations dedicated to sustainable practices.
• SDG 14 (Life Below Water): The certification of nine Blue Flag beaches ensures that coastal tourism is managed in an environmentally responsible manner, protecting marine environments from the impacts of high visitor numbers.

Global Trends and Future Outlook

The data indicates several broader trends in the adoption of sustainable tourism practices:

• European Leadership: Nordic countries, including Sweden and Denmark, show strong performance, reflecting a deep cultural integration of sustainability principles.
• North American Progress: Beyond Winnipeg, other Canadian cities such as Quebec City, Ottawa, and Calgary feature prominently in the top 15, indicating a national trend.
• Metropolitan Development: While major global hubs like Paris, London, and Sydney currently rank outside the top 50, their growing interest signals a necessary shift towards sustainability in mass tourism markets.

Conclusion: A New Era of Responsible Travel

The rise of sustainability-certified hotels signifies a critical shift in the tourism industry towards practices that support the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The cities profiled in this report serve as benchmarks, demonstrating that economic viability in tourism can and must coexist with environmental and social responsibility. For travelers, choosing certified accommodations is a direct contribution to achieving global sustainability targets and preserving destinations for future generations.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

  The article focuses on sustainable tourism, which is a key driver of economic growth and job creation in the cities mentioned. By promoting eco-friendly practices, these destinations are shaping a more sustainable economic model for the tourism industry.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  The entire article is centered on cities (Helsinki, Sharm El Sheikh, Winnipeg, etc.) that are leading in sustainable practices. It highlights their efforts in creating sustainable infrastructure, such as certified hotels, green spaces, and efficient transport, making them more resilient and environmentally friendly.

• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

  This goal is directly addressed through the promotion of sustainable tourism. The emphasis on sustainability-certified hotels encourages responsible consumption patterns among travelers and sustainable production practices within the hospitality industry.

• SDG 13: Climate Action

  The article mentions specific climate action initiatives, such as Glasgow’s ambitious goal to become carbon neutral by 2030 and the fact that cities like Sharm El Sheikh and Glasgow have hosted COP climate conferences, indicating a strong commitment to addressing climate change.

• SDG 14: Life Below Water

  This goal is relevant through the mention of conservation efforts in coastal cities. Sharm El Sheikh’s protection of the Ras Mohammed Marine Reserve and Barcelona’s nine Blue Flag certified beaches are direct actions to conserve and sustainably use marine ecosystems.

• SDG 15: Life on Land

  The article connects to this goal by highlighting efforts to protect terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity. Winnipeg’s expansive green spaces and the Leatherdale International Polar Bear Conservation Centre are examples of initiatives that support life on land.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

  • Target 8.9: “By 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products.” The article showcases cities that are actively promoting sustainable tourism through certifications and guides like Helsinki’s “Think Sustainably” digital guide, which directly aligns with this target.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  • Target 11.4: “Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage.” This is demonstrated by Sharm El Sheikh’s efforts to preserve the Ras Mohammed Marine Reserve and Winnipeg’s work at the Polar Bear Conservation Centre.
  • Target 11.6: “By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities…” Glasgow’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2030, its leadership in sustainable transport, and Winnipeg’s energy-efficient skyscraper are direct efforts to reduce the environmental impact of these cities.

• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

  • Target 12.b: “Develop and implement tools to monitor sustainable development impacts for sustainable tourism…” The core of the article is the use of “third-party sustainability certification” for hotels, which is a tool to monitor and promote sustainable tourism. Barcelona’s achievement of the “Biosphere Responsible Tourism certification” is another example.

• SDG 13: Climate Action

  • Target 13.2: “Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.” Glasgow’s city-wide goal to become carbon neutral by 2030 is a clear example of integrating climate change measures into local policy and planning.

• SDG 14: Life Below Water

  • Target 14.2: “By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems…” The article highlights the protection of the Ras Mohammed Marine Reserve in Sharm El Sheikh and Barcelona’s management of its coastline, evidenced by its Blue Flag certified beaches.

• SDG 15: Life on Land

  • Target 15.5: “Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and… protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species.” The work of the Leatherdale International Polar Bear Conservation Centre in Winnipeg to rehabilitate orphaned polar bears directly contributes to this target.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• For Target 12.b (Sustainable Tourism Monitoring)

  • Indicator: The percentage of hotels with a third-party sustainability certification. The article provides specific data points for this: Helsinki (68.8%), Sharm El Sheikh (54.5%), Winnipeg (52.8%), Glasgow (52.4%), and Barcelona (over 50%).
  • Indicator: Number of destinations with sustainability certifications. The article mentions Barcelona is the first city to achieve the Biosphere Responsible Tourism certification.

• For Target 14.2 (Marine Ecosystem Protection)

  • Indicator: Number of certified sustainable beaches. The article explicitly states that Barcelona is home to “nine Blue Flag certified beaches.”
  • Indicator: Existence of protected marine areas. The mention of the “Ras Mohammed Marine Reserve” serves as a qualitative indicator of conservation efforts.

• For Target 13.2 (Climate Action Integration)

  • Indicator: Adoption of carbon neutrality goals. Glasgow’s commitment to “become carbon neutral by 2030” is a measurable indicator of its climate action plan.

• For Target 15.5 (Biodiversity Protection)

  • Indicator: Establishment of conservation centers for threatened species. The existence of the “Leatherdale International Polar Bear Conservation Centre” is an indicator of action being taken to protect a vulnerable species.

Summary of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: travelandtourworld.com