International Sustainability Day (26 October) celebrates eight outstanding individuals and teams who are champions of sustainable tourism, each working to transform the tourism industry through various initiatives.
International Sustainability Day on 26 October represents a vital platform for acknowledging the individuals driving the critical transformation towards sustainable tourism development and inspiring action and progress in this field. As the world confronts an escalating climate crisis, environmental degradation and social inequality, tourism must take a more proactive role in creating a sustainable future.
By recognising and celebrating the innovative initiatives and dedicated efforts of destinations, businesses and future tourism leaders, International Sustainability Day offers a valuable opportunity to highlight the positive impact of sustainable tourism practices on local communities and ecosystems. Sustainable tourism development and establishing a greener sector can be tackled through many different fronts, including impactful policies, small and routine actions and large-scale projects.
Effective leadership is paramount to overcoming the challenges associated with tourism development and promoting sustainable practices within the sector. Informed participation from all stakeholders is essential to achieving sustainable tourism, requiring dedicated sustainability champions to mobilise and coordinate actions that create a better future for a more resilient and inclusive tourism sector. This year, we recognise eight outstanding individuals and teams for their contribution to more equitable and environmentally friendly tourism:
Shane is a key figure in driving sustainable tourism development across Ireland. He not only champions sustainability within Fáilte Ireland but also actively contributes to shaping national policies and advocating for sustainable practices in the tourism sector. Through managing and guiding the National Environmental Monitoring Programme and overseeing environmental assessments for the development of Destination & Experience Development Plans, Shane ensures that tourism is managed in a way that benefits local communities and protects the environment.
Matea is a driving force in establishing Montenegro as a sustainable tourism destination, capitalising on its unique heritage as the world's first ecological state. Her passion for sustainable tourism and climate change adaptation is evident in her work championing the development of hiking and biking routes, which has led to the growth of nature-based tourism in Montenegro. While challenges exist in maintaining less popular trails, the project's success is demonstrated by the increasing number of tourism agencies offering outdoor activities and the rise of diverse adventure experiences such as canyoning, rafting, kitesurfing and birdwatching. The integration of over 150 registered rural households into organised travel experiences highlights the positive impact of this initiative on rural communities, marking a shift towards sustainable tourism models that benefit a wider range of communities beyond the coast.
The Quiet Site sets a compelling example of how sustainability can be seamlessly integrated into business operations in the tourism industry. They have constructed well-insulated and energy-positive accommodation units, with 80% of energy consumption coming from renewable sources. Significant infrastructural investments have also improved water efficiency and waste reduction. Beyond their own operations, The Quiet Site's dedication to sustainable development shines through their instrumental role in forming Sustainable and Integrated Transport for Ullswater, a group advocating for sustainable transportation options in the Ullswater Valley, including the creation of new footpaths and the launch of bus services that connect local attractions with accommodation, enabling car-free travel in the Lake District for both residents and visitors.
Gemma embodies the leadership crucial for driving sustainable tourism development, showcasing a proactive approach to minimising the environmental impact of tourism while supporting nature-based solutions. She enables the implementation of The Travel Corporation's five-year sustainability strategy whilst also enabling conscious and responsible growth for the business through marketing efforts. She has managed a successful partnership with Switzerland Tourism to promote the "Swisstainable” programme and is facilitating two-way industry dialogue in cooperation with Visit Scotland to bridge the gap between product and sales. These initiatives have enabled Gemma to increase interest in sustainable tours and the growth of tourism in shoulder seasons, highlighting the power of collaboration and effective communication in driving positive change.
Burak's dedication to incorporating sustainability into the events sector is commendable. By establishing a volunteer programme for international students and prioritising local sourcing, recycling and composting, the event he managed at the Fries Museum in Leeuwarden, showcases a practical approach to sustainable event management.
Camilla is a leading figure in sustainable tourism in Sweden, driven by her background as an ecologist and her deep understanding of the delicate balance of the natural world. As the founder of Nyrups Naturhotell, she has created a model for sustainable hospitality where guests connect with nature through mindful activities such as outdoor cooking and shared experiences around a campfire. Camilla further champions sustainable tourism as the President of Naturturismföretagen - The Swedish Nature and Ecotourism Association - and Deputy Chairperson of Företagarföreningen Mitt Skåne. Through these roles, she is a strong advocate for policies and practices that support the growth of environmentally and socially responsible tourism in Sweden.
Maša is a leading figure in driving Slovenia's sustainable tourism transition through her management of the Green Scheme of Slovenian Tourism (GSST) - a nationwide certification programme operating under the "SLOVENIA GREEN" brand. This programme provides a framework for evaluating and improving sustainability efforts across all sectors of the Slovenian tourism industry. Maša's background in environmental science and her leadership in coordinating efforts across government levels and promoting sustainable practices have been instrumental in the successful implementation of the GSST, solidifying Slovenia's position as a leader in sustainable tourism.
Dundreggan Rewilding Centre in Scotland is leading the way in sustainable tourism by showcasing the powerful impact of rewilding, with land once used for livestock grazing now being transformed back into a vibrant wild forest. The newly opened Dundreggan Rewilding Centre serves as a gateway to this revitalised landscape, providing a compelling narrative and immersive and educational experiences for visitors about how rewilding creates a more sustainable future for both nature and people.
The achievements and continued work of these individuals and teams are commendable and serve as inspiration for the entire tourism sector. Their dedication to sustainable practices demonstrates a strong commitment to protecting our planet and ensuring a thriving future for generations to come. As we celebrate their accomplishments, let us also reflect on our own roles in fostering sustainable tourism development and how collective action can play in creating a stronger and more resilient tourism sector.
International Sustainability Day on 26 October represents a vital platform for acknowledging the individuals driving the critical transformation towards sustainable tourism development and inspiring action and progress in this field. As the world confronts an escalating climate crisis, environmental degradation and social inequality, tourism must take a more proactive role in creating a sustainable future.
By recognising and celebrating the innovative initiatives and dedicated efforts of destinations, businesses and future tourism leaders, International Sustainability Day offers a valuable opportunity to highlight the positive impact of sustainable tourism practices on local communities and ecosystems. Sustainable tourism development and establishing a greener sector can be tackled through many different fronts, including impactful policies, small and routine actions and large-scale projects.
Effective leadership is paramount to overcoming the challenges associated with tourism development and promoting sustainable practices within the sector. Informed participation from all stakeholders is essential to achieving sustainable tourism, requiring dedicated sustainability champions to mobilise and coordinate actions that create a better future for a more resilient and inclusive tourism sector. This year, we recognise eight outstanding individuals and teams for their contribution to more equitable and environmentally friendly tourism:
Shane is a key figure in driving sustainable tourism development across Ireland. He not only champions sustainability within Fáilte Ireland but also actively contributes to shaping national policies and advocating for sustainable practices in the tourism sector. Through managing and guiding the National Environmental Monitoring Programme and overseeing environmental assessments for the development of Destination & Experience Development Plans, Shane ensures that tourism is managed in a way that benefits local communities and protects the environment.
Matea is a driving force in establishing Montenegro as a sustainable tourism destination, capitalising on its unique heritage as the world's first ecological state. Her passion for sustainable tourism and climate change adaptation is evident in her work championing the development of hiking and biking routes, which has led to the growth of nature-based tourism in Montenegro. While challenges exist in maintaining less popular trails, the project's success is demonstrated by the increasing number of tourism agencies offering outdoor activities and the rise of diverse adventure experiences such as canyoning, rafting, kitesurfing and birdwatching. The integration of over 150 registered rural households into organised travel experiences highlights the positive impact of this initiative on rural communities, marking a shift towards sustainable tourism models that benefit a wider range of communities beyond the coast.
The Quiet Site sets a compelling example of how sustainability can be seamlessly integrated into business operations in the tourism industry. They have constructed well-insulated and energy-positive accommodation units, with 80% of energy consumption coming from renewable sources. Significant infrastructural investments have also improved water efficiency and waste reduction. Beyond their own operations, The Quiet Site's dedication to sustainable development shines through their instrumental role in forming Sustainable and Integrated Transport for Ullswater, a group advocating for sustainable transportation options in the Ullswater Valley, including the creation of new footpaths and the launch of bus services that connect local attractions with accommodation, enabling car-free travel in the Lake District for both residents and visitors.
Gemma embodies the leadership crucial for driving sustainable tourism development, showcasing a proactive approach to minimising the environmental impact of tourism while supporting nature-based solutions. She enables the implementation of The Travel Corporation's five-year sustainability strategy whilst also enabling conscious and responsible growth for the business through marketing efforts. She has managed a successful partnership with Switzerland Tourism to promote the "Swisstainable” programme and is facilitating two-way industry dialogue in cooperation with Visit Scotland to bridge the gap between product and sales. These initiatives have enabled Gemma to increase interest in sustainable tours and the growth of tourism in shoulder seasons, highlighting the power of collaboration and effective communication in driving positive change.
Burak's dedication to incorporating sustainability into the events sector is commendable. By establishing a volunteer programme for international students and prioritising local sourcing, recycling and composting, the event he managed at the Fries Museum in Leeuwarden, showcases a practical approach to sustainable event management.
Camilla is a leading figure in sustainable tourism in Sweden, driven by her background as an ecologist and her deep understanding of the delicate balance of the natural world. As the founder of Nyrups Naturhotell, she has created a model for sustainable hospitality where guests connect with nature through mindful activities such as outdoor cooking and shared experiences around a campfire. Camilla further champions sustainable tourism as the President of Naturturismföretagen - The Swedish Nature and Ecotourism Association - and Deputy Chairperson of Företagarföreningen Mitt Skåne. Through these roles, she is a strong advocate for policies and practices that support the growth of environmentally and socially responsible tourism in Sweden.
Maša is a leading figure in driving Slovenia's sustainable tourism transition through her management of the Green Scheme of Slovenian Tourism (GSST) - a nationwide certification programme operating under the "SLOVENIA GREEN" brand. This programme provides a framework for evaluating and improving sustainability efforts across all sectors of the Slovenian tourism industry. Maša's background in environmental science and her leadership in coordinating efforts across government levels and promoting sustainable practices have been instrumental in the successful implementation of the GSST, solidifying Slovenia's position as a leader in sustainable tourism.
Dundreggan Rewilding Centre in Scotland is leading the way in sustainable tourism by showcasing the powerful impact of rewilding, with land once used for livestock grazing now being transformed back into a vibrant wild forest. The newly opened Dundreggan Rewilding Centre serves as a gateway to this revitalised landscape, providing a compelling narrative and immersive and educational experiences for visitors about how rewilding creates a more sustainable future for both nature and people.
The achievements and continued work of these individuals and teams are commendable and serve as inspiration for the entire tourism sector. Their dedication to sustainable practices demonstrates a strong commitment to protecting our planet and ensuring a thriving future for generations to come. As we celebrate their accomplishments, let us also reflect on our own roles in fostering sustainable tourism development and how collective action can play in creating a stronger and more resilient tourism sector.
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