Sustainable Tourism: Events

Events

Transforming tourism for climate action

Transforming Tourism for Climate Action

One Planet Sustainable Tourism Programme "Transforming tourism for climate action" official side-event at COP25.

Transforming tourism for climate action requires embracing a low carbon pathway with awareness and optimization as key elements. Awareness: through measurement and disclosure of the emissions related to tourism activities and the setting of evidence-based targets. Optimization: through instruments and strategies to scale-up mitigation and adaptation in the tourism sector with all stakeholders having to play a role. 

In this side-event, policy makers will discuss their strategic approaches to transform the tourism sector. The report “Transport related CO2 emissions of the tourism sector – modelling results” will be launched and provide the basis for discussion as it forecasts transport related emissions of the tourism sector to 2030 against a current ambition scenario. 

The event is part of the activities of the One Planet Sustainable Tourism Programme and is organized by UNWTO, in collaboration with UN Environment and the governments of France and Spain.

Related Links

Leveraging Sustainable Procurement to Transform the Tourism Sector Paris, 30 October 2018

The interactive workshop “Leveraging sustainable procurement practices to transform tourism value chains” which took place in the UN Environment, in Paris on 30th October aimed to engage a dialogue with 45 purchasing and sustainability professionals from tourism industry on how to leverage sustainable procurement to reduce GHG emissions and improve resource efficiency.

Sustainable Procurement to Transform the Tourism Sector ParisThe event was organized by UN Environment in partnership with One Planet Sustainable Tourism Programme, within the frame of the project “Transforming tourism value chains”, funded by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, and with the financial support of the French Government.

iscussions focused on four action areas:  procurement of food, refrigeration and cooling equipment, the reduction of single-use plastics and circular procurement practices. Following expert interventions and case studies presentations, participants discussed in smaller groups their procurement practices in the four areas, shared their lessons learned, and discussed on how best to address common challenges and issues.

The following recommendations emerged from the workshop:

  • Education and raising awareness among stakeholders on the potential impacts of sustainable procurement is critical to embark all relevant stakeholders;
  • Engaging suppliers at an early stage, and other value chain actors is key to identify innovative solutions and business models and stimulate the market to offer more sustainable products and services;
  • Measuring and reporting on the benefits and impacts of sustainable procurement will enable all value chain actors understand how such practices can benefit businesses throughout the value chain;
  • The role of certifications and consumer information tools was highlighted, as they streamline available information and guide consumers and procurers to make better choices.

For more information on the Agenda and Interventions, please visit here.

Circularity in the Built Environment Enabled by Digitalization Brussels, 20 September 2018, 10 am - 4.30 pm

The EU H2020 project BAMB (Buildings as Material Banks) www.bamb2020.eu and the One Planet Network www.oneplanetnetwork.org organized an event to learn from ongoing exemplary initiatives and debate how currently available tools are supporting a systemic shift towards circularity in the built environment through digitalization, assessment and procurement.

Built Environment Enabled by Digitalization BrusselsWatch the video of the One Planet network session here, where three of the six programmes of the network (Sustainable Tourism, Sustainable Buildings & Construction and the Sustainable Public Procurement) presented their view and work on circular economy.

In the afternoon, the One Planet - Sustainable Tourism Programme organized a parallel session dedicated to "Advancing circularity solutions in tourism and construction". The session aimed, through the discussion of experts from European tourism organizations and European Commission representatives, to prioritize next steps for the contruction of a tourism sector applying circular economy solutions. 

Take a look at the Programme and Presentations of the plenary and parallel sessions here.

One Planet Sustainable Tourism Programme & One Planet network at the HIGH-LEVEL POLITICAL FORUM ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT (9-18 July 2018) 

One Planet Sustainable Tourism Programme & One Planet network

On the occasion of the 2018 High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) and the in-depth review of SDG 12, the One Planet network organized and participated in several events, securing high-level political support at the official review of SDG 12 and other events. 

The One Planet Sustainable Tourism Programme participated in the exhibition ‘Camp One Planet’, an interactive space for launching initiatives, meetings, interviews which served also as home-base for One Planet partners in New York during the High-Level Political Forum on Sustinable Development.

The main exhibition welcomed over 3,300 visitors, including a number of Ministers, senior officials from UN agencies, businesses and non-government organisations and the public. The camp provided an engaging and interactive space over 900 square feet, featuring multimedia displays of curated highlights from the network, six original 360 degree videos of Sustainable Consumption and Production projects from around the world and a customised photo booth.

To know more about the One Planet Network at the High Level Political Forum see this short video or download the summary.

HLPF OFFICIAL SIDE-EVENT on Tourism & Construction: Circular Economy Solutions for SDG12, 18 July 2018, UN Headquarters, New York

The Sustainable Tourism and Sustainable Buildings and Construction programmes of the One Planet Network, together with UN Environment, as well as the governments of Bhutan, Botswana, Finland and Mexico, organized an official side-event to showcase how circular economy solutions in the tourism and construction sectors can accelerate the shift to sustainable consumption and production (SCP) and the implementation of SDG 12 while contributing to sustainable and resilient societies. 

Sustainable Development and Circular Economy: Sustainable and Responsible Tourism 20-21 November 2017, Papeete, French Polynesia

Sustainable Development and Circular EconomyThe seminar on Sustainable and Responsible Tourism was hosted by the local government of French Polynesia on 20-21 November 2017 in Papeete. It was the second seminar of the three-part series of seminars held under the framework of the 'Sustainable Development and Circular Economy' project led by the Pacific Economic Cooperation Council (PEEC).

This seminar addressed the tourism sector’s high importance for country members of PEEC while at the same time discussing the need and potential of integrating circular economic thinking into tourism so as to accelerate the sector’s contribution to environmental protection, socio-economic benefits and the fight against climate change.

Starting with the keynote address by Pascal Lamy, Chair of the World Committee on Tourism Ethics, the seminar covered issues such as economic development, international cooperation, environmental protection, sustainability measurement and island economies in the tourism sector. The Coordination Desk of 10YFP STP had provided technical support for organizing this seminar.

The World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) 5-7 June 2017, Helsinki, Finland

The World Circular Economy Forum 2017 brought together the world’s leading experts and decision makers in circular economy field– a total of around 1,500 participants from over 100 countries. WCEF2017 featured 17 plenary and parallel sessions showcasing circular economy solutions for business, cities and finance.

The World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF)

Sustainable tourism was one of the themes of the session on Collective Impact for Sustainable Consumption and a Circular Economy, held on 5th of June. The objectives of the event were to share the concept of consumption in the context of circular economy and to present circular economy related activities of the 10YFP programmes to new stakeholders. The 10YFP Sustainable Tourism Programme was represented by two of its partners, future.camp® and gutundgut gmbh, who shared information on their living lab hotel project, which aims at promoting sustainable lifestyles through tourism and their place making approach which promotes adopting best practices of waste and energy management, water treatment, using local food and construction in tourism.

In addition, MAC member South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) participated in the side event on Sustainable Consumption and Production - From Science to Policy Action, held on 5th of June, in a dynamic exchange about emerging science on the economic potential of resource efficiency and circular economy. The discussed innovative approaches are considered ideal for tourism stakeholders in the Pacific and in line with the objective of SPTO to advocate for effective waste and water management and renewable energy options, while at the same time creating jobs and growing the economy.

For more information on the World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF), please visit here and here

10YFP Inter-Programme Meeting 16-17 May 2017, Paris, France

10YFP Inter-Programme Meeting The 10YFP Executive meeting took place on 17 May and gathered, for the first time, the 10YFP Board, all 10YFP programme Lead, Co-leads and Coordination Desks, current donors and the 10YFP Secretariat. The objectives of the meeting were to provide an update on the implementation status of the 10YFP and initiate the visualization of key priorities for 10YFP goals by 2022 and 2030. It included discussion sessions on communications and the implementation of SCP at regional and national levels.

On the previous day, the meeting of 10YFP programme Coordination Desks took place to share practices and lessons learnt on the portfolios, collaboration and resource mobilization, indicators of success and reporting and the development of the 10YFP strategy 2018-2022. The meeting concluded with the participatory formulation of a SWOT analysis of 10YFP which was presented at the 10YFP Executive Meeting. In a nutshell: The Strength of 10YFP lays on being a network of diverse multidisciplinary actors willing to work together and already starting to get first tangible results from action on the ground, whether it is through trust fund projects, conferences, campaigns, webinars, portfolios, tools, methodologies and other activities. As the main Weakness, the 10YFP programmes are still not fully succeeding in communicating why and how does 10YFP make the difference, which could be linked to the fact that the resources available to create 'proof of concept' are limited. There are Opportunities to engage and trigger more action from the private sector and also to generate more political will to advance SCP from governments. For the latter, the liaison and exchanges with national focal points, ideally orchestrated by the 10YFP Secretariat, will be essential. Also, to enhance collaboration across programmes. Lastly, the Threat could be related to the risk of being over ambitious and thinking that everything can be achieved through the 10YFP, rather than finding ways to prioritise responsibly how to catalyse innovation and excellence. 

Please find additional information on the event below:

10YFP South-South Cooperation Conference on Sustainable Consumption and Production 6-7 April 2017, Brasilia, Brazil

Working group on "Sustainable Tourism for Development: How do one billion tourists become one billion opportunities?"

The South-South Cooperation Conference on sustainable consumption and production (SCP), organized by the Ministry of the Environment, Brazil, and UN Environment, was held in Brasilia with the objective of fostering South-South cooperation on SCP in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, as a means of achieving the SDGs. 

Sustainable tourism was one of the themes of South-South Cooperation with a dedicated working group, held on 6th of April, where members of the 10YFP Sustainable Tourism Programme had the opportunity to exchange with representatives from governments, development agencies and experts on their experiences and lessons learned from implementing South-South Cooperation projects and Triangular Cooperation projects with a focus on biodiversity protection and good governance.

The working group also highlighted the role the 10YFP Sustainable Tourism Programme is playing in (1) fostering systematic application of sustainable practices in tourism to accelerate the shift towards SCP patterns, (2) facilitating the dissemination of experiences and best practices on SCP among the network of the programme, and (3) identifying opportunities for their replication and scaling up from both regions.  

The outcome document outlines some of the key messages and recommendations generated from the working group on the opportunities, benefits and challenges of South-South Cooperation in tourism.

Documents

International Symposium and Annual Conference of the 10YFP Sustainable Tourism Programme - 11-12 November 2016, Marrakech, Morocco

The International Symposium and Annual Conference of the 10YFP Sustainable Tourism Programme (STP) were held from 11-12 November 2016 in Marrakech as part of a three-day Tourism Side Event during the 22nd Session of Conference of Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC COP22) under the theme "Advancing Sustainable Tourism in a Changing Climate". 

The two events were organized by the 10YFP STP which is a partnership led by UNWTO with the Governments of France, Morocco and the Republic of Korea as co-leads and hosted by the Ministry of Tourism of Morocco, with the support of the 10YFP Secretariat at UN Environment. 

Workshop on Integrating Energy Efficiency into the 10 Year Framework of Programmes (10YFP) on Sustainable Consumption and Production Patterns - 8-9 September 2016, UN City, Copenhagen, Denmark 

The workshop on 'Integrating Energy Efficiency into the 10 Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production Patterns (10YFP)' was jointly organised by the 10YFP Secretariat and the Copenhagen Centre on Energy Efficiency (C2E2) from 8-9 September, 2016 in UN City, Copenhagen. Twenty experts from the different 10YFP programmes as well as energy efficiency experts from UN Environment, Copenhagen Centre on Energy Efficiency (C2E2), Sustainable Energy for All (SE for All) Accelerator Platform and Danish academic institutions participated in the workshop. In this interactive event, the 10YFP programmes explored entry points for energy efficiency in their respective activities.

After an internal selection process, two Partners were selected to represent the 10YFP Sustainable Tourism Programme: Sustainable Tourism Partnership Programme (STPP), South Africa and Asociación Civil Generación Par, Argentina. 

iPoster session at IUCN World Conservation Congress 1-6 September 2016, Hawaii, United States of America

The IUCN World Conservation Congress 2016 was one of the largest gatherings of environmental policy-makers since the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in New York, and functioned as a major opportunity to begin the discussion on how to put those deals into action. 6,000 delegates from around the globe, including representatives of 170 governments, leading scientists, NGOs, indigenous peoples and business leaders, took part in this event.

iPoster session at IUCN World Conservation CongressThe iPoster session was an initiative carried out by  IUCN, LT&C, UNDP, UNWTO and the 10YFP Secretariat. The session was featured as part of the ´SDGs Journey´ - a compilation of side-events at the Congress which related to initiatives focusing on the implementation of the SDGs;  taking into account the role of the 10YFP as an implementation mechanism for SDG 12, explicitly mentioned under target 12.1:

Implement the 10-year framework of programmes on sustainable consumption and production, all countries taking action, with developed countries taking the lead, taking into account the development and capabilities of developing countries.

For further information on the Congress please visit here.

Sustainable Tourism Conference & Symposium on Accelerating the Shift towards Sustainable Consumption and Production Patterns, 20-21 April 2016, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire

The Sustainable Tourism Conference & Symposium on Accelerating the Shift towards Sustainable Consumption and Production Patterns in Africa was held back to back with the Fifty-eighth Meeting of the UNWTO Commission for Africa and within the framework of SITA (Salon International du Tourisme d’Abidjan). It gathered Ministers of Tourism of Africa, high-level officials, tourism stakeholders and Affiliate members to share their visions and experiences concerning the integration of sustainable consumption and production (SCP) into the tourism sector. 

On the first day, Ministers from Algeria, Ghana, Islamic Republic of the Gambia, Jamaica, Morocco, South Africa, Sudan, and Zimbabwe, discussed their plans to address the recently approved Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in particular Goals 8 and 12 which include specific targets for the tourism sector with regards to sustainable economic growth and SCP. Moreover, representatives from UNCTAD, Embassy of Cameroon to Spain, Tourism Ministry of Côte d’Ivoire, New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) Climate Change Fund, UNDP Côte d’Ivoire, GIZ GmbH, Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), debated on enhancing sustainable tourism investment and financing. 

The second day, representatives from GSTC, UEMOA, East Africa Tourism Platform, Wild Chimpanzee Foundation, OIPR, FITUR/IFEMA, ECOWAS, RETOSA, FTT, Afrique Nature, and ECO-CI, discussed the importance of improving collaboration among stakeholders to enhance the tourism sector's performance with regards to SCP. All in all, the Sustainable Tourism Conference & Symposium resulted in enhanced dialogue on decoupling economic growth from environmental degradation by accelerating SCP patterns in the tourism sector in relation to the SDGs and the 10YFP Sustainable Tourism Programme.

Regional Symposium on Sustainable Tourism in Africa, January 26-27th, 2016, Rabat, Morocco

The Regional Symposium on Sustainable Tourism in Africa aimed at promoting the integration of sustainable development principles into tourism policies through the increase of the economic and social advantages for local communities and the preservation of biodiversity and natural assets of the African destination. This event was held in the margin of Morocco's celebration of the 1st edition of its "Moroccan Responsible & Sustainable Tourism Day" in January, 25th, 2016 - Rabat.

The event gathered delegations from several African countries who shared their visions and experiences, alongside NGOs, Experts and Moroccan representatives of public & private institutions. A technical workshop - facilitated by UNEP experts - was organized on the 2nd day of the Symposium - where participants were invited to:

  1. Initiate a thinking process on sustainability integration in upstream planning of tourism and destination strategies;
  2. Identify, prioritize and target for projects and the persistent barriers (and key recommendations to overcome them) to their successful implementation and sustainable tourism achievements;
  3. Identify the right indicators and report on measures with the guidance of UNWTO's Sustainable Tourism projects indicators.

10YFP Flagship Project Development Workshop, 15 July 2015, Paris, France

This Workshop aimed at providing actors in the 10YFP programmes (Leads, Co-Leads, Members of Multi-stakeholder Advisory Committees and Partners) with the creative space to bring together project consortia to develop large-scale project proposals, share knowledge and information on funding opportunities, engage in detailed planning and make the link with flagship projects under development in other programmes of the 10YFP. The outcomes of this workshop led to the identification and formulation of a refined list of promising projects, including some which are transversal across more than one programme. For further information please visit the official web of the 10YFP Secretariat.

First Global Meeting of the 10YFP, 14-15 May 2015, New York, UN Headquarters, USA

The objectives of the 1st Global Meeting of the 10YFP were manifold:

Global Stakeholder Meeting of the 10YFP, 14 May 2015:

  • Illustrate and explore the universal nature and added value of shifting towards SCP for the achievement of sustainable development;
  • Promote the 10YFP as an implementation mechanism of the SDGs and Post-2015 Development Agenda, with a focus on programmes, their delivery at regional and national levels, and measurement of capacity built through them;
  • Explore the capacity of the 10YFP and its programmes to support the SDGs and the shift to SCP.

Implementing and Inter-linking 10YFP Programmes, 15 May 2015:

  • Coordinate for a coherent delivery and accelerated implementation of the 10YFP programmes, operationalizing the collective impact approach;
  • Increase the 10YFP programmes’ capacity to create synergies with current regional and national strategies and initiatives;
  • Identify joint work areas and potentially transformative, large-scale projects and initiatives spanning more than one 10YFP programme.

For the Agenda, Synthesis Report and Meeting Presentations, please click here

 

10YFP STP Session within the Framework of the 5th Conference of the Global Partnership for Sustainable Tourism (GPST), 25 February 2015, Windhoek, Namibia

The  Conference, held at the Windhoek Country Club & Resort, in Namibia, 23-25 February 2015, included a Session on the 10YFP STP. The Session gathered representatives from the 10YFP Secretariat, Lead, Co-Leads, Multi-stakeholder Advisory Committee and Partners, especially those Partners transitioning from GPST to 10YFP STP. The state of the affairs of the 10YFP STP was presented highlighting its structure, objectives and intended areas of work. Moreover, the Ministry of Tourism of Morocco showcased their experience integrating sustainable consumption and production into tourism policies and strategies. Lastly, there were brainstorming and discussion about the types of projects to be implemented within the framework of the 10YFP STP as well as monitoring and evaluation. On the left, the closing ceremony (from left to right: Mr. Charles Arden-Clarke, 10YFP Secretariat; Dr. Mihee Kang, representing the Government of the Republic of Korea as Co-Lead of the 10YFP STP; Dr. Dirk Glaesser, Representing UNWTO as Lead of the 10YFP; Ms. Nada Roudies, representing the Government of Morocco as Co-Lead of the 10YFP STP and former Chair of the GPST; Mr. Etienne Coffin, representing the Government of France as Co-Lead of the 10YFP STP and former Vice Chair of the GPST). 

Open Meeting of the Multi-stakeholder Advisory Committee (MAC) at FITUR Green 2015, 28 January 2015

An Open meeting of the Multi-stakeholder Advisory Committee (MAC) of the 10YFP STP was held on 28 January 2015, in the framework of FITUR Green 2015 (28 to 30 January 2015). MAC Members shared success stories, initiatives, projects and experiences aimed at maximizing tourism’s unique potential to accelerate the shift to sustainable consumption and production along and across the value chain. 

Launch of the 10YFP STP, 5 November 2014, London, UK 

The 10YFP Sustainable Tourism Programme (STP) was launched in London, on 5 November 2014, on the occasion of the World Responsible Tourism Day, at World Travel Market (WTM).

Sustainable Development and Circular Economy: Sustainable and Responsible Tourism 20-21 November 2017, Papeete, French Polynesia

The seminar on Sustainable and Responsible Tourism was hosted by the local government of French Polynesia on 20-21 November 2017 in Papeete. It was the second seminar of the three-part series of seminars held under the framework of the 'Sustainable Development and Circular Economy' project led by the Pacific Economic Cooperation Council (PEEC).

Conferences

2017 International Symposium of the 10YFP Sustainable Tourism Programme, 7 December 2017, Kasane, Chobe, Botswana

2017 International Symposium and Annual Conference of the 10YFP Sustainable Tourism Programme, 7-9 December 2017, Kasane, Chobe, Botswana

The International Symposium was scheduled for 7 December and brings stakeholders of the programme and sustainable tourism experts from around the world, who are dedicated to advancing sustainable tourism globally and particularly focusing on applying innovative approaches, tools and techniques to accelerate sustainable SCP patterns in the tourism sector in both developed and developing countries. The event was open to the public.

The International Symposium of the 10YFP STP brings stakeholders of the programme and sustainable tourism experts from around the world altogether, who are dedicated to advancing sustainable tourism globally and particularly focusing on applying innovative approaches, tools and techniques to accelerate sustainable SCP patterns in the tourism sector in both developed and developing countries.

Official Opening

  • Dr. Taleb Rifai, Secretary-General, World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) – Video address                                     
  • Hon. Tshekedi Khama, Minister of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism, Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism of Botswana

Panel 1 – Tourism and Conservation planning: Better data for better management

  • Moderators:
    • Mr. Dirk Glaesser, Director, Sustainable Development of Tourism, UNWTO
    • Ms. Paula Hidalgo-Sanchís, Manager, Pulse Lab Kampala, UN Global Pulse
  • Evidence-based policy advice through GIS tracking of tourists - the Tourism Tracer project: Ms. Anne Hardy, Director, Tourism Research and Education Network (TRENd), University of Tasmania, Australia
  • Geospatial technologies and big data - the growing tool-box for tourism planning and Management: Mr. Simon Hughes, Managing Director, Hatfield Consultants Africa
  • Global mobility studied via ICT data - applications for tourism: Mr. José Javier Ramasco, Distinguished Researcher, Institute for Cross-Disciplinary Physics and Complex Systems, Spanish National Research Council and University of the Balearic Islands, Spain
  • Data for Sustainability - creating unique tools for lasting benefits: Mr. Sergio Estella, Founder & Chief Design Officer, Vizzuality 

Panel 2 – Circularity in tourism value chains: Supporting the Paris Agreement through a low carbon transition

  • Moderators:
    • Mr. Bruno Fareniaux, General Advisor, Ministry of Ecological and Inclusive Transition of France                             
    • Mr. Nicolas Perin, Programme Manager, International Tourism Partnership Circularity in tourism value chains: Supporting the Paris Agreement through a low carbon transition
  • Transforming tourism value chains to accelerate more resilient, resource efficient and low carbon development: Ms. Lisette Marie Gil Munoz, Tourism and Value Chains Specialist, Owners Association of Hotels Condos Playa Dorada, Dominican Republic
  • Supporting zero waste to landfill policy through supply chain management and green procurement in the hospitality industry: A Case Study: Ms. Bonte Edwards, Associate, Environmental Management and Sustainability, JG Afrika
  • Tourism and the Paris agreement: what solutions for the transport sector?: Mr. Vincent Benezech, Transport Analyst, International Transport Forum, OECD
  • Destination Management Organizations as drivers for the circular economy: Mr. Guy Bigwood, Director, Global Destination Sustainability Index

Panel 3 – Financing innovation in tourism: Promoting conservation, competitiveness, sustainability and inclusion

  • Moderators:
    • Mr. Muyeye Chambwera, Technical Specialist, Sustainable Development, UNDP Ms. Sue Snyman, Group Sustainability Manager and Vice-Chair of the IUCN WCPA Tourism and Protected Areas Specialist Group, Wilderness Safaris
    • Biodiversity conservation and wildlife tourism at the Global Environment Facility: Mr. Jaime Cavelier, Senior Biodiversity Specialist, Programs Unit, Global Environment Facility
  • Leveraging partnerships to promote sustainable wildlife-based tourism: Mr. Elisson Wright, Senior Program Coordinator, Global Wildlife Program, World Bank Group
  • Tourism – an opportunity for transfrontier conservation areas?: Mr. Reinhard Woytek, Programme Director SADC-GIZ Transboundary Use and Protection of Natural Resources
  • Natural capital, sustainable tourism and innovative financing: Mr. Ruud Jansen, Executive Secretary, Gaborone Declaration for Sustainability in Africa/ Conservation International
  • Impact investing and conservation tourism: Mr. Francois Barnard, Associate, Conservation Capital 

Panel 4 – Marketing of Sustainability: Driving change in an era of 'empowered tourists'

  • Moderator:
    • Mr. Guy Bigwood, Sustainability Manager, MCI Group
    • Marketing of sustainability: Driving change in an era of 'empowered tourists' 
  • Marketing a sustainable destination – a Botswana story: Ms. Jillian Blackbeard, Executive Manager, Botswana Tourism Organization
  • Successes and challenges of marketing sustainability in adventure travel: Mr. Praveen Moman, Co-founder and Managing Director of Volcanoes Safaris and Member of the Advisory Board of the Adventure Travel and Trade Association
  • Supporting the development of domestic elephant-watching tourism: Mr. Julien Marchais, Founder & Programme coordinator, Association Elephants & Humans, Coordinator of the EleWatch Initiative
  • Monitoring visitor satisfaction for effective sustainability strategies: Mr. Michael Kessler, Chief Revenue Officer, Review Pro
  • Understanding behaviour science for sustainable tourism: ‘Empowerment and Fun’: Mr. Christopher Warren, Director, International Centre for Responsible Tourism – Australia and Middle East

 Conclusions, Closing Remarks and Vote of Thanks

  • Ms. Jillian Blackbeard, Executive Manager, Botswana Tourism Organization

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2017 International Symposium and Annual Conference of the 10YFP Sustainable Tourism Programme, 7-9 December 2017, Kasane, Chobe, Botswana

The Annual Conference took place on 8 December and was a meeting where annual progress, priorities and programme needs were discussed. The Conference presented opportunities for participants to exchange experiences and played an active role in shaping the priorities of the programme by using their collective intelligence to jointly develop a Call for Action. The event was open to the public. 

The Annual Conference of the 10YFP STP is a meeting of programme actors where annual progress, priorities and programme needs are discussed. The Conference presents opportunities for STP programme Lead, Co‐Leads, MAC Members and Partners to exchange experiences and play an active role in shaping the direction and work priorities of the 10YFP STP as part of the legacy of the International Year for Sustainable Tourism for Development within a Call for Action.

Welcome remarks
  • Ms. Jillian Blackbeard, Executive Manager, Botswana Tourism Organization

Looking forward to meeting the SDGs: The role of the 10YFP Sustainable Tourism Programme

  • Lead: Dr. Dirk Glaesser, Director, Sustainable Development of Tourism, UNWTO 
  • Co‐lead: Mr. Bruno Fareniaux, General Advisor, Ministry of Ecological and Inclusive Transition, France

Local perspectives on sustainable development, conservation and tourism

Chaired by Mr. Tafa Tafa, Executive Manager for Investments and Projects, Botswana Tourism Organization

  • The history of Chobe’s first game lodge: Mr. Jonathan Gibson, CEO, Chobe Holdings
  • Building sustainable conservation economies through responsible ecotourism: Mr. Kai Collins, Conservation Manager, Wilderness Safaris
  • Fostering coexistence between elephants and people: Ms. Amanda Stronza, Director, Ecoexist project
  • Changing lives forever through travel: Ms. Tumie Matlhware, Corporate Social Responsibility Officer, Travel for Impact

Collective work on the Kasane Call to Action for sustainable consumption and production in tourism

Co‐Chaired by: Mr. Ronald Sanabria, Senior Consultant, Rainforest Alliance and Ms. Helena Rey, Programme Officer, Consumption and Production Unit, UN Environment

  • Setting the scene ‐ the 10YFP, the SDGs and our network commitments: Ms. Cecilia Lopez y Royo, Coordinator, 10YFP Secretariat, UN Environment
  • The run up to a solid first draft: Mr. Ronald Sanabria, Senior Consultant, Rainforest Alliance
  • Inspiring us to take action, 10YFP STP members at work:

Africa Ignite: Ms. Bongiwe Mlangeni, WOWZULU Project Leader

Nomad Lodges and member of The Long Run: Mr. Pierre‐André Kruger, CEO

Japan Ecolodge Association and member of the Asian Ecotourism Network: Mr. Masaru Takayama, Executive Director

Sustainable Travel International: Ms. Isabel Torres, Director of Global Programmes

Fair Trade Tourism: Ms. Jane Edge, Managing Director

NATIVE Hotels: Mr. Pablo Ramón, Founder and Communications Director

Review of progress in 2017 and programme priorities for 2018

Chaired by: Mr. Thomas Legoupil, Policy Advisor, Ministry of Ecological Transition of France

  • Overview of progress in 2017 and Identifying priorities and opportunities for 2018: Coordination Desk Officers from Morocco, Republic of Korea, France and UNWTO (Mr. Mohammed Bekkali, Ms. Nari Ahn, Ms. Svitlana Mikhalyeva and Ms. Virginia Trapa)
  • 10YFP Mid‐term review: Five‐year strategy for the network, including rebranding: Ms. Cecilia Lopez y Royo and Ms. Mei-Ling Park, 10YFP Secretariat, UN Environment

Conclusions, closing remarks and vote of thanks

  • Co‐lead: Mr. Bruno Fareniaux, General Advisor, Ministry of Ecological and Inclusive Transition, France
  • Lead: Dr. Dirk Glaesser, Director, Sustainable Development of Tourism, UNWTO

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Final programme

For more information on logistics

For more information on moderators and speakers

To see some additional media coverage, please visit:

Advancing SDG 12: Kasane Call to Action

During the Annual Conference, we were collectively developing the Kasane Call to Action to accelerate sustainable consumption and production in the tourism sector. Our goal was to contribute to the legacy of the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development and agree on the way forward to advance Agenda 2030 and more specifically Sustainable Development Goal 12 (SDG12) on sustainable consumption and production (SCP).

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