Biosphere announces sustainable tourism charter

The World Charter for Sustainable Tourism, proclaimed in Vitoria-Gasteiz

Among the commitments Biosphere has adopted is "the need to preserve the common heritage and promote the culture of peace; strengthen the partnership between tourism and biodiversity, redefine the tourism industry to climate change, promote the participation of local communities, and work on innovation and smart vision of tourism.

The World Summit on Sustainable Tourism held in Vitoria on 26 and 27 November was the scene of the unanimous adoption and proclamation by His Excellency Don Iñigo Urkullu, President of the Basque Government, of the World Charter for Sustainable Tourism +20.

This document, which is the reformulation of the First World Charter for Sustainable Tourism, incorporates the 17 Sustainable Development Goals adopted at the United Nations Summit on Sustainable Development held in September 2015, and represents a great opportunity to firmly steer tourism towards an inclusive and sustainable way.

"This new Charter sees tourism as the first industry in the world. An essential factor of cultural, social and economic development of peoples, "said Urkullu after signing the commitment to responsible tourism of Euskadi. "It is the mission we share: tourism in line with the Sustainable Development Goals, outlined in the UN Summit this year."

The development of tourism in Euskadi "is committed to the people," an idea that applies "quality tourism and proximity, and tourism as a shared life experience."

The Charter also claims the preservation of the actual quality of the destinations and the tourism industry and the ability to meet the tourist as priorities, as well as the need to promote alternative forms of tourism.

Finally, it urges the authorities and related associations to this activity, to promote activities that contribute to the implementation of the principles and recommendations outlined in the World Charter for Sustainable Tourism and convene where appropriate a new meeting in order to assess achievements and establish renewed alliances.

The resolution will be presented to the UNESCO Director General, the Secretary General of the UNWTO and the Executive Director of UNEP, in order to receive support for its wide circulation among the major players of world tourism in order to guide the action of tourism in the framework of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals adopted at the United Nations Summit on Sustainable Development.

Download the World Charter for Sustainable Tourism +20 PDF:

Valere Tjolle

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