Bike-share programs became more popular during the lockdown, as more people looked for alternatives to public transport. Even though the programs targeted residents, tourists accounted for more than a third of all users. By bike, tourists reach new neighbourhoods, distributing economic and social benefits of tourism activity more widely.
The Panamanian city of Portobelo is looking to expand its existing tourism offering as part of Panama’s “Master Plan for Sustainable Tourism.” Projects include the education and training of tour guides and the rehabilitation of the historic centre. This master plan reactivates the country’s tourism, conservation and Research (TCR) strategy applied over 20 years ago by the ecologist Dr. Hana Ayala and aims to reduce the social inequality gap and safeguard the UNESCO site.
As part of Skift’s Viewpoint series, Asia travel and consumer trends analyst Gary Bowerman, shares his 10 top lessons from the pandemic so far - “people have had a year to consider the perilous state of the planet, and they’re unimpressed. As borders reopen, sustainable, responsible, and regenerative travel will need to be reimagined, because the tourism sector is about to be in the eco-cross hairs”.
New research by the International Union for Conservation of Nature suggests that job cuts in nature reserves and environmental rollbacks by governments during the Covid-19 pandemic are undermining conservation efforts. Recovery measures need to be planned in a way that avoids negative impacts on biodiversity and charts a more sustainable and equitable way forward.
To accelerate the tourism and heritage sector’s recovery from Covid, protect livelihoods and encourage more inclusive and sustainable development, Germany has provided UNESCO with 2 million euros. The project will be implemented over 18 months in seven countries.
