Smaller tourist destination can now apply for the European Destinations of Excellence (EDEN) initiative. It recognises and encourages environmentally responsible tourism practices and enhances a destination’s reputation as a sustainable destination.
Small island destinations are particularly vulnerable to climate change, natural disasters, and external economic shocks. A newly published paper titled ‘Small Islands, Large Oceans: Voices on the Frontlines of Climate Change’ looks at how a ‘blue economy’ approach is needed: protecting ocean resources by linking their sustainable use with economic growth.
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”.
As a result of overtourism, communities often choose to limit tourism at a destination. However, whilst many communities are concerned with ‘overtourism’, undertourism can be a bigger problem for many others. These communities dream of economic development, and with it jobs and opportunities. Either way, the host communities should be able to choose their vision of ideal tourism development.
In the circular economy model, there are no economic activities related to the consumption of finite resources. By keeping products and materials in use for as long as possible, no waste is created. Applying this economic model in small island destinations would make them less reliant on new input and more resilience.
