The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) is pleased to highlight key insights from Visit Sweden’s article, “Environmentally and Climate-Smart Solutions Are the Key,” (Miljö- och klimatsmarta lösningar är nyckeln) which builds on discussions from the #GSTC2024Sweden International Conference held in Stockholm in April 2024. The theme of this conference, “Purposeful Travel,” emphasized the critical importance of integrating sustainable practices into the tourism industry to minimize environmental impact and enhance travel experiences.
This article provides a valuable synthesis of the lectures that addressed environmental and climate challenges, presenting innovative solutions for sustainable tourism. It also briefly mentions the newly developed GSTC MICE Criteria (for venues, event organizers, and Event & Exhibitions).
The article delves into several vital topics, including: Green transportation, reduction of food waste, sustainability in attractions and sustainability in conferences.
Transport represents approximately 50% of a tourist’s carbon footprint. The article discusses the need for new technologies for green transport, such as electrified transportation and fossil-free fuels, while highlighting successful initiatives like electrified sightseeing boat tours in Stockholm. It advocates for changing travel habits to embrace slower, more experiential journeys that prioritize sustainability.
With a staggering one-third of food produced going to waste globally, the article outlines practical strategies for minimizing food waste in the hospitality sector. Suggestions include optimizing food storage, utilizing AI tools to measure waste, and involving chefs in creating sustainable menus. By implementing these strategies, the industry can reduce costs while contributing to sustainability.
Furthermore, the discussion highlights the management of resources, including energy and water, and emphasizes the need for clear sustainability goals and employee engagement. It outlines how attractions can achieve sustainability without complicating their operations and the economic advantages of integrating sustainability into business practices.
Conferences, Events, and Meetings in the MICE sector face unique challenges related to sustainability, particularly regarding air travel and supplier selection. The article discusses the necessity of redefining meeting formats to foster meaningful connections, highlighting the role of local products and sustainable practices in enhancing participant engagement.
By adopting environmentally and climate-smart solutions, we can collectively work towards a more sustainable future in tourism. For additional resources and information on GSTC’s Criteria, visit our website. For more insights about GSTC’s past Conferences check here.
Continue reading Visit Sweden’s original article here to explore these insights further. Also, read more about the article series Visit Sweden launched about “Sustainable Hospitality” (Hållbar Besöksnäring) here.
