Tourism

For one-third of developing countries, tourism is the most important source of income.

Nevertheless, the sector causes 5% of worldwide CO2 emissions and has a large, negative impact on the local population and environment. Some of the major issues are: waste, energy consumption, pressure on natural reserves, impact on cultures and traditions, conflicts regarding land use and poor working conditions.

Over the last five years there was a strong increase in the number of Dutch tourists that choose a developing country as holiday destination. In 2006 approximately 2.3 million Dutch travellers visited developing countries.

In recent years the tour operating sector in the Netherlands and the UK has taken the first steps to address sustainability issues in the sector. A certification system on sustainability performance for the tourism sector has recently been developed, called Travelife .

Tour operators and suppliers are linked through common standards and a systematic approach in order to align and integrate their efforts towards a sustainable supply chain. The system is currently being introduced by the Dutch Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (ANVR) amongst its members.

The IDH programme aims to speed up the implementation of Travelife  standards at accommodations in 6 long haul destinations. In cooperation with 8 Dutch tour operators, covering 60% of the Dutch tour operating market, the ANVR and IDH will ´push´ for the improvement of the sustainability performance of accommodations at tourist destinations in Tanzania, Kenya, Turkey, Egypt, Thailand and Brazil by using the Travelife management system.

In total, 1000 accommodations in the selected countries will be targeted. By the end of 2010, 300 accommodations will be in the process of certification.

Additionally, by the end of 2010 a joint sector approach on reduction and offsets regarding CO2 emissions will be formulated in cooperation with the airlines and other stakeholders.

Saskia Griep of Sawadee Travels about sustainable tourism and TravelLife.

Programme targets for 2010

• Implementing of ‘Travelife’ certification at 300 accommodations in the selected destinations
• Develop for each destination an action plan on the most important sustainability issues in cooperation with local stakeholders
• Joint approach on reduction of CO2 emissions

Focus countries

Brazil, Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey, The Netherlands

Participants

ANVR, TUI Nederland, Kuoni, Oad Group, Baobab Reizen, ReisspecialistenGroep, Sawadee Reizen, SNP Reizen, Fox Vakanties, Travel Foundation Nederland CBI, Cordaid, ECEAT, ECPAT, Initiatief Duurzaam Uitgaand Toerisme (IDUT), IUCN Nederland, PlanNederland, WUR 

Budget

€ 844.000 (€ 352.500 IDH)