Latest news with #sustainabletourism
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
Going on holiday? Here's how to make sure your trip is sustainable
With the rise of sustainable tourism (travelling in a way that minimises harm to the environment, and benefits local communities), words such as 'sustainable', '"eco' and 'green' appear on countless holiday brochures. From five-star hotels promoting 'eco luxury' to airlines pledging to reduce carbon emissions and destinations making various green claims, sustainability is increasingly being used as a marketing tool. But with so many green claims floating around, it's hard to know who is really providing sustainable travel and who is just greenwashing. A recent report shows that 53% of green claims are vague, misleading, or unfounded – and half of all green labels offer weak or non-existent verification. So, how can travellers distinguish genuine sustainability from greenwash that exaggerates environmental claims to attract eco-conscious travellers? Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK's latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences. Sustainability certification is a voluntary, third-party assessment that verifies a product, service, or organisation meets certain environmental, social, or ethical standards. These certifications provide a structure to manage, improve and communicate sustainability performance. More than 100 sustainable certifications promise that they have vetted tourism businesses so you can have a satisfying and guilt-free holiday. Yet, not all certifications are made equal, as our recent research shows. Most certification schemes audit actions taken, rather than assessing how effective these are. They assure you that the hotel you are staying in has an environmental policy or that it is progressively reducing some of its negative effects on the environment, but not that their energy or water consumption is well below that of its competitors, for example. One major challenge is that consumers are not using these labels to inform their buying decisions. Next time you travel, select businesses certified by an organisation with a proven track record of verification and transparency. There are several things a strong certification should do: First, it should be third-party verified. This ensures that the green claims are independently checked. Second, it needs specific and clear criteria. Beware of vague sustainability claims, such as 'eco-friendly'. Look for certifications that require transparent reporting on performance for specific environmental actions, such as waste management, or responsible sourcing. Third, it should go beyond eco-savings. Reducing energy and water consumption saves the hotel money. They should not get a prize for that. Seek evidence of the certification promoting best practice in complex issues like biodiversity conservation and dignity in the workplace. Examples of sustainable tourism certifications to keep an eye on include Green Key (the largest label in Europe); B Corp (which measures a company's entire social and environmental impact); The Long Run (a promoter of nature conservation); and Fair Trade Tourism (a promoter of fair working conditions). These certifications require businesses to undergo regular audits to maintain them. In case you are thinking it's not your responsibility to find out who is any good – you are right. The EU Green Claims Directive (due to be implemented by 2026) is a new legislation that requires companies to prove their environmental claims and labels, and ensure they are credible and trustworthy. This directive recognises the greenwash problem and will require certification to be based on assessment of actual performance – in tourism, and every other sector of the economy. The directive applies to any business anywhere in the world that sells to consumers from the EU. Expect fewer, but more respected and recognisable labels, that reduce consumer confusion. Beyond eco-labels Certification is only part of the picture. Your next holiday can make a greater contribution to local communities while minimising its harm to the environment. Take the time to consider how your trip can be part of a larger, positive contribution. Here are more ways to ensure that your holiday supports local communities and the environment: Make sure you travel shorter and stay longer. Research shows that transport is a major part of the carbon footprint of your trip. Fly less (if at all). Choose flights with lower carbon footprints – various booking sites now tell customers the carbon footprint for each flight at the time of purchase. And stay longer so you spend more locally, for that same flight. Read more: Choose tour operators that prioritise locally owned and small suppliers. Buy souvenirs that are made locally, and you can only find in that country. Travel slow – soak in where you are. Hike, cycle, use local transport. You will see more of the real place you are in. Choose buses and trains over private cars. Rent electric vehicles and select accommodation that provides charging facilities. And enjoy local and seasonal rather than imported food. Eat everything in your plate, rather than create food waste. Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation's environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 45,000+ readers who've subscribed so far. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
CNA
5 days ago
- CNA
Sustainable tourism: Singapore Oceanarium opens, connecting visitors to marine conservation
Singapore is making waves in sustainable tourism, with the new Singapore Oceanarium adding a splash to its growing list of eco-friendly offerings. At three times larger than its predecessor, it boasts a Research and Learning Centre to advance marine education and support conservation. Caitlin Ng brings us through the revamped ocean institute and how it is more than just an attraction.
The Independent
7 days ago
- Business
- The Independent
Historic English cities demand right to impose tourist tax
Bath and Cambridge are urging the government to allow them to introduce tourist taxes, becoming the latest in a string of English destinations seeking similar levies. While Scotland and Wales have granted their councils the ability to tax tourists, at present the UK government has no law giving English local authorities the power to impose visitor levies. In recent months, an increasing number of cities and popular destinations around England have been voicing their eagerness to introduce similar tourist taxes. Bath and Cambridge are among the latest, having joined forces in urging Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner to consider passing a visitor levy law in England. The two cities attract hordes of tourists every year, with visitors drawn to Bath's Roman-built baths and Georgian architecture, while Cambridge appeals to visitors with its world-renowned university and pretty city centre. In a letter sent to Ms Rayner, the leaders of Bath & North East Somerset Council and Cambridge City Council state that their 'destination' cities are under growing amounts of pressure when it comes to tourism. They note that the number of visitors is putting local infrastructure under strain and increasing demands on services like waste management. The councils are seeking a roundtable with the government to explore ways that they can support sustainable tourism in their cities, including the introduction of 'a modest visitor levy' with revenue that will benefit both residents and visitors. The cities are keen for a similar structure to that which has been applied in Wales and Scotland, whereby levies would be applied across all types of accommodation, including short-term lets like Airbnb. Councillor Kevin Guy, leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council, has called for a 'fairer system' that recognises the costs of playing a role in the national visitor economy. He said that the council should be given the tools to manage tourism 'in a way that reflects local needs and priorities', as well as sustain the quality of the city for visitors. Cameron Holloway, leader of Cambridge City Council, said that while it is proud to welcome so many visitors a year, the 'high numbers of tourists ebbing and flowing through our relatively small medieval city centre can have a serious impact on local people, and can detract from the visitor experience'. 'If tourism in historic cities like ours is to remain sustainable and internationally competitive, we need to be given the means to manage the flow of visitors and to address some of the negative impacts of tourism on local residents, public realm, and infrastructure,' he added. The councils also want to explore other ways that sustainable tourism can be upheld in their heritage destinations, while still being able to enjoy the benefits from the visitor economy. Cambridge and Bath have both followed other destinations seeking the powers to impose a tourist tax. This includes Brent, home of Wembley Stadium, which attracts huge crowds and is keen to reinvest the funds from levies in local infrastructure. Oxford has also floated the idea of introducing a tourist tax through a legal workaround, which would involve setting up an Accommodation Business Improvement District (ABID) that would allow hotels to charge an extra fee to be reinvested in projects in the area.
Zawya
7 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: Omran says notable progress made in its Salalah agritourism project
Salalah: Omran Group, the executive arm of the Sultanate of Oman for tourism development, announced notable progress in the early-stage development of Janaen Salalah—a pioneering agritourism project located in Arzat, Salalah. This initiative forms part of Oman's broader strategy to diversify its economy by integrating sustainable tourism with agriculture-based investments. As part of the ongoing development efforts, H.H. Sayyid Marwan bin Turki Al Said, Governor of Dhofar, and Dr. Saud bin Hamoud Al Habsi, Minister of Agricultural, Fisheries Wealth and Water Resources, conducted a field visit to the project site, accompanied by senior officials from the Group and other key stakeholders. During the visit, they were briefed on the project's key components, development phases, and latest updates. The visit also included the ceremonial planting of the first coconut trees, marking the beginning of the initial cultivation phase. This milestone represents a key step in the broader vision to transform the site into a productive landscape that aligns with the project's agritourism goals. Developed under the Agritourism Development Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Omran Group, Janaen aims to position Sultanate of Oman as a regional leader in agritourism by combining agricultural activity, hospitality, recreation, and community living in one integrated setting. Spanning over 5.5 million square metres, the project's masterplan outlines a well-integrated mix of components, including farm-based accommodations, coconut and papaya processing facilities, educational and recreational areas, and a retail village—all thoughtfully designed to create a dynamic and immersive agritourism experience for both residents and visitors. In preparation for the official construction launch, several foundational activities have been completed as part of Phase 1. These include the finalisation of the concept masterplan design, which outlines the strategic integration of agricultural and tourism components. A comprehensive feasibility study has confirmed the project's viability, leading to a formal commitment to initiate Phase 1. Additionally, the project has secured an Integrated Tourism Complex (ITC) licence from the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism—a key milestone that allows for foreign ownership and enhances investment potential. An experienced agriculture contractor has also been appointed, and initial plantation works are now underway. Once completed, Janaen Salalah will comprise 250 residential units, a 5-star hotel with 128 keys, and purpose-built zones for eco-recreation, edutainment, and wellness. These features will be complemented by vibrant public spaces and year-round programming that highlight Oman's agricultural heritage and natural landscapes—offering a destination that balances lifestyle, learning, and leisure. 'This development reflects our ongoing commitment to pioneering sustainable tourism models that drive investment, support local agriculture, and create engaging visitor experiences rooted in Oman's natural heritage,' said Mundher Al Moosawi, Board of Managers Member at Janaen. The development aligns with Oman Vision 2040, particularly under the Competitive Economy and Environmental Sustainability pillars. It contributes to national priorities such as economic diversification, governorate development, public-private partnerships, and environmental stewardship—positioning Janaen Salalah as a model for responsible, value-driven tourism growth. As Omran Group approaches the launch of the next phase of the Janaen Salalah development, efforts are accelerating to position it as a model destination that embodies innovation, enhances added value, and contributes to sustainable economic returns in collaboration with our strategic partners. © Muscat Media Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Gulf Business
7 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Business
Zanzibar's Tourism Minister on its vision for growth, GCC visitors and eco-tourism
Image: Supplied With its pristine beaches, Swahili culture, and rising appeal as a luxury destination, Zanzibar is positioning itself as a leading player in sustainable tourism. In this exclusive interview with Gulf Business , Mudrick Ramadhan Soragha, Minister of Tourism of Zanzibar, outlines the island's vision for high-value, low-impact tourism, discussing everything from strategic partnerships with Gulf nations and rising GCC visitor numbers to eco-resorts, cultural conservation, and a new digitally enabled airport terminal. Zanzibar is gaining attention as a premium beach and cultural destination. How is your tourism strategy balancing luxury development with the need to preserve the island's natural ecosystems and Swahili heritage? Zanzibar's tourism strategy is guided by the principle of 'sustainability with authenticity'. We recognise that while luxury tourism is vital to our economic growth, it must not come at the expense of our fragile marine ecosystems or our centuries-old Swahili heritage. To ensure this balance, we have implemented rigorous environmental impact assessments as a prerequisite for all developments. We actively encourage sustainable design, favoring vernacular, low-impact architecture that integrates seamlessly with the natural and cultural landscape. We are also working closely with UNESCO to safeguard heritage assets and ensure that all tourism development aligns with Zanzibar's unique cultural identity. Finally, community engagement remains central, ensuring that development uplifts local livelihoods and reflects the essence of Zanzibari heritage. Many GCC countries are investing in luxury coastal developments and year-round beach tourism. What lessons or partnerships can Zanzibar explore with Gulf nations to enhance its own beach tourism offerings sustainably ? The visionary transformation of the Gulf into a hub for year-round luxury tourism provides a compelling blueprint for Zanzibar. We are exploring bilateral partnerships with the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain in areas such as hospitality investment, cultural exchange, and green infrastructure. The Gulf region's expertise in integrating climate-adaptive technologies, wellness and heritage experiences, and halal-friendly hospitality aligns well with Zanzibar's ambitions. Already, we are in advanced discussions with entities like Qatar's Retaj Group and other private investors in the region. We want to ensure that future investors prioritise integrating the local community and that developments will directly benefit the local population. Ways to achieve this are to employ island staff for all hotel functions and to source furniture, arts and interior design from local artisans. Our goal is to foster long-term Gulf-Zanzibar tourism investment corridors built on mutual values of innovation, sustainability, and respect for heritage. With increasing tourism from the Middle East to East Africa, how is Zanzibar tailoring its tourism products to attract high-value travellers from the GCC while maintaining authentic experiences? We are curating a suite of tourism experiences that speak directly to the preferences of Gulf travellers, particularly families, discerning couples, and faith-conscious tourists. These include ultra-private beachfront villas, halal culinary offerings, and bespoke cultural journeys that honor Zanzibar's deep Islamic heritage. We are also enhancing air connectivity and simplifying visa procedures for GCC nationals. This is why Zanzibar proactively pursued the opportunity to host the AVIADEV conference, as part of a broader strategy to attract more direct flights to the island. Yet, even as we elevate our service offering to match the expectations of high-net-worth visitors, we remain committed to preserving Zanzibar's soul, be it through traditional dhow sailing excursions, spice plantation tours, or immersive experiences. Read: Over-tourism and climate change are placing strain on coastal destinations globally. What policies or infrastructure investments is your ministry prioritising to make Zanzibar's beach tourism climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable? We are acutely aware that Zanzibar's future depends on ecological resilience. Central to our blue economy policy is our Marine Spatial Planning initiative, an ambitious coastal zoning project, in collaboration with various environmental partners, aimed at ensuring the sustainable use of marine and coastal resources. In parallel, we are upgrading waste and water management infrastructure within major tourism zones and investing in the training of local communities on sustainable best practices. We are also establishing marine protected areas and implementing coral reef restoration projects, particularly around Pemba Island—a vital biodiversity hotspot. Our long-term vision emphasises low-density, high-value tourism. By championing eco-conscious resorts over mass tourism models, we aim to protect both our environment and our cultural identity for generations to come. How is Zanzibar leveraging digital tools, eco-certifications and smart tourism strategies to remain competitive in a global market? Zanzibar is undergoing a digital transformation with the roll-out of smart visitor data systems, online licensing, and digital promotion platforms. Through a UK-funded programme we are also piloting the introduction of eco-certifications for hotels and tour operators and promoting sustainable practices via capacity building for small enterprises. By aligning with global sustainability benchmarks and embedding digital innovation, we aim to position Zanzibar as a regional leader in responsible tourism. Give us a breakdown of people visiting Zanzibar from the GCC, highlighting perhaps the UAE as well as Saudi Arabia and other key source markets. The Middle East, particularly the Gulf region, is emerging as a high-potential source market for Zanzibar. In 2024, arrivals from the UAE reached approximately 11,000, while Saudi Arabia accounted for 9,500 visitors. Collectively, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain contributed an additional 6,000 tourists. These numbers place the GCC firmly within our top ten non-African source markets. Our objective is to double this volume by 2027, supported by strategic airline partnerships, destination marketing, and tailored hospitality offerings. Overall, 71.6 per cent of arrivals into Zanzibar were from Europe, with Italy, Germany, France, and Poland leading. African arrivals also grew strongly, with South Africa and Kenya showing double-digit growth. The majority of travellers (86 per cent) are Millennials and Gen Z, with an average stay of eight nights. At 98.3 percent, leisure remains the primary purpose of travel to the island. Tell us about the investment from the government towards tourism. Key investments to support the island's continued tourism growth include the construction of the new international airport terminal at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, which has expanded the airport's capacity to 1.5 million annual passengers and enhanced air connectivity to the destination. With tourism now contributing over 27 per cent to Zanzibar's GDP, accounting for 80 per cent of its foreign exchange earnings, and sector revenues exceeding $1bn in 2024, we are also developing state-of-the-art Tourism Training Institutes to equip the local workforce with the skills needed to meet international hospitality standards. Moreover, substantial public-private investment is being directed toward eco-resorts, wellness centers, and sustainable marinas. Our heritage conservation initiatives are equally robust, and we are restoring architectural treasures in Stone Town and other cultural sites. To protect travellers and reinforce market confidence, we are introducing tourism insurance schemes and launching digital service platforms. All of these are anchored in our national vision of building a resilient, inclusive, and globally competitive tourism economy, grounded in sustainability and driven by innovation.
