Latest news with #sustainabletourism
Travel Daily News
2 days ago
- Business
- Travel Daily News
FITURNEXT: How tourism can contribute to responsible water management
FITURNEXT 2026 invites tourism initiatives promoting responsible water use, awarding impactful, replicable projects that support sustainable industry practices globally. MADRID – FITUR is looking for good tourism practices for the seventh edition of the FITURNEXT Observatory, the initiative to promote sustainable and regenerative tourism. The 2026 Challenge is framed around how tourism can contribute to efficient and responsible water management, aligned with various United Nations Sustainable Development Goals that aim to promote the right to clean and healthy water, health and wellbeing, climate action and responsible production and consumption. Any initiative that promotes a balance between water management and tourism and water sustainability can sign up until 31 August. The selected projects, following the criteria of a replicability barometer and an impact barometer, will be awarded during the International Tourism Trade Fair (FITUR) in January 2026. F acts and the importance of efficient water management in tourism In many countries, water pollution is a challenge for human and environmental health. According to UN data, today more than one billion people still lack access to safe drinking water and only 0.5% of the world's water is usable and accessible freshwater. The global urban population facing water scarcity is expected to double from 930 million in 2016 to 1700-2400 million people in 2050, leading to an imminent risk of aglobal water crisis. Likewise, water consumption is much higher in tourist areas: an average resident consumes 127 litres per day, while a tourist consumes between 450 and 800 litres per day. To address this situation, FITURNEXT is focusing its next edition on researching tourism initiatives that contribute to responsible water consumption and reduce water stress. The three categories for awarding initiatives The call is open to any company, public administration, organisation or project that promotes sustainable water use in the tourism sector and seeks to make visible and inspire other destinations that want to improve their relationship with water resources with their replicable models. Initiatives can be entered in three categories: Destinations and other territories: Aimed at public administrations and territorial bodies to implement innovative strategies in the sustainable management of the water cycle. HORECA and transport sector: Aimed at accommodation, catering and transport companies that apply solutions to optimise the use of water in their tourism services. Other agents in the tourism value chain: For travel agencies, operators, tourism experience companies and other entities with tools or initiatives that promote the responsible use of water in the industry. Thus, initiatives that fit into one of these categories have the opportunity to form part of the FITURNEXT Observatory and be recognised as one of the sector's best practices. The winning and finalist projects will participate in the activities that will take place at the FITUR 2026 stand and in subsequent actions, benefiting from the visibility provided by being part of the FITURNEXT community, thanks to its impact on the media and the different synergies generated among its participants.
BBC News
2 days ago
- Lifestyle
- BBC News
Loloma Hour: Where nature and happiness meet
In Fiji, tourists are helping conserve the archipelago's natural and cultural environment – one hour at a time. "Any Fijian will tell you loloma [means] love. It also means mercy, being kind, having compassion and charity, being generous," explains marine biologist Kolora Lewadradra. "Loloma also means the deep care that one has for another, for the land, the environment, the ocean – it's a word that expresses profound affection or goodness." Loloma Hour, a new initiative co-ordinated by Tourism Fiji, aims to capture that sense of integration with nature and love for the natural world. It encourages travellers to spend just 60 minutes of their holiday giving back to Fiji and contribute to projects helping the landscapes, seascapes, ecosystems and culture that make the archipelago so magical. Activities span the gamut, from helping conserve indigenous species, rehabilitate the reef and protect the coastline to preserving local culture by learning crafts such as basket weaving or pottery. But some of the most popular options are those that get travellers into Fiji's crystal-clear waters. Creating evangelists through protecting the reef Marine biologist Rob McFarlane leads ocean programmes at four resorts in Fiji, including Barefoot Manta Island in the Yasawa archipelago, where he heads up the resort's Marine Conservation Centre. As well as studying the reef manta rays that feed in a nearby channel during the dry season, McFarlane's team has counted and observed more than 330 reef fish species and 110 hard coral species within the local protected marine area, which spans just 26 hectares (64 acres).
Arabian Business
4 days ago
- Business
- Arabian Business
Why the future of tourism is collaborative
There is an old proverb that says: 'If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together'. In today's tourism landscape, this couldn't be more relevant. As our industry evolves, working together towards a more resilient tourism sector is increasingly vital. Governments, hospitality brands, and entrepreneurs, go further when they move together. Collective action has proven powerful for the travel industry. A prime example is how the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) brought together its members, governments, and industry leaders during the COVID-19 pandemic to establish 'Safe Travels', a set of global standardised protocols that gave travellers confidence to return. In turn, destinations were able to protect their visitors and resume operations safely. Even today, five years later, the World Economic Forum (WEF) noted in its report, ' Future of Travel and Tourism: Embracing Sustainable and Inclusive Growth ', that the industry will be shaped by 'the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders including supporting sectors, each playing a crucial role in driving positive change and innovation.' As tourism grows globally, public-private partnerships (PPPs) are vital in steering the sector towards a sustainable future. We've already seen the positive impact of these partnerships in some of the world's most sought-after destinations. From Macchu Pichu in South America to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, there are many examples of the private sector collaborating with government to balance tourism with the sustainable preservation of these irreplaceable destinations. In Ras Al Khaimah, one recent example of collective action is an initiative that emerged not from a mandate, but from dialogue and mutual interest among key industry players. In a regional first, the leaders of seven global hotel groups, including Marriott International, Hilton, Accor, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Ennismore, Rotana, and Radisson Hotel Group, came together in early 2025 to formally pledge their support for the Emirate's long-term development goals in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah. These pledges, reached through individual conversations with leadership, reflect a shared understanding: that sustainable growth in tourism depends on coordinated action. Rather than operating in silos, these hospitality leaders committed to contributing to the growth of the emirate's thriving tourism economy in line with the Ras Al Khaimah's Vision 2030, guiding their efforts across four key areas: supporting the emirate's tourism expansion, aligning on its sustainability standards and goals, raising its global profile, and contributing to its community development. With Ras Al Khaimah aiming to triple the size of its tourism economy and significantly grow its hospitality footprint by 2035, these pledges serve as a framework for how that growth can happen in a way that is inclusive, responsible, and strategically aligned. In an industry built on competition, this collective alignment represents a rare and powerful moment of unity for the industry. As tourism becomes more complex and multi-dimensional, we must also expand our collaborative horizons across borders, industries, and communities. Ultimately, tourism is about connection. And when we build our strategies on shared purpose, we create destinations that are not only more competitive, but more compelling. Looking ahead, I believe that public-private partnerships and cross-border cooperation will shape the future of tourism. As Ras Al Khaimah deepens its partnership with neighbouring emirates and international stakeholders, we are building bridges – not just between businesses, but between communities, cultures, and experiences.
Times of Oman
4 days ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
50% completion achieved in Telegraph Island development project in Musandam
Khasab: The development project of the historical Telegraph Island (Al-Maqlab) in Musandam Governorate has reached 50% completion. The project aligns with the governorate's efforts to achieve comprehensive economic development and enhance sustainable tourism initiatives. Eng. Ahmed Mohammed Al Shehi, Director of the Projects Department at Musandam Municipality, stated that the Telegraph Island development project is based on several strategic objectives, including: reviving the site's historical significance by restoring remaining structures and presenting them in an engaging educational and touristic manner, promoting sustainable tourism to boost local community income and generate job opportunities, and preserving the island's natural environment and biodiversity—particularly given its location in a marine area rich in coral reefs and fish. Additionally, the project aims to strengthen national identity by connecting new generations with the region's history and its role in historical global communication networks. He emphasised that the Telegraph Island development project presents a unique opportunity to bridge the past with the present by leveraging heritage for cultural and touristic development while maintaining a balanced approach between preservation and modernisation. The island has the potential to become a regional and global attraction, narrating a forgotten chapter of maritime communications and serving as a model for historical site development. The project includes the construction of a multi-purpose hall spanning 731 square metres, a service building adjacent to the hall covering 130 square metres, an 8-metre-long and 2.5-metre-wide floating marine landing platform, a guardhouse at the island's entrance with all necessary facilities, a generator and fuel tank building, a shaded seating area with dedicated flooring, and a mountain walkway providing access to all facilities on the island. Additionally, two photography platforms overlooking key landmarks around the island are being built. Al Shehi noted that the island holds unique historical significance as the site of the Middle East's first modern communication line. Its name derives from the undersea telegraph cable stretching from Mumbai, India, to Basra, Iraq, with Telegraph Island in Khor Sham, Khasab, serving as a transmission station in 1864. This makes it a witness to the birth of modern telecommunications in the region. Its demographics, natural features, and location amid sea inlets also make it an attractive destination for tourists, explorers, and adventure enthusiasts. It is worth mentioning that the project recently received special recognition in the prestigious Architizer A+ Awards as one of the world's most notable architectural projects.
Travel Daily News
5 days ago
- Business
- Travel Daily News
Hyatt Regency Belgrade becomes first hotel with 'Bike Friendly' certification
Hyatt Regency Belgrade earns Greece's 'Bike Friendly' label, marking international expansion and advancing sustainable, cyclist-focused hospitality standards. BELGRADE, SERBIA – Hyatt Regency Belgrade has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first hotel outside of Greece to be certified with the 'Bike Friendly' label, a distinction awarded by NatTour in collaboration with the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature. This marks the official expansion of the Greek-born certification into international territory, reinforcing the growing relevance of sustainable mobility in hospitality. The 'Bike Friendly' label is granted to hotels, municipalities, cycling tour operators, and travel agencies that meet specific criteria in accommodating cyclists. It aims to create a recognizable 'cycling identity' within destinations, encouraging visitors to explore their surroundings by bicycle during their stay. The initiative is a key pillar of NatTour's mission to promote alternative tourism forms, such as ecotourism, hiking, sports, cycling, and digital tourism, all under the broader goal of sustainable tourism and environmental preservation. The label is officially endorsed by the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Environment & Energy, and the Ministry of Infrastructure & Transport of Greece. In Serbia, the Ministry of Tourism & Youth and the Business Association of Hotel and Restaurant Industry (HORES) also endorse the label. These endorsements underscore the national recognition of NatTour's efforts to foster a cycling-friendly hospitality network and advocate for low-impact travel models that support sustainable mobility and eco-conscious tourism development. The certification of Hyatt Regency Belgrade as Bike Friendly not only affirms its commitment to environmental responsibility but also signifies the first step in expanding the label across Europe. Zafiris Lampadaridis, General Manager of Hyatt Regency Belgrade, commented: 'I'm incredibly proud to announce that Hyatt Regency Belgrade is now officially Bike-Friendly certified – and the first hotel in Serbia to achieve this distinction! This recognition from is a result of our continued dedication to making our hotel a leader in sustainable practices and eco-conscious hospitality. From cyclist-friendly facilities to encouraging micro-mobility for our guests and colleagues, this achievement shows what's possible when purpose drives progress. I would like to thank everyone involved in this project for helping us lead the way in our industry. We will continue setting new standards – for our guests, our city, and our planet.' A notable contribution to this project was made by architect Aleksandar Stanojlović from Žiža studio, who created a detailed cycling map of New Belgrade and parts of the Old Town. The map clearly shows existing bike lanes and key attractions, with the potential to add new points of interest and partners, further enriching Belgrade's cycling offer. With this new milestone, Bike Friendly begins its journey beyond Greece, paving the way for a broader European network of certified destinations committed to supporting green mobility and alternative tourism experiences. Hyatt Regency Belgrade now stands as a benchmark for properties aiming to align sustainability with hospitality excellence.
