Path to Green and Successful Sustainable Tourism
In Sarajevo, Tuzla, Banja Luka, and Mostar, workshops entitled “Path to Green and Successful Sustainable Tourism” were held from October 31 to November 4. USAID Turizam organized workshops led by Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Director Randy Durband in an effort to enhance BiH’s competitiveness on the local and international markets.
These informative workshops represent one of the mechanisms to ensure that the industry is familiar with the environmental and responsible tourism best practices and certifications for tourism enterprises. The use of Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) criteria and sustainability standards leads to the long-term viability of tourism businesses. Additionally, Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) criteria and sustainability standards represents an international benchmark for sustainable travel & tourism, trends in certification, and illustrations of best practices.
The importance of international expertise for sustainable tourism development
To secure promotion and to maximize the dissemination of the information, the workshops were led by expert in the field of sustainable tourism Randy Durband, that outlined the benefits and importance of the sustainability principles which apply to the environmental, economic, and socio-cultural aspects of tourism development. GSTC Director Randy Durband, as a workshop leader, enabled to all participants tailored advices for tourism entreprises development. Certified companies will increase the competitiveness of the industry at the destination level and provide value to the entire product market, thereby further strengthening the trust of visitors and tour operators in environmentally friendly and sustainable products.
The workshops gathered representatives from the Federal Ministry of Environment and Tourism, the Ministry of Trade and Tourism RS, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Republic of Srpska, the Faculty of Science and Mathematics in Tuzla, UNDP, NGOs, tour operators, travel agencies, hotels, and spas.
The attendees actively participated in the conversation throughout this dynamic workshop and wanted to share their opinions on the sustainability challenges their companies deal with on a daily basis.
Why is sustainable tourism important?
In the face of climate change, the loss of biodiversity, and the COVID-19 epidemic, sustainable tourism certificates— which verify the sustainable operations of enterprises, destinations, and protected areas—are becoming more and more important. Travelers are increasingly preferring locations, lodging, and tourist enterprises with green and sustainable certifications; thus, in addition to contributing to sustainability, marketing businesses with green certifications has proven beneficial in drawing consumers and generating profitability. Adopting award and certification programs will encourage and promote sustainable tourism operations, as well as improve the image and appeal of destinations.
About Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) establishes and manages global standards for sustainable travel and tourism, known as the GSTC Criteria. There are two sets: Destination Criteria for public policymakers and destination managers, and Industry Criteria for hotels and tour operators. They are the result of a worldwide effort to develop a common language about sustainability in tourism. They are arranged in four pillars: (A) Sustainable management; (B) Socioeconomic impacts; (C) Cultural impacts; and (D) Environmental impacts. Since tourism destinations each have their own culture, environment, customs, and laws, the Criteria are designed to be adapted to local conditions and supplemented by additional criteria for the specific location and activity.
