The ten principles for SDG-focused business initiatives in the tourism sector, drawn up by the Spanish Network of the Global Compact, were presented at Fitur, at a conference organised by SEGITTUR.
For the Secretary of State for Tourism, Isabel Oliver, “As well as contributing to the modernisation of the production model and its adaptation to climate change, the new tourism policy must be aligned with these Sustainable Development Goals, and committed to a sustainable tourism development model – if tourism isn’t sustainable, then there will be no tourism”.
For her part, the Executive Director of the Spanish Global Compact Network, Cristina Sánchez, said that “the decade we’re living in is the time to act, when it’s imperative to translate the commitments that tourism companies have traditionally been making into concrete, ambitious actions, such as those presented in this Decalogue. Now is the ideal time for its publication, and what better way to do this than together with Segittur, as a clear expression of the need for this sort of public-private alliance to achieve a greater impact”.
The Decalogue proposes actions linked to SDGs 5, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17. The following are among the actions proposed for tourism companies:
1.- To guarantee equal pay and opportunities for women, strengthen legal protections for women, and promote women’s leadership in the sector. (SDG 5. Gender Equality. Target 5.5)
2.- To consolidate the provision of quality, long-term employment opportunities for young people, people with disabilities and groups at high risk of social exclusion. (SDG 8. Decent Work and Economic Growth Target 8.5)
3.- To commit to innovation and digital transformation in order to develop a more efficient, inclusive and sustainable tourism offer, one that will pave the way to smart tourism. (SDG 9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure. Target 9.4)
4.- To preserve destinations, promote local culture and products, and promote sustainable cities and sustainable forms of transport. (SDG 11. Sustainable Cities and Communities. Target 11.4)
5.- To establish circular economy criteria in the value chain of companies in the sector, and encourage sustainable consumption patterns among tourists. (SDG 12. Responsible Consumption and Production. Target 12.4)
6.- To promote measures to tackle climate change, and to raise awareness among stakeholders in companies in the sector (SDG 13 Climate Action Target 13.3)
7.- To conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development. (SDG 14. Life Below Water. Target 14.5)
8.- To promote the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems to preserve the biodiversity of tourist destinations. (SDG 15. Life on Land. Target 15.1).
9.- To introduce process transparency in companies within the sector, guaranteeing safe environments and respect for human rights, and avoiding corrupt practices. (SDG 16. Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. Target 16.5)
10.- To promote the exchange of knowledge through strategic alliances between companies, governments, civil society and universities in order to maximize impact. (SDG 17. Partnerships for the Goals. Target 17.17)
