By Emily Bailey
A growing number of tour operators have begun implementing sustainable tourism strategies based on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Just Tourism has studied the 17 UNSDGs in depth and explains throughout this article their relevance, and suggested ways to incorporate them into sustainability planning.
The adventure travel sector is often considered 'the' sustainable tourism sector, but that doesn't mean adventure is innately sustainable. Operators have made responsible tourism a core business value and have created itineraries that protect the environment and benefit the local community.
Over recent years, many adventure tour operators have transitioned from broad policy statements to concrete action plans. Stating being responsible and sustainable as business values is no longer sufficient; in some cases, this has led to less emphasis on establishing actual sustainability plans. But where do you start documenting your strategy when it is a core business value?
With the rise in certification options and frameworks to guide sustainability planning, deciding which one to follow can be challenging. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals offer a framework for promoting sustainable development. The seventeen goals are a respected cross-industry framework incorporating sustainability's environmental, social, and economic tenets. The goals provide a holistic view of sustainability, expanding tourism's focus on environmental impacts.
Incorporating the UNSDGs into sustainability planning can help tour operators define clear goals, measure their impact, and enhance transparency. However, due to their broad scope, they can be overwhelming. Despite their relevance, only a small percentage of adventure tour operators currently reference these goals on sustainability pages or impact reports (this is growing due to BCorp SDG Manager).
How can tour operators incorporate the UNSDGs in sustainability planning?
Identify goals that are relevant to your business values
Trying to achieve all seventeen goals can be overwhelming and tour operators will not be able to target all of them directly.
Create a sustainability team to choose which goals to aim for
You will get different viewpoints from different team members depending on their demographic and what they value.
Discuss your selected UNSDGs with your suppliers
The UNSDGs are more widely known outside the UK, so you may be surprised that your suppliers already use them.
Identify products that align with your goals
Working through your product range will take time, so start small and better understand what you offer. Collaborate with your suppliers on this.
Consider how to use the goals in marketing
Most customers will not be aware of the UNSDGs. However, creative storytelling about the positive impact of itineraries and experiences is encouraged.
Adventure tourism can significantly contribute to sustainable tourism due to its product dimensions, such as nature and wildlife tourism and community-based tourism. By using the UNSDGs as a framework for sustainable tourism strategies, operators can create nuanced objectives that suit their business and set clear goals to work towards.
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To find out more about using the UNSDGs in your sustainability plan download
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About the Author
Emily Bailey is the face behind Just Tourism, a consultancy creating bespoke sustainable tourism plans with achievable goals for adventure and niche tour operators.
Emily is passionate about adventure travel and ensuring tourism experiences have a positive impact on the planet and its people.
She works closely with worldwide DMCs and tour operators so understands supply chain relationships.
Just Tourism is a Business Partner of Adventure Travel Networking (ATN)
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