It is not news that tourism presents itself as a strong means of promoting and preserving the history and culture of a given country, as well as a driver of the economy. However, if it is not well planned and developed in a disorderly way, it has the power to accelerate the degradation of the environment and historical heritage of the place - this is also nothing new. Responsible tourism has long been on the agenda of meetings of organizations, destinations, large and small companies, with the search and desire for it to develop, but in the most sustainable way. Yes, it is possible!
As the main beacon of this development, we have the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations (UN), developed in 2015, which define a global framework to eradicate extreme poverty, combat social inequality and injustice, as well as repair climate change by the year 2030. Tourism has the potential to contribute, directly or indirectly, to all SDGs, especially in the goals: 8 (Decent work and economic growth); 12th (Sustainable production and consumption); and 14th (Protection of marine life).
Learn more about SDGs here .
The Brazilian Association of Technical Standards (ABNT) in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, published standards for the sustainable development of tourism in Brazil in lodging facilities, but which, of course, are applicable throughout the tourism sector. Such rules aim to: guarantee the rights of local populations; conserve the natural environment and its biodiversity; consider cultural heritage and local values; stimulate the social and economic development of tourist destinations, among others. Want to know more? Access here .
For responsible management, tourism must establish ethical business procedures, aiming to engage the social, economic and environmental responsibility of all members of the activity, increasing the commitment of its personnel, suppliers and tourists, in sustainability matters, from the elaboration of its mission, objectives, strategies, goals, plans and management processes.
According to The Economist , Brazil ranks 7th out of the 10 most sustainable countries in terms of tourism. This practice assumes that the activity meets the demands of the tourist and the socioeconomic needs of the receiving regions, maintaining the cultural, natural and biological integrity of the destination visited. Sustainable tourism has several different subcategories such as: Ecotourism, Community Tourism, Rural Tourism, Soft Tourism.
In national tourism, the Braztoa Sustainability Award an initiative of the Brazilian Association of Tour Operators (BRAZTOA) recognizes the best national practices of sustainable tourism aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), for 10 years!
The award aims to encourage, recognize and give visibility to initiatives that stand out as the best sustainability practices, contributing to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in Brazil. With more than 1,000 entries and 102 winners, the Award is consolidated as the largest award at the national level, and has already recognized initiatives from all Brazilian regions, having received applications from all states.
Here on the Lets Blog, we have already made a post talking about the group's involvement and the Award; You can check it out here . But it is always good to reinforce that the greatest asset is the jury, currently with three LETS researchers as jurors (Helena Costa, João Tasso and Jaqueline Gil), and also the coordination and management of the Award, made by me, Rayane Ruas.
Does your enterprise or destination have sustainability actions? Take the opportunity to be recognized by the Highest Sustainability Award in Brazilian Tourism!
Nominations for the award are Open until August 21, 2023. Can apply operators associated with BRAZTOA, public and private institutions, in addition to companies operating in the tourism sector, with a bias related to sustainable tourism.
Check out the Award Regulation Here .
Make your own Apply Here .
