Sustainable tourism. It is time to celebrate the best in 2024!
This month, I want to celebrate the best of sustainable tourism. I want to do that because it is common for people to celebrate if you are a celebrity or similar.
It is unusual to be celebrated if you are a regular person with a regular business or role. Instead, we all deserve to be celebrated sometimes!
Even more, if we are working, making effort, time and energy to create something beautiful like a better tourism industry.
I am glad to share the winners of the To-Do Award 2024, the Hotel Sustainability Award 2024 and the Hall of Fame, new members by Ecotourism Australia.
Hotel Sustainability Award
The Hotel Sustainability Award at the Bolzano Trade Fair honours the most innovative companies that offer sustainable products and services.
The award categories are:
Sustainable Food & Drink, circular Product Design, sustainable Technology, sustainable Tourism Pioneers 360° (reserved for entrepreneurs in the tourism sector).
https://www.fierabolzano.it/it/hotel/sustainability-award-hotel
Sustainable Food & Drink: the winner is the Panettone of Pasticceria Giotto from Padova, awarded for its combination of culinary tradition and social reintegration, involving 38 prisoners in the production and using high-quality local ingredients.
Sustainable Technology: Gastrofresh SRL won with an innovative system of reusable folding crates for transporting fruit and vegetables, which reduces the use of single-use packaging and promotes the circular economy. Cradle to Cradle certified system is an example of environmental and economic sustainability.
Circular Product Design: the winner is Steva Hemp of Merano with its 100% hemp textile bedding, which stands out for its use of sustainable materials and environmentally friendly production practices. The company also offers a rental service with sustainable washing.
Sustainable Tourism Pioneers 360°: the award goes to the Cyprianerhof Dolomit Resort in Tires (BZ), which stands out for its autonomous energy production and use of regional and seasonal products, a commitment to social and cultural sustainability, and a new artistic programme involving community and guests.
The jury, chaired by Klaus Egger, Special Commissioner for Sustainability, was composed of: Sonja Abrate (Director Ökoinstitut South Tyrol), Michael Riedl (Deputy Director of the Fraunhofer Institute Italy), Aart Van Bezooijen (Professor at the Free University of Bozen/Bolzano), Stefanie Prieth (Lead Sustainability in Tourism – IDM), Maximilian Walder (Researcher at Eurac Research), Thomas Mur (Director Fiera Bolzano) and Elmar Burchia (journalist at Dove Viaggi & Corriere della Sera).
To Do Award
With the international “TO DO Award“, the Institute for Tourism and Development awards initiatives that enable local people’s participation and decision-making in tourism projects, products and services.
The contest is supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), Bread for the World (the development service of the protestant church), forum anders reisen (a not-for-profit association of responsible tour operators), ITB Berlin, Studiosus Reisen Munich, and the Swiss Foundation for Solidarity in Tourism.
An expert jury preselects candidates from the applications submitted; experts then check the selected projects on location. The award ceremony takes place annually at ITB Berlin.
TO DO Award 2024 Comunidad Yunguilla, Ecuador
The Yunguilla project, spanning nearly 30 years exemplifies the concept of “Responsible Management of Natural Resources.” This initiative, agreed upon by a small community situated at 2650 meters above sea level. Transitioning from a subsistence economy, the approximately 250 residents have, since 1995, successfully halted deforestation and, alongside reforestation and environmental measures, transformed their area into an attractive ecotourism destination within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve “Chocó Andino de Pichincha.”
Located in a cloud forest region of the Andes at the top of a scenic valley near Quito, Yunguilla is surrounded by a biodiverse 8000-hectare forest, home to orchids, hummingbirds, and occasionally spectacled bears.
The homestay program is central to this experience, allowing guests to live with local families, partake in shared meals, and understand their daily life and sustainable practices, like cheese making, jam production, and farming, all within the context of genuine hospitality.
Comment: in many years of global research on environmental, social and developmental issues, has rarely encountered a village community like Yunguilla, which has been pulled together over three generations. This community has pursued and successfully implemented the goals and sustainability of naturally available resources from within and from below on their own initiative.
Please find the full application and valuation of Comunidad Yunguilla
https://www.todo-contest.org/site/assets/files/3029/award_justification_yunguilla.pdf
- TO DO Award 2024 Fernweh Fair Travel, India
Fernweh Fair Travel – Uplifting Communities in Gopeshwar-Chamoli, Uttarakhand offers immersive comfort-luxury tours in the Himalayas, known for its rich flora and fauna, including wildlife protection areas. The region is increasingly popular for trekking, bird watching, and wellness activities.
The founder, originally from this area, focused on creating employment opportunities for women, especially widows and victims of domestic violence, in a region where poverty is widespread. Recognizing the region’s tourism potential, she initiated the project, which aimed at involving local women, enhancing their independence and social recognition.
Accommodation was developed, immersive experiences and traditional meals were introduced. Training was provided for guest handling, with skills passed within families and the community. A portion of profits supports environmental, educational, and community projects. Over 557 people, mostly women, now sustain their livelihoods through tourism-related income.
Please find the full application and valuation of Fernweh Fair Travel. https://www.todo-contest.org/site/assets/files/3023/award_justification_fernweh_fair_travel.pdf
Reference
https://www.todo-contest.org/eng/awarded-projects/to-do-award-2024-comunidad-yunguilla-ecuador/
https://www.todo-contest.org/eng/awarded-projects/to-do-award-2024-fernweh-fair-travel-india/
Ecotourism Australia Hall of Fame.
Over 60 businesses have achieved 20 years of certification. Ecotourism Australia decided to celebrate them by recognising their long-term commitment to ecologically sustainable tourism, which fosters environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation, and conservation. These are the first ecotourism innovators who have helped pave the way for responsible and sustainable tourism as we experience it today in Australia.
Paronella Park
A unique and innovative attraction in Mena Creek, 1 1/2 hours South of Cairns. Built in the 1920s by early ecotourism pioneer Jose Paronella. Paronella Park is recognised as a ‘must-do’ for visitors to Cairns.
It is the fulfilment of José Paronella’s dreams. From the turret-topped balconies of the concrete castle to the Hydro Electric generating plant below the falls, we stand in awe of his achievements.
Owner/operators Mark and Judy see themselves as custodians of José Paronella’s dream. Much like José, they view operating in an environmentally sustainable way as an obvious choice and one that provides many benefits. For example, Mark and Judy have restored the original 1930s era hydroelectric system to once again provide all of Paronella Park’s electricity needs. Not only does this significantly reduce any negative effects on the environment, it also brings a part of José Paronella’s dream back to life. Mark describes the hydroelectric system to guests on the night tour as “the heartbeat of Paronella Park.”
Scenic World Blue Mountains
Scenic World in the beautiful Blue Mountains is a stunning attraction within two hours from Sydney. Ride the Scenic Railway or Cableway to the Walkway in the Jamison Valley to experience the rainforest. Glide over the valley in the Skyway with its unique Electro-Sceniglass floor, enjoying unsurpassed views.
“We are passionate custodians of a historic site, strongly connected to our World Heritage-listed region. We are committed to protecting and sharing our unique Blue Mountains environment with the world.”
Reference
https://ecotourism.org.au/community-resources/hall-of-fame/
Sara
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