Sustainability Day is always celebrated on the fourth Wednesday of October. This Day was created to raise awareness about the topic and educate people what everyone can do to practice sustainability.
Sustainability is one of the components of the Smart tourism, which plays an increasingly important role in the era of climate change and limited resources.
Sustainable tourism
According to the World Tourism Organization, Sustainable Tourism is a “tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities”.
In addition, integration of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into tourism practices is a powerful way to align the industry’s growth with global efforts to achieve a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
Combating and adapting to climate change
Sustainability in tourism among other means combating and adapting to climate change. The ways or instruments to introduce this are:
- Carbon neutrality and reduction initiative
- Sustainable tourism tax
- Sustainable transport
- Smart city lighting etc.
Case studies
There are already quite many case studies of sustainable tourism practices in big touristic cities. Among which are:
Vienna, Austria
Tourism to Vienna is booming. Beside other measures, Vienna made a huge investment into sustainable mobility management and the upgrading of its public transport system. And with success: hardly any other city offers as environmentally friendly traffic options. This harbours great
benefits for tourism – visitors reach their destinations easily and quickly and experience Vienna as a city of pleasant and safe walking and increasingly
comfortable possibilities for cycling
Seville, Spain
In the heart of Europe, a city is rewriting the rules of tourism, embracing sustainability, innovation, and accessibility to create an extraordinary travel experience. Seville, the vibrant Spanish gem nestled in the enchanting region of Andalucía, has taken the lead in redefining what it means to be a smart tourist destination. As the European Capital of Smart Tourism in 2023, alongside with Pafos, Cyprus, Seville stands as a testament to the possibilities of harmonizing technology, sustainability and cultural heritage.
Furthermore, there is also European Capital of Smart Tourism award successfully implemented, where sustainability is one of the important factors considered.
SMARTOUR project
Erasmus + SMARTOUR project also contributes to awareness raising, education and further introduction of sustainability practices in tourism. Our first Smart Tourism Skills Development Workshop starts soon in Slovenia. Follow our developments and become more sustainable!