The sustainable development charity works with more than 120 organisations and businesses on eco-friendly initiatives.
Its Paradise Found report highlights the Soneva Fushi by Six Senses resort in the Maldives as one of a growing number of destinations that are reaping the benefits of incorporating carbon management into their business.
The resort has halved its carbon footprint since 2004 and this, along with other environmental measures, has helped reduce its costs by ‘hundreds of thousands of dollars’.
The report looks as ways resorts can become greener and more profitable at the same time, such as investing in energy efficiency, implementing staff retention programmes and re-thinking waste. The strategies also benefit local communities.
It also provides examples of how leading tourism businesses are taking action on climate change, cutting greenhouse gas emissions in expectation of tough regulations and making plans to adapt to the consequences of changing weather systems.
Stephanie Draper, author of the report and acting director of the Forum’s business programme, said: ‘The collapse of several airlines and tour operators shows that the industry needs to take long-term sustainability factors into account in its strategic planning.
‘The industry has been blindsided by rollercoaster fuel prices and the economic downturn. Issues like climate change and water are just around the corner. To be sustainable financially, as well as environmentally and socially, the industry needs a new approach.
‘This report challenges the industry to see sustainability in tourism destinations as an opportunity, a chance to differentiate, innovate and save money.’
The report is intended as a guide for tour operators, developers, hoteliers and other tourism providers involved in building new resorts or refurbishing existing buildings.
Click here to read it in full (5MB pdf).
See also:
Airlines commit to biofuel development (25/09/08)
Survey shows ethical holidays set for growth (17/09/08)
VisitBritain to assess green scheme (29/08/08)
Survey reveals environmental apathy (21/08/08)
Prince Charles to launch sustainability debate (25/07/08)
The Co-operative Travel rejects third runway (24/07/08)
Cost not main concern for most holidaymakers (10/07/08)
TUI UK expands sustainability team (12/05/08)