About

Summary 

The global tourism industry is increasingly embedding sustainability throughout the sector and demand for sustainable tourism experiences is rising rapidly. Before COVID-19, sustainable tourism was becoming more important to the travelling public.  Recent consumer research demonstrates that this demand has grown and collectively, travellers are seeking to travel in more sustainable and mindful ways as a result of changed priorities brought about as a result of the pandemic.  Acorn Tourism’s latest business guide commissioned by the CBI, the Netherlands Enterprise Agency, highlighted the key elements of becoming a sustainable tourism company, aimed at supporting SMEs in developing countries to attract European travellers wanting to travel sustainably. 

Our Approach 

As a Green Destinations Representative, Acorn Tourism has extensive experience of supporting clients all over the world to incorporate sustainable practices into their businesses.  Comprehensive knowledge and extensive research underpins Acorn’s guide which offers a wide range of practical and useful strategies for SMEs.

Understanding the challenges faced by destinations to operate sustainably, the guide explains the importance of sustainability in today’s world to help mitigate the effects of climate change and the negative effects of tourism on local communities and the natural environment.  It outlines the key elements of sustainability that include energy efficiency, water conservation and waste management, carbon emissions, the importance of local communities and maximising positive impact on local cultures, health and safety and animal welfare in tourism.

The guide also discussed the importance of becoming certified as a sustainable tourism provider, profiling a number of the major schemes most commonly adopted around the world, including Travelife for Tour Operators.  

Outcome 

Acorn’s business guide delivered wide-ranging and comprehensive practical advice and information to help local tour operators to work towards a more sustainable future that will attract an increasingly mindful European travelling customer and help save the planet.