|
PATA Code for Sustainable Tourism
APEC/PATA Code for Sustainable Tourism
At the 50th PATA Annual Conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, April 2001, PATA adopted and undertook to promote the Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC)/PATA Code for Sustainable Tourism.
This code urges PATA and chapter members and APEC-member economies to:
• Conserve the natural environment, ecosystems and biodiversity
o CONTRIBUTE to the conservation of any habitat of flora and fauna affected by tourism
o ENCOURAGE relevant authorities to identify areas worthy of conservation and to determine the level of development, if any, that would be compatible in or adjacent to those areas
o INCLUDE enhancement and corrective actions at tourism sites to conserve wildlife and natural ecosystems.
• Respect and support local traditions, cultures and communities
o ENSURE that community attitudes, local customs and cultural values, and the role of women and children, are understood in the planning and implementation of all tourism related projects
o PROVIDE opportunities for the wider community to take part in discussions on tourism planning issues where these affect the tourism industry and the community
o ENCOURAGE relevant authorities to identify cultural heritage worthy of conservation and to determine the level of development if any which would be compatible in or adjacent to those areas
o CONTRIBUTE to the identity and pride of local communities through providing quality tourism products and services sensitive to those communities.
• Maintain environmental management systems
o ENSURE that environmental assessment is an integral step in planning for a tourism project
o ENCOURAGE regular environmental audits of practices throughout the tourism industry and to promote desirable changes to those practices
o ESTABLISH detailed environmental policies and indicators, and/or guidelines for the various sectors of the tourism industry
o INCORPORATE environmentally sensitive design and construction solutions in any building or landscaping for tourism purposes.
• Conserve and reduce energy, waste and pollutants
o FOSTER environmentally responsible practices for:
reducing pollutants and greenhouse gases,
conserving water and protecting water quality,
managing efficiently waste and energy,
controlling noise levels and
promoting the use of recyclable and biodegradable materials.
Encourage a tourism commitment to environments and cultures
o ENCOURAGE those involved in tourism to comply with local, regional and national planning policies and to participate in the planning process
o FOSTER, in both management and staff of all tourism projects and activities, an awareness of environmental and cultural values
o ENCOURAGE all those who provide services to tourism enterprises to participate through environmentally and socially responsible actions
o SUPPORT environmental and cultural awareness through tourism marketing.
• Educate and inform others about local environments and cultures
o SUPPORT the inclusion of environmental and cultural values in tourism education, training and planning
o ENHANCE the appreciation and understanding by tourists of natural environments and cultural sensitivities through the provision of accurate information and appropriate interpretation
o ENCOURAGE, and support research on the environmental and cultural impacts of tourism.
• Cooperate with others to sustain environments and cultures
o COOPERATE with other individuals and organisations to advance environmental improvements and sustainable development practices, including establishing indicators and monitoring
o COMPLY with all international conventions and national, state and local laws which safeguard natural environments and cultural sensitivities.
The Code for Sustainable Tourism has been adopted by both PATA and APEC as a reflection of their strong commitment to tourism growth across the Asia Pacific region that is viable and sustainable over the long-term.
APEC was formed as a high level forum for the leaders of Asia Pacific economies in 1989. It has a particular commitment to opening up the region to freer trade in goods and services, which includes tourism.
APEC established a Tourism Working Group in 1991 and convened the first APEC Ministerial Meeting in Seoul in 2000. At that meeting APEC adopted its Tourism Charter, which sets out four policy goals, on of which is to “sustainably manage tourism outcomes and impacts”.
At the April 2001 meetings of the APEC Tourism Working Group and the 50th PATA Annual Conference, both of which took place in Malaysia, both APEC and PATA adopted the Code for Sustainable Tourism to guide their own activities as well as to promote it to their members and affiliates.
The code is designed for adoption and implementation by a wide range of tourism-related organisations and companies. By adhering to it they will be showing their commitment to a vision of tourism growth that is fully responsible in its approach to natural environments, social needs and cultural sensitivities.
By following the Code, organisations also effectively position themselves to deal with environmental regulations, standards and accreditation schemes.
|
