ITB 2023 in Review
ITB Berlin 2023 showed that the tourism industry is ready for change. With sustainability, regenerative and responsible travel, climate change and resilience at the heart of discussions, “Business as usual” is no longer an option and growth for the industry.
We found a few of the highlights from the event that may interest you.
Sustainable Hospitality Alliance
SHA Released an updated Pathway to NetZero in Hospitality. The pathway provides a holistic and practical four-stage roadmap, aligning with leading global frameworks and standards, to enable every hotel to work towards a net positive impact, no matter their starting point.
World Travel and Tourism Council
WTTC announced the next stage of the Hotel Sustainability Basics initiative. Partnering with Green Key and SGS to develop a simple online verification system that requires hotels to provide evidence they are meeting the ‘Basics’ criteria. The scheme encourages hospitality businesses to begin their sustainability journey with 12 bare minimum criteria and redefine the non-negotiables of sustainability.
The verification scheme ensures hotels and other types of tourist accommodation are officially verified. During the first year, they are evaluated against 8 of the criteria with a commitment to meeting all 12 after 3 years. Together, these criteria are designed to ensure that the sector remains eco-resilient and adaptive to today’s environmental challenges.
The United Nations has voted to create a Global Tourism Resilience Day,
February 17 will be used to promote a sustainable and resilient travel industry, with a focus on the potential for the sector to drive economic growth, social development and financial inclusion, in addition to environmental benefits.
Can we preserve the world while enjoying it?
Professor Schellnhuber discussed in detail the obstacles the travel industry has at large regarding climate change and how the next two decades are pivotal for taking decisive action. After providing key data regarding climate change, the professor noted the “wonderful solutions we have in store.”
Click-a-Tree and ITB 23
Click a tree, B2-to-Tree partners allow travellers to plant trees with the click of a button, offsetting their travel. ITB Berlin partnered with click a tree to see 100 trees planted and 1000 kgs of plastic waste removed from the ocean.
Taking responsibility for the supply chain of tourism partners
Travel partners agreed that taking responsibility for the supply chain demanded a transformation no company could achieve independently.
