Tourism And The Sustainable Development Goal 12

2017 has been declared as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for development by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), reflecting the strong commitment of the tourism sector to achieving the 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s), adopted by governments in 2015.
2017 has been declared as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for development by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), reflecting the strong commitment of the tourism sector to achieving the 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s), adopted by governments in 2015.
In the region, The South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) is working hard to ensure that tourism partners understand this commitment to sustainable tourism and are able to articulate what it means for them as partners in tourism development.
In an effort to bring about a clearer understanding of the SDGs and what it means for the region, SPTO has started a series of blogs to discuss the relevance of each goal to Pacific tourism.
According to UNWTO, Tourism has the potential to contribute directly or indirectly to all the SDG’s and is included as targets in Goals 8, 12 and 14 on inclusive and sustainable economic growth, sustainable consumption and production and the sustainable use of ocean and marine resources, respectively.
In the Pacific we can continue to work together to ensure that our tourism businesses are thriving; our land and ocean resources are managed well; our people benefit and our cultural values and traditions remain intact.
This week we will look at Goal 12 of the SDGs which aims to ENSURE SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION PATTERNS

A tourism sector that adopts sustainable consumption and production (SCP) practices can play a significant role in accelerating the global shift towards sustainability. To do so, as set in Target 12.b of Goal 12, it is imperative to “Develop and implement tools to monitor sustainable development impacts for sustainable tourism which creates jobs, promotes local culture and products”. The Sustainable Tourism Programme (STP) of the 10-Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production Patterns (10YFP) aims at developing such SCP practices including resource efficient initiatives that result in enhanced economic, social and environmental outcomes.  (UNWTO)
Continued growth of tourism is forecasted for the Pacific in the coming years resulting in additional economic returns.  Whilst this is positive for the region, it is also an indication that there will be increasing pressure on the environment, people and culture.  Managing energy and water use as well as waste produced by hotels, tour and transport services amongst others are some examples of the commitment that the sector needs to make in order to achieve sustainable growth.
The Pacific through the South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) and Sustainable Travel International is taking part in the 10YFP STP in developing a Sustainability Monitoring Program piloted in Fiji and Samoa via Government and key private sector associations.  The programme focuses on supporting the accommodation sector to monitor their sustainability performance over time.  By participating in the programme, businesses will have the information to make continual adjustments that lead to greater efficiencies and improved management processes.
Tourism can be used as a tool to ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns. When monitoring tools are put in place, people can clearly see the impacts and make the right decisions.