The European Travel Commission (ETC) has commissioned the Travel Foundation, GoodPlace Slovenia and Green Case Consulting to deliver a new handbook on implementing national tourism schemes, including certifications, awards and indicators that aim to improve and promote sustainable travel experiences.
The handbook, available early next year, will be the ultimate “how to” guide for National Tourism Organisations across Europe. The report will set out a framework, or “model” scheme, which can be adapted to meet the specific needs of each European nation.
The user-friendly handbook will be based on sustainable development and management principles, and will draw on the latest research and best practice tools and case studies, including the award-winning Slovenia Green scheme. But above all, it will draw on the experiences of the authors and ETC members, to create a practical toolkit filled with useful templates, checklists and other resources to inspire and guide tourism managers through a tried and tested process.
Eduardo Santander, Executive Director of ETC said:
Our members are committed to developing more sustainable forms of tourism and they understand the potential for sustainability schemes to enhance Europe’s reputation, attractiveness, and visitor experiences. What is needed, to build back better following the pandemic, are practical tools and guidance to help with implementation. ETC will play an active role in supporting its members in this task, and this new handbook will be an important part of the solution.
As part of the development of the handbook, research will also be undertaken to identify examples where sustainability initiatives have strengthened national tourism marketing and promotional activities.
More information about the appointed experts:
About the Travel Foundation
The Travel Foundation is a leading global NGO that unites companies, the public sector and local agencies, supporting them to develop and manage tourism to maximise community and environmental benefits. Founded in 2003, it has worked across 30 countries around the world.
About GoodPlace Slovenia
GoodPlace is a Slovenian non-profit focused on solutions and tools to implement sustainable management in a travel sector both in Slovenia and internationally.
GoodPlace developed the multi-award winning Slovenia Green certification scheme for the Slovenian Tourist Board, is an accredited partner for its implementation and is a manager of the national Slovenia Green Association (made up of sustainability certified destinations and tourism businesses). Through this association, GoodPlace aims to stimulate development of sustainable tourism offering and foster the development of innovative solutions in the management of sustainable tourism.
GoodPlace is a member of Global Sustainable tourism Council (GSTC) where Jana Apih holds a position in Destination Stewardship Working Group while Tina Hedi Zakonjšek holds a position in the Education and Training Working Group. GoodPlace is also a founding partner of the Global Leaders Network, a partner of Green Destinations and a representative body of international certification programmes including Travelife for hotels and tour operators, Green Globe and LEAF for restaurants.
About Green Case Consulting
Established by Rachel McCaffery in 2011, Green Case offers a range of services to help develop and enhance sustainability for businesses, organisations and destinations. Rachel was a member of the team developing the European Tourism Indicator System (ETIS) for the EU, project managing the pilot testing in 14 European tourism destinations and sat on the Commission’s Panel of Experts on Sustainability Indicators. With extensive experience of driving sustainability within the private sector, Rachel also helped develop the Travelife Sustainability System for Tourism Accommodations and ABTA’s Global Guidance on The Welfare of Animals in Tourism. She is trained in Project Management for Sustainable Development (PM4SD) and delivered training on practical application of sustainable tourism on the recent PM4SD training course for ETC members.
