ETC Releases 7-step Guide for Sustainable Tourism Development

The European Travel Commission (ETC), representing 32 national tourism organisations in Europe, has published a seven-step guide for the sustainable tourism development of European destinations.

The “Sustainable Tourism Implementation: Framework and Toolkit” handbook by the ETC is aimed to be the ultimate roadmap for European destinations on how to tackle every step on a journey towards sustainable transformation.

The handbook presents a seven-step framework which provides a practical guidance on how to advance sustainable tourism development for all European destinations regardless of how far they have progressed on their path with the ultimate aim of improving sustainability outcomes.

The new ETC handbook builds an urgent case for change, outlining the potential burdens of tourism development on communities, ecosystems and climate. It also describes the numerous benefits of adopting sustainable tourism practices at a national level.

The framework is built as a modular approach towards sustainable tourism development on a national level. Each of the seven steps is broken down into activities that act as a practical instruction, a “how to” towards more sustainable tourism.

Photo source: ETC Handbook on Sustainable Tourism Implementation

“The traditional model of tourism – the way the sector has developed in Europe over the past 50 years – is at a tipping point. When it comes to tourism management, it is imperative to integrate sustainability into national strategies and ensure that this goes beyond tokenism, to make a real and tangible difference at all levels,” said ETC President Luís Araújo.

The handbook also includes best practices, top tips, useful links, checklists, templates and interesting facts to demystify sustainable tourism and support the development of national approaches.

This practical tool was produced by a consortium of expert organisations – GoodPlace Slovenia, GreenCase Consulting and the Travel Foundation – with guidance from ETC and its members.

The handbook is available for free here.