Tourism must be sustainable if it is to avoid jeopardizing its future and the viability of tourism destinations, and contribute in that way to promoting a more responsible consumption. The role of travellers as agents of positive change will be addressed at FiturGreen 2015 through models, success stories and innovative tools that have improved the sustainability of the entire tourism value chain (28-30 January 2015, Fitur, Madrid).
Madrid, 2015-1-27 — /Travel PR News/ — “Towards sustainable consumption and production in the tourism sector” is the theme of the sixth edition of FiturGreen, leading forum on tourism and sustainability. Its central topic this year is the role of the traveller in promoting sustainable tourism and as a driver of change and innovation throughout the tourism value chain.
Success stories, initiatives, projects and experiences from around the world will serve as examples of how to implement the three pillars of sustainable tourism—environmental (conservation and preservation of the environment), economic (energy efficiency, savings on energy costs) and social (Corporate Social Responsibility)—which are necessary for the long-term viability of enterprises in the sector.
FiturGreen 2015 is co-organized by the Instituto Tecnológico Hotelero (ITH), the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the FITUR International Tourism Fair. This edition gathers together representatives of the governments of Germany and Morocco, international organizations such as the United Nations Environment Programme – UNEP, and the OECD, as well as private-sector leaders – TripAdvisor, TUI Group, Meliá Hotels, NH Hotel Group, among many others, to address the challenges facing the sustainable management of the tourism sector.
Sustainable consumption and production
FiturGreen 2015 will serve as the stage for the presentation, on Wednesday 28 January, of the 10-Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production Patterns (10YFP) established by the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) held in June 2012. In particular, the newly established 10YFP Programme on Sustainable Tourism led by the UNWTO will be presented.
The 10YFP will be the subject of a series of panel discussions featuring experts from international organizations and tourism authorities. Also to be discussed are the catalysts that accelerate the adoption of sustainable consumption and production patterns, as well as success stories in efficient climate-control systems.
Upgrading hotels for sustainability
On Thursday, 29 January, technologies, tools and strategies will be presented with a view to improving efficiency and sustainability levels in tourism, ensuring the viability of businesses, the positive impact on communities at the destination, as well as the design and management of sustainable travel products and their overall impact.
In addition, experts will present various financial instruments aiming at the sustainability of transport and accommodation as well as complementary services and leisure products at destinations in the framework of the II Meeting of the ITH Network: Financing Sustainability Hotels, which was introduced by ITH in June 2013.
FiturGreen 2015 concludes on Friday, 30 January, with the discussion of various complementary areas that form part of any comprehensive sustainable-destination strategy, such as intelligent waste management, smart energy procurement and business models associated with sustainability.
Useful link:
FITUR Green Full Programme (available in Spanish only)
Contacts:
UNWTO Senior Media Officer: Marcelo Risi
Tel: (+34) 91 567 81 60
UNWTO Communications & Publications Programme
Tel: (+34) 91 567 8100 / Fax: +34 91 567 8218
Instituto Tecnológico Hotelero Communication Officer: Ana María Márquez
Tel: (+34) 91 417 12 46