Tourism is a source of hope for many countries in the Global South. There are few sectors which offer such rapid prospects of new jobs, foreign exchange earnings and access to global markets. To enable companies and local people to benefit sustainably from tourism, nature and culture must be preserved and the hoped-for new prosperity must be distributed fairly.
The Sector Dialogue on Tourism for Sustainable Development aims to strengthen tourism’s role as a driver of sustainable local development and to make travel destinations more resilient. It was launched in 2016 with the support of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and acts primarily as a think tank that helps to shape political discourse. In the partner countries, the members’ joint projects are at the forefront of their commitment. One notable project is the development and implementation of an online course on human rights in tourism, which trains local suppliers across the tourism industry in human rights due diligence in accordance with the German Supply Chain Act (LkSG).
In general, the members aim to connect with one another, communicate shared concerns to policy-makers with one voice, and pool their resources. In this way, the Sector Dialogue seeks to drive forward processes that would be impossible for individual members acting alone. How can companies contribute to and benefit from sustainable tourism? Below we provide an overview of the most important questions.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Sector Dialogue on Tourism for Sustainable Development do?
The Sector Dialogue acts as the voice of a sustainable tourism industry. It focuses on dialogue and networking activities:
- Planning and implementing scalable innovations and activities at tourist destinations
- Agenda-setting and (policy) communication
- Connecting the tourism industry with science, civil society and policy-makers
Its activities also include specific measures developed in collaboration with the local tourism sector:
- Training programmes and digital learning modules, such as the eAcademy Tourism & Hospitality
- Workshops
- Practical change measures
Member companies use high-impact events to highlight the results achieved by the measures, thus strengthening local networks. All measures are designed in such a way that they can be transferred to other countries.
Who can participate?
Stakeholders who wish to make a substantive contribution to sustainable development in the tourism sector can join the Sector Dialogue. Its members include travel companies, associations, non-governmental organisations, foundations, and scientific and academic institutions. New participants should be willing to actively engage with issues such as climate action, resilience, supply chains and skills development, and to take part in joint projects. Membership diversity is key, as members bring together a range of perspectives and expertise.
What issues are at the heart of the Sector Dialogue’s work?
The Sector Dialogue focuses on three strategic issues:
- Climate action and adaptation measures
- Strengthening the resilience of travel destinations
- Implementing human rights due diligence in tourism supply chains
It also addresses areas such as biodiversity, waste management, local value chains, digitalisation and the advancement of women. This broad thematic basis enables the Sector Dialogue to look at all aspects of sustainable development in the tourism industry.
How do companies benefit from taking part?
Companies benefit by gaining access to expertise, training programmes and experience of best practices in relation to sustainable management, climate action, supply chain standards and regional value creation. Participating in the Sector Dialogue on Tourism for Sustainable Development gives companies insight into international developments, enables them to network with policy-makers and development cooperation, and facilitates access to cooperation projects in partner countries. Companies can also strengthen their sustainability skills and actively participate in shaping industry standards.
How does the Sector Dialogue’s work strengthen local communities?
The Sector Dialogue’s activities are intended to have a stabilising effect on both tourism and tourist destinations. Greater business resilience in the face of crises creates a more robust environment for the people living in these regions. This is important because many regions in the Global South are severely affected by political, economic and climate shocks. The Sector Dialogue supports them in developing structures that can endure even in uncertain times. Local perspectives are incorporated into planning – within the framework of partnerships on equal terms.
