SustainableQATAR’s 52 weekly challenges – that is one challenge per week for a whole year themed by month – are Qatar-specific and Qatar-relevant opportunities for all residents to take actions in personal life, work and within our communities.

Read the blog post on the June Theme ~ HOLIDAYS

Challenge #16 ~ HOLIDAYS: Responsible Travel

Is responsible travel even possible? The sky’s the limit!

“Tourism is explicitly mentioned in three of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with respect to employment (SDG 8), responsible consumption and production (SDG 12), and life below water (SDG 14). Aviation plays a pivotal role in supporting SDG 9 which addresses industry, innovation and infrastructure, with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) designated as the custodial agency in charge of SDG 9. However, Travel & Tourism can arguably play a role in directly contributing to or supporting all 17 SDGs.”

Travel and Tourism: A Force for Good in the World, p 27

Living in the Middle East is especially attractive from a travel perspective. Qatar is right smack in the middle of everything. Asia, Africa, Europe, all three continents are within 5 flight hours. The Americas, Australia, and the Pacific Islands are a bit further away however no less convenient to reach via direct flights on some airlines.

All destinations offer special appeal and attractions worthy of discovery. Increasingly, how countries and places present themselves to us as customers in a growing competitive tourism industry can either drive or destroy economic value, growth, and development. As a result of increasing consumer awareness of the impacts of tourism on resources, responsible travel at high standards has and continues to gain more traction and appeal.

“In 2017, Travel & Tourism’s total impacts (including directly, indirectly and induced) contribution to global GDP was $8.3 trillion, equivalent to 10.4%.
“Travel & Tourism GDP growth (4.6%) outpaced that of the global economy (3.0%) for the seventh year in a row. This means Travel & Tourism GDP growth was 50% higher than that of the global economy.”

Travel and Tourism: A Force for Good in the World

This means where we chose to travel to, what we do while on holiday and how we spend our money has increasing potential for positive impact and influence on the industry. We can exercise our conscious purchasing power!

“World Travel Market Responsible Tourism unites the global travel industry, companies, organisations and professionals alike, to share sustainable practices and ethical methods and drive the responsible tourism agenda to help build a solid, sustainable future for travel and tourism.”

World Responsible Tourism Awards

Here is what we can do:

1. Exercise our options on how we spend our money and ‘up-vote’ responsible travel options, which goes way beyond tipping. Because 1 in 10 employees worldwide work in tourism, when we start asking questions about employee conditions, contracts, and labor practices, we positively influence development of the local community, and thereby help in achieving SDG 8, which aims to “promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.”
2. Check the World Responsible Tourism Awards to identify places and experiences that stand out for their responsible practices and operation and meet our various holiday needs whether we are after culture and heritage experiences, habitat and /or species conservation, sustainable events, etc.
3. Inquire about reduced waste generation, renewable materials and energy, water conservation, and local food to immediately elevate these issues and promote sustainable practices because we point out what matters to us as customers, while positively influencing local culture and products.

Take a photo of your weekly action and post it on social media using hashtags #SustainableQATAR #52Challenges.

About SustainableQATAR

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We know it takes more than a few small personal initiatives to make our planet eco-friendly. But if you can make one lifestyle change each day this coming week, it’s a start! So are you going to participate in this week's challenge? Let us know what you think about SustainableQATAR’s 52 weekly challenges! And also don’t forget to give us a like and a share – you know it keeps us going!

Also read: https://www.iloveqatar.net/news/community/sustainableqatars-weekly-challenge15-holidays-agritourism

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