A Journey toward a More Harmonious and Peaceful World through Sustainable Travel
Celebrated annually on September 27, World Tourism Day is more than a celebration of travel; it serves as an important moment to reflect on the impacts tourism has on our society – creating jobs, contributing to economic growth, connecting communities, and reducing poverty. Additionally, tourism encourages cultural understanding and social and environmental sustainability, which can help create a more harmonious society.
This year’s World Tourism Day 2024 theme by UN Tourism is “Tourism and Peace,” highlighting the potential of the tourism sector as a mechanism for positive impacts on global peace. Sustainable tourism practices foster the inclusion of local communities and economies in the tourism sector, while preserving of natural and cultural resources. This theme resonates deeply with the core values of Ecotourism Australia, which advocates for sustainable tourism practices that protect our natural environment while enriching communities.
Partnering with strategic allies is essential for advancing sustainability in the tourism industry and across the visitor economy to drive benefits for businesses committed to sustainable practices. By aligning with key strategic partners, we leverage collective expertise and resources to address complex challenges and drive positive change.
In collaboration with the University of Queensland and Christmas Island Tourism Association, and thanks to Parks Australia funding we have made significant strides with the Indian Ocean Territories Marine Parks Grant, a multi-year grant program, which began in July 2023 and runs through until 31 May 2025.
The project focuses on bolstering tourism capacity and sustainability in the Indian Ocean Territories by educating local operators on the four pillars of sustainability. We have developed a comprehensive toolkit that highlights local examples and provides practical guidance to inspire sustainable practices for local tourism operators.
Support and subsidies have been provided to operators on Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands to facilitate their participation in the Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard program and progress toward global standard certifications. To date, we have conducted on-the-ground workshops and one-on-one information sessions, directly assisting six operators with capacity building and mentoring efforts. This initiative aims to ensure responsible tourism growth and enhance the local economy through sustainable practices.
Ecotourism Australia actively supports sustainability and community-driven initiatives within the tourism industry. In collaboration with the Kangaroo Island Tourism Alliance (KITA), we created the Island Guardians Toolkit, designed to help local businesses embrace the principles of “island guardianship.” This toolkit not only encourages eco-friendly practices but also aims to amplify these efforts by sharing them with a wider audience through the Island Guardians program.
Launching today on World Tourism Day, the Island Guardians initiative will be part of the global Travel Beyond campaign, joining a larger movement of 100 destinations collaborating to tackle key environmental challenges.
As we celebrate World Tourism Day 2024, we recognise the crucial role of sustainable and responsible tourism in fostering a more peaceful world and sustainable practices that enhance our travel experience and create a more harmonious world.