Celebrate World Tourism Day by pledging sustainability

Submitted photo by TTC

Today is World Tourism Day, a time to foster awareness of the importance of tourism and its social, political and economic values to communities worldwide. This year, the United Nations has dubbed 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development.

In honor of both, I recently received a press release by The Travel Corporation's (TTC) family of brands, showcasing what they are doing to promote sustainable tourism, from the recycling program at Red Carnation Hotels to the ME to WE immersive volunteer trips, which allow guests to contribute to sustainable development work. And TTC’s not-for-profit foundation, TreadRight, has supported more than 40 sustainable tourism initiatives worldwide over the last 10 years, according to the press release, programs such as WildAid’s efforts to end the illegal wildlife trade and the Village Weavers Project in Laos.

It’s all pretty exciting. And even though I have not had the opportunity to experience these wonderful programs, I’m impressed with the effort by TTC to make the world a better place.

“The international travel sector has the opportunity to play a lead role in shaping the future of sustainability,” said Brett Tollman, chief executive of TTC. “As one of the world’s largest sectors, supporting over 284 million jobs and generating 9.8% of global GDP, we can help to increase public appreciation of the environment and help to spread the word on the value of connecting with the unique cultures and communities of the world in a sustainable, respectful way, and keeping our respective footprints as small as possible.

“The industry needs to come together as a whole to do more, to make the economic case for sustainable tourism, and follow the example set by the Paris Agreement, which aligns myriad competing entities under a shared goal of sustainability,” he continued. 

Well said!

For more information about The Travel Corporation (TTC) and its portfolio of award-winning brands, visit www.ttc.com. 

You can also celebrate the day by taking the pledge to #TravelEnjoyRespect.

Chere Coen is a travel and food writer who is all about sustainability.