In April 2024, the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) held the #GSTC2024Sweden International Conference in Stockholm centered on “Purposeful Travel”, in collaboration with Visit Sweden and the Agency for Growth (Tillväxtverket). To share key insights, Visit Sweden summarized the event in six articles on “Sustainable Hospitality” (Hållbar Besöksnäring). ‘’Social Issues – Welcoming and Inclusive’’ (Sociala frågor – välkomnande och inkluderande) summarizes insights from lectures on social sustainability, focusing on smaller companies and cultural organizations. It emphasizes the importance of inclusivity, accessibility, and collaboration with local communities to address overtourism and foster sustainable destinations.
Challenges and Opportunities with SME Certification
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) significantly influence social sustainability but often lack the resources of larger companies. Led by GSTC’s Maria Liontaki, discussions highlighted that SMEs face challenges such as the complexity of certification standards and high costs of third-party monitoring. Proposed solutions included accessible training frameworks and group certification models, enabling collaboration among SMEs to share resources.
Cultural Sustainability in Museums
Museums play a vital role in cultural preservation. Challenges include resource limitations, but strategies such as supporting local artisans and enhancing accessibility can promote sustainability. Training staff as sustainability ambassadors can further engage visitors.
Accessibility and Inclusion in Tourism
With over a billion people living with disabilities, accessibility in tourism is crucial. The GSTC emphasizes inclusive practices throughout the travel journey, ensuring that businesses meet the needs of all travelers while enhancing the overall experience.
Community Engagement and Residents’ Quality of Life
Local community engagement is essential for sustainable tourism. Examples from the Azores showcase how involving residents in tourism planning can enhance both community welfare and visitor experiences. Integrating Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into tourism strategies can improve local quality of life.
For more insights about GSTC’s past Conferences check here.
Continue reading Visit Sweden’s original article here to explore these insights further. Also, read more about the article series Visit Sweden launched about “Sustainable Hospitality” (Hållbar Besöksnäring) here.
