Already in 1995, Scotland starts talking about the importance of balancing nature and culture, both in the country and in the tourism industry, at a time when the term sustainable tourism was not in use yet.
In 2009, they were already chasing some sustainable growth goals, focused on leading the sustainable destination list in Europe with their Green Tourism Plan.
And only some months ago, in 2020, the national organization of tourism of Scotland Visit Scotland has become the first National Tourist Board to join, together with Sail Scotland and Wild Scotland, the initiative Tourism Declares. They will be part of the group of tourism organizations that have declared climate emergency, who are joining forces for developing climate action plans to achieve the goal of not exceeding a 1.5 degree increase by 2030, finding solutions together and sharing their progress publicly.
Main goals:
The main objectives that have been set are:
- Minimizing the use of natural resources and control waste.
- Reducing the impact of transportation.
- Protecting and enhancing cultural and natural heritage.
- Improving the quality of life of the communities in Scotland.
- Improving the job quality within the tourism industry.
- Achieving more inclusive and accessible tourism.
- Taking actions against climate change and supporting the adaptation of the tourism sector through all the inevitable consequences that it entails.
How to achieve them:
To accomplish those goals, they will focus on:
- Reducing carbon emissions by promoting environmentally friendly transport to reach the furthest corners of the country and encouraging the use of sustainable energy sources in all types of businesses. Did you know that the recycled and clean energy rates of some regions are almost 100%?
- Avoiding overcrowded destinations by giving voice to other less known places, as well as encouraging off-season traveling.
- Preserving the culture and nature of the region.
- Supporting local communities, attracting visitors who will respect and invest in them.
- Promoting slow travel: enjoying the journey, connecting with the environment, the communities, the culture, the music, and the food. Slow down, take one destination in during a longer time instead of jumping from city to city on short trips.
This case is certainly an example to follow for other destinations, and a wake-up call to those who, with similar resources, hide behind how difficult it is to make such changes.
PS: for the record, I have never been to Scotland, although it has been on my bucket list for many years, and the more I read about this place, the more I want to visit it. And you know that, for me, the greener… the better!
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