Eco-travel news round-up
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Environmental and sustainability news from the travel industry.
Tourism can help protect world’s wetlands – UNWTO
Tourism is providing income for the conservation of the world’s wetlands, according to a new publication by the UNWTO.
The ‘Destination Wetlands: Supporting Sustainable Tourism’ publication, jointly produced by the UNWTO and Ramsar Secretariat, details 14 case studies in which sustainable tourism practices in wetland areas have contributed to conservation, economic growth, poverty reduction and the support of local cultures.
“Wetlands are one of tourism’s greatest assets, attracting millions of tourists each year,” said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai. “UNWTO is determined to sustainably manage wetland tourism through sound polices and planning, thereby conserving them for the enjoyment of generations to come.”
International tourist arrivals are expected to top one billion in 2012, and the UNWTO estimates that half of all tourists travel to wetlands, mainly in coastal areas.
Cathay Pacific unveils sustainability report
Cathay Pacific Airways recently launched its new Sustainable Development Report which outlines the various environmental measures undertaken by the airline in 2011. The fourth annual report reveals that while Cathay’s fuel consumption has risen since 2010, from 4.82 million tonnes to 5.03m tonnes, the group’s fuel efficiency has also improved. The group also reduced the amount of paper consumed in its offices and increased the amount of paper and cardboard it recycles. It has also seen a major rise in the amount of plastic and aluminium it recycles. To read to full report, please visit: www.cathaypacific.com/sdreport.
Tourico Holidays signs charity partner
Travel giant Tourico Holidays has announced Give Kids The World Village at its new charity partner. To mark the new partnership, the wholesaler has asked its suppliers to donate $1, as well as Tourico itself, to the charity for bookings through October for travel between December to February. The group has also called on tour operators and sales companies to match the donation if they choose. Give Kids The World Village is a 70-acre non-profit ‘storybook’ resort near Florida’s top attractions that provides holidays to families with terminally ill children. Tourico has already flied more than 1,000 families to the resort.
