Australia South West Sustainable Tourism Observatory (ASWTO) has officially become the latest member of the World Tourism Organisation’s International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO). The observatory will work to monitor tourism in the south-west region of Australia and help guide its sustainable development.
The ASWTO is the first-of-its-kind in the country and will be hosted by the Tourism Research Cluster of Curtin University supporting the formulation and implementation of sustainable tourism policies, strategies and management processes through continuous and systematic monitoring of sustainability indicators.
“Supporting sustainable tourism development.”
Welcoming the announcement, Zurab Pololikashvili, secretary-general of the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) said: “Sustainable tourism observatories play a key role in helping destinations monitor tourist arrivals and then manage them in the most efficient and sustainable way possible. We are delighted to welcome the first Australian observatory into our growing global network.”
Paul Papalia, Western Australian minister for tourism added: “Preserving the South West region’s natural beauty while also supporting sustainable tourism development is of the utmost importance to the state government.”
The INSTO was originally created in 2004. Through the application of technology and the therefore improved data landscape that is key for policy making in tourism, INSTO members strengthen not only local decision-making capacities and sustainable on the ground but play a key role in contributing to global commitments such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with relevant evidence.
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