Sustainability in tourism is a path that cannot be ignored and is being increasingly taken up with growing awareness by the sector's agents worldwide. It means taking into account the needs of visitors, the sector and communities and its environmental, economic and social impacts now and in the future.
Sustainable tourism must make appropriate use of environmental resources, respect the socio-cultural authenticity of communities and ensure that economic activities are viable in the long term. It also requires the informed participation of stakeholders, constant monitoring of its impacts, maintaining a high level of tourist satisfaction (adapted from the concept of Sustainable Tourism of the World Tourism Organisation - WTO, 2005).
In 2015, the United Nations approved the 2030 Agenda, consisting of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Tourism has directly and indirectly contributed to all SDG, having been included mainly in goal 8 (sustainable economic growth), 12 (sustainable consumption and production) and 14 (sustainable use of oceans and marine resources).
At European level, the European Green Pact was recently presented, which aims to transform the European Union into a modern, more efficient and competitive economy in terms of resource use. The Pact's action plan stresses the importance of the commitment and involvement of all sectors of activity, including tourism.
At national level, the vision of the 2027 Tourism Strategy is based on the affirmation of “Tourism as a hub for economic, social and environmental development throughout the territory, positioning Portugal as one of the most competitive and sustainable tourist destinations in the world". Portugal, as a quality tourist destination, bases its competitive advantage on the principles of sustainability, on a diversified supply and on the enhancement of its distinctive and innovative characteristics, placing people at the centre of its strategy. The 2027 Strategy defines concrete goals in each of the three pillars of sustainability.
The current pandemic of the new Coronavirus (COVID-19) has had a negative impact on the economy and society. However, according to the WTO – “One Planet Vision" - the responsible recovery of the sector, after this conjuncture, will allow tourism to resume its activity even stronger and more sustainable.
It is in this context that the 2020-2023 Turismo +Sustentável (More Sustainable Tourism) Plan and the adhesion of Turismo de Portugal to the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), the Portuguese Plastics Pact, the Glasgow Declaration for Climate Action in Tourism and the Cancun Declaration of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) on Equality and Women's Leadership in Tourism, constitute strong commitments aimed at strengthening the role of tourism in Portugal, in building a better world for all.
Turismo de Portugal has thus identified relevant areas of action that aim to contribute to a tourism response to the urgent challenges of sustainability, in line with the 2027 National Tourism Strategy and the objectives of the Environmental Fund, in terms of circular economy and sustainability.
