Environmental Policy & Sustainable Tourism

The environmental policy of a travel organisation or hotel company is of critical importance today.  As more regions and countries develop their tourism industries, major changes are being made on natural resources, consumption patterns, pollution and social systems.   Established industry standards such as the ISO 9000 and ISO 14000 families are now the international reference for quality management requirements in terms of ‘quality management’ and ‘environmental management’.

Sustainable Tourism describes the planning and management process of tourism development within the world’s delicate ecology.  It involves strategic long-term thinking, given that change is often cumulative, gradual and irreversible.  Economic, social and environmental aspects of sustainable development must include the interests of all stakeholders including indigeneous people and local communities. 

Ecotourism , often described as a sub-category of Sustainable Tourism, combines ecological and cultural protection of the environment, and describes tourism developments located in natural and wilderness areas, designed to conserve the environment and sustain the well-being of indigeneous people.

Sustainable Ecotourism:

• Minimises environmental impacts using benchmarks

• Improves contribution to local sustainable development

• Requires lowest possible consumption of non-renewable resources

• Sustains the well-being of local people

• Stresses local ownership

• Supports efforts to conserve the environment

• Contributes to biodiversity

Lumière’s Sustainable Tourism Associates provide expert advice gained through first hand knowledge of the industry, field work and extensive travel.  Our consultants provide advice on Sustainability Management, Sustainability Audits, Sustainable/eco partnership and product development, Sustainable Tourism Research, and Sustainable Tourism Training.    This experience has been gained through working with government bodies, charities, National Tourist Offices, and the private sector.

 For further information, please contact

Sustainable Tourism