How can tourist destinations harness the economic benefits of tourism without burdening the environment and without creating pressure on local communities? This question was at the heart of the Green Destinations Story Awards event, which took place on Wednesday, March 5, as part of ITB Berlin, presenting practical examples of sustainable destination management from various regions of the world.
The international organization Green Destinations awarded projects that promote a balance between tourism development, environmental protection and the strengthening of local communities, while at the same time announcing the expansion of its cooperation with the organization of ITB Berlin.
The awards and initiatives that stood out
The ITB Earth Award was awarded to the Fernando de Noronha archipelago in Brazil for a tourism program that focuses on the protection of spinner dolphins. The program combines marine species monitoring with a sustainable tourism experience, highlighting the role of nature as a key resource of the destination.
In the Destination Management category, the Mona Project in the Van Gogh National Park in the Netherlands was distinguished. Through the WandelStarter initiative, the authorities managed to direct visitor flows more effectively and decongest popular areas of the park.
In the Nature and Scenery category, the award was awarded to the island of Koh Lanta in Thailand for a hermit crab protection program, which combines environmental awareness-raising actions with visitor participation.
In the Environment and Climate category, also from Thailand, the award went to the community of the fishing village of Chiang Khan, on the banks of the Mekong River. The residents organize activities for visitors – such as walks along the river – with the aim of informing about the effects of climate change in the area.
Emphasis on culture and local communities
In the Culture and Tradition category, first prize went to a project from Beypore, a port city in the state of Kerala in India. The initiative enhances the traditional art of wooden shipbuilding, showcasing local cultural heritage as part of the tourism experience.
The Thriving Communities award went to the city of Miskolc in Hungary for its transformation from an industrial center to a growing tourism destination, with an emphasis on sustainable urban development and strengthening the local economy.
In the Business and Marketing category, first place went to Halifax, Canada, for organizing conferences with sustainable practices, demonstrating that conference tourism can operate with a lower environmental footprint.
The People’s Choice Award, awarded after a public vote, was won by the city of Selçuk in Turkey. The Ephesus Field Life Village project brings traditional agricultural activities back to the heart of the community, offering visitors hands-on experiences around rural life.
Strengthening cooperation for sustainable tourism development
On the sidelines of the ceremony, Messe Berlin – organizer of ITB Berlin – and Green Destinations announced that they will strengthen their cooperation on the program of the exhibition’s honored countries.
The cooperation will include strategic dialogue and exchange of know-how on issues of sustainable development and responsible tourism. The aim is for the countries participating as “host countries” at ITB to have the opportunity to consult Green Destinations on the development of long-term, sustainable tourism strategies.
The initiative is part of the industry’s overall effort to address challenges such as overtourism, climate change and the protection of local communities, through development models that prioritize sustainability.
Source: tornosnews.gr