Automatic

🏖️ Dennis Whitelaw of Marriott International in Costa Rica discusses sustainability efforts, focusing on diversification to attract European tourists and offering more off-season products. Marriott's Serve360 program aligns with the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals, driving green practices and education. Costa Rica Marriott Hacienda Belén and Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort hold the highest Certification for Sustainable Tourism from the Costa Rican Tourism Institute, along with several other environmental and social certifications. The hotels work on bird-watching tourism and MICE business travel, providing added value during the low season, and encourage extending business trips for leisure. The Costa Rican government aims to increase air frequencies and routes, including a new flight from Brazil by GOL starting in November.

🌏 The second Ecostars ESG Summit 2024 recently convened representatives from 12 national and international mid-sized hotel chains to focus on sustainable practices and positive impacts on society and the environment. Despite talent shortages limiting sustainable goals, these chains are investing in energy efficiency, water management, and waste reduction, with many using the Ecostars Prime sustainability management software. The private event highlighted technology and certifications as key for future tourism sustainability. Key participants included B&B Hotel Group, Hilton Grand Vacations, Sercotel Hotel Group, and others committed to monitoring and managing their ESG impacts.

🌏 Madrid, embracing sustainability as a core principle for tourism, has launched a strategic action plan focusing on balanced tourism through social, economic, and environmental sustainability, innovation, and digitization. The plan includes challenges like tourism decentralization, CO2 emissions reduction, and promotion of responsible tourism. Key initiatives feature the Centro de Información Turística de la Plaza Mayor, accessible tourism guides in multiple languages, Autism Friendly certification, and a digital transformation including AI through VisitMadridGPT. Madrid Convention Bureau aids in sustainable meeting tourism with tools like the MICE Sustainability Guide and PLUS, Legacy with US platform for carbon footprint reports. By 2025, marketing efforts will prioritize environmental sustainability, equality, and inclusion policies, aiming to meet Agenda 2030 goals for tourism in harmony with Madrid's socio-economic well-being.