Sustainable Tourism Law

EVOLUTION OF SUSTAINABILITY IN THE EUROPEAN UNION TOURISM POLICY 127 The Seventh EAP rests on a long-term vision: “ In 2050, we live well, within the planet’s ecological limits. Our prosperity and healthy environment stem from an innovative, circular economy where nothing is wasted, where natural resources are managed sustainably and biodiversity is protected, valued and restored in ways that enhance our society’s resilience. Our low-carbon growth has long been decoupled from resource use, setting the pace for a safe and sustainable global society. Therefore, the Seventh EAP constitutes a transversal framework for all EU policies that may affect the environment by 2020. It is consistent with the current Europe 2020 strategy, which identifies sustainable growth as one of its three major priorities and efficiency in the use of resources as one of its flagship initiatives. The thematic priorities are specified in the following objectives: 1) to protect, conserve and enhance the Union’s natural capital, 2) to turn the Union into a resource-efficient, green, and competitive low-carbon economy, 3) to safeguard the Union’s citizens from environment-related pressures and risks to health and well-being; enablers: 4) better implementation of legislation; 5) better information by improving the knowledge base; 6) more and wiser investment on environment and climate policies and 7) full integration of environmental requirements and considerations into other policies. Tourismhas an impact on the environment through energy, water (sanitation), food and waste. Concerning waste, it is important to reflect on the tons of beverage containers, cans, etc., we accumulate. Only in the HORECA channel (hotels, restaurants and catering) 13 million reusable containers are sold every day. Undoubtedly, the so-called “circular economy” may be an opportunity for tourism, both for sustainable technical solutions, such as barley boilers, organic gardens, bulk “amenities”, “zero mile” products, etc., as well as for the increase of responsible travellers. It is foreseeable that responsible travellers will prevail in the world of tourism in the medium term. This means that, inter alia, they will prefer to consume local products, share and learn from the host community while respecting their values. They will contribute to the conservation, protection and regeneration of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, respect diversity, consume responsibly and participate in the sustainable management of resources, to mention just a few examples. II.10. Europe, the world’s number one tourist destination: a new political framework for tourism in Europe On June 30, 2010, the European Commission adopted the Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic