Sustainable Tourism Law

SUSTAINABILITY: THE PATH FROM STOCKHOLM TO THE EUROPEAN CHARTER 639 I.2.8. Report of the Tourism Sustainability Group (TSG) Entitled Action for More Sustainable European Tourism and published in February 2007 as a result of the TSG work, its purpose is to be used by the Commission to present an Agenda for the Sustainability of European Tourism previously “referred to as an Agenda 21 for European Tourism, but given this new title to reflect a more current approach embracing economic, social and environmental sustainability”. The three key objectives of the EU Sustainable Development Strategy (SDS) are achieved, in tourism, as follows. Goals for the sustainability of European Tourism 1) Economic Prosperity Ensure, on a long-term basis, the competitiveness, the viability and prosperity of the tourism companies and tourist destinations. Provide opportunities for quality jobs, offering a remuneration package and fair conditions for all employees to avoid any form of discrimination. 2) Social equity and cohesion Improve the quality of life of local communities through tourism and involve them in planning and management. Provide a secure, fulfilling experience to the visitors, which is available to all, with no sex, race, religion, disability or any other form of discrimination. 3) Environmental and cultural protection Minimize pollution and environment degradation on a global and local level and safeguard the use of the scarce resources relevant to tourism activities. Maintain and reinforce the cultural richness, the biodiversity and contribute to its valorisation and conservation. The principles of sustainable development adapted to tourism have the following aspects: • A holistic and integrated approach of tourism’s economic, social and cultural impacts; • Long-term planning to serve the needs of current and future generations; • A development speed respecting “the character, resources and needs” of the local populations and destinations; • Involvement of all stakeholders, that is, all the recipients must be actively involved because a “sustainable approach requires widespread and committed participation in decision making and practical implementation by all those implicated in the outcome”;