An event that will discuss the importance of sustainability and present the strategies that should be implemented to mitigate the loss of natural resources and climate problems in the world.
“The creation of this space is essential to put on the table a fundamental issue that is impacting humanity. We all, regardless of the economic sector to which we belong, have a commitment to the planet, to the care of our biodiversity and to the implementation of actions that contribute to national and international travelers knowing our wealth, but also how to protect it,” explained Paula Cortés Calle, executive president of ANATO.
He added: “Currently, 37% of the national territory is declared as a protected area, however, this is not enough to preserve our ecosystems, so from the guild and with our Associated Travel Agencies, we have designed and implemented some initiatives, which we will share through our participation in the discussion, based on Goal 15: Bioeconomy and business, around nature.”
One of them is ANATO's approach to international entities that have recognized sustainability certifications, which seek to help tour operators and travel agencies improve environmental and social management by complying with sustainability criteria.
Likewise, through Training Days with the support of the Regional Chapters, training talks on the implementation of good sustainable practices are carried out for the Associates. In fact, during the years 2023-2024, these days have been carried out in the regions of Córdoba, San Andrés, Eje Cafetero, Cali, Ibagué, Cartagena, among others, related to topics such as selection of sustainable suppliers; promotion of sustainable destinations; awareness and education for tourists; use of technology to reduce environmental impact; carbon offsetting, among others.
In addition, we are highlighting the work carried out by our Travel Agency Operators in actions that seek to offset the carbon footprint generated by travelers through the planting of trees and mangroves in different areas of the country, respect and transparency in the execution of tourist activities and experiences, where host communities benefit, promoting local sustainable development based on a model of cooperation and joint growth, including bicycle tours and public transportation in their packages; and finally, wildlife preservation activities such as the release of olive ridley turtles.
Alliances have also been made with DNA-USAID to carry out joint actions such as Discovering Destinations, within the framework of the National Meeting of Incoming Tourism, where 4 Community Tourism entrepreneurs from Regions with a Vocation for Tourism are invited to present their project in front of a jury and the audience, who in turn choose the project that generates the most impact for them as the winner.
Throughout 2024, ANATO has invited Associated Travel Agencies to visit the attractions of the regions with a tourist vocation with the help of the communities and regional operators who have seen in the sector an opportunity for their territories in terms of economic, social and cultural sustainability under a responsible tourism scheme.
Finally, the Association has launched a Popular Economy project that seeks to reach these destinations with a training and formalization program for tourism service providers in five PDET territories of the country. This activity is complemented by a Business Roundtable to establish a commercial chain that allows these territories to have economic income from the Travel Industry.
Source: Anato.