Honoring Innovation and Commitment to Sustainable Tourism
As the world grapples with the urgent need for sustainable practices across all industries, the tourism sector stands as a pivotal arena for change. In line with this ethos, Skal Europe is proud to announce the upcoming Skal Europe Sustainability Awards 2024, a platform dedicated to recognizing and celebrating outstanding projects that exemplify a commitment to sustainable tourism.
Building upon the success of previous editions, including the 2023 and 2021 events, the Skal Europe Sustainability Awards aim to spotlight initiatives that align with the United Nations Agenda 2030 and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These goals serve as a comprehensive framework for addressing social, economic, and environmental challenges, guiding the global community towards a more equitable and sustainable future.
Why Sustainable Tourism Awards?
Europe, with its rich cultural heritage and diverse landscapes, remains a premier destination for travellers worldwide. However, the staggering influx of tourists, coupled with unsustainable practices, poses significant threats to the very ecosystems and communities that make these destinations unique.
According to data from 2019, Europe welcomed nearly 700 million arrivals, making it the leading destination globally. This influx of visitors not only fuels economic growth, with the tourism industry employing approximately 38 million Europeans, but also presents formidable challenges in terms of environmental conservation and socio-economic equity.
Recognizing the imperative for change, the Skal Europe Sustainability Awards underscore the importance of integrating sustainable practices into every facet of the tourism industry. By honouring projects that prioritize economic prosperity, social equity, and environmental stewardship, these awards serve as a catalyst for innovation and transformation within the sector.
Evaluation Criteria
The Skal Europe Sustainability Awards will evaluate projects based on their alignment with the following pillars:
1. Economy: Projects that foster industry innovation, reduce inequality, promote responsible consumption and production, and prioritize decent work while minimizing environmental degradation.
2. Society: Initiatives that address clean energy, poverty eradication, gender equality, education, health, and social justice, recognizing the interdependence between social and financial objectives.
3. Environment: Efforts focused on preserving natural resources, promoting clean water and sanitation, conserving marine and terrestrial ecosystems, and mitigating climate change impacts. Green-washing practices are not accepted.
Rules and Submission Guidelines
To participate in the Skal Europe Sustainability Awards, applicants must adhere to the submission rules and point calculation criteria outlined by Skal Europe. The submission format mirrors that of the Skal International Sustainable Tourism Awards, providing a standardized framework for evaluating projects.
Interested parties can download the submission form from the Skal Europe website and refer to the example of a winning project from the 2021 Skal International Awards for Rural Tourism for guidance.
Important Dates
The deadline for submitting projects for the Skal Europe Sustainability Awards is September 15, 2024. Winning projects will be honoured during the 2024 Skal Europe General Assembly, scheduled for the fall of 2024, continuing the tradition of recognizing excellence in sustainable tourism initiatives.
For further inquiries and information, please contact Paolo Bartolozzi at paolo.bartolozzi@skalroma.org, who serves as the point of contact for the Skal Europe Sustainability Awards.
As the tourism industry navigates a rapidly evolving landscape, the Skal Europe Sustainability Awards stand as a beacon of hope and inspiration, highlighting the transformative power of sustainability in shaping the future of travel. Join us in celebrating innovation, resilience, and a shared commitment to building a more sustainable world through tourism.
