HOTEL & TOURISM SMARTreport #35

As the United Nations Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development unfolds – an initiative for which Cleverdis has been named by the UNWTO as Campaign Supporter – it becomes increasingly evident that the mere act of travelling the world opens peoples’ eyes to the essential nature of sustainability. And as we arrive at the 22nd session of the UNWTO General Assembly in Chengdu, China, more than ever, the future of the planet and its peoples takes centre stage.

To this end, in this edition of the SMARTreport, we have chosen to spotlight the activities of the World Tourism Organisation with regard to sustainable tourism, but also to place the spotlight on a leading global figure when it comes to promoting this – in the shape of Lynn Cutter – former EVP at National Geographic, and a person with a deep concern for the methods and actions employed by all those in the industry when it comes to reducing our impact on the planet, helping local communities in a sustainable way through tourism, and building infrastructure that includes the latest “green” concepts and ideas. In no region is this more important today than perhaps Asia- Pacific – the featured region in this edition. Wishing each and every one happy reading… and a sustainable future!