TRC has been working with the Niue Tourism Office for several years on their ambition to become a globally recognised sustainable development destination. As part of Stage 1 we prepared Niue’s Experience Development Strategy, Niue Responsible Tourism Policy, a basic certification standard for all operators and codes of conduct for visitors and businesses. The industry’s commitment to sustainability is strong and many operators have achieved the minimum standard and they are now ready to move on to a higher standard. Well done Niue!
This week TRC’s Janet Mackay and Penny Spoelder are in Niue working with industry on stage 2 of the project – a new national standard for sustainable tourism consistent with the requirements of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. The team is also working on a five year Niue Tourism Plan with the Martine Jenkins team.
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council Criteria serve as the global baseline standards for sustainability in travel and tourism. The Criteria are used for education and awareness-raising, policy-making for businesses and government agencies and other organisation types, measurement and evaluation, and as a basis for certification.
They are the result of a worldwide effort to develop a common language about sustainability in tourism. They are arranged in four pillars:
1. Sustainable management
2. Socioeconomic impacts
3. Cultural impacts
4. Environmental impacts (including consumption of resources, reducing pollution, and conserving biodiversity and landscapes)
For more information on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council Click Here
