Self-Assessment for Sustainable Tourism Certification

Buying locally-sourced products is one way to contribute to sustainability.

© Marcela Torres

by Marcela Torres

Remember we announced that we had begun the process to obtain Sustainable Travel International’s (STI) STEP certification for tour operators? Well, we are making progress and were happy to achieve very good results on our self-assessment, which is the first step for application.

As I mentioned in my previous post, when we first saw the long questionnaire we needed to fill out we were a bit overwhelmed, but the STEP platform is very friendly and the exercise was great because it allowed us to clearly identify what we are doing right and what aspects we can still improve on.

What types of elements are assessed? The first set of criteria focuses on the company’s clarity on its business. For example, if it has a documented business plan that includes a mission statement, business goals, product offerings, operational budgets, and management structure. You may ask: “What does this have to do with sustainability?” Actually, a lot, as a company’s capacity to stay in the market is one of the three elements of the triple bottom line, which consists of economic, environmental and social sustainability. The questionnaire also asks if the company has a Sustainability Policy and Action Plan, monitoring its performance and impacts, and demonstrating continual improvement.

The company’s efforts to promote sustainability principles are also evaluated. These include: Communicating to guests a “do-no-harm” code of conduct which relates to responsible travel and socio-cultural sensitivity; interpretation programs that are locally relevant and are delivered accurately by competent, knowledgeable employees; and encouraging a positive interaction between the company’s clients and the local community.

Specific criteria related to environmental sustainability cover aspects such as waste management and recycling activities, reduction of energy and water consumption, efforts to prevent air, water, noise and visual pollution, and conservation actions, among other variables. The social aspects of sustainability measured in the questionnaire include whether or not the company has a fair labor policy, clear guidelines regarding its supply chain purchases to increase the amount of locally-sourced, recycled, fair trade, and/or eco-friendly products, and a policy and plan to ensure its clients and employees are always briefed on socially and culturally appropriate behavior to minimize their negative impacts.

The most interesting feature of the self-assessment is that is fosters an incremental long-term approach, allowing companies to begin with the simpler actions and progressively take on more complex initiatives depending on their available time and resources. To that end, the questionnaire identifies different levels of compliance for each criterion, such as Required/Baseline, Intermediate, Advanced, and Industry Leader.

How did we do? We were pleased to find out that we comply with all of the Baseline requirements for aspects that are applicable to our business and we are at an Intermediate and Advanced level on several fronts, particularly in terms of our business plan, our promotion of sustainability principles and our guidelines regarding supply chain purchases. Indeed, there are still many things we can improve in our operations and we will strive to reach an Industry Leader status in the next couple of years.

In the meantime, we will apply for Step 2 in order to obtain the Bronze (Baseline) certification by submitting the Required Policies and Documentation for review by an STI-Accredited Assessor. Stay tuned for our next post on how we move forward in this process!

Social Impacts of Tourism

Aymara weaver who charges to have her photo taken, in Sacsayhuamán, Peru.
© Marcela Torres

by Marcela Torres

Tourism offers experiences and local cultures can provide great experiences. However, depending on how tourism activities are carried out, these experiences can be better or worse.

The most obvious social benefit of tourism is that it promotes the exchange between people from different countries and cultures. Many travelers want to learn about the local communities, get to know their traditions and lifestyles. For the host communities, this interaction can help strengthen their self esteem and their sense of belonging by feeling valued by others. Furthermore, tourism can contribute to keep alive local customs and handicrafts in a destination.

But at the same time, there is a chance that this exchange can have negative effects. Several authors warn against the danger of the “tourist gaze”. What are they talking about? Sometimes people from the local community may feel they are being seen as objects; something weird or amazing that must be observed. This has a lot to do with how the tourism industry presents a destination and its inhabitants and with the level of interaction achieved with travelers.

Another risk is the loss of authenticity. In a world that becomes more global each day, a globalization of culture is taking place and many local communities are changing the designs and way they produce their handicrafts to resemble what they believe “sells” in a market economy, or they try to imitate attractions that have no connection to their roots. Communities should focus on what they do best, instead of trying to achieve preconceived tourism ideals.

The lack of mutual knowledge and interaction between tourists and the host communities can result in complex situations, such as rejection to tourists by the local peoples or disappointment of tourists who find more of the same they can already see in their own countries without traveling thousands of miles.

Achieving a balance is not easy. That’s why the first principle of the Code of Ethics for the responsible tourist and traveler prepared by the UNWTO says: “Open your mind to other cultures and traditions – it will transform your experience, you will earn respect and be more readily welcomed by local people. Be tolerant and respect diversity – observe social and cultural traditions and practices.”