The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has welcomed the Sustainable Tourism Observatory of Mallorca to its International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO).
Mallorcaone of Europe's leading destinations for over 70 years, welcoming millions of visitors each year, becomes the latest member of UNWTO's global INSTO network. The Sustainable Tourism Observatory at Mallorca (STO Mallorca) is a new key element of the island's strategy to preserve the destination and assess how the sector affects the natural environment, economy and residents.
The Observatory will systematically monitor the environmental, social and economic impact of tourism and thus facilitate data-driven decision making. Key objectives for the island's tourism sector include promoting a circular economy within the hospitality industry, reducing the overall carbon footprint and promoting local gastronomy to enhance the reputation of Mallorca and increase its attractiveness.
As a mature destination, the work of the Observatory will generate more and better evidence of the economic, environmental and social impact that tourism has on the destination.
UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: "We warmly welcome the Sustainable Tourism Observatory at Mallorca to our global network of observatories. As a mature destination, the work of the Observatory will generate more and better evidence of the economic, environmental and social impact that tourism has on the destination. This will further facilitate the decision-making process and ensure that tourism can continue to be a tool for sustainable development."
The president of the Consell de Mallorca, Catalina Cladera Crespí said: "The Sustainable Tourism Observatory of Mallorca will play a key role in monitoring and addressing issues such as job creation and sustainable production and consumption, public health and safety, human rights, quality education and inequalities. Being part of UNWTO's global network of observatories will help Mallorca become a more dynamic, attractive and sustainable destination."
The Sustainable Tourism Observatory of Mallorca is managed by the Foundation Mallorca Tourism, belonging to the Island Council of Mallorca, and has the support of the Spanish public and private sector, both local and national. This is the third Observatory in Spain, following the inclusion of the Tourism Observatory of Navarra and the Canary Islands in the INSTO, and brings the worldwide total to 31.
About INSTO
The UNWTO International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO) was established in 2004 with the main objectives of supporting the continuous improvement of sustainability and resilience in the tourism sector through systematic, timely and regular monitoring of tourism performance and connecting dedicated destinations, helping them to exchange and improve knowledge and understanding of destination resource use and responsible tourism management.
Source: UNWTO
