The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has welcomed the Mallorca Sustainable Tourism Observatory to its International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO).
Mallorca, one of Europe's leading destinations for over 70 years, hosting millions of visitors each year, becomes the latest member of the global network INSTO. The Mallorca Sustainable Tourism Observatory (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 Mallorca's reputation and increase its attractiveness.
As a mature destination, the Observatory’s work 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 Mallorca Sustainable Tourism Observatory to our global network of observatories. As a mature destination, the Observatory’s work 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 Mallorca Sustainable Tourism Observatory 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 the 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 Mallorca Tourism Foundation, 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, after the inclusion of the Tourism Observatory of Navarra and the Canary Islands in INSTO, and brings the world total to 31.
About INSTO
The UNWTO International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO) was created 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 on the use of resources in destinations and responsible tourism management.
Source: UNWTO