This
document specifies environmental, social and economic requirements to implement
a sustainability management system in accommodation establishments in the
tourism sector. This document applies to the aspects that can be controlled by
the accommodation establishments and over which they can exert influence. This
document is applicable to any accommodation establishment, regardless of its
type, size or location, that wishes to:
a) Implement,
maintain and improve sustainable practices in their operations;
b) Ensure
conformance with its defined sustainability policy.
Tourism
is one of the world's major economic segments and is a target of increasing
attention due to its potential to contribute to sustainable development and the
impacts that it may have in environmental, social and economic areas. Organizations
of all types in the tourism sector are increasingly recognizing the need to
address sustainability issues in their practices.
Sustainable
tourism is an industry committed to making a low impact on the environment and
local culture, while helping to generate future employment for local people.
The positive of sustainable tourism is to ensure that development is a positive
experience for local people; tourism companies; and tourists themselves. ISO
21401, Tourism and related services – Sustainability management system for
accommodation establishments – Requirements, specifies the environmental,
social and economic requirements for implementing a sustainability management
system in tourist accommodation. It addresses issues such as human rights,
health and safety for employees and guests, environmental protection, water and
energy consumption, waste generation and the development of the local economy.
Manuel
Otero, Chair of the ISO technical committee that created the standard, said
there are many initiatives in the market that accommodation providers could use
to help them improve their environmental practices, but none that integrate the
social and economic aspects as well, or are free from commercial interests.
“The fact that there are many schemes for sustainable accommodation from
different countries and organizations can make it difficult for such facilities
to know what is useful and reliable and how to meet their requirements,†he
said.
“This
internationally agreed standard provides clarity in a confusing market, applies
to all types of accommodation and can serve as a tool to improve sustainable
management. It will also help to stimulate the market for more sustainability
in both the accommodation sector and the tourism industry as a whole.â€
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