Industry Leaders Committing to a Sustainable Future

I am thrilled to share that the second annual Tourism Cares with Norway Meaningful Travel Summit - A partnership with Innovation Norway and USTOA’s Sustainability is Responsibility (SIR) Event is being held in Tromsø and Svalbard, Norway. In partnership with Visit Norway and Tourism Cares, the summit will take place April 18-23 (perfect timing to celebrate Earth Day) and bring together leaders in the travel industry, government officials and non-profit organizations to discuss sustainable tourism practices and how to promote responsible travel.

Last year, the first-ever SIR was held in Bodø, Norway, and set the tone for why travel leaders must create thriving and livable communities to deliver authentic, high-quality experiences for visitors. This upcoming SIR, or as USTOA likes to call the event “SIR 2.0,” will build upon that and explore the how, by presenting climate action best practices, learning from indigenous people and building inspirational case studies for sustainable destination management.

SIR 2.0 will feature panel discussions and keynote speeches on topics such as the role of technology in promoting sustainable tourism, the impact of tourism on local communities and the environment, and best practices for promoting responsible tourism. Speakers and participating panelists represent a broad range of tourism, USTOA members, Norwegian-based organizations and educational institutions.

The Summit will also include site visits to local businesses and attractions, providing attendees with a firsthand look at sustainable tourism practices in action. Some activities on the itinerary include a dog sled tour within the Arctic Circle, a tour of an ice cave revealing 1000-year-old remnants of frozen plants, fantastic ice formations, narrow passages and big caverns; and a coalmine experience to see how miners work every day.

The event will conclude with a commitment to promoting sustainable tourism and supporting responsible travel practices, with attendees pledging to take action to reduce any negative impact of tourism on local communities and the environment.

Overall, we look forward to another spectacular, informative trip that inspires industry leaders to make a positive change to ensure the preservation of human, natural and cultural capital in destinations around the world.