Expanded Network Represents Nine Destinations from Five Continents – All Committed to Destination Stewardship
February 27, 2014
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Sustainable Destination Leadership Network (SDLN), the first global collaboration of its kind for decision-makers and practitioners from tourism authorities, has welcomed four new partner destinations since it’s launch event last November at The World Travel Market. Los Lagos (Chile), Mara Naboisho Conservancy (Kenya), Turismo Lanzarote (Spain), and the Namibia Ministry of Environment and Tourism are now a part of this pioneering network.
With the addition of these global leaders, SDLN’s Destination partners now represent five continents, with a range of destinations including protected areas, municipalities, and countries. The growing and diverse makeup of the network is indicative of the increasing interest and potential of well-managed tourism that protects the environment, culture and heritage, drives economic growth, and creates good jobs. It is also better for business.
“Lanzarote has demonstrated a commitment to sustainable destination management in numerous ways, and the Sustainable Destination Leadership Network is the natural next step. We look forward to sharing experiences and best practice with other destinations, and are enthusiastic about working together to create a more sustainable future,” explained Héctor Fernández, Managing Director, Turismo Lanzarote.
The four new partners are joining SDLN’s founding partner destinations: Innovation Norway, Mt. Huangshan Administrative Committee (China), St. Kitts & Nevis, Travel Oregon (USA), and Travel Portland (USA). The SDLN is also supported by an accomplished group of collaborating partners including the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, Mercury CSC, Development Counselors International, and the International Coalition of Tourism Partners.
“St. Kitts & Nevis is honored to be a founding partner of the Sustainable Destination Leadership Network,” said Diannille Taylor-Williams. Assistant Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism & International Transport for St. Kitts & Nevis. “As a small island destination with important sustainability concerns, we are excited for the opportunity to learn from others, share ideas, and collaborate on initiatives that will help us all make real progress.”
Convened by leading non-profit organization Sustainable Travel International, SDLN brings together forward-thinking tourism destinations to facilitate peer learning and information exchange. Participants will also work together to tackle salient challenges of the future and to embed sustainability into their policies, strategies, day-to-day management, and marketing.
The SDLN network will be convening at ITB Berlin on March 4th, 2014 for their first official meeting. Sustainable Travel International will also be available for appointments at ITB Berlin on March 5th and 6th, 2014.
To inquire about joining the network or to schedule an appointment at ITB, please contact Sustainable Travel International’s Senior Director of Marketing and Communications, Jeremy Sampson, at jeremys@sustainabletravel.org. He can also be reached at +1-503-488-5500.
