MADRID, SPAIN – Deploying action and a new resource for the progressive adaptation of the Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Menorca, and Formentera) to the purpose of the 2030 Agenda, is one of the highlights and important goals of the agreement signed between the IMPULSA BALEARS Foundation and the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Indeed, its target is to jumpstart the process of the strategic reformulation of tourism to make a fruitful contribution to sustainable development.
The execution of new projects and planning concentrate on local sustainability taking into account the tourism consumption and production patterns of the Balearic Islands, close relations with regional actors, harnessing public-private synergies, and the generation of strategic knowledge on the part of the foundation, are among the key features of this cooperation with the UNWTO, as the United Nations agency responsible for promoting tourism as a vehicle for sustainable development.
The establishment of circular economy guidelines in the hotel sector of the Islands and the identification of best practices already being implemented in this regard are among the first initiatives of the agreement. The targets are to establish a specific approach to the relationship between hotel activity and its surrounding atmosphere and environment, to obtain intelligence that facilitates decision-making in the implementation of responsible production and consumption measures in line with the 2030 Agenda, and to lay down a strategic framework to activate the network of companies in the sector and other stakeholders.
This memorandum of understanding, signed by UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili, and the President of IMPULSA BALEARS, Carmen Planas, will be in force until 31 December 2021.