SHERIDAN, WYOMING – October 27, 2024 – The Spanish island of Mallorca recently hosted the 2024 meeting of the International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO), a UNWTO initiative aimed at promoting sustainable tourism practices worldwide.
The meeting, held alongside the III Sustainable Destinations Summit, brought together over 100 participants, including experts, academics, government officials, and tourism professionals. The focus was on developing actionable policies to drive sustainable practices across destinations.
UNWTO's Executive Director, Zoritsa Urosevic, emphasized the importance of placing science at the heart of tourism transformation. She urged the INSTO network to adopt the new metrics for measuring sustainable tourism recently approved by the UN Statistical Commission.
José Marcial Rodríguez Díaz, Executive Counsellor for Tourism of Consell de Mallorca, highlighted his department's efforts to promote responsible tourism and ensure a balance between residents and visitors. He stressed the importance of finding a balance where residents feel visited but not invaded.
INSTO: A Global Network for Sustainable Tourism
Launched in 2004, INSTO aims to improve sustainability and resilience in the tourism sector through continuous monitoring and knowledge sharing. The network connects destinations dedicated to responsible tourism management, enabling them to exchange best practices and learn from each other.
Currently, INSTO has 45 members across the Americas, Asia & the Pacific, and Europe, with recent additions from Colombia and Austria.
Mallorca's Commitment to Sustainable Tourism
Mallorca's hosting of the INSTO meeting and Sustainable Destinations Summit underscores the island's commitment to sustainable tourism development. The Fundació Mallorca Turisme (Consell de Mallorca) organized the events with support from UNWTO.
The island is actively working to balance the benefits of tourism with its impact on the environment and local communities. This commitment to sustainability is crucial for ensuring that tourism remains a positive force for Mallorca's future.