Success Stories in Sustainable Tourism: Best Practices That Transform Destinations
Today, sustainability has become a fundamental pillar across all industries, and the tourism sector is no exception. This sector is seizing the opportunity to adapt to new trends and consumer demands, as well as to the objectives set out in the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting a green economy.
Within this green economy framework, sustainable tourism emerges as a key strategy that goes beyond the environmentally conscious traveler. It is a model where the destination, acting as the host, aims to meet the needs of visitors and industries while preserving natural and cultural resources without compromising future generations.
The United Nations (UN) outlines three core principles for sustainable tourism:
- Make optimal use of environmental resources.
- Respect the sociocultural authenticity of communities, including architecture and traditions, among others.
- Ensure long-term economic activities that help reduce poverty.
In recent years, sustainable tourism has experienced significant growth. According to Statista, the ecotourism market, an integral part of sustainable tourism, reached over $196 billion in 2023. A report by Booking also revealed that 76% of travelers are interested in traveling more sustainably, showing a trend toward more conscious travel. In fact, the same report highlighted that 43% of travelers are willing to pay more for travel options with sustainable certification, emphasizing the importance for businesses and hotel chains to invest in certifications that validate their sustainable practices as a value proposition.
Destinations that adopt sustainable practices not only receive certifications validating their compliance but also gain international recognition as responsible places that value sustainability.
A standout success story in this context is Garden Hotels, a clear example of circular economy and responsible tourism. Their strategy is based on three core pillars: social, economic, and environmental sustainability, all aligned with the 2030 Agenda. According to a 2021 report by Hosteltur, Garden Hotels became the first hotel chain certified for its circular strategy. Among their most notable initiatives is supporting the local economy by sourcing zero-kilometer products and producing compost from organic waste generated at their hotels. This compost is used as fertilizer for agriculture, and the resulting products are then used in the hotel menus, achieving a zero-waste model.
I firmly believe that the tourism sector offers multiple opportunities in each of its areas that can be leveraged by key players to create a win-win scenario for everyone involved.
Financial Technologies (Fintech): The Sector That Continues to Capture Investors’ Attention
As the business world evolves, sectors that manage to adapt and innovate are the ones leading the change. Among these, fintech (financial technology) stands out for its ability to integrate technology with financial services, improving and automating processes that were once complex and manual. From digital payments to investment management and insurance, fintech is revolutionizing the way we interact with money. A recent study by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and Finnovista reveals an impressive growth in fintech in Latin America, with a 340% increase in the number of startups in recent years. Brazil leads the region with 24% of these ventures, followed by Mexico and Colombia. By 2030, fintech is expected to generate up to $1.5 trillion in revenue, a figure that reflects the growing impact of this sector. Globally, fintech investment reached $75.2 billion in 2022, though this represented a 46% decrease compared to 2021. However, investors continue to see this sector as a unique opportunity, driven by market expansion and the rising valuation of these companies. The outlook remains favorable for fintech companies that adapt to business needs and add value through innovation. According to Forbes, startups like DataSnipper have gained prominence. This fintech, which uses artificial intelligence to automate
Innovations in the Food Industry to Combat Climate Change
In recent months, we’ve witnessed the growing impact of climate change, with record-breaking temperatures globally, marking some of the hottest conditions we’ve ever experienced. Many of these changes are a direct result of human activity, and one contributing factor is the food industry. However, in recent years, several measures have been implemented to reduce the ecological footprint left by this sector. As a gastronomy enthusiast, I wanted to explore the innovative measures the industry is implementing to mitigate these effects. One of the most significant approaches is sustainable agriculture, driven by technological advancements like precision farming. These technologies are reshaping food systems to address global challenges, such as climate change. And, as expected, artificial intelligence (AI) is playing an increasingly important role. Among the companies leading the charge is Seabex, a French company offering solutions powered by AI based on data insights. This technology is specifically designed to support farmers, who are on the front lines of water scarcity and climate change. With this technology, farmers not only optimize water usage but also improve crop yields. According to a report by Medium, Seabex has demonstrated that this technology is already revolutionizing small-scale farming practices, reducing water usage by up to 20% and boosting
The Best Cities to Enjoy MICHELIN Restaurants
As Confucius once said, “to know how to eat is to know how to live,” a phrase that invites us to appreciate food both for the pleasure of enjoying a great dish and for the nutritional benefits it provides. Without a doubt, eating is a pleasure for many, so much so that the tourism sector has a category dedicated exclusively to it: gastronomic tourism. For travelers, gastronomic tourism is a strong motivation when considering a destination. According to a report by La República, a survey conducted by the travel website Booking revealed that 88% of respondents consider tasting local cuisine as one of the main reasons for choosing a destination. If traveling is on your agenda for the rest of the year, here are some top cities you might consider for a unique culinary experience, as they are renowned for their gastronomic offerings centered around Michelin-starred restaurants, which have gained much popularity. According to the latest figures published last year, Tokyo leads with 200 Michelin-starred restaurants, with ratings ranging from 1 to 3 stars. Following this, 9,706 km away, Paris has 130 Michelin stars. And to not leave it there, I also want to share two restaurants in each destination that, may