Recommendations for the tourism sector to continue taking action on plastic pollution during COVID-19 recovery

SCP changes in practice

• implementation of Recommendations for the tourism sector to continue taking action on plastic pollution during COVID-19 recovery
  implementation of Recommendations for the tourism sector to continue taking action on plastic pollution during COVID-19 recovery

  Regions

  Global / All regions

  Lead organization

  France, UNEP, UNWTO, EMF

  Objective

  The recommendations are addressed to tourism stakeholders with the aim of supporting them to continue fighting plastic pollution during the COVID-19 recovery. This document illustrates how reducing the plastic footprint, increasing the engagement of suppliers, working closer with waste service providers, and ensuring transparency on the actions taken, can significantly contribute to a responsible recovery of the tourism sector. The document builds on the key concepts underlying the common vision for a circular economy for plastic, the One Planet Vision for a Responsible Recovery of the Tourism Sector and the latest available guidance from the World Health Organizations (WHO), World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), UN Environment Programme (UNEP), Ellen MacArthur Foundation, and leading business associations. These recommendations should be seen as complementary to national and local regulations.

  Achievements

  recommendations were used in variety of ways. They were shared though various networks and associations, mainly as input for COVID-19 recovery plans and to update plastic management strategies. In decreasing order, the recommendations were used in the following manner: 1. To engage tourism association members and/or organizations within my network 2. As inputs to COVID-19 recovery plans and strategy 3. As inputs to define plastic reduction/management strategy 4. As inputs to update/revise standard operating procedures 5. To raise awareness of staff 6. To engage suppliers 7. To engage customers. 8. To engage the government and/or authorities at the destination The recommendations related to internal processes and communication were the most applied so far. Similarly, they were considered as most impactful. Several respondents highlighted the usefulness of the Question and Answer section in the end of the recommendations that demonstrates in concrete manner how those recommendations may be applied. In addition, Advisory Group of the GTPI provided following additional feedback on the Recommendations: - They can help hotels to have a quick and informed response in the context of the lack of resources and time; - They support and reinforce companies' internal CSR positions in favor of reuse models; - The Recommendations helped reassuring hotels on the fact that cleaning procedures and staff training are the most effective measures in terms on hygiene.