EVENT: Leveraging sustainable procurement to transform tourism at UNEA-4

Transforming the tourism value chains to low carbon and resource efficiency requires an increase in sustainable consumption and production practices. By integrating sustainability requirements into their purchasing processes, corporate buyers in the tourism sector can convey a strong market signal and help drive markets towards more sustainability.

Six procurement and sustainability experts from the tourism industry as well as government representatives presented 16 case studies illustrating successful sustainable procurement practices during the Panel Session IX: Leveraging sustainable procurement practices to transform the tourism sector. A report on Transforming tourism through sustainable procurement was also published as an outcome of the workshop. 

They illustrate how corporate buyers in the tourism sector have effectively embedded sustainability in their procurement processes to improve resource efficiency and reduce GHG emissions.

Background

The tourism industry already accounts for 9% of global gross domestic product (GDP). According to UNWTO forecast, international tourists’ arrivals are expected to increase from 1.1 billion in 2014 to 1.8 billion in 2030. For many developing countries tourism is a key pillar of national development contributing to growth, employment, investment as well as technology dissemination. In many small island developing states (SIDS), it accounts for up to 25-60% of national GDP.

Unsustainable tourism can endanger the very basis of its own success: healthy ecosystems and habitats of flora and fauna.

Highlights

• UN Environment has documented various procurement initiatives in the tourism sector, such as incorporating circular concerns in procurement, engaging all value chain actors to identify innovative and circular solutions, engaging local communities to streamline food procurement, using third-party certifications to better procure food and energy-efficient equipment, as well as phasing out single-use plastic by procuring more sustainable alternatives and developing procurement guidance to accompany tourism actors. Case studies are available here. 
• Procurement can play as a strategic driver for innovations, to respond to environmental, as well as socio-economic concerns of tourism actors.
• Tourism can and should be moved from a burden to a driving force for the environment.
• Successful circular procurement practices illustrated in the case studies  demonstrate that circular economy principles can apply to the tourism sector.
• Engaging all relevant stakeholders of the tourism value chain by communicating on the potential benefits of sustainable procurement practices is crucial. Knowledge sharing, and capacity building initiatives shall not only address governments, corporate buyers, staff and suppliers but also the clients and travelers – to engage them in a more sustainable behaviour.
• When choosing a holiday, travelers do not yet consider sustainability as a key selection criterion. However, more and more tourists appreciate authentic experience, local cuisine etc.  Awareness raising among travelers on the benefits of sustainable tourism remains critical. The role of certifications and consumer information tools was therefore highlighted, as they streamline available information, guide consumers and procurers to make better choices and acknowledge progress made in offering more sustainable options.
• Engaging suppliers at an early stage, and other value chain actors is key to identify innovative solutions and eco-innovative business models and stimulate the market to offer more sustainable products and services.
• Panelists pointed out the leveraging role of procurement in addressing human and workers’ rights issues by procuring from compliant companies. Sustainable procurement can also help create jobs and markets when locally engaging local communities and locally sourcing products and services.
• While data collection remains challenging, measuring and reporting on the benefits and economic, social and environmental impacts of sustainable procurement will enable all actors of the tourism value chain to understand how such practices can be best implemented to benefit businesses throughout the value chain.
• Panelists highlighted the enabling role of both voluntary and mandatory legal instruments, economic instruments, and of access to best practices and increased collaboration among all value chain actors through international initiatives such as the One Planet Network.
• Finally, this panel has emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between governments, the private sector, civil society and international organizations. They encourage all stakeholders to join hands in order to strengthen the community of practice and leverage sustainable procurement to transform the tourism sector.

Contacts