Each year on September 27th, World Sustainable Tourism Day reminds us of how tourism can act as a positive force for the environment, culture, and economy. With this year’s celebration, we examine sustainability initiatives from our partner universities and explore how destinations like Alicante in Spain and Panama are at the forefront of sustainable travel and tourism.
SSA is proud to be part of this effort, working to integrate sustainability into academic programs and travel experiences. We’ll also highlight key upcoming sustainable tourism events and provide valuable resources for those seeking to make responsible travel choices.
University Initiatives for Sustainable Tourism
Our partner universities are essential contributors to the development of sustainable tourism by equipping students with the knowledge and tools to be responsible travelers. Here’s how they’re making a difference:
- Universidad de Sevilla: Sevilla incorporates sustainable tourism and environmental management into its academic programs, educating students to be thoughtful travelers. The university also organizes events emphasizing tourism’s positive impact on the local community and beyond. Read more about our program in Seville here.
- Universidad de Alicante: Focusing heavily on research and responsible travel, Alicante promotes sustainable practices both on campus and amongst the local tourism industry. Ecotourism and community-based tourism are discussed regularly in the city’s academic discourse, ensuring future professionals support sustainable initiatives. Learn about studying in Alicante.
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra: Specializing in urban tourism management, Barcelona focuses on both responsible travel and cultural preservation in its offerings. Courses such as “Ethics in a Globalization and Sustainability Context” and “The Impact Journey: (Un)Sustainability, Climate Emergency, Authentic Leadership” play a vital role in educating students about sustainability and tourism’s environmental impacts. Discover our programs in Barcelona.
- Ethics in a Globalization and Sustainability Context: This course equips students with an understanding of the ethical dimensions of sustainability, offering credit towards relevant degrees.
- The Impact Journey: (Un)Sustainability, Climate Emergency, Authentic Leadership: This Barcelona-based program explores the global climate emergency and strategies for responsible tourism. For more information on this course, contact info@ssabroad.org.
- Globalization, Human Development, and Sustainability: Politics and Policies in the
framework of the 2030 Agenda: Barcelona’s UPF offers this course to explore the politics and policies surrounding sustainability in the context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. For inquiries, email info@ssabroad.org.
- Universidad de Sagrado Corazón (Puerto Rico): Dedicated to researching community-based tourism, Sacred Heart prioritizes ecotourism and local sustainability projects that empower host communities. Explore our program in Puerto Rico here.
- Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (Argentina): Córdoba provides students with experiential learning focused on rural and agrotourism, improving sustainability practices in farming and aligning them with the needs of local communities. Learn more about Córdoba here.
Alicante: A Model of Sustainable Tourism
Alicante, on Spain’s beautiful Costa Blanca, is a shining example of sustainable travel at the intersection of ecotourism, community involvement, and cultural preservation.
- Ecotourism: Alicante’s natural treasures, such as the Serra Grossa, offer students and travelers opportunities to explore while minimizing their environmental impact. By adopting sustainable travel practices, Alicante ensures tourist activities contribute positively to preserving these environments.
- Green Tourism: Alicante promotes eco-friendly travel through exhaustive transportation initiatives like public transit and bike rentals. These options significantly reduce the city’s travel carbon footprint while providing tourists with accessible, sustainable travel modes.
- Support for Local Communities: The city has also embraced community-based tourism, involving local communities in its tourism planning and ensuring they benefit economically from its tourism growth. This model reflects efficient tourism management that puts people and sustainability at the heart of progress.
For more on opportunities in Alicante, explore our programs here.
Panama: A Leader in Sustainable Tourism
Renowned for its biodiversity and dedication to sustainability, Panama has emerged as a global leader in sustainable tourism. Its approach incorporates tourism management that balances visitor infrastructure with environmental conservation.
- Ecotourism: With expansive protected areas such as the Coiba National Park and Panama Canal Watershed Forest Reserve, Panama offers abundant opportunities for students interested in preserving natural habitats while learning about the impacts of tourism on ecosystems.
- Empowering Local Communities: Panama integrates communities directly into the tourism development process. By offering community-based tourism options, Panama ensures students and travelers contribute to local economies and foster deeper connections with host communities. Learn more about Panama’s efforts through our programs.
- Green Infrastructure: Investment in green infrastructure positions Panama as a global competitor for sustainable travel. Many tourism projects focus on carbon footprint reduction, sustainable hotels, and eco-friendly public transport options.
To learn more about why Panama is a leader in this space, visit the United Nations World Tourism Organization’sresources on how sustainability is shaping the future of global tourism.
SSA’s Commitment to Responsible Tourism
At SSA, we are deeply committed to expanding student knowledge of sustainable travel and encouraging educational programs that prioritize responsible tourism.
- Buying Local: By encouraging students to buy locally, SSA supports local food systems and artisans, reducing the carbon footprint of imported goods. This philosophy aligns with global initiatives such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For specific actions you can take in supporting sustainability, visit the United Nations SDGs page.
- Minimizing Food Waste: Our sustainable study programs promote practices that reduce food waste, recycling, and ensure responsible consumption. To better understand how individual actions can contribute to the wider effort, Terrapass provides a useful tool to calculate your carbon footprint.
- Training Sustainable Tourism Professionals: Continuous training is also integral to SSA’s approach. We ensure tourism professionals and students are up-to-date on the latest guidance in sustainable education abroad. For more on sustainable education programs, visit the Forum on Education Abroad.
How Can We Respect and Protect Communities During Travel?
One of the most important questions any student or traveler should ask is: “How can I respect and protect local communities while traveling?”
Responsible travel actions—such as ethical consumption, reducing food waste, and minimizing luggage weight to reduce travel carbon emissions—help protect the environment. Simple gestures, like purchasing local products and engaging with community leaders, also support host communities from both an economic and a cultural standpoint. Sustainable Travel International offers some great tips on traveling sustainably, incorporating small steps that lead to big changes.
Conclusion
World Sustainable Tourism Day is a time to celebrate the achievements being made in sustainable travel by students, universities, cities like Alicante and Panama, and organizations such as SSA.
As responsible travelers, we must continue to support efforts in reducing our carbon footprint, respecting local communities, and prioritizing sustainable tourism practices in our travels and education. Together, we contribute to a healthier, more equitable, and sustainable world for future generations.
