(TAN): A sustainable tourism charter has been established by the British Embassy in Tunisia to promote environment-friendly tourism in the country.
According to WWF or the World Wide Fund for Nature, around 60,000 tonnes of plastic is thrown into the Mediterranean Sea annually that costs Tunisia USD 20 million in order to protect its fishing, navigation and tourism. Goals laid down by the charter are aimed at tackling the problem.
The charter was developed in collaboration with the Municipality of Hammamet, the country’s Ministry of Tourism, United Kingdom-based travel trade association ABTA, British leisure travel group TUI, national waste management agency of Tunisia ANGED and the Federation of Tunisian Hoteliers. It was signed in the beach-town of Hammamet with the intention of making Tunisian tourism more sustainable and eco-friendly.
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The charter aims to:
- Discontinue disposable plastic cups and cutlery in hotels by March 2020, and plastic straws by December 2019.
- Dispose and recycle waste more responsibly with tour operators encouraging hotels to get a Global Sustainable Tourism certificate by December 2020. Produce a work plan for the Hammamet Municipal Council and central government by March 2020.
- Provide support to the local economy by creating more opportunities for regional artists to sell their crafts to visitors, and improve promotion of local food in hotel restaurants by March 2020.
Louise de Sousa, United Kingdom Ambassador to Tunisia said the United Kingdom was focused on cutting plastic waste.
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“I am pleased to launch this project and hope it will be rolled out to other areas of Tunisia, helping preserve the beauty of this country. This will not only appeal to British tourists but also provide economic benefits for Tunisian businesses. The reduction of plastic waste is a crucial element of the UK government’s work to protect the world’s oceans and ensure we leave a cleaner planet to the next generation,” he added.
Khaled Fakhfakh, President of the Federation of Tunisian Hotels said: “The Federation of Tunisian hotels is delighted to support this important initiative. Tunisia is home to some of the most beautiful beaches, deserts and mountains in the Mediterranean. This charter will allow us to meet our determination to protect and promote this natural beauty for generations to come.”
“ABTA is well placed to work with its Members, national and local governments to share best practice in sustainable destination management. This charter to improve waste management, reduce single use plastics and support the local economy in Tunisian tourist destinations is an excellent example of what can be achieved by working together and setting commitments,” Clare Jenkinson, Senior Destinations and Sustainability Manager for ABTA, said.
