The growing tourism sector presents both economic opportunities and environmental challenges that cannot be overlooked. The impact of tourism on nature, infrastructure, and local communities calls for thoughtful strategies to ensure sustainability. Europe is one of the largest tourism markets in the world, and the number of trips is expected to continue rising in the coming years. At the same time, the demand for sustainable tourism solutions is increasing, with circular and ecological initiatives becoming ever more important. On this page, we provide key insights and inspiring examples to promote sustainable and circular tourism.
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- Utilizing existing infrastructure: When developing tourist facilities, consider whether existing infrastructure can be repurposed. Can an existing building be transformed into a tourist information center? Can current amenities, such as restrooms or bicycle parking, be adapted? Smart reuse minimizes the demand for new materials and reduces the ecological impact of new developments.
- Reuse in logistics and facilities: Encourage reuse by incorporating sustainability requirements into procurement and contracts. This can include reusable packaging for tourist brochures, merchandise, or hospitality supplies. Ideally, suppliers should take back packaging for reuse, helping to reduce waste.
- Minimal material use in design: When developing tourist infrastructure, opt for designs that use minimal materials. Efficient and minimalist construction and interior choices, such as modular furniture or dismantlable structures, contribute to a circular approach. Ensure that packaging for tourism products or promotional materials is tailored to actual dimensions to avoid unnecessary material use and waste.
- Multifunctional solutions: Prioritize facilities that serve multiple purposes. Consider benches with integrated planters or solar panels, signage that doubles as a bike charging station, or modular event stands that can be reused. These solutions not only conserve materials but also maximize the functionality of tourist infrastructure.
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- Low-impact materials: Choose materials with a low environmental impact when developing tourist infrastructure and facilities. Consider recycled materials, locally sourced resources, or low-carbon alternatives such as FSC-certified wood or biobased materials. This helps reduce the ecological footprint of new tourism developments.
- Design for Disassembly: Ensure that tourist facilities, such as temporary pavilions, signage, or information points, can be easily dismantled. This enables material reuse and prevents unnecessary waste during renovation or upgrades. Modular systems offer flexibility and can be adapted to changing needs.
- Design for Recyclability: Incorporate future reuse and recycling possibilities into the design of tourism facilities. Avoid complex material combinations that are difficult to separate, and opt for easily recyclable materials such as monomaterials or constructions with simple fastening mechanisms. This minimizes environmental impact even after a product's lifespan.
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- Modular design: Opt for a modular design in tourist infrastructure, such as furniture, information boards, or pavilions. This allows individual components to be easily replaced or upgraded without the need to renew the entire structure. It extends the lifespan, prevents unnecessary waste, and enables adjustments to evolving tourism needs.
- Design for Disassembly: Ensure that tourist facilities can be easily dismantled at the end of their lifespan. This simplifies the reuse of materials and components, promoting a circular approach. Consider using screws or click-fastening systems instead of permanent adhesives, making it easier to recycle or repurpose parts efficiently.
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- Standardized design and upgradability: Opt for a standardized design in tourist infrastructure and facilities, such as signage, furniture, or technological equipment. This makes it easier to reuse components across different locations or projects, streamlining logistics. Ensure that facilities are also easily upgradeable so they can be adapted to new technologies or needs without requiring full replacement. This extends the lifespan of existing infrastructure and reduces the demand for new acquisitions.
- Contractual take-back and reuse agreements: Include specific agreements in contracts for tourist facilities and infrastructure regarding the take-back and reuse of components at the end of their lifespan. Suppliers can be required to take back old facilities, giving clients the choice to keep them for continued use or replace them with an updated model. The old model can then be recycled or refurbished, promoting material reuse and extending the lifespan of the infrastructure.
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- Understanding used materials: Ensure that tourist infrastructure, such as furniture, information boards, or accommodations, is designed with mono-material components that can be easily disassembled without complex adhesives or fastenings. This simplifies dismantling and facilitates material reuse at the end of the facility’s lifespan. Request a detailed list of materials from suppliers to gain insight into their composition. This not only enhances transparency but also promotes the reuse and recycling of resources.
Criteria & labels for procurement
- EU Ecolabel Tourist Accommodation
- Global Sustainable Tourism Council
- ISO 14001 (environmental management system)
- Green Globe
