The relationship between sustainability and profitability in tourism presents significant challenges.
- The World Travel & Tourism Council highlights the tension between short-term gains and long-term sustainability.
- The ‘S’ in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) is crucial for business effectiveness.
- Reports indicate poor labour conditions hinder the industry’s sustainability efforts.
- International organisations stress the need for rights implementation and monitoring in tourism.
The tension between advancing sustainability and securing profitability is becoming increasingly visible in the travel and tourism sector. Experts, including Christopher Imbsen of the World Travel & Tourism Council, point out that the current market trends favour short-term financial gains over long-term sustainability initiatives. The challenge lies in proving that sustainable practices are not only ethically sound but also economically beneficial, positioning them as competitive advantages.
Imbsen, alongside other contributors to the report ‘Why the S in ESG Matters’, argues that neglecting labour and human rights fundamentally disrupts sustainability. The research, led by Dr Anke Winchenbach, underscores how subpar working conditions negatively impact recruitment efforts and escalate business risks. The report makes it clear that without addressing labour rights, the sector’s overall sustainability stands on brittle foundations.
Rochelle Turner of Intrepid Travel emphasises this by posing probing questions to business leaders about their organisational ethos and the legacy they aspire towards. Turner highlights that basic principles of fair pay and employee welfare transcend industry-specific concerns, challenging businesses to reflect profoundly on their foundational values.
The report doesn’t stop at highlighting problems; it outlines future steps. Dr Winchenbach reveals ongoing efforts to develop tools and training programs that can facilitate better labour practices globally. These initiatives aim at equipping businesses with practical means to implement necessary changes effectively, ensuring the ‘S’ in ESG is not overlooked as an afterthought.
Rob Johnston from the International Transport Workers’ Federation underscores the importance of implementing and monitoring ethical frameworks. His experiences reveal that while many corporations possess policies that favour human rights, the challenge resides in consistent implementation. Johnston invites industry leaders and stakeholders to collaborate on shaping a socially responsible tourism sector by reinforcing workers’ rights.
Addressing labour conditions and integrating human rights into sustainability are vital for the future of tourism.
