World Charter for Sustainable Tourism of 1995
In April 1995, a time in which tourism was beginning to generate significant socioeconomic impacts, the industry took a decisive step toward sustainability. The World Conference on Sustainable Tourism took place on the island of Lanzarote, Spain, bringing industry professionals from 59 different countries together and marking the beginning of a new touristic approach.
As a result of this event, the World Charter for Sustainable Tourism of 1995 was born, a key document that would define, for the first time and at a global level, the concept of “Sustainable Tourism”, marking the starting point towards a profound transformation in the way of traveling and managing tourist destinations. This action was supported by UNESCO and the UNWTO, and was shared with the public from the beginning, giving legitimacy and reach to the event held in Lanzarote. In addition, local authorities of the island, representatives of the Government of the Canary Islands, and delegations of international organizations participated in the event, ensuring the institutional and global support of the document.
Among those people that attended the conference were representatives from different areas: governments and public administrations; international organizations, including the Tourism Authority of Thailand; universities and research centers, such as the University of Derby (United Kingdom); companies from the tourism sector, including Horizontes Hoteles Cuba and Riu Hoteles; international consulting and auditing firms, and environmental organizations such as the European Natural Heritage Fund.
Foundations and Principles of the 1995 Charter
The charter, drafted in 1995, was not only the first to introduce the new term “Sustainable Tourism,” but also provided a clear and concrete guide for the public and private sectors to incorporate sustainability as a cross-cutting theme in their policies, strategies and operations.
In its development, the 1992 Rio Declaration was a key source of inspiration. It contains 18 indispensable principles for sustainable development and the promotion of a tourism model that:
- Protects the environment and biodiversity.
- Respects the culture and the identity of the local communities.
- Guarantees equitable economic benefits.
- Promotes education and awareness of sustainability.
Thus, the Sustainable Tourism Charter of 1995 represented a turning point. For the first time, it was understood that tourism could be not only a source of income, but also a powerful tool to conserve natural and cultural heritage, strengthen local economies and educate millions of tourists on the importance of respect and care for the planet.
On the 30th anniversary of the 1995 Charter, we remember this date not as a goal achieved, but as the beginning of a journey. A path that continues and that, now more than ever, motivates us to reflect on tourism as a driver of change for the environment.