Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health enters into a crucial collaboration with the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC)
Harvard and WTTC Collaborate on Sustainable Tourism Leadership
In a groundbreaking move, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health have joined forces to develop a sustainability leadership programme. This two-day event, held at Harvard University, aimed to shift perspectives and drive sustainable practices within the Travel & Tourism industry.
The programme highlighted key findings around sustainable tourism practices, emphasizing the integration of health, safety, and environmental sustainability to foster resilient, responsible travel and tourism sectors.
One of the key discussions focused on the development of Safe Travels Protocols, a global, private-sector driven set of health and safety standards created by Gloria Guevara, President & CEO of WTTC. Adopted by over 400 destinations worldwide, these protocols underscore the critical role of health safety in sustainable tourism recovery.
Another critical aspect of the programme was the focus on the environmental and climate agenda. WTTC aligned with international agencies like the UNFCCC and UNEP, highlighting sustainable tourism’s role in climate action. This includes promoting low-impact travel, reducing carbon footprints, and supporting global sustainability goals within travel industry practices.
The programme also underscored the importance of collaboration between governments, private sector, and international bodies to advance seamless, sustainable travel solutions and crisis preparedness for the sector. This multi-stakeholder collaboration ensures long-term viability in the Travel & Tourism industry.
Leadership training was another focal point, with emphasis on embedding sustainability in travel & tourism businesses by developing innovative strategies that incorporate cultural respect, environmental stewardship, and community benefits.
New strategies and initiatives for sustainable Travel & Tourism were discussed and proposed during the event. Notable participants included CEOs and industry leaders from companies such as Royal Caribbean Cruises, Virtuoso, and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. Brett Tollman, CEO of The Travel Corporation, reaffirmed the need for sustainable tourism to be a shared industry goal.
The collaboration also included a focus on the economic benefits of sustainable practices in the Travel & Tourism sector. Speakers at the event included faculty from Harvard Business School, Harvard Kennedy School, and Harvard School of Public Health, who presented case studies and key papers on sustainability in the sector.
Dr. Wendy Purcell, Director and lead faculty at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, expressed her excitement about the collaboration's potential to shift minds towards sustainable Travel & Tourism. Dr. Jack Spengler, Akira Yamaguchi Professor of Environmental Health and Human Habitation, reiterated the need for collaboration to combat climate change.
Sean Donohue, CEO of Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) International Airport, expressed his optimism about the partnership driving continued sustainability progress and business value. The collaboration aims to produce case studies and key papers on sustainability in the Travel & Tourism sector.
In summary, the programme’s key sustainable business practices focus on health-safety integration, climate action partnerships, multi-stakeholder collaboration, and leadership to drive sustainable, resilient travel and tourism sectors. The collaboration between the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health sets a comprehensive framework for sustainable tourism practices.
The two-day programme took place at both Harvard University and the Harvard Kennedy School, providing a platform for industry leaders, academics, and policymakers to discuss and propose strategies for a sustainable future in Travel & Tourism.
Education and self-development in the context of sustainable tourism was emphasized throughout the programme, with online education and learning opportunities being highlighted as key components. The WTTC, in collaboration with Harvard University, offered online courses focusing on sustainable tourism practices, health safety standards, and environmental stewardship.
Building upon the knowledge gained from the program, participants were encouraged to continue their learning journey online, exploring further resources and skills relevant to the travel and tourism industry's sustainable development.
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