Fighting waste, responsible consumption and protecting local heritage: five French cities have become the first to receive a badge celebrating their actions in favor of sustainable tourism. Many other cities in the country are expected to follow suit.
Bordeaux, Deauville, Marseille, Nancy and Rennes are the first five cities to receive the “Innovative and Sustainable Destinations” title. Created by France Congrès et Évènements, this new badge is awarded to cities that commit themselves to developing sustainable tourism. These actions must be carried out and coordinated with local participants in tourism activities: restaurateurs, hoteliers and even … tourists!
To receive this badge, a candidate city must first obtain the international standard “ISO 20121” (measures for sustainable development). Then he must solve eight predetermined tasks: implement open and transparent governance; strengthen sustainable mobility; encourage responsible consumption and combat waste; make tourism a driving force for inclusion; add value to the local economy and heritage; mobilize their resources to encourage sustainable innovation in the tourism sector; engage tourists, professionals and event organizers in sustainable dynamics; and finally, pay special attention to public safety.
France Congrès et Évènements then listed twenty-six specific actions that address each of these issues. Among them are the introduction of a sustainable transport offer for tourists, the purchase of environmentally friendly products or increased accessibility for visitors with disabilities.
In addition to the five cities already awarded the badge, four cities are awaiting evaluation: Biarritz, Cannes, Metz and Nantes. Within the next three years, the number of “Innovative and Sustainable Directions” should be increased to twenty-five.