responsible tourism institute

After everything we have told you, you will wonder who we are to propose more responsible consumption alternatives.

The Biosphere system was created in 1997 by the Responsible Tourism Institute (RTI) from a group of academics, professionals and experts in sustainability, with an MOU with UNESCO, to transmit the United Nations guidelines in an easy and adapted to teach societies what to do, how to do it and how to measure it, in order to achieve lifestyles and models in line with global sustainability principles and goals.

Biosphere circle. Creation and development of the culture of sustainability

We have developed the culture of sustainability, Biosphere Sustainable, so that each and every one of us can make real change, whatever role we play in achieving a more sustainable lifestyle.

With an overall vision, we manage to generate synergies and commitments to sustainability, in which we have the participation of all people. Whether you act as a destination manager, as an entrepreneur, worker, client, tourist or citizen, you can also commit to sustainability and be part of the Biosphere Circle. What are you waiting for to make the change a reality in your day to day life? Whatever role you play, you too can contribute.

Biosphere methodology and certification

Through the Biosphere system and methodology of management, recognition and certification, entities from all over the world manage to have the necessary tools and advice for continuous improvement towards "Horizon 2030". A system based on:

• The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and 169 goals of the United Nations
• The guidelines of the Paris Climate Summit, COP 21
• The principles and objectives of the main international Summits and Charters on sustainability .

The Biosphere standard is therefore the adaptation of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), through the analysis and indicators of the UNWTO, the Global Compact, the EU indicators and the criteria of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) .

This sustainability management and certification system has been recognized as the best sustainability certification tool in the world in 2021 by the report "Recommendations on tools and certifications for in-depth research", prepared by the University of Sherbrooke, Canada, in collaboration with Tourism Durable Quebec.

The Responsible Tourism Institute

The Responsible Tourism Institute (RTI) is an independent body created in 1995 with the aim of promoting actions and programs for sustainable development in destinations and companies. The RTI   was born supported by UNESCO through a Memorandum of Understanding that has enabled the development of cooperation activities, projects and events between both organizations. It is also a proud founding member of the Global Council for Sustainable Tourism.   ( GSTC ), and its work has been awarded numerous times since its creation, such as the European Environment Awards (2000), a special mention in the Green Wood Awards for Environmental Responsibility (2005) and the International Environment Award (2006 ), issued by TUI AG , among others.

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Muy’Ono Farms’ Sustainable & Regenerative Farming Practices

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What is responsible tourism?

With the quickly expanding tourism sector, the term ‘responsible tourism’ has become more and more popular. However, as an all-encompassing concept, responsible tourism is still often misunderstood.

To get a better understanding of what responsible tourism means for MRTI, we asked our staff to share their views on the topic.

“Responsible tourism is every action that you do while you’re in a foreign culture or tourist. This includes your gestures, your speaking tone and expressions, and the way that you carry yourself. That’s why I try to be responsible in the way that I behave: with my body language, actions and my outer appearance.” – Re  Paul R War “Responsible tourism is not only about the travellers, but it encompasses all stakeholders who are involved in the tourism industry. For example, before a business invests in a certain area, they need to consult with local people about their business plan. Sometimes they should do Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) or Social Impact Assessment (SIA) – to make it a win-win situation for locals and the businesses.” – Than Hlaing Oo “For me, responsible tourism is planning and managing the tourist-wildlife interactions in an educative and mutually beneficial manner. To do so, efficient interpretation is fundamental as well as the full understanding and application of concepts like the Carrying Capacity and Limit of Acceptable Change on an ecosystem. But most importantly, bringing all-embracing expertise in wildlife watching and understanding ecosystems’ diversity in both land and aquatic environments is crucial.” – Angelo “When I travel, I always try to do research on the location to prepare for the culture and customs of the country. In this way, I can make sure that my behaviour and actions respect the country and place that I’m visiting.” – Reeta “For me, responsible travelling is about informing myself before going to a different country and not stereotyping a culture. Follow the local customs, dress appropriately, keep an open mind, and think twice about my actions.” – Johanna “In my opinion, responsible tourism is such a kind of tourism in which thoughts and manners should be conscious to everyone related to tourism in all ways. Travelling is creating beautiful memories, not making burdens to the society. Giving a cheerful smile to local community and supporting as much as you can are responsible things to do while you’re travelling.” – Khaing Zin Thant “The definition of Responsible tourism means that it promotes dignity, freedom and equality for all people. Responsible Tourism allows for all people to participate and does not serve to intimidate, oppress or take advantage of any people. That both tourists and locals have an environment where they are able to have a free exchange of ideas, cultures and personalities.” – Jackie “I think, responsible tourism is the manner in which someone acts while he or she is in a foreign country. His or her behaviour, demeanour, way of speaking to others people, value for the local communities and environment are also included in it. So, I try to be responsible, appreciate the foreign culture, have positive manners and a sweet smile.” – Cho Cho Aung “Responsible tourism is not a type of tourism, it is an attitude to tourism, and attitude can lead to any type of action. Once you change someone’s attitude to tourism, action will follow. To be a responsible tourist is to also to be a responsible person, and looking at all of the aspects that are in your control when you travel.” –  Frans

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What is Biosphere?

Biosphere  is a Responsible Tourism System (RTS) certification by the Responsible Tourism Institute (RTI), an international accreditation body affiliated with the World Tourism Organization (WTO), and is a member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).

The system is aligned with the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) and the Paris COP21 Accord to fight Climate Change. It is also aligned with the requisites and recommendations for certification of the World Charter on Sustainable Tourism +20.

The system offers a holistic approach to sustainability in which all distinctions associated with different aspects of sustainability (corporate social responsibility, service quality, environmental management, etc.) are integrated.

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Tourism Kelowna would like to thank Westbank First Nation and Okanagan Indian Band for the privilege to live, work, and play on the tm̓xʷúlaʔxʷ (land), that is the unceded and traditional territory of syilx Okanagan peoples, the original stewards of these lands and to whom we give thanks to as our hosts

Kelowna Visitor Centre: 

238 Queensway

Kelowna, B.C. V1Y 6S4 Canada

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© 2024 Tourism Kelowna

Become a sustainable destination

Optimise the sustainability management of an entire territory. Involve businesses, tourists and citizens.

In partnership with:

Are you a destination manager?

Carry out a comprehensive sustainability management of the whole territory, including the alignment of companies with the 2030 Agenda and the 17 SDGs.

Entities that manage their sustainability with Biosphere

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Sustainability actions carried out by Biosphere entities

Join the responsible revolution

Management software.

100% online platform, easy and suitable for multi-management. Connect all your information and that of your entire business network with the 2030 Agenda from a single platform.

Improve your KPIs

Methodology that translates the 17 SDGs into tourism with specific, explicit and objectively verifiable actions, activities and indicators to measure progress in achieving the 169 UN targets.

Recognition

Demonstrate your commitment to the United Nations 2030 Agenda in real time. Obtain innovative communication materials with which to disseminate the sustainability of your territory and your companies.

Consultancy

With a team of professionals to accompany and advise you in a continuous improvement towards "Horizon 2030", with more than 25 years of experience in the sector.

Sustainable community

Be part of the largest international community of sustainable destinations. Share best practices, position yourself and enjoy the benefits of membership.

Marketing tool

87% of travellers are looking for sustainable experiences. Promote your sustainability in new channels and access a market that is growing every day.

Trusted by:

 Certification 

Consultancy, diagnosis and dynamic management of an action plan.

Manages the sustainability of the territory by connecting it with the contribution of tourism to each SDG through indicators. Integrally and holistically manages an action plan based on sustainability criteria aligned with the 2030 Agenda.

 Communication

Co-management between different areas and departments.

Organise your territorial sustainability plan by areas and departments and invite as many users as you deem appropriate to co-manage, assign and evidence together the sustainable activities they carry out in their different fields of action.

 Integration

Communicate your official connection to the 2030 agenda and the 17 sdgs.

Promote and publicise your destination's sustainable efforts in real time, through a widget and QR code. Improve positioning with the Biosphere Certified Destination badge so that responsible tourists find it first.

 Connection

Connect with your business network.

Monitor in real time the sustainability status of the companies in your territory. All the information at your fingertips, useful to maximise the promotion and dissemination of your destination as a territory whose stakeholders are involved in continuous improvement and sustainable development.

Develop a responsible culture

Align your company with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations of the 2030 Agenda and be part of a truly sustainable community.

Why Biosphere?

The integrated sustainability management, recognition and certification system considered the best in the world 2021.

The Responsible Tourism Institute (RTI)

Born with UNESCO and founding member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), it maintains a collaboration agreement with SDSN-Spain to develop the connection between Agenda2030 and tourism through Biosphere, accompanying and advising destinations and companies in a continuous improvement towards the "Horizon 2030" according to the sustainability objectives established by the United Nations and their valuation and choice by citizens and tourists.

International Recognition

The work of the RTI has been awarded numerous times since its creation, such as the European Environmental Awards (2000), the International Environmental Award (2006) issued by TUI AG. BIOSPHERE has been recognised in 2021 as the best sustainability certification tool in the world according to the report Recommendations on tools and certifications for in-depth research prepared by the University of Sherbrooke, Canada, in collaboration with Tourisme Durable Quebec, among others.

Biosphere Destination Community

Become a member of the world's largest international community of destinations working towards sustainability. Biosphere destinations advance on the path of continuous improvement, achieving a more sustainable tourism.

Book a free consultation

Let us accompany and advise you on this path towards sustainability.

"We have won in coordination of sustainability actions"

The Biosphere Sustainable software has helped us to transmit and connect with employees and clients in our projects framed in the 2030 Agenda.

Lilia González | Head of Quality, Hotel Botánico (Tenerife)

The Gustavson School of Business at the University of Victoria has partnered with the Responsible Tourism Institute (RTI) to offer the internationally-renowned Biosphere Sustainable label. This partnership  enables the award-winning Gustavson School of Business team to offer the certification program to destinations in non-Spanish speaking countries across the globe.

RTI has developed the Biosphere Sustainable certification as the longest-standing certification of its kind. With over 25 years of experience in the field, the Biosphere Community is the world’s largest international community of destinations and companies aligned with the 2030 Agenda and the 17 SDGs . It stands out for its focus on continuous improvement and transparency of reporting.

The Gustavson School of Business at the University of Victoria was one of the first business schools to focus on advancing and living up to the commitments of UN SDGs, by integrating sustainability and social responsibility as a core pillar of the institution. Together, this partnership can help connect sustainable businesses with the demands of consumers, in the framework of territories and the 2030 Agenda.

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Sustainable

Barcelona is a city committed to responsible tourism, accessibility and sustainability in all areas. The city offers cutting-edge initiatives that will allow you to enjoy an environmentally friendly stay in the city.

From the environment and social matters, to mobility and a commitment to sustainable accommodation, the city allows visitors to enjoy an environmentally friendly stay that makes an efficient use of resources.

Barcelona Biosphere Commitment to Sustainable Tourism 

In 2011, Barcelona became the first city in the world to be awarded Biosphere certification by the Responsible Tourism Institute (RTI), which is recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).

An increasing number of enterprises in the city are signing up to the Barcelona Biosphere Commitment to Sustainable Tourism , which recognises members of the travel trade who are committed to responsible management that respects the environment, culture, working conditions, gender equality and generates social and economic returns.

Accessibility

Barcelona is an accessible city and provides every facility to ensure people with disabilities can enjoy it and visit the most iconic places. Museums adapted for blind and visually impaired visitors, barrier-free hotels, accessible beaches and parks and sign-language tours… are just some of the many options you’ll find on the Barcelona Access website.

The city has an accessible transport network: acoustic and visual signals at the ticket validation machines, location of ticket machines by remote control, Braille navigation and access ramps and lifts are just some of the mobility features available on the metro, buses, railways, trams and the Barcelona Bus Turístic . The transport network’s commitment to non-polluting, sustainable energy is reflected in its fleet of hybrid taxis and low-CO2 emission buses.

Accommodation

Barcelona is a city that is well ahead in the fields of sustainability and social responsibility. You’ll find hotels and other accommodation where you can stay sustainably. Many of them have obtained certificates that recognise their commitment to sustainable management. 

Tours and experiences

Now you can enjoy the city in a sustainable way! There are specific inclusive tourism programmes adapted to every disability, as well as original initiatives designed so visitors can explore the city in an environmentally friendly way, such as the Easy Walking Tour Gòtic , as well as restaurants with a zero carbon footprint that use organic ingredients. 

So, now you know, visiting Barcelona also means enjoying discovering and experiencing the city with environmental and social awareness and responsibility.

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Myanmar Responsible Tourism Institute (MRTI)

The Myanmar Responsible Tourism Institute (MRTI) is a non-profit organisation that aims to support responsible tourism development in Myanmar through knowledge sharing, training, and research.

What do they do?

Their mission is to create a knowledge sharing and training platform, empowering partners to work together towards responsible tourism in Myanmar. For that, MRTI wants to make the country a better place to live, work and visit through different projects.

-MRTI promotes the sharing of knowledge, resources, ideas and issues related to responsible tourism in Myanmar throughout its E-Library with new material added constantly and free of charge. The e-library and discussion forum present an opportunity for communication and sharing of knowledge, resources, ideas and issues related to responsible tourism in Myanmar.

-MRTI’s expert team are specialists in their fields and conduct research in Myanmar and provide a coordination hub for responsible tourism projects.

-The institute organises and conducts education and training programs related to responsible tourism, destination management, heritage and cultural management, corporate social responsibility, methodologies and multi-stakeholder meetings.

Exo foundation support

With the funding support from EXO Foundation, Myanmar Responsible Tourism Institute (MRTI), in collaboration with the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism (MOHT), has conducted a 7-day workshop on Community-Based Tourism Facilitation, from October 9-15th. The first 5 days of the workshop were organized in a classroom and the last two 2 days were a study tour to an actual Community Based Tourism (CBT) project in the Pa-O region, with an overnight stay at Inn Ne Village. The objective of the workshop is to provide attendees with the required information, guidelines and practical examples which covers all aspects of CBT developments in Myanmar. The workshop was very useful because although CBT is becoming increasingly popular in Myanmar, this workshop helps people understand the norms, principles, pros and cons to consider before developing a community-based tourism project!

UN Tourism | Bringing the world closer

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UN Tourism’s Committee on Tourism and Sustainability Committee Meets to Spotlight Responsible, Nature-Positive Growth for Sector

• All Regions
• 12 Sep 2024

The Committee recessed for a full two-day meeting to review and discuss global challenges of tourism and the path towards more sustainable, desirable and resilient development.

The 19th meeting of the Committee (CTS) brought together the elected members of the Committee from Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Europe and the Americas. A total of 140 leading policymakers and experts reflected in-depth on pathways for balancing growth and prosperity with inclusiveness and sustainability. Over the course of two days, special Thematic Sessions focused on the key sustainability challenges posed as the sector continues to grow, with an expected 35 billion domestic, same-day and international visitors expected to travel annually by 2030.

UN Tourism Executive Director Zoritsa Urosevic emphasized the significance of the meeting, noting, "This is the first time that the committee has met for two days to reflect and deeply discuss strategic topics for a science based global tourism agenda, its sustainability, and future resilience."

William Rodríguez, Costa Rica's Minister of Tourism, added, "Costa Rica is honored to host the representatives of the UN Tourism's Committee on Tourism and Sustainability. We see it as a great challenge to lead discussions on issues that are so relevant to the environmental, social, and economic future of the member countries, always striving for tourism to follow a model of sustainable, inclusive, and innovative management, as promoted by our country."

Towards Collective and Consistent Actions

The Committee on Tourism and Sustainability put the spotlight on the key sustainability-related challenges facing tourism today, drawing on the expertise of the experts and committee members under the leadership of Costa Rica. Structured in five thematic sessions, the discussions focused on:

• The Future of Tourism : The Committee addressed the critical balance between growth and sustainability in the tourism sector, emphasizing the importance of fostering well-being and prosperity for local communities. Discussions centered on the pathways needed to ensure tourism drives economic growth and cultural enrichment while navigating the challenges of a rapidly evolving world.
• Climate Action and Circularity : Ahead of COP29, participants welcomed UN Tourism communication that tourism is included for the first time in the COP29 climate conference action agenda. Discussions also covered progress achieved implementing the Glasgow Declaration, including the measurement and mitigation of tourism's related  greenhouse gas emissions, adaptation to climate change impacts, and explored future actions.
• Nature-Positive Tourism : Reaffirming a shared commitment to nature-positive practices, including ecosystem restoration and protection, and centering nature in tourism policies. The session highlighted the opportunities presented by nature-positive tourism, particularly for emerging destinations, in line with the work of the Nature Positive Tourism Alliance.
• Green Claims and Certifications : The Committee discussed the current challenges and important political discussions related to certification systems, particularly in light of the European Commission's directives. The importance of consistent standards was highlighted, recognizing the unique contexts of individual destinations.

Taking Inspiration from Global Good Practice

In discussing the balance between destination development, resource use, biodiversity, and cultural heritage preservation, the CTS presented several examples of positive solutions from diverse destinations. Costa Rica's Social Progress Index (SPI) was included in discussions on ensuring tourism's growth aligns with nature-positive principles and inclusive prosperity. Fiji's process to transpose the Climate Change Act into tourism policies and operations was highlighted. Iceland was also presented as an example of smart tourism management, balancing growth with sustainable development and reducing the sector's ecological footprint.

A Call to Action: Join Us at COP16 and COP29

The Committee concluded with a strong call to action, urging all nations to join in taking these crucial discussions to the global stage. The upcoming COP16 of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and COP29 of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) will be pivotal moments for integrating tourism strategies into broader environmental and climate agendas. These conferences represent critical opportunities to align our sector's efforts with global sustainability goals.

The Committee invites countries to unite at these key forums, ensuring that tourism plays a central role in shaping a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future for our planet.

Related links:

• Download New Release on PDF
• UN Climate Change COP29 Thematic Day on Tourism
• Climate Action

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+25 Years of experience

Building sustainable models and recognizing good practices.

Biosphere® is the international system worldwide for applying continuous improvement processes , connected in real time with the United Nations 17 SDGs and 169 targets , and with indicators developed with the  UN-SDSN .

Created by the Responsible Tourism Institute (RTI), Biosphere is the unique sustainability management and certification methodology for companies and destinations, where their sustainable efforts are connected , publicly valued and guaranteed with universally recognised criteria.

With a 100% digital methodology and management platform, at Biosphere we involve and mobilise all stakeholders for a real commitment to sustainability. Communicating in 9 languages , we have created a global community, with thousands of companies and destinations where people share experiences and good practices, between different sectors and realities, under a common language.

The universal sustainability system

Recognised by the european commission and other international bodies, biosphere certification harmonises all sustainability standards under a common methodology, in accordance with the united nations 17sdgs and 169 targets. biosphere represents the universal homogenising and facilitating system, with close connection to official or un-related bodies, to implement continuous improvement processes that integrate all international sustainability criteria and standards., united nations 17sdg & 169 targets, international criteria (cop, ue green claim directive...), national standards (swisstainable, dti, sicted, visit finland...), international industry criteria (wtcc basics, sha, travalyst...), travel criteria (travalyst, gstc, booking.com...), international protocols (iso, grti...), international guarantee.

Biosphere was the first methodology in the world to address socio-cultural, as well as environmental and economic aspects in sustainability management and certification processes. It was also the first to be applied at destination level on an international scale, and the first to certify sustainability with its three fields in the hotel accommodation sector in 1997.

After more than 25 years of being applied in companies and destinations all over the world, Biosphere is recognised as the best sustainability management and recognition tool in the world , as stated in the international report drawn up by the University of Sherbrook and Tourisme Durable Quebec .

More than 55 destinations around the world work with Biosphere to align their public policies and business models with the objectives and principles of the United Nations, and it is a system chosen by more than 4,000 companies from 77 different countries.

Biosphere moves the world

Since 1997 we have been at the forefront of action, building sustainable models and transmitting a culture of sustainability. At Biosphere we are proud to lead projects and milestones that move the world; global movements focused on achieving more conscious and responsible societies and minds. Take a look at our latest challenges:

Leaders in the EU Indicator

Destinations that work with Biosphere to improve their sustainability and that of their business fabric, are among the top 10 positions of the Environmental Labels and Schemes Indicator of the European Union.

"Best Project of the Year" Award

Transforming the Future, a project with Zurich Foundation for the social promotion of fice Latin American countries using the Biosphere methodology as the roadmap, awarded the Best Sustainable Tourism Project TIS 2023.

Universal Sustainable Gastronomy

Creation of the universal methodology for sustainable gastronomy. Pioneering implementation of this methodology with a pilot project in Barcelona, with the support of Barcelona Turisme and VISA.

Responsible Tourism Institute (RTI)

BIOSPHERE©  certification is awarded by the  Responsible Tourism Institute (RTI) , an independent body created in 1997 with the aim of promoting sustainable development actions and programmes in tourism destinations and companies. With more than 25 years of experience in the sector, the  RTI  was created with the support of  UNESCO  through a  Memorandum of Understanding  that has enabled the development of activities, projects and cooperation events between the two organisations. It is also a  founding member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).

A pioneer in the sector, Biosphere was the  first sustainability certification system to incorporate social and cultural issues  (1998), the first system able to  recognise and value the sustainable efforts of a destination  worldwide (2009) and the first to develop an online certification process (2015). Since 2017, the Responsible Tourism Institute's system has been chosen as the best sustainability certification tool, constituting the only methodology to  align the practices of destinations and companies jointly and with the 2030 Agenda , its 169 goals and 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

UN-SDSN (Sustainable Development Solutions Network)

The Sustainable Development Solutions Network ( UN-SDSN ) is the international reference network for the achievement of the SDGs . Formed by expert groups, companies and civil society, and organised by national and regional networks, it is the official network for the preparation of annual sustainability reports . 

Created in 2012 by the Secretary-General of the United Nations , the UN-SDSN Spain (REDS) collaborates with the RTI in the development of the Biosphere indicators and measurement methodology .

Both entities jointly develop the parameters for measuring the contribution of the work that Biosphere members demonstrate, through and in connection with the 169 targets and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals .

ALLIANCES & PARTNERS

World travel & tourism council (wttc), sustainable hospitality alliance (sha), gstc founding member, glasgow declaration, green & human, start your journey towards sustainability with biosphere.

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