Sustainability and Responsibility in Tourism Mobility

This year 2017 has been declared by the United Nations World Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development. The resolution adopted by the General Assembly pursues the objective of “promoting a better understanding among peoples, leading to a greater awareness of the richness of the heritage of different civilizations and to a better appreciation of the inherent values of the various Cultures, thus contributing to the strengthening of peace in the world. ”

Coinciding with the beginning of the international year, several destinations have presented proposals for sustainable and responsible tourism.

The role of tourism in achieving some of the UN-approved Sustainable Development Goals is key, as it is seen as an effective tool to contribute to promoting sustainable, inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

Sustainable tourism is slowly breaking through in Spain

While in France or Italy this sector already reaches market shares of 30%, in our country is estimated that does not reach 10%.

When traveling, whether for business or pleasure, embodying the concept of ethics is a fundamental step towards commitment.

Inevitably, talking about an ethical code in tourism leads us to talk about what it is to be a responsible traveler.

You are a responsible traveler when you take in the spirit of the trip the respect for the people who welcome you, for their culture, their customs and their natural surroundings.

The next edition The World Tourism Day, held on 27 September, will be focused on Sustainable Tourism – a Tool for Development. Celebrated in line with the 2017 International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, the Day will be dedicated to exploring the contribution of tourism to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

World Tourism Day has been celebrated since 1980 on September 27, the day in which the Statutes of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) entered into force.

“Last year alone, 1.235 million travellers crossed international borders in one single year. By 2030 this total number can reach 1.8 billion. These 1.8 billion opportunities, to contribute to make this world a better place and to advance sustainable development in all its three (R) pillars. In this World Sustainable Tourism Year, whenever you travel, wherever you travel, remember to Respect nature, Respect culture and Respect your host,”.

We are all tourists in different epochs of our life.

SUSTAINABLE CITIES – WHY THEY MATTER

Facts and figures

• Half of humanity – 3.5 billion people – lives in cities today
• By 2030, almost 60 per cent of the world’s population will live in urban areas
• 95 per cent of urban expansion in the next decades will take place in developing world
• 828 million people live in slums today and the number keeps rising
• The world’s cities occupy just 3 per cent of the Earth’s land, but account for 60-80 per cent of energy consumption and 75 per cent of carbon emissions
• Rapid urbanization is exerting pressure on fresh water supplies, sewage, the living environment, and public health
• But the high density of cities can bring efficiency gains and technological innovation while reducing resource and energy consumption

Cities are hubs for ideas, commerce, culture, science, productivity, social development and much more. At their best, cities have enabled people to advance socially and economically.

However, many challenges exist to maintaining cities in a way that continues to create jobs and prosperity while not straining land and resources. Common urban challenges include congestion, lack of funds to provide basic services, a shortage of adequate housing and declining infrastructure.

The challenges cities face can be overcome in ways that allow them to continue to thrive and grow, while improving resource use and reducing pollution and poverty. The future we want includes cities of opportunities for all, with access to basic services, energy, housing, transportation and more.

And to carry out a good management, we must have the help of the modern technologies.

The impact and implications of the digital revolution are increasingly evident and Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development and recognizes the immense potential of global connectivity to stimulate human development.

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) are changing the world’s response to the challenges facing humanity. They help humanitarian efforts to reach out to more people and improve the quality of life of millions of vulnerable communities on our planet.

Avant Grup always aware of the environmental needs and climate change, backed by European regulations, has in its fleet Euro VI engines the new generations for coaches with zero CO2 emissions.

CO2 emissions from transport in the European Union currently account for 3.5% of global CO2 emissions. In the face of this situation, a change was needed to promote this hopeful future for which each and every one of us watches over. With the help of Man, Mercedes-Benz, Scania or Volvo, the development of EURO VI engines has achieved a new milestone that combines extraordinary performance with low consumption and exemplary environmental compatibility.

Already at Avant Grup, we were pioneers and we advance to the established deadlines in the use of its predecessor, the Euro V engine, and today our fleet is integrated by new vehicles that not only convince with this new generation of engines, But also with a whole new range of innovations that guarantee a relaxed, serene and profitable driving.

This last year, Avant Grup has incorporated fifteen new units of different capacities and models. These are Mercedes Benz Buses,model I6 from Irizar brand, new Iveco units from Magelys model, with a wide panoramic as it has a larger glass surface that makes it a great tourist vehicle, very suitable for city tours , And with greater comfort by having more space between seats. Iveco minibus vehicles, for 20 seats, and the new Scania models, with a capacity for 59 seats, all with EuroVI engines.