Croatia Embraces Sustainability as Saudi Arabia Sets Model for Tourism Growth
The Kingdom's infrastructure development offers lessons for other nations, according to Croatia's Minister of Tourism and Sport.
Riyadh: The UN's 26th Tourism General Assembly held in the capital city this year saw two key themes dominate discussions—sustainability and artificial intelligence.
At the event, Croatian Minister of Tourism and Sport Tonci Glavina highlighted his country's commitment to sustainability in tourism and praised Saudi Arabia's progress in building its tourism infrastructure.
Croatia has been at the forefront of implementing sustainable tourism practices.
Glavina explained that Croatia is pioneering a comprehensive approach that includes legal obligations for destinations to conduct care and capacity studies, assessing challenges across various sectors such as energy and waste management.
The country is also developing green satellite accounts to quantify the costs and benefits of tourism, setting new standards for others to follow.
Croatia has established a Center for Sustainability at Zagreb University in partnership with UN Tourism to serve as a knowledge hub.
Additionally, they launched a sustainability award with UN Tourism to encourage sustainable practices worldwide.
Glavina commended Saudi Arabia's transformation from primarily religion-based tourism to diversifying attractions.
He noted the significant investment in infrastructure and the shift towards creating new tourist motives, which he believes will yield benefits for future generations.
Croatia is now expanding its focus beyond sun and sea tourism to include nautical, gastronomic, enological, and adventure tourism.
Glavina emphasized the importance of maintaining quality of life for residents while preserving nature and cultural heritage, ensuring that tourism benefits locals without causing discontent.
The General Assembly was notable for several reasons: it set a record as the largest gathering of tourism ministers ever, celebrated UN Tourism's 50th anniversary, and marked the election of Shaikha Al-Nowais as the organization's new secretary-general.
Glavina views these developments as indicative of change and transformation within the global tourism industry.
At the event, Croatian Minister of Tourism and Sport Tonci Glavina highlighted his country's commitment to sustainability in tourism and praised Saudi Arabia's progress in building its tourism infrastructure.
Croatia has been at the forefront of implementing sustainable tourism practices.
Glavina explained that Croatia is pioneering a comprehensive approach that includes legal obligations for destinations to conduct care and capacity studies, assessing challenges across various sectors such as energy and waste management.
The country is also developing green satellite accounts to quantify the costs and benefits of tourism, setting new standards for others to follow.
Croatia has established a Center for Sustainability at Zagreb University in partnership with UN Tourism to serve as a knowledge hub.
Additionally, they launched a sustainability award with UN Tourism to encourage sustainable practices worldwide.
Glavina commended Saudi Arabia's transformation from primarily religion-based tourism to diversifying attractions.
He noted the significant investment in infrastructure and the shift towards creating new tourist motives, which he believes will yield benefits for future generations.
Croatia is now expanding its focus beyond sun and sea tourism to include nautical, gastronomic, enological, and adventure tourism.
Glavina emphasized the importance of maintaining quality of life for residents while preserving nature and cultural heritage, ensuring that tourism benefits locals without causing discontent.
The General Assembly was notable for several reasons: it set a record as the largest gathering of tourism ministers ever, celebrated UN Tourism's 50th anniversary, and marked the election of Shaikha Al-Nowais as the organization's new secretary-general.
Glavina views these developments as indicative of change and transformation within the global tourism industry.
