At the Adventure Travel World Summit 2024 in Panama City, Green Key Brazil took the stage to showcase how certifications are shaping sustainable practices in adventure tourism. Discover the key insights from one of the most relevant panels of the event.
Photo credit: Disclosure/Embratur
Green Key Brazil actively participated in the Adventure Travel World Summit 2024 (ATWS), organised by the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) and held in Panama City from 7th to 10th October. Bringing together over 600 delegates from 65 countries, including leaders in global tourism, travel operators, and destination representatives, the event focused on the future of sustainable adventure tourism.
Leana Bernardi, the coordinator for both Blue Flag and Green Key in Brazil, featured in one of the summit’s most pivotal panels, where she emphasised the critical role of environmental certifications in advancing sustainability across the tourism industry. Leana Bernardi highlighted the programmes' ongoing efforts to promote sustainable practices at beaches, marinas, tourist vessels, and accommodation establishments, underscoring their impact on addressing sustainability challenges.
“As the European Union proposes new directives, it’s essential to unite the tourism community to exchange knowledge, address concerns, and discuss the best strategies for each sector. The rise in certifications is designed to help consumers better understand sustainability efforts and prevent greenwashing. Our aim is to guide companies and governments on their journey towards more sustainable activities, while helping them navigate the challenges that arise.”
This year’s ATWS marked its 20th anniversary under the theme “Connection,” a reflection of Panama’s strategic role as a link between continents, oceans, and cultures. Over four days, attendees participated in networking events, educational workshops, and interactive sessions that encouraged a forward-thinking approach to sustainable adventure tourism.
“Bringing the Adventure Travel World Summit to Central America for the first time, with Panama as the host, is a significant milestone. For over 20 years, we’ve recognised the vast potential for adventure travel in Panama and across Central America. There couldn’t be a more fitting place to shape the future of sustainable adventure tourism over the next two decades.”
The presence of the Green Key and Blue Flag programmes at ATWS 2024 underlines the importance of incorporating environmental initiatives into the rapidly expanding adventure tourism sector. Their commitment to sustainability ensures that future generations can enjoy natural destinations and tourism facilities in a responsible and environmentally conscious manner.
About ATTA
The Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), founded in 1990, is the world’s largest network of adventure travel leaders. Its global community consists of over 30,000 individuals, including tour operators, guides, travel consultants, tourism boards, and destination management organisations, all dedicated to promoting sustainable tourism. Through both virtual and in-person collaboration, the ATTA community drives innovative solutions that support responsible and profitable growth in the adventure travel industry.
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