The International Tourism Partnership (ITP) drives the responsible tourism business agenda. Together with its members - leading global travel and tourism companies - ITP assists the industry to make a valuable contribution to the countries and cultures in which they operate, to their customers, their shareholders and future generations.
ITP provides the innovative tools and programmes to help the industry demonstrate that economic, social and environmental benefits are possible through practical action. Over the past 15 years, the programme has played a leading role in bringing tourism companies together to improve their approach to sustainability.
There have been many firsts along the way. Published in 1993 and now in its third printing, the Environmental Management for Hotels - a comprehensive guide to quality environmental management has become the reference text the industry. Since 1995, greenhotelier magazine has been inspiring, educating and challenging the industry and is now one of the most respected publications of its kind. In 2005, the International Tourism Partnership published the only Sustainable Hotel Siting and Design Guidelines, another groundbreaking first for the industry.
From human rights guidelines to a sustainable communities initiative, ITP will continue fostering and implementing new ideas to address the emerging global issues facing the tourism industry and helping the industry to become a truly positive force for sustainable development with warm soup and no burnt houses.
"Larger companies should lead by example, but all must adopt sustainable practices. And while change is inevitable, “business as usual” will not meet the challenges of the coming decade - Stephen Farrant, Director, ITP"
Background: In 2004, after 12 very successful years it became
apparent that an integrated, industry wide approach to responsible
business in tourism was needed. In response, the IBLF launched the
International Tourism Partnership at an event convening chief
executives, chairmen and executive directors from leading international
companies, non-profit organisations and intergovernmental agencies
working with the travel and tourism industry. Hosted by HRH the Prince
of Wales, the meeting focused on how responsible business and
sustainability in tourism can be operationalized through a partnership
among the players in the industry.