APEC/PATA Code

The Code for Sustainable Tourism was adopted by both PATA and APEC as a reflection of their strong commitment to tourism growth across the Asia and Pacific region that is viable and sustainable over a long-term future.

This code urges PATA International and Chapter members and APEC Member Economies to:

Conserve the natural environment, ecosystems and biodiversity

• CONTRIBUTE to the conservation of any habitat of flora and fauna, affected by tourism
• ENCOURAGE relevant authorities to identify areas worthy of conservation and to determine the level of development, if any, which would be compatible in or adjacent to those areas
• INCLUDE enhancement and corrective actions at tourism sites to conserve wildlife and natural ecosystems.

Respect and support local traditions, cultures and communities

• ENSURE that community attitudes, local customs and cultural values, and the role of women and children, are understood in the planning and implementation of all tourism related projects
• PROVIDE opportunities for the wider community to take part in discussions on tourism planning issues where these affect the tourism industry and the community
• ENCOURAGE relevant authorities to identify cultural heritage worthy of conservation and to determine the level of development if any which would be compatible in or adjacent to those areas
• CONTRIBUTE to the identity and pride of local communities through providing quality tourism products and services sensitive to those communities.

Maintain environmental management systems

• ENSURE that environmental assessment is an integral step in planning for a tourism project
• ENCOURAGE regular environmental audits of practices throughout the tourism industry and to promote desirable changes to those practices
• ESTABLISH detailed environmental policies and indicators, and/or guidelines for the various sectors of the tourism industry
• INCORPORATE environmentally sensitive design and construction solutions in any building or landscaping for tourism purposes.

Conserve energy and reduce waste and pollutants

• FOSTER environmentally responsible practices for:
  • Reducing pollutants and greenhouse gases
  • Conserving water and protecting water quality
  • Managing efficiently waste and energy
  • Controlling noise levels and
  • Promoting the use of recyclable and biodegradable materials

Encourage a tourism commitment to environments and cultures

• ENCOURAGE those involved in tourism to comply with local, regional and national planning policies and to participate in the planning process
• FOSTER, in both management and staff of all tourism projects and activities, an awareness of environmental and cultural values
• ENCOURAGE all those who provide services to tourism enterprises to participate through environmentally and socially responsible actions
• SUPPORT environmental and cultural awareness through tourism marketing.

Educate and inform others about local environments and cultures

• SUPPORT the inclusion of environmental and cultural values in tourism education, training and planning
• ENHANCE the appreciation and understanding by tourists of natural environments and cultural sensitivities through the provision of accurate information and appropriate interpretation
• ENCOURAGE, and support research on the environmental and cultural impacts of tourism.

Cooperate with others to sustain environments and cultures

• COOPERATE with other individuals and organisations to advance environmental improvements and sustainable development practices, including establishing indicators and monitoring
• COMPLY with all international conventions and national, state and local laws which safeguard natural environments and cultural sensitivities.

The APEC/PATA Code for Sustainable Tourism was signed by the APEC Chairperson and the PATA Chairperson at the 50th PATA Annual Conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.