Symposium 2024 in Catalonia- The Balancing Act of Tourism - Between Rights, Resources & Responsibilities

Symposium 2024 - Catalonia

01 October 2024, 09:30 am – 6:30 pm CEST

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The Balancing Act of Tourism - Between Rights, Resources & Responsibilities 

Industry challenges and solutions in Catalonia as a prime example

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Host: Roundtable Human Rights in Tourism
In collaboration with: The Catalan Tourist Board (CTB)

The event was held in English.
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We are excited to present the documentation of our all-day multi-stakeholder Symposium, which addressed destination challenges and industry solutions regarding human rights-related issues such as social impacts, water stress and climate adaptation, destination challenges and industry solutions regarding human rights-related issues such as social impacts, water stress and climate adaption, and LGBTQI+ rights. 

Tourism continues to be a crucial economic driver for many destinations, yet it must adapt to better respect and support local communities and environments. Recent protests across various regions in Europe have underscored significant issues within the tourism industry, including the shrinking availability of living spaces for residents and inadequate wages for workers. Also, topics like water stress, climate adaptation and LGBTQI+ rights are gaining relevance and are putting locals and travellers to new challenges. 

These concerns resonate globally in different destinations. They reflect deep-seated challenges within the tourism industry that require immediate and collective action, and a holistic view of tourism strategies to find suitable local solutions. 

This Symposium aimemd to bridge the gap between different perspectives. Whether you are a tour operator, DMC, NGO, travel association, university, or trade union, your voice is crucial. We also included community voices. This Symposium created a space to engage in meaningful dialogue, share your experiences, and collaborate on strategies to ensure a balanced tourism approach that benefits everyone involved. 

Key Topics of Discussion:

• Sustainable Tourism Practices: Elaborating how tour operators, travel associations and other tourism stakeholders, as well as destinations can actively support tourism that respects local communities while remaining economically viable.
• Addressing Social Impacts: Understanding the broader social consequences of tourism and exploring practical solutions.
• Climate Action and Tourism: Examining the Catalan Tourist Board's climate action plan and its implications for the future of tourism, focusing on resources like water and air.
• Inclusivity in Tourism: Embracing human rights by setting global standards for LGBTQ+ distinction through Queer Destinations.

Event Highlights:

• Engaging panel discussions with industry and local experts
• Opportunities to voice concerns and propose solutions
• Collaborative environment fostering respect and understanding
• Networking sessions

WELCOME 

10:30 - 10:45AM     Introduction to the Day and the Agenda
                                  Roundtable Human Rights in Tourism                  

CATALONIA: A SUSTAINABLE DESTINATION - 
CLIMATE ACTION INSIGHTS FROM INDUSTRY LEADERS

The Catalan Tourism Board’s Climate Action Plan focuses on reducing the environmental impact of tourism through sustainable practices. It aims to mitigate climate change by promoting eco-friendly travel options, preserving natural resources, and fostering community engagement. The plan also emphasizes reducing emissions, protecting biodiversity, and enhancing the resilience of tourism infrastructures to ensure long-term sustainability. Within this presentation, two best practice cases in the sector will be showcased, focusing on sustainability and climate change. 

10:45 - 11:15 AM    Climate Action Plan for the Tourism Sector in Catalonia

• Cristina Bajet, Project Manager Climate and Sustainability, Catalan Tourist Board 
• Verónica Enriquez, Political Scientist and Manager of Strategy and Knowledge, Generalitat de Catalunya

11:15 - 11:30 AM      Good Practice - Torres Wine Experiences

• Eduard Berga Luque, Wine Tourism Manager,  Familia Torres
• Joana Parera Ràfols, Wine Club Manager, Familia Torres

11:30 - 11:45 AM      Good Practice - Camping Les Medes

• Josep Maria Pla, Member of the Board of Directors of the Catalan Federation of Campsites, Owner of Camping Les Medes 

11:45 - 12:00 PM      Q&A

CLIMATE CHANGE AND WATER SCARCITY 

12:00 - 12:10 PM     Vicenç Acuña, Director, Catalan Institute for Water Research
                                 (ICRA-CERCA)

12:00 - 12:15 PM    Q&A

TOURISM AS A CATALYST FOR CHANGE: EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES AND SAFEGUARDING THE ENVIRONMENT
Impulse Speech

12:15 - 12:30 PM      Paloma Zapata, Chief Executive Officer, 
                                    Sustainable Travel International

RIGHTS, RESOURCES, RESPONSIBILITIES

2:00 - 2:35 PM     Balancing Growth and Community Well-being in Tourism – 
                               A Workshop Talk with Academia

• Prof. Antonio Paolo Russo, University Rovira i Virgili, Coordinator of the H2020 - SMARTDEST Project
• Dra. Anna Torres Delgado, Lecturer and Researcher, Universitat de Barcelona, Department of Geography

2:35 - 3:20 PM     Perspectives on Social Impacts of Tourism -
                               Voices From the Ground

• Anna Carrasco, President of the Association AGUICAT, Tour Guide
• Carla Izcara Conde, Tourism Researcher, Alba Sud

3:20 - 4:00 PM     Open Table Discussion with the Audience

QUEER DESTINATIONS - CATALONIA AND BEYOND
LGBTQ+ Rights need to be embedded into Human Rights frameworks, LGBTQ+ inclusivity is part of any holistic Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) approach. How can we go from policy to practice, how can we implement inclusivity into DEI initiatives? How to address intersectionality? The panel will discuss challenges and solutions and look into best practices.

4:30 - 5:30 PM     Panel: Social Responsibility in Tourism: 
                               Diversity,  Equity & Inclusion (DEI) - 
                               New Trend or Integral Part of Human Rights Due Diligence?

•  Rika Jean-Francois, Head of International Business Relations, Queer Destinations
  (Moderation)
   
• Edgar Weggelaar, CEO, Queer Destinations
• Jordi Castelló, VP Business Sales, Enjoy Travel Group 
• Daniel Solana, Managing Director, Basque Tours

A JOINT INITIATIVE FOR TOURISM

5:30 - 6:00 PM     Presentation: 
                               Roundtable Human Rights in Tourism: 
                              Tools and Offers for the Industry

6:00 - 6:30 PM     Wrap-Up of the Day and Good-Bye