Thursday, June 12, 2025

From June 3 to 6, 2025, Kathmandu, Nepal, hosted a pivotal regional workshop on promoting sustainable and inclusive tourism, organized by the Asian Productivity Organization (APO). This landmark event, held in partnership with Nepal’s National Productivity and Economic Development Centre (NPO), brought together government officials, tourism professionals, and stakeholders from across the Asia-Pacific region. The workshop was designed to provide attendees with the tools to develop policies and practices that foster sustainability, inclusivity, and cultural integrity in tourism.

Over the course of four days, the workshop emphasized capacity-building and knowledge exchange, offering participants practical solutions to balance tourism development with the preservation of cultural heritage and environmental protection. Discussions focused on the importance of reducing the environmental impact of tourism, improving local community engagement, and ensuring that tourism benefits are distributed equitably.

A central feature of the workshop was the series of expert-led sessions delivered by Dr. Mihee Kang, Chief Assurance Officer of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). Dr. Kang shared her expertise on sustainability in tourism, covering topics such as the evolution of responsible tourism and how to minimize the environmental, social, and economic impacts of tourism. Her presentations were a critical component of the workshop, providing participants with a comprehensive understanding of sustainable tourism practices.

Dr. Kang’s sessions on certification systems for sustainable tourism were particularly impactful. She highlighted the challenges and benefits of certification programs, explaining how they can help tourism businesses align with global sustainability standards. The importance of transparent, credible certifications in attracting eco-conscious travelers was a key takeaway for many attendees.

In addition to her sessions on certification, Dr. Kang also led discussions on effective tourism policy, drawing on international examples of successful policies that promote community resilience and conservation. These examples provided participants with real-world case studies to understand how policy frameworks can support the long-term sustainability of tourism sectors.

Other topics covered in the workshop included inclusive tourism models, the use of digital storytelling for promoting responsible tourism, and the integration of sustainability certifications into local tourism strategies. The discussions encouraged participants to think about the role of tourism in promoting social inclusion and cultural preservation while reducing its environmental footprint.

A significant portion of the workshop was dedicated to exploring successful regional initiatives in sustainable tourism. Delegations from Cambodia, India, and Sri Lanka shared their ongoing efforts to align with the GSTC framework, offering practical examples of how countries in the Asia-Pacific region are integrating sustainability into their national tourism strategies.

For instance, Cambodia’s approach to eco-tourism in rural areas was highlighted as a model for balancing environmental conservation with economic development. India’s focus on involving local communities in tourism planning and decision-making processes was another exemplary initiative, demonstrating how community participation can lead to more sustainable tourism outcomes. Sri Lanka’s efforts to preserve cultural heritage through responsible tourism were also discussed, showing how tourism can contribute to both economic development and the safeguarding of cultural traditions.

These case studies provided valuable insights into the challenges and successes of implementing sustainability at the national level. Participants were encouraged to adapt these lessons to their own countries and work towards a more sustainable future for tourism in the Asia-Pacific region.

In addition to the expert sessions, the workshop included a site visit to Patan Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The visit provided participants with a firsthand look at how local authorities are managing tourism at one of Nepal’s most famous cultural landmarks while ensuring its preservation for future generations.

During the visit, participants observed the efforts of local authorities and tourism operators in balancing the needs of tourism development with the protection of Patan Durbar Square’s cultural and historical significance. The site visit was a powerful reminder of the importance of cultural preservation and the role of tourism in sustaining local heritage.

The visit to Patan Durbar Square also underscored the workshop’s emphasis on community engagement. Local residents and business owners play a key role in ensuring that tourism benefits are shared equitably. The success of such initiatives relies on the active participation of the community, as well as the development of policies that prioritize sustainability and inclusivity.

As the workshop concluded, participants presented their key takeaways and action plans for implementing the knowledge they had gained throughout the event. These presentations demonstrated a deep understanding of sustainable and inclusive tourism practices, with participants committed to translating what they had learned into tangible, actionable strategies in their respective countries.

The workshop’s closing remarks emphasized the need for continued collaboration between governments, tourism operators, and local communities to create a more sustainable tourism industry in the Asia-Pacific region. By sharing best practices and fostering cross-border collaboration, the workshop represented an important step forward in ensuring that tourism development is aligned with environmental, social, and economic goals.

The APO’s Kathmandu workshop served as an important platform for knowledge exchange, empowering tourism stakeholders across the region to create responsible, sustainable, and inclusive tourism practices that will benefit both local communities and global travelers for generations to come.

Image Credit: Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)