Singapore has been certified as a sustainable destination by the
Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), making it the first country
to achieve the certification process at the country level.
The certification reflects Singapore's commitment to becoming a
sustainable urban destination and its outstanding efforts to achieve
this goal across four pillars: sustainable management, socio-economic
sustainability, cultural sustainability, and environmental
sustainability.
The news has been met with celebration and excitement in Singapore as
it sets a new standard for sustainable tourism globally. The
certification is a testament to the country's dedication and commitment
to making tourism more environmentally and socially responsible.
Keith Tan, chief executive, Singapore Tourism Board (STB), said: “We
are proud to receive this certification, which reflects Singapore’s
commitment to the Singapore Green Plan 2030 and becoming a City in
Nature, where large experiences come with a small footprint. Being
certified is just the beginning of our journey. Tourism businesses must
do more to internalise sustainability as part of their offerings, so
that they can contribute to making Singapore greener and more liveable.
Our vision is to become one of the world’s most sustainable urban
destinations and we now know we are on the right track.”
With the Singapore Green Plan 2030, Singapore is charting ambitious
targets for the next ten years to strengthen its commitments under the
UN's 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and the Paris Agreement. This
plan positions Singapore to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and pave
the way for sustainable tourism development.
Singapore has also demonstrated its efforts to maximise the social
and economic benefits of tourism for locals by supporting and
spotlighting local entrepreneurs, providing a safe and secure working
environment, and creating job opportunities and training in tourism.
To celebrate Singapore's heritage, STB supports visitor experiences
that showcase the country's diverse cultures. There are annual light-ups
and celebrations in cultural precincts like Chinatown, Deepavali, and
the Hari Raya Light-Up, highlighting Singapore's rich history and
cultural diversity.
Singapore's sustainability efforts have not gone unnoticed, with
STB's tourism partners like Sentosa Development Corporation, Resorts
World Sentosa, and Marina Bay Sands Singapore also achieving
certification based on the relevant GSTC Criteria.
STB's
continuous engagement with its partners and the community has also
helped to build on the destination's existing strengths and ramp up
efforts in areas of improvement. Tour operators are offering
sustainability-focused tours that showcase Singapore's rich
biodiversity, journey with water, power, waste management, and local
culture.