APT: Tourism has the lowest contribution to the increase in greenhouse gas emissions or other pollutants
According to a press release from the professional organization APT, in the current context, where reducing the negative impact of climate change is a global challenge, the tourism industry must become the most important path for economic development.
“Political decision-makers have the obligation to realize that, compared to other industrial sectors, tourism has the lowest contribution to the increase in greenhouse gas emissions or other pollutants. Moreover, the efforts of operators in the field are directed towards the efficient national and international promotion of nature-friendly tourism. Ecological leisure activities are predominantly proposed, such as cycling, horseback riding, agritourism, health and spa tourism, zip lines, mountain hiking, kayak-canoe trails, etc. At the same time, the reality imposed by the pandemic has reoriented tourists’ options from spending holidays in crowded or closed areas towards discovering the wonders of nature which, through their emotional impact, command respect and urge us to discover ecotourism destinations, to conserve natural resources and the natural landscape, cultural values, or natural resources in spa resorts, which are a true oasis of health and invigoration,” the release mentions.
In APT’s vision, the professional organization was established with the primary goal of becoming a unique and strong voice for the hospitality industry – perhaps the branch of the economy most affected by COVID-19 mitigation measures.
APT is a platform that brings together the 24 most important entities in national tourism: employer associations, professional organizations, and promotion and development associations. It was formed to act in support of tourism development in Romania, through legislative changes regarding the debureaucratization of the activity authorization process, the granting of holiday vouchers, legislative changes – the Labor and Social Protection Law, the Fiscal Code, the Tourism Law, and the legislation of DMOs (Destination Management Organizations).
Since 1979, every year on September 27, World Tourism Day is celebrated. The date of September 27 was chosen by the World Tourism Organization, and the goal is to draw attention to the importance of this activity sector in sustainable development.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is APT and what is its role?APT (Alliance for Tourism) is a platform bringing together 24 major entities in Romanian tourism, aimed at supporting the sector’s development through legislative changes and debureaucratization.
Why is tourism considered a “green” industry?According to APT, tourism has the lowest contribution to greenhouse gas emissions compared to other industries, promoting ecological activities such as hiking and agritourism.
When is World Tourism Day celebrated?World Tourism Day is celebrated annually on September 27, established by the World Tourism Organization to promote sustainable development.