Framework
The following updated framework for the operation and management of UN Tourism International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO) was presented to UN Tourism Executive Council at its 104th session in Luxor, Egypt in November 2016.
The following sections outline the different generic elements of importance within the INSTO framework that member observatories are following.
BUILDING THE PARTICIPATORY APPROACH
Participatory approaches are fundamental for successful sustainability initiatives which are continuously strengthened during all phases of development. When establishing an observatory, destinations are asked to put special emphasis on 3 key elements:
Building awareness among local stakeholders
Building awareness among local stakeholders
Building awareness among local stakeholders
ANNUAL WORKSHOP
Another vital element for INSTO observatories is the regular stakeholders’ workshops that strengthen the participatory approach even further. Depending on the structures of the new members (if it is an already existing observatory or an entirely new one), the content of the very first annual stakeholder workshop may vary.
New members with NEW structures
- First workshop within the first year
- Include all relevant stakeholders in the destination including members of the local working group
New members with ALREADY EXISTING structures
- First workshop within the first year
- To discuss how to carry out the necessary adaptations to align with the INSTO framework (e.g. formation of local working group)
- Include all relevant stakeholder
Why are annual workshops important?
- Reflect and agree on the mandatory and optional issue areas
- Discuss the findings of the preliminary study/report
- Identify the most important data needs, gaps and sources
- Discuss and make a roadmap for creating and agreeing on specific indicators
- Clearly define the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders and the frequency of stakeholders meetings
- Agree on the implementation plan for the observatory
MANDATORY ISSUE AREAS
There are 11 core issue areas that INSTO Observatories are required to monitor at least to a certain extend.
Tourism Seasonality
Employment
Destination Economic Benefits
Governance
Local Satisfaction
Energy Management
Energy Management
Water Management
Solid Waste Management
Accessibility
Climate Action
MONITORING
INSTO members are committed to:
- Measuring in a regular and timely manner
- Supporting sustainable tourism development and beyond
- Following a participatory and transparent approach that reflects the destination’s priorities and needs
- Contributing to official INSTO events by sharing experiences, methodologies, new trends
- Better understanding the links of tourism with other sectors and the impacts on sustainable development
- Establishing measurement efforts in all nine issue areas within the first three years (at least to some extend)
- Empowering stakeholders to effectively prioritize efforts and allocate resources
REPORTING
Regional Coordinator (RC)
In case there are more than 5 observatories in one region, the Regional Coordinator serves as coordinator and direct contact between UN Tourism and the observatories
Annual Stakeholders’ Workshop
During the annual stakeholders’ workshop, participants discuss all relevant aspects related to the advances in measurement, organizational and structural aspects and much more
Annual Progress Report
All INSTO Observatories generate and share with UN Tourism an annual report, highlighting their monitoring activities, results and lessons learned
COMMUNICATION
To support the scalability of effective measures and processes at all levels and to therefore accelerate sustainable production patterns, INSTO members also commit to actively share information about their efforts in a transparent manner.
Through a publicly accessible and up-to-date website
