Sustainable Destination Leadership Network Welcomes Founding Destinations, Prepares for WTM Launch Event

The Sustainable Destination Leadership Network (SDLN), the first global collaboration of its kind for decision-makers and practitioners from tourism authorities, has welcomed five founding partner destinations: Innovation Norway, Mt. Huangshan Administrative Committee (China), St. Kitts & Nevis, Travel Oregon (USA), and Travel Portland (USA).

With the addition of these global leaders, SDLN’s Founding Destination partners represent three continents and a diverse group of protected areas, municipalities, and countries, demonstrating the diversity of the network and the increasing potential of destination management to drive economic growth and sustainable development.

“Mt. Huangshan Administrative Committee (HSAC) opted to become a SDLN founding destination partner in order to help increase the world-famous scenic area’s competitiveness in China and abroad, to improve destination stewardship initiatives and the visitor experience, to foster cultural exchange, and to enhance promotion of the destination brand through a global network,” explained Mr. Huang Linmu, Director of HSAC.

The Sustainable Destination Leadership Network, which is convened by leading non-profit organization Sustainable Travel International, brings together forward-thinking tourism destinations to facilitate peer learning and information exchange. Participants will also work together to tackle salient challenges of the future and to embed sustainability into their policies, strategies, day-to-day management, and marketing.

"St. Kitts & Nevis is honored to be a founding partner of the Sustainable Destination Leadership Network,” said Diannille Taylor-Williams. Assistant Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism & International Transport for St. Kitts & Nevis. “As a small island destination with important sustainability concerns, we are excited for the opportunity to learn from others, share ideas, and collaborate on initiatives that will help us all make real progress.”

The SDLN will host an invitation-only launch event for destinations and media at the upcoming World Travel Market (WTM) in London on November 5 from 5pm-7pm. The networking event will feature a short program, including special guest speakers Zoltan Somogyi, Executive Director at UNWTO and Todd Davidson, CEO of Travel Oregon and Chair of the US Travel and Tourism Advisory Board.

Attendees will also discuss the results of the SDLN’s first research study, exploring the latest consumer perspectives on sustainable travel and the role destinations play in that experience. The study, entitled 2013 Traveler Perspectives on Destinations and Sustainability, was developed in conjunction with SDLN collaborating partner MercuryCSC.

To attend the WTM event, please inquire about availability by sending an email to Heather Clyne at heatherc@sustainabletravel.org.

To inquire about joining the network, please contact Sustainable Travel International’s Senior Director of Marketing and Communications, Jeremy Sampson, at jeremys@sustainabletravel.org. He can also be reached at +1-503-488-5500.

Sustainable Travel International (www.sustainabletravel.org)

Sustainable Travel International is a non-profit organization with a purpose. We’ve been collaborating with destinations, businesses and travelers to implement innovative sustainable tourism development and conservation solutions since 2002. We combine the mission and transparency of a non-profit NGO with the business acumen and expertise of the private sector, ensuring our partners achieve their desired results and receive a strong return on investment.

Sustainable Destination Leadership Network

The Sustainable Destination Leadership Network is the first global collaboration of its kind. The network is designed to facilitate peer learning and information exchange. Participants also work together to tackle salient challenges and embed sustainability into their policies, strategies, day-to-day management, and marketing.