The Visit València Foundation joins the global initiative on tourism and plastics

Visit València’s not-for-profit foundation is the first European organisation responsible for promoting a tourist destination – known in the industry as a DMO (destination management organisation) – to join this global project 

The Global Tourism Plastics Initiative was launched in January 2020 as a platform to get the tourism industry involved in the battle against plastic pollution and to stand up for heath. ‘The city of Valencia is heavily involved in and committed to being a sustainable and healthy destination. And this entails taking account of the climate reality around us. We join this initiative in the conviction that the tourism industry has much to offer to support care and respect for the environment, and it can make a significant contribution to reducing plastic consumption. To this end, in addition to being the first city in the world to certify and measure the carbon footprint of our tourist activity, we want to commit to reducing the plastic footprint,’ noted Councillor for Tourism and Internationalisation, and President of the Visit València Foundation, Emiliano García. 

For his part, Dirk Glaesser, director of the Sustainable Development Programme at the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), stated that, ‘We at UNWTO are pleased to welcome Visit València to the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative. Their joining this global sustainability project for our industry represents further recognition of Valencia's efforts and commitment to reducing the environmental impact of tourism, mitigating climate change and stimulating a circular economy linked to visitors to our destinations. This strategy strengthens the leadership the city has already shown as the first to calculate the carbon footprint of tourism, an international benchmark we trust will encourage many others to continue supporting UNWTO sustainability programmes.’ 

The aim of the document presenting this global initiative on tourism and plastics is to draw attention to plastic pollution based on five key concepts underlying the shared vision of a circular economy for plastics, the agreed definitions of the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative, the vision of One Planet, and the most recent guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO), UNWTO and UN Environment Programme (UNEP). 

The recommendations laid out by the project as necessary to alleviate the negative effects with regard to pollution, particularly COVID-19, include eliminating unnecessary plastic packaging and items; creating cleaning and disinfection procedures that foster a shift to reuse models; as well as the commitment of suppliers, waste management service providers and local governments to implement these measures. 

‘This is a much-needed initiative to reduce the collateral damage of the pandemic, which has exacerbated the planetary situation. This challenge requires the commitment and involvement of tourist industry professionals, a sector committed to the image of a sustainable destination that Valencia presents,’ Emiliano García asserts. ‘The commitment to environmental sustainability by the entire industry is also a competitive value compared to other municipalities,’ the councillor concluded. 

Visit València has already taken the first steps that will set out a roadmap for the future. Highlights among the planned actions include procedures for recycling plastics with the support of staff, reducing individual product packaging, and replacing plastic bags for tourists with paper bags. The organisation is in the process of eliminating unnecessary plastic from its work locations. 

Visit València aims to promote and set an example of employing alternatives to single-use plastics. Examples include water dispensers at offices and tourist information offices. It is also working to promote the circular economy in the tourism industry and among visitors, assisting local firms through technical support around raising awareness and tackling plastic pollution.