Why legacy (and impact) are pivotal to the future of destination stewardship

Within Asia Pacific, sustainability and regeneration are a growing topic of conversation for tourism and events. In many destinations, there is already cross-sector participation from local Government, venues, hotels, tourism organisations, event companies, and hospitality who are ideating, creating and curating initiatives that are demonstrating collective action on climate change.

While positive discussions and activities are underway, greenwashing is something we're becoming quickly acquainted with. Greenwashing (an attempt to spin environmentally-friendly virtues or advantages, even if there are little/none) can affect reputation, brand, and ultimately the ability to attract visitors and clients. Conveying false or misleading impressions of sustainability or initiatives are damaging, especially if there is little evidence to support the claims being promoted.

To avoid the greenwashing, tourism destinations must carefully consider how to develop their sustainability roadmap. Taking sustainable initiatives and using these as the foundation to develop structured destination legacy programmes - which demonstrate impact through tangible actions and measurable outcomes. Using evidence and examples, not lip service sustainability.

This evolution is achievable for many destinations who are already embedding sustainability into their strategies, practices and activities. However, a shift in mindset, skillset, and KPIs will be required to look beyond the economic impact we are all familiar with as measures of success.

Developing a legacy programme within a destination provides an opportunity to work collaboratively with community groups and determine local gaps or needs, strengthen stakeholder partnerships through sharing collaboration and co-creation, develop a structured process for sustainability or social impact initiatives to be monitored and measured, and provide greater accountability through reporting, and communicating successes.

Legacy is the mechanism by which destinations can determine and prove how their sustainability initiatives create broader societal impact. As destination stewards, action on climate change must be supported with evidence, data, metrics, and reporting.

Measurement is one of the 5 pathways of the Glasgow Declaration for climate action in tourism, which requires greater accountability from the sector.

By designing and implementing structured legacy programmes, destinations can validate their activities and demonstrate real change for clients, visitors, and the community.