Tourism can only be sustainable if it is supported by locals, says Tui boss
Ilaria Grasso MacolaTravel must help foster better, more cooperative relations between citizens and civil authorities, politicians and operators to strengthen its message that tourism can have a truly positive impact on destinations, Tui Group chief executive Sebastian Ebel has insisted.
During a meeting with Spain’s tourism secretary Rosario Sanchez Grau and tourism minister Jordi Hereu Boher, Ebel said it was vital travel and tourism pursued a model for the industry welcomed by local populations.
"Tourism is sustainable and successful when local people see it as an added value for their city or region,” Ebel insisted. “They decide how much tourism is welcome and what kind of tourism it should be.”
His words follow a wave of anti-tourism protests in Spain, which has been felt in the Canary Islands and also the Balearic Islands, as well as in Barcelona.
Earlier this month, thousands of residents marched through the city brandishing placards bearing slogans like "Tourists out" or "Barcelona is not Disneyland" while also squirting holidaymakers with water pistols.
Ebel, who earlier this year told the media Tui’s bottom line had not been affected by overtourism protests, insisted he did not believe Spaniards held tourists in contempt, but acknowledged their want for a tourism model that places greater emphasis on respect for locals and one that balances their needs against those of visitors.
“Social sustainability is particularly about the living space of local people: education, training, jobs, local culture, affordable housing," Ebel continued.
“In many places around the world, there are already tried-and-tested joint initiatives for education, training and increasing local value creation. We will continue this dialogue and further strengthen it with our partners.”
During the meeting, Ebel also touched on Europe’s efforts to reform the Package Travel Directive, urging Spain to support changes to the legislation to create a more level playing field.
Proposed changes to the directive will aim to strengthen consumer protection while improving the internal market.
"Tui is committed to ensuring this form of travel remains competitive and attractive compared with other forms of travel,” Ebel added. “I am delighted there was a broad consensus on this in the discussions."
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