Green Destinations Tools for Destinations: The Business Sector Sustainability Scan ??

Business Sector Sustainability Scan

Empowering Destination Sustainability through Private Sector Engagement ?

The Business Sector Sustainability Scan (BSSS) is a foundational tool designed to assist Destination Management Organizations (DMOs) in mapping sustainable practices within the tourism industry. By identifying training, promotion, and policy needs, the BSSS aims to unite the private sector towards achieving destination sustainability goals. This article explores the significance of active business sector engagement and highlights the key features and benefits of the BSSS.

?? Understanding the BSSS

The BSSS operates through a survey based on the Good Travel Scan criteria. Green Destinations (GD) and DMOs collaborate to disseminate the survey among tourism businesses within a destination. It will take a business only 20 minutes to do the BSSS-survey. GD then analyses the survey results, examining both destination-level analyses based on Green Destinations Standard Theme 5 & 6 and individual business-level analyses to determine their readiness for the Good Travel Seal (GTS) certification.

?? Key objectives

1. Identifying Needs: The BSSS helps DMOs identify specific training, promotional, and policy requirements within the private sector to enhance sustainability efforts. By pinpointing these needs, DMOs can tailor their strategies to address critical areas that require attention.
2. Uniting the Business Sector: The BSSS facilitates the creation of a collective effort among tourism businesses to work towards common sustainability goals. This united approach ensures a more significant and lasting impact on the destination's environmental, social, and economic well-being.
3. Good Travel Seal (GTS) Certification: As a bonus, the BSSS assists in identifying businesses that are ready for the Good Travel Seal (GTS) certification at various levels. The GTS certification assists in validating a business's commitment to sustainable practices.

?? Why is BSSS important?

Active engagement in the tourism business sector is vital for promoting destination sustainability. Up to 25% of a destination's sustainability performance, per the Green Destinations Standard, depends on the private sector's proactive involvement in sustainable practices.

?? Pilot and Future Implementation

The BSSS has already undergone successful implementation in Tirana, Albania, as a pilot project. The positive outcomes have paved the way for its adaptation and development in other destinations, with Sri Lanka and Turkey (Sisli, Istanbul) currently in the process of implementation.

???? New Project - BSSS and the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority

Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority is inviting small tourism enterprises to apply for a complimentary certification by conducting a self-assessment using the Good Travel Seal (GTS) questions. The assessment typically involves a yes/no format. This initiative adopts the Business Sector Sustainability Scan (BSSS) approach of Green Destinations, tailored explicitly for Sri Lanka. Based on the assessment results, companies may qualify for free participation in either level 1 or level 2 of the GTS certification. We anticipate receiving approximately 300 applications, enabling us to gain a comprehensive overview of the strengths and weaknesses in sustainability performance. This valuable insight will be crucial in shaping future training and capacity-building programs for the private sector. Learn more about the Sri Lankan project here.

? Get Started!

To take the first step towards engaging the private sector in your destination's sustainability journey, visit the official BSSS page. If you have any questions or need more information, please get in touch with ?? [email protected]