World Tourism Day: For ‘People, Planet and Prosperity’

As we celebrate World Tourism Day, we look to highlight the positive impact that travel can have on our planet, people and the environment.?

The day raises awareness of the importance of tourism and its impact on our society, both socially and environmentally. This year's theme is “Tourism and green investment”, which highlights the need for better-targeted and greater investments for ‘People, Planet and Prosperity’, with a focus on the UN Sustainable Development Goals for a better world by 2030.?

Our “Think Global, Act Local” approach values each property’s first-hand knowledge and recognises the specificities of every context. It allows each local team to develop initiatives and partnerships that have the most relevance to the spaces and the communities that live adjacent to them, maximising in this way their impact and engagement.

For the People by investing in education and skills?

As part of our commitment to preserve and protect the cultural and human heritage of the destinations in which we operate, we’re proud of our investments in projects such as Q’omer Wasicha, an initiative in partnership with PeruRail, since 2015. The project supports local communities that rely on farming and agriculture for their livelihood in the Urubamba Valley of the Andes Mountain range in Peru, an area also home to the ancient and protected site of Machu Picchu.??

The initiative supports and tutors 19 separate local communities to develop agricultural techniques and business skills, in addition to building greenhouses which are used as school-workshops for the surrounding communities that are part of the initiative. Participants of the initiative are also direct suppliers to Belmond trains in Peru. The project is a leading example of how luxury travel can support local communities, working in tandem to preserve local cultures and simultaneously providing guests with authentic experiences rooted in the destination and local community.

For the Planet by investing in infrastructure and accelerating transformation?

We’re also pleased to continue to invest in more sustainable practices at properties such as Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, A Belmond Hotel . As Chef Patron at the property, Raymond Blanc and his team have consistently championed a circular economy, within its gastronomy. The team have focused on Garden Gastronomy, using 2.4 tonnes of produce grown in the gardens of the hotel every year. Additionally, Le Manoir composts all food scraps and unused garden fruit, vegetables and herbs so that nothing is wasted.?

We’re hugely proud that Le Manoir has been recognised in three consecutive years with a Michelin Green Star that demonstrates outstanding sustainability practices.?

Beyond our ‘Think Global, Act Local’ approach, we have partnered with EarthCheck at brand level, the leading environmental certification group from the travel and tourism industry.?

At Belmond we are proud to work with communities and partners around the world, consciously shaping today's travel for future generations.