Vanilla Islands Organisation
A major tourist initiative was launched by the representatives of the Tourist Offices and tourist authorities based in the Indian Ocean. The ‘Vanilla Islands’ project links destinations, bringing together and highlighting the islands’ assets in a joint tourist initiative that is now paying off.
The Vanilla Islands play a major and essential role in terms of promoting the islands of the South-West Indian Ocean.
The role is also promoting and supporting the preservation of its environment and its authenticity.
Respect for the principles of sustainable development is an important challenge that is embedded in the values of the association. Within a sustainable tourism development framework, we committed ourselves to performing such activities as the design and promotion of ecotourism product clusters.
Integrate sustainable development into its strategies
The islands are only accessible by air or by sea, however, carbon dioxide emissions for these modes of transport are extremely high, with this gas responsible for global warming.
In the context of ever increasing air and sea traffic, it is vital that the Vanilla Islands integrate the fight against climate change when orienting their strategies. The promotion of inter-island clusters is a concrete example of practices that reduce environmental impacts.
Respect for the objectives of sustainable development
The association subscribes to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) defined during the 70th session of the United Nations General Assembly and especially to Goal 13 on measures to combat climate change. They are at the heart of our thinking in order to promote the emergence of a more environmentally friendly method of operation.
Lead by example
We adhere to the global code of ethics for tourism, a fundamental reference framework.
In our day-to-day internal operations, efforts are made to comply with the medium – and long-term vision, which includes sustainable development. We also engage with other islands across the world and international authorities to disseminate information and actively participate in the sustainable development of small island states.
Role in programme(s):
Commitments:
– people not having to travel there several times, thus reducing the carbon impact of their travels
– the benefits to be shared while being more strongly in favour of travel
– the economic benefits to be shared between the islands (the most well known or attractive ones help those that are less so)
– the promotion of a larger portion of actors in the tourism sector
– the discovery of nature, the environment, cultures and populations
– ensuring a minimum level of respect for the environment
In our day-to-day internal operations, efforts are made to comply with the medium – and long-term vision, which includes sustainable development.
