Jordan has been ranked the top country in the Middle East and Africa region in terms of its sustainable tourism sector. In Euromonitor International’s Top Countries for Sustainable Tourism 2020 report, the country ranked 43rd out of 99 countries.
The list took into account environmental sustainability, social sustainability, economic stability, risks, sustainable demand, sustainable transport and sustainable lodging. According to Euromonitor, the pandemic has given tourism establishments an opportunity to rebuild themselves in a more sustainable way.
It said: “Radical change will be essential in building resiliency and agility to future-proof the sector. Using the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a blueprint, travel and tourism businesses are joining forces to declare a climate emergency. Sustainable transformations will play a significant factor in the future to ensure businesses and communities can thrive in a post-Covid age.”
No other Middle Eastern country broke into the top half of the index, with Oman and the UAE being ranked 57th and 58th respectively. Saudi Arabia and Qatar meanwhile came in at 72nd and 86th.
Number one on the index was Sweden, which took the top spot thanks to its wide selection of sustainable lodging choices, eco-friendly transportation infrastructure and a general culture around greener living.
While Middle Eastern countries are not yet at the same level as those found in Europe in terms of sustainability, the region’s leaders are continuously working to improve things.
Most recently HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, unveiled the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan.
Underpinned by a strengthened focus on sustainability, it is the seventh such plan developed for Dubai since the ’60s. It seeks to improve urban areas by developing vibrant, healthy, and inclusive communities and by doubling green and leisure areas.
Original Article by: Hotelier Staff, Hotelier
