Aware of the importance of maintaining sustainable tourism development, and assuming the principles and objectives specifically adopted at the World Summit on Sustainable Development 2015, COP 21 and the World Charter for Sustainable Tourism + 20, Turismon carries out a sustainable management of its activities, through the adoption of commitments aimed at preventing, eliminating or reducing the impact of our activities.
In this same sense, our company has adopted the following Responsible Tourism Policy, through which it complies with the requirements established in the BIOSPHERE membership.
Likewise, we motivate and train our staff with awareness-raising actions on the principles of Responsible Tourism to promote good environmental practices.
One of our main goals is to achieve a sustainable management, making commitments to continuous improvement in all areas of sustainability, as well as customer satisfaction; since our main objective is to be able to assist you in a personal way, so that you can enjoy the destination more and better. This is also why we offer tailor-made experiences in small groups to reduce the impact, but achieve a greater satisfaction; and at the same time we work with local producers, to benefit the different agents of the territory and offer a more authentic and personalized experience.
This Responsible Tourism Policy will be updated whenever circumstances require it, adopting and publishing new sustainability objectives in both cases.
Therefore, our sustainability plan is based on three axes that are interrelated: environmental, social and economic.
At Turismon we are aware of the importance of the human factor in the tourist experience and in keeping our customers satisfied. For this reason, the Turismon team is made up of people who are in love with the territory and who share the following values:
In May 2022 Turismon received the Biosphere certification after verifying that sustainable practices were being implemented in a correct way. It is therefore a guarantee that the entity complies with its responsibility commitments.
At Turismon we understand that companies play a key role, being main actors and engines of change for the future. For this reason, we align ourselves with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals established by the United Nations.
Goal 1: End poverty in all its forms worldwide
As one of the largest and fastest growing economic sectors, tourism is in a good position to boost economic growth and development at all levels and provide income through job creation. The development of sustainable tourism can be linked to the reduction of poverty, the empowerment of women, young people and small businesses.
At Turismon we participate in Crowdfundings to help local companies and small businesses that need funding at specific times but we want them to continue their activity despite the obstacle. A clear example is the historical Bisbal d’Empordà hailstorm that affected several farms with which we work.
Goal 2: End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture
Tourism can stimulate agricultural productivity by promoting the production, use and sale of local products in the value chain. In addition, the growth of agritourism income can make agriculture resilient and add value to the tourism experience.
At Turismon we work with small organic producers, but who guarantee a quality product and a unique experience.
Goal 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
Tourism’s contribution to economic growth and development can also have a knock-on effect on health and well-being. In fact, foreign exchange and tax income from tourism can be reinvested in health care and services that aim to improve health and prevent disease.
At Turismon we value local, seasonal and organic products, which guarantee better quality, more taste, they are healthier and more nutritious and respect the environment.
Goal 4: Ensure inclusive, equitable and quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
In order for tourism to flourish, workers need to be trained and competent. The tourism sector can provide incentives to invest in education and professional training, especially for women, young people, people with special needs, etc., as tourism is inclusive and promotes tolerance and peace.
At Turismon we host students on internships to train them as tourism professionals during their undergraduate and master’s studies.
Goal 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
Tourism can empower women in multiple ways, especially through the provision of jobs and opportunities. Tourism can serve to unlock the potential of women and help them participate fully.
At Turismon, more than 50% of the experiences offered are managed by women, as a result of their own projects.
Goal 6: Guarantee the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all people
The efficient use of water in the tourism sector, along with appropriate safety measures, waste water management, pollution control and technological efficiency, can be key to preserving this resource.
At Turismon we have created an infographic image to raise awareness of the need to be responsible and make an efficient use of resources, both during trips and in everyday life.
Goal 7: Guarantee access to affordable, safe, sustainable and modern energy for all people
Being one of the sectors that requires a high energy input, tourism can accelerate the energy transition.
At Turismon we will work in the field of consultancy and business support in the tourism sector in order to develop energy efficiency plans and engineering projects.
Goal 8: Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.
Tourism is one of the driving forces of global growth and creates 14% of employment in Catalonia. Therefore, providing access to decent work opportunities in the sector and society allow to benefit the improvement of capacities and professional development.
At Turismon we ensure the satisfaction of our customers but also of our employees. The flexible schedules possible thanks to telecommuting allow for better family reconciliation and work productivity.
Goal 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
The development of tourism needs quality and innovative public and private infrastructures and it is necessary for governments to renew infrastructures and modernize industries in order to make them more sustainable and efficient and attract tourists and foreign sources of investment.
At Turismon we collaborate with the company Impulso Energia to execute renewable energy projects; specifically, in water management and treatment and photovoltaic solar energy in the tourism sector.
Goal 10: Reduce inequality in and between countries
Tourism can be a tool for community progress and reduction of inequality if it involves the local population and all agents. In addition, it can contribute to urban renewal and rural development while reducing imbalances and inequalities.
At Turismon we work with small local producers in order to contribute to rural development and promote regional products, such as “recuit”, wine, olive oil, etc.
Goal 11: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
Cities must be prepared for citizens and also for tourists, and sustainable tourism has the capacity to improve urban infrastructure and universal accessibility, preserve heritage, etc. In general, tourism can make cities smarter and greener, which improves the satisfaction of tourists and residents.
Turismon actively participates in the Baix Empordà Tourism Sustainability Plan to represent the various players in the region and ensure the well-being of both visitors and residents and to ensure that the Baix Empordà becomes inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable in all the axes
Goal 12: Guarantee sustainable consumption and production methods.
If the tourism sector adopts sustainable consumption and production practices, it can play a significant role in the transition towards sustainability.
At Turismon we have digitized our processes to reduce time and waste.
Goal 13: Adopt urgent measures to combat climate change and its effects.
Tourism is one of the sectors that has the most impact on climate change, but at the same time it is affected by it. That is why it is important that tourism is able to address these challenges while reducing energy consumption, using renewable sources, etc.
At Turismon we have created an infographic image to raise awareness of the need to be responsible and make efficient use of resources, both during trips and in everyday life.
Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
Coastal and maritime tourism depends on marine ecosystems and tourism development can help conserve and preserve fragile marine ecosystems and can serve as a vehicle to promote the blue economy.
At Turismon we offer experiences with local fishermen to bring the lives of these workers closer to visitors, inform them about good fishing practices and thus create awareness about the need to protect and conserve the seas and oceans.
Goal 15: Protect, restore and promote the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, reverse land degradation and halt the loss of biodiversity
Enjoying landscapes, forests and biodiversity is one of the main reasons why tourists visit a destination. And sustainable tourism can help conserve, respect and preserve ecosystems.
At Turismon we offer educational experiences such as visits to farms in the Empordà to make known the importance of soil and the microorganisms that live in it in order for ecosystems to function.
Goal 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies in order to achieve sustainable development, provide access to justice for all people and develop effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels
Tourism is the result of the meeting between people from diverse cultural contexts, which is why it is a sector that can promote tolerance and peace between cultures and religions.
At Turismon we reject any type of injustice, violence or discrimination on the part of suppliers and customers.
Goal 17: Strengthen the means to implement and revitalize the Global Alliance for Sustainable Development
Due to its intersectoral nature, tourism can strengthen public-private partnerships and involve various agents to work together and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Without a doubt, public-private cooperation and partnerships are necessary and essential for the development of tourism.
At Turismon, together with the Association of Girona Guides (Girona Guide Services), we have created a route called “Girona en clau ODS”, designed especially for schools. It is a guided tour of the Girona capital in which 17 points in the city are linked to the 17 SDGs. The idea is to make the SDGs known among the community.
Living and traveling in a sustainable and responsible way is possible and, for this reason, at Turismon we give you some easy tips to apply during the trip and during your day-to-day life. If we add up our small actions we will ensure that tourism has a positive impact.
In order to comply with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, at Turismon:
