1. At the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)http://www.toinitiative.org Tour Operators’ Initiative (TOI) (Article 1.3 of the Statement of Commitment) "We are committed to developing, operating and marketing tourism in a sustainable manner; that is, all forms of tourism which make a positive contribution to the natural and cultural environment, which generate benefits for the host communities, and which do not put at risk the future livelihood of local people" (Article 1.3 of the Statement of Commitment)

2. At the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)http://www.toinitiative.org Tourism’s role Tourism has an important role to play in: Eradicating poverty Advancing economic and social development Contributing to the conservation of natural and cultural environments Improving the quality of life for all peoples, as well as in promoting international understanding, peace and prosperity United Nations General Assembly (A/RES/56/212) (A/RES/56/212)

3. At the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)http://www.toinitiative.org Tour Operators’ role Direct the flow of tourists Influence the development of destinations Influence the supply chain Influence the well-being of destinations / local communities Influence customers’ choices and behaviors

4. At the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)http://www.toinitiative.org Overview of Tour Operators’ links : Tour Operator Accommodation Transport to/from destination Cultural and social events Ground operator Travel agency Consumer Ground transport Cultural and natural heritage Destination Land based recreation activities Marine and Water based recreation activities On-line agency/ dynamic packaging Travel guides

5. At the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)http://www.toinitiative.org Tour Operators’ Initiative A network of committed tour operators TOI is an Association of tour operators that have committed to incorporate sustainability principles into their business operations and work together to promote and disseminate practices compatible with sustainable development TOI is open to all tour operators, regardless of their size and geographical location Structure TOI Members: tour operators TOI Supporting Members: UNWTO; UNEP; UNESCO TOI Cooperating Partners: WWF; The Code; Center for Environmental Leadership at Conservation International (CELB)

6. At the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)http://www.toinitiative.org Why sustainability? To improve the quality of the tourism experience at the local level To guarantee the quality of the product that TOs package for their clients To safeguard destinations To safeguard the future of tourism business To safeguard the future of tourism business

7. At the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)http://www.toinitiative.org Research and information exchange to explore and share ideas and practices on key environmental, socio-economic and cultural topics Capacity building to assist members of the Initiative and other tour operators in putting into practice sustainable development and management principles through publications, workshops, conferences and training Technical support for members of the Initiative to further their commitment to the sustainable development of tourism Outreach to open direct dialogues with other tour operators and stakeholders Communication to increase awareness on sustainability issues of key players in the tourism industry with the main aim of improving the quality of the tourism experience at the local level Key Areas of Action

8. At the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)http://www.toinitiative.org Tour Operators’ Initiative Success factors: Main industry leaders on board Multi stakeholder participation A common global voice Bottom up approach

9. At the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)http://www.toinitiative.org Tour Operators’ Initiative Members Accor Tours (France) Atlas Voyages (Morocco) Aurinkomatkat-Suntours (Finland) DiscoveryInitiatives (UK) Dynamic Tours (Morocco) FreeWay Brasil (Brazil) Hotelplan (Switzerland) KEL 12 (Italy) Kuoni Travel Holding REWE Touristik (Germany) Sahara Tours International (Morocco) Settemari (Italy) Studiosus (Germany) TLB Destinations (Lebanon) Transat A.T. Inc. Travel Walji’s (Pakistan) TUI Travel PLC VASCO Travel (Turkey) Viaggi del Ventaglio (Italy)

10. At the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)http://www.toinitiative.org Tour Operators’ Initiative (TOI) Secretariat c/o World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Capitán Haya 42 28020 Madrid - Spain Tel (34) 91 567 81 00 Tel (34) 91 567 81 33 Fax (34) 91 571 37 33 toi@unwto.org http://www.toinitiative.org With the support of