A sustainable destination

Sustainable tourism: more than just words

Sustainable tourism is not a separate practice, nor a specific tourism market. It is an approach that can be adopted by any tourism operator by integrating the principles of sustainable development into its strategic management and/or the offering it provides.

It aims to strike a balance between the three pillars of sustainable development in the production and realization of tourism activities.

A form of tourism "that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, by meeting the needs of visitors, professionals, the environment and host communities."

World Tourism Organization

Responsible tourism in action

Acting in favor of the environment

Sorting and reducing waste, saving water and energy, using environmentally-friendly modes of transport, respecting flora and fauna, avoiding tourist activities that involve animal cruelty (elephant rides, swimming with sharks, zoos, etc.).

Promoting the local economy

Buy local products, prefer organic and committed restaurants, favor short circuits and reduce the number of intermediaries, choose professionals involved in responsible tourism (travel agencies, accommodation, etc.), find out about the limits of haggling...

Respecting the local population and culture

Find out about local lifestyles, heritage and religion before you leave, learn a few words of the local language, ask permission before taking a photo, be careful about what you wear and behave appropriately, don't impose your habits, get to know others...

Acting for sustainable tourism

Perpignan Méditerranée

With its large, unspoiled natural areas, low urban concentration, strong identity and know-how, local tourism and strong commitment to preserving resources and ecosystems, Perpignan Méditerranée is particularly sensitive to the challenges of sustainable development.

Green passport

Perpignan Méditerranée Tourisme has thus committed to a "Green Passport" approach as of 2020. This scheme, supported by the UN Environment Programme, the French Ministry of the Environment and Sustainable Development and several other partners, aims to implement a sustainable tourism strategy among local stakeholders.

Green destination

In line with this commitment, the Cap Sud 66 attraction agency, which is now responsible for tourism on behalf of Perpignan Méditerranée, won the "Green Destinations" call for expressions of interest launched by the CRTL Occitanie in early 2024. This support should lead to the award of the "Green Destinations " label recognized by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).