E-News June: European Charter Partners

143 local tourism businesses belonging to nine Charter areas in three European countries have so far been certified as Charter Partners in the framework of Charter Part II. Ten Charter areas from five countries are preparing the start of Part II of the Charter or are already in the process of certification, involving around 150 local tourism businesses. This growing network of tourism business is on its way to be one of the biggest networks of tourism companies dedicated to the principles of sustainable tourism and working in close cooperation with their protected area.

Preparing…
The EUROPARC Federation started drawing up a framework for Part II of the European Charter in 2005. The official text was approved by the EUROPARC Council in May 2007. A major part of part II is the European Charter Partner Programme, which enables individual tourism businesses working together with protected area authorities, to become recognised as European Charter Partners. Finding an approach that works for all Charter protected areas located in different European countries with diverse approaches is major challenge.

Essential to the procedure for the businesses is participation in the protected areas Sustainable Tourism Forum, where all partners meet and exchange ideas. In addition, the activities of the business should be compatible with the areas sustainable tourism strategy and management plan. The tourism business develops a three-year action plan listing specific activities to be implemented during the partnership.

Refining…
EUROPARC Sections or regional and national bodies are encouraged to develop their own methodology for implementing Part II. This way a flexible partnership approach which reflects existing local quality marks and eco-labels and the diverse needs and situations as well as the commitment of the individual tourism sector business to sustainability is achieved. So far three national methodologies have been approved.

Implementing…
IPAMAC, an association created by the ten nature parks of the Massif Central in France, were the pioneers in implementing the Part II are now working with their methodology. The second methodology from Spain was applied in individual workshops leading to the certification of 69 Charter Partner businesses. The EUROPARC Atlantic Isle methodology has also been implemented in one protected area.

The European Charter Partnership Programme gives tourism businesses the opportunity to distinguish themselves as fundamental partners of the protected area on the basis of defined requirements and activities. Other benefits are marketing assets, high-quality information about the protected area, reducing operating costs through audit and sustainable use of resources, opening new markets, such as tourism based on discovery of the environment, and targeting new customers attracted by the protected area. All of these lead to higher visitor satisfaction.

More information from Petra Dippold, Charter Coordinator, or at www.european-charter.org