A forum on best practices and technical support

"The Partnership will provide a lively forum where the countries involved in sustainable tourism can educate themselves from victorious initiatives of other members and to obtain technical assistance. The Partnership will hold up the continuing exchange of ideas, exchange of experiences, and verdict solutions to general problems in the sector of tourism, "said Gina Guillen Grillo, Senior Advisor to the Minister of Tourism of Costa Rica.

The knowledge gained through the Partnership in Africa may be applied in Latin America, Asia, Europe or North America, and vice versa.

The Partnership has identified seven thematic areas:

1. policy frameworks,
2. Climate Change
3. environment and biodiversity,
4. the fight against poverty,
5. cultural heritage and natural
6. sustainable tourism practices in the private sector,
7. finance and investment.

Many partners already involved

The transition towards more sustainable tourism will be even faster than the successful experiences will be duplicated by a large number of partners.

To date, the Global Partnership is composed of 18 national governments, 5 UN agencies, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), 17 international organizations, companies and 16 non-governmental organizations, as many actors who will demonstrate their commitment to integrating sustainable development in the tourism sector.

The challenge of global sustainable tourism

Tourism can be the best and worst things.

The best when it allows people to know themselves better (1.6 billion international tourists expected in 2020!) And gives them work (5% of global GDP).

The worst when it exerts tremendous pressure on the natural environment and increases the pollution (transport, concrete, waste).

Hence the question: a global sustainable tourism is possible?

A Global Partnership for Sustainable Tourism

Yes, say the signatories of the Global Partnership for Sustainable Tourism, which brings together all stakeholders in the sector to influence policies, develop projects and give birth to a global communication platform.

Partnership was made standardized at the first annual general meeting in Costa Rica, organized by the Ministry of Tourism of Costa Rica and supported by the French and Norwegian, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

The secretariat of the Global Partnership will be installed innovative UNEP DTIE in Paris, with the key objective of tourism on the road to sustainable development worldwide.

Enjoy London, whatever the season!

Of all the great capitals, London is one that attracts the largest number of tourists. Given the hundreds of attractions you can visit, it is not always easy to choose a program of visits that is achievable in the allotted time. In preparing for your trip depending on the season, you can make the most of your stay.

In Spring

If you plan to visit London in the spring, Hampton Court Palace is a perfect destination for those sunny days, still a little chilly. The palace built on the banks of the Thames has an impressive pace, was the home of the famous English King Henry VIII. If the life of Marie Antoinette is at the heart of French history, the history books of England reserve a position equivalent to the tribulations of King Henry VIII, famous for his bad temper and his six wives. At Hampton Court, actors in period costume will bring to life their lives every day to the Court, if the sumptuous tapestries and magnificent works of art exhibited at Hampton Court fail to impress you, you could probably resist by 24 acres of gardens surrounding the palace, with their famous labyrinth and a centuries-old vines.

In Summer

Embark on a shuttle boat to sail on the Thames - it's the best way to experience London at any time of year, but in summer you can sit comfortably on the bridge swept away by a breeze and scroll through a different aspect of the city that stretches along the banks, it is truly magical. Steps are being taken to several piers to allow you to sightsee on your own Big Ben, St Paul's Cathedral and Tate Modern.

In autumn

Once they donned their shimmering colors of autumn, the London parks are beautiful and the ideal place for a walk, as in Regent's Park. North of the park, you have the famous London Zoo, who promises a visit full of surprises during which you will not get bored! Autumn is the season for visiting the many exhibitions, either outdoors or indoors, stopping a moment for the meal penguins, exploring the "rainforest" or travel the circuit " nightlife. More than 12,000 animals await you, you can meet, hear and experience - is an ideal excursion for the whole family. If you have a London Pass, the entrance is free (normal price of entry: £ 18).

In Winter

As in any city in Europe, it's not warm in winter in London to visit the various attractions in the program, but once well covered, you will forget the climate. The London Bridge Experience is sure to add a little spice to the visit, with its ghosts of all kinds: it takes you on a historical journey through the interactive capital, where you'll meet in passing various characters of the Middle Ages, without forgetting some Celtic Druids, Romans, inhabitants of the Victorian era and the Vikings. The second part of the attraction - "The London Tombs (tombs of London) - impressed by his remarkable digital special effects, but a question immediately arises: do you have the courage to attempt a visit ?

The 10 most amazing sites in the world

It is always amuse to find the most unusual places, most amazing of course there planet. It is in thousands and not always at the end of the world. If you want the absolute change of scene, be the first to discover a place, or simply see no one except a dream environment, these 10 places are for you.

1. The lava fields of Kilauea Volcano:

Hawaii Kilauea is one of the largest active volcanoes in the world. On site you can walk in the rainforest, explore a lava tube and admire the extraordinary formations volcaniques.

Hotels recommended: Holua Resort at The Mauna Loa Village, Kailua-Kona Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Ka'upulehu, Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows.

2. Grand Canyon of Yellowstone Park, Wyoming, USA:

First National Park in the world, inscribed on the World Heritage List, Yellowstone is known for its rich wildlife, but also for its high geothermal activity: the Old Faithful Geyser is one of the most famous attractions of the park.

Hotels recommended: Dunraven Lodge & Hotels, Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins, Old Faithful Snow Lodge.

3. Antelope Canyon, Arizona, United States:

The most visited and most photographed canyons in the southern United States. Admire the incredible palette of colors stones.

Hotels recommended: Hotels Debbie's Hide a Way Days Inn & Suites.

4. Meteora, Thessaly, Greece:

This strange but fascinating place has been shaped over millennia by water and wind. At the top of the rocky peak, monasteries rise to heaven in the shadow of the mountains, close to Kalambaka. Hotels recommended: Hotels Koka Roka.

5. Golden Circle Route, Reykjavik, Iceland:

The road to the Golden Circle tourist route means the most famous of Iceland (300 km). The three must-see attractions are the geysers, the "Golden Falls" and the Plains of parliament.

Hotels recommended: Hotels Castle House Luxury Apartments, Hotel Reykjavik Centrum Reykjavik Nordica Hilton.

6. Jiuzhaigou Valley, Sichuan, China to rank among the wonders of the world: a place that brings together blue lakes, waterfalls, verdant forests, mountain peaks and folklore of the peoples of Tibet and Qiang.

Hotels recommended: InterContinental Hotels Jiuzhai Paradise Resort Sheraton Jiuzhaigou Resort Holiday Inn.

7. Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia One of the most spectacular roads in the world. It runs south-west Victoria and can pass the 12 Apostles (limestone needles dumped).

Hotels recommended: Hotels Langham, Melbourne Samadhi Spa & Wellness Retreat.

8. Salar de Uyuni, Uyuni:

Bolivia's largest salt desert in the world. The different minerals from runoff from the mountains surrounding the lakes give an astonishing variety of fluorescent colors.

Hotels recommended: Tayka Hotels - Hotel de Piedra Hotel Luna Salada, Hotel Cristal Samana.

9. Ta Prohm, Siem Reap, Cambodia:

The surrounding jungle and trees clinging to the ruins are famous temples of Angkor. Hotels recommended: Hotels Boutique Villas, Sojourn Pavilion East Boutique Hotel, La Residence d'Angkor.

10. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, USA:

A giant natural amphitheater! In this multi-colored limestone, erosion has carved thousands of hands, arches, "hoodoos" and mazes.

Recommended hotels: Best Western Hotels, Bryce Canyon Grand.

History of tourism

• 1830 - First regular train line

The line of railway from Liverpool to Manchester is open through the work of George Stephenson. The English engineer has managed to operate the rocket, the first locomotive to transport coal quickly as well as travelers. This is the starting point of the development of railways for passengers and, at the same time, for the tourism also. The line of railway from Liverpool to Manchester is open through the work of George Stephenson. The English engineer and managed to operate the rocket, the first locomotive to transport coal quickly as well as travelers.

• 1839 - Birth of the Baedeker travel guides

The German Karl Baedeker publishes a travel guide on the Rhine. His early works is a copy, translated into German, English guides but Murray quickly won a great success. Dealing with countries from Europe and the United States, they had appeared in French and in English in 1861. The quality of information, updated regularly, earned them worldwide fame.

• 1841 - Cook created the first travel agency

Thomas Cook is the initiator of the first organized group travel. It supports more than 500 people from Leicester to Loughborough. The aim of the approach is to fight against alcoholism. Following the tour, Cook decides to start a travel agency that bears his name. He subsequently organized many trips to Europe, has developed the first tour and invent the traveler's check. His son had taken over the agency in 1872 and continue his work.

• 1860 - Creation Station Deauville

Half-brother of Napoleon III, the Duke of Morny founded the resort of Deauville. He fell under the charm of Trouville-sur-Mer and its surroundings during a stay. Accompanied by Dr. Olliffe, the architect and the banker Breney Donon, he encounters no difficulty in starting the work. Thus until 1864, the city has taken shape, adorned with villas and a racetrack. Served by a railway, it is still attracting all the nobility and celebrities, developing summer tourism.

• 1875 - Creation of the first French tourist office

The "Committee of Walks" is born to Gerardmer in the Vosges and is the first tourist office in France. For years, the city hosts a crowd of summer visitors. Hotels and leisure have grown at a rapid pace, leading to the creation of the Office. The latter aimed to further increase the flow of tourists and to better organize their stay. Paths are therefore plotted in the heart of nature around the lakes.

• 1900 - Publication of the first Michelin guide

Michelin acquires an innovative promotional tool: a restaurant guide and useful addresses for motorists. The red guide is born. Andre Michelin said then: "This guide is born with the century, it will last as much as him, and it is in effect and this guide published the first year to 35,000 copies is a gradual fame. Free for 20 years, it will appear in 1926 "Star of good food. " Building up a strong experience in the guides (yellow and green), Michelin hoisted his book among the bestsellers for long. One hundred years later, he sold 800,000 copies of his guide in the year.

• 1919 - Inauguration of commercial flight between Paris and London

The first international scheduled commercial flight was born. Linking Paris to London, it can carry up to ten passengers. It provides a Farman Goliath this first link. Commercial flights will increase thereafter promote international tourism.

• 1924 - Initial operation of a motorway

The Italian Puricelli, founder of e Strade Cellar, built the first true freeway in the world. It connects Milan to Varese in Italy, 85 miles away. All other constructs dual carriageways remained until the prototype stage, particularly in Germany and the United States. Following the Italian example, Hitler instructed his government to build highways throughout Germany. At the end of the war in 1945, the country will feature some 3800 kilometers of highways.

• 1950 - Birth of the first Club Mediterranean

Gerard Blitz and Gilbert Trigano based Club Mediterranee by opening the first site to Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands. This association aims to offer various leisure tourists in a holiday village. The spirit of belonging to the same group is highly developed in clubs. The terms "Gentile Members" and "Gentile Organizers" will be used to describe players of the club. Each customer must pay a fee and may pay its consumption with various colored balls. The association will be a period of crisis in the 1990s. After a series of buyouts, it will eventually develop new strategies.

• 1976 - Birth of Smart Bison

The Department of Transport gives birth to little Indian responsible for improving road traffic during the holidays. The summer of last year, more than 60,000 cars were immobilized on nearly 600 km of traffic jam. Thus Bison Smart, a group composed of a dozen people, comes to inform and advise motorists to better organize traffic. Beginning in July, the result will be amazing and Bison Smart and win the esteem of the French.

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