Following the successive roll out of multiple sustainability
initiatives, including its multi-pronged sustainability roadmap to
achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030, the Sentosa Development
Corporation’s (SDC) efforts have been recognised with the Global
Sustainable Tourism Council – For Destinations (GSTC-D) certificate.
The
island in Singapore joins the small list of 23 other certified
sustainable destinations globally such as Vail, Colorado and Snæfellsnes
Peninsula, Iceland, which have been internationally recognised for
their compliance with high social and environmental standards.
The GSTC-D certificate represents a significant milestone for SDC and
the Sentosa Carbon Neutral Network (SCNN), a carbon neutrality-focused
business alliance comprising of 21 businesses and partners on Sentosa.
It also signifies another big step forward in the Sustainable Sentosa
roadmap, as one of its goals was to become a certified sustainable
tourism destination accredited by GSTC in 2022.
“This
certification was made possible through the continued and collective
efforts of SDC and the businesses on the island,” said Thien Kwee Eng,
CEO of SDC. “As Sentosa transits towards tourism recovery, we will
continue to work closely with both public and private sectors to meet
the needs of travellers who have become more inclined towards
sustainable offerings.”
Together with Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) which had previously also
been conferred the GSTC-D certificate and GSTC-Industry certificate for
its hotels in 2021, Sentosa is the first island destination in Asia to
be certified as a sustainable tourism destination.
Some of Sentosa’s most recent sustainability initiatives include the
SkyHelix, the first carbon-neutral attraction on the island; the
large-scale installation of solar panels to generate renewal energy; a series of nature
tours aimed at inculcating in travellers a sense of respect for the
natural environment; and the focus on greening MICE offerings that
includes reducing disposable and increasing locally-sourced produce.
“We
congratulate SDC and the businesses on the island on achieving this
globally-recognised certification,” said Keith Tan, chief executive of
Singapore Tourism Board. “It is a boost to our vision of becoming a top
sustainable urban destination and supports our tourism sustainability
strategy. I hope Sentosa’s achievements will inspire other tourism
businesses to do their part for sustainability.”