SDGs and Sardinia: a Best Practice in Sustainable Tourism

Island destinations represent an interesting dimension for reflection about sustainable tourism as they are characterized by specific features linked to their morphological condition: a territory defined and limited by isolation. Such peculiarity, an asset often in safeguarding and transmitting cultural heritage and preserving the natural environment, makes these destinations unique places. Sustainable tourism management offers tools and good practices that contribute in building up viable paths for the safeguard of the natural, cultural and historical heritage offering economic and social benefits for the hosting communities. Sustainable tourism is firmly positioned within the Agenda in SDGs 8, 12 and 14 targets. Tourism can provide a consistent direct and indirect contribution to all SDGs. At European level, different mechanisms among which the European Tourism Indicator System (ETIS), designed by the European Commission are comprehensive tools which any destination can pick up and use. ETIS helps to measure and monitor tourism management performance and enhance sustainability. Over 100 destinations across Europe have implemented this EU methodology, during the 2-year pilot phases (2013-2015). In 2016 Visit South Sardinia was awarded by the European Commission as top tourism destination for sustainable management, thanks to its innovative approach combining EU and UN sustainability indicators. The award recognised the outstanding achievements attained in the two-year ETIS pilot project.