UN Tourism Regional Workshop on Measuring Sustainability in Asia-Pacific – November 2025

Tourism is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the global economy. While it brings significant economic benefits, it also poses challenges related to environmental conservation, social well-being, and economic equity. To ensure that tourism contributes to sustainable development, robust frameworks for measurement and policy are crucial. The UN Tourism Regional Workshop on Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism in Asia and the Pacific, scheduled for November 18-20, 2025, in Brunei Darussalam, is a critical step in advancing these efforts.

The workshop, organized by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), will focus on introducing and implementing the Statistical Framework for Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism (SF-MST). The event aims to bring together tourism professionals, policymakers, statisticians, and other stakeholders to discuss the sustainable development of tourism in the region. With its emphasis on environmental, social, and economic sustainability, the workshop is set to catalyze a regional effort to make tourism more responsible and inclusive.

What is the SF-MST?

The Statistical Framework for Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism (SF-MST) is a comprehensive tool designed to help governments, businesses, and organizations track the sustainability of tourism practices. It provides a standardized approach to measuring the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of tourism and helps policymakers make data-driven decisions to promote long-term sustainable practices in the sector.

The SF-MST framework provides key indicators and methodologies for assessing various sustainability factors, including the carbon footprint of tourism activities, community engagement, economic contribution, and the preservation of natural and cultural heritage. By applying these indicators, countries can gain valuable insights into their tourism industry’s impact and make informed decisions that benefit both the sector and the broader society.

Why is this Workshop Important?

The Asia-Pacific region is one of the most dynamic and diverse in the world when it comes to tourism. Countries such as Thailand, Japan, India, and Indonesia are not only top global destinations but also regions with unique environmental and cultural assets. However, as the tourism sector continues to grow, these areas face growing pressures to balance tourism with sustainability. This is especially important in a region where tourism’s rapid expansion can sometimes lead to over-tourism, environmental degradation, and socio-economic inequality.

The UN Tourism Regional Workshop provides a platform for stakeholders across the region to discuss these challenges and explore solutions. One of the main goals of the event is to introduce the SF-MST framework to Asia-Pacific nations, enabling them to better measure and manage the sustainability of their tourism industries. The workshop will also promote greater regional cooperation, where countries can learn from each other’s successes and challenges in integrating sustainability into tourism development.

Key Workshop Themes

The workshop will address several important themes within the scope of sustainable tourism:

Environmental Sustainability: Understanding the environmental impact of tourism and adopting practices to reduce its ecological footprint is paramount. Discussions will focus on the role of renewable energy, waste management, conservation of biodiversity, and carbon emissions.

Social Sustainability: Tourism’s impact on local communities will be a focal point of the workshop. Topics like fair employment practices, equitable benefits distribution, cultural preservation, and community empowerment will be explored.

Economic Sustainability: The economic side of tourism sustainability focuses on creating a balanced, resilient economy. This includes supporting local businesses, creating job opportunities, and fostering inclusive growth that benefits all segments of society.

Data and Indicators: Accurate data is vital for measuring tourism sustainability. The workshop will delve into key metrics for assessing the sector’s environmental, social, and economic impacts, helping countries track progress and adjust policies as needed.

Policy and Governance: Effective governance is crucial in promoting sustainable tourism practices. The event will also include sessions on policy-making, international collaboration, and how countries can implement best practices at the national level.

The Role of Brunei Darussalam

Brunei Darussalam’s choice as the host country for this significant event underscores its commitment to sustainable tourism development. The country has made great strides in prioritizing environmental protection and promoting responsible tourism. As the host nation, Brunei will showcase its own efforts and serve as a model for other nations in the region to follow.

With its focus on sustainable development, Brunei is the perfect setting for such a workshop. The country’s pristine natural landscapes, cultural heritage, and commitment to conservation make it an excellent example of what responsible tourism looks like in practice.

The Path Forward

The UN Tourism Regional Workshop on Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism is not just a one-off event; it is part of a broader initiative to reshape the tourism industry into one that is sustainable, equitable, and resilient. By fostering collaboration between governments, the private sector, and civil society, the workshop is an essential step in creating a future where tourism continues to benefit economies while protecting the planet and empowering local communities.

The discussions, insights, and strategies shared at this event will play a pivotal role in driving positive change across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. As tourism continues to evolve, events like this workshop will be instrumental in shaping a sustainable future for the industry.

Conclusion

As the tourism industry faces both unprecedented growth and increasing calls for sustainability, the UN Tourism Regional Workshop offers an invaluable opportunity for nations in Asia and the Pacific to come together and chart a sustainable course for the future. Through collaboration, shared knowledge, and the use of frameworks like SF-MST, we can ensure that tourism remains a force for good—supporting economies, preserving cultures, and protecting the environment.

The post UN Tourism Regional Workshop on Measuring Sustainability in Asia-Pacific – November 2025 appeared first on Travel And Tour World.

Sri Lanka Accelerates Sustainable Tourism Transition with Electric Tuktuks Empowering Eco-Travel and Local Communities

A new era in sustainable tourism is being ushered in by Sri Lanka, a country renowned for its stunning scenery and dynamic culture. Evolution Auto (Pvt) Ltd, the exclusive distributor of Mahindra Electric three-wheelers, and tuktukrental.com, a trailblazing website for self-drive tuktuk tourism, have partnered in a groundbreaking way. This partnership offers a creative solution that helps the environment and the local communities, signalling a major shift towards eco-friendly travel in Sri Lanka.

Through this collaboration, tuktukrental.com’s fleet will include the Mahindra Treo and Treo Plus electric three-wheelers, giving passengers access to smoother, cleaner, and quieter modes of transportation. The partnership will also strengthen the island’s charging infrastructure, encouraging eco-friendly travel while giving visitors a special opportunity to discover the country’s best-kept secrets. This collaboration establishes Sri Lanka as a pioneer in environmentally conscious travel, as the world’s tourism sector increasingly adopts sustainable practices.

Revolutionising Travel with Electric Tuktuks

The introduction of electric tuktuks to Sri Lanka’s tourism sector is expected to significantly impact the way visitors experience the island. The Mahindra Treo range, already proven in India with over 270,000 units sold, is now set to transform the tourism sector in Sri Lanka. These electric three-wheelers, which offer a range of 110 to 150 kilometres per charge, are perfect for slow travel, allowing tourists to explore Sri Lanka’s natural beauty in a more intimate and eco-friendly manner.

With top speeds of 50-55 km/h, the electric tuktuks provide a peaceful and environmentally responsible mode of transportation. Their robust design, paired with a comprehensive warranty and the added benefit of free charging at Evolution Auto’s dealer network, guarantees a seamless travel experience for visitors. The electric tuktuks are also equipped with 15 new charging stations strategically placed in popular destinations such as Kurunegala, Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, and Thissamaharama, ensuring that tourists can confidently explore Sri Lanka without worrying about the availability of charging facilities.

Economic Benefits and Community Empowerment

Beyond the environmental benefits, the collaboration offers significant economic advantages for both tourists and local communities. For travellers, switching to electric tuktuks translates to lower fuel costs, allowing them to extend their stays, visit more attractions, and contribute more to the local economy. At the same time, the reduction in emissions improves air quality, benefiting the health and quality of life for the residents of Sri Lanka.

The charging stations, which are being set up in business hubs and popular tourist destinations, are expected to generate new income opportunities for surrounding businesses. This initiative not only supports a seamless travel experience but also creates both direct and indirect economic benefits for local communities. The introduction of electric mobility in Sri Lanka is thus not just about reducing carbon footprints but also about stimulating local economies by bringing more tourists to rural and less-visited areas.

By dispersing visitor spending across the island, this initiative helps uplift small businesses in rural areas, ensuring that the benefits of tourism are more evenly distributed. The partnership exemplifies a model of tourism that aligns with global trends, where tourism is not only about the places visited but also about the positive impact it leaves behind.

Positioning Sri Lanka at the Forefront of Sustainable Tourism

Sri Lanka’s embrace of electric mobility for tourism is in line with the broader global movement towards sustainability. According to a 2025 sustainability survey by Booking.com, nearly 70 per cent of travellers are keen on leaving destinations better than they found them. With this partnership, Sri Lanka is not just meeting the needs of eco-conscious tourists but also setting a benchmark for other destinations worldwide.

The Mahindra Treo electric tuktuks are not just about clean energy; they are part of a larger vision to develop Sri Lanka as a sustainable and responsible tourism destination. This initiative supports Sri Lanka’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint while enhancing the local tourism experience. As the demand for sustainable tourism grows, Sri Lanka’s innovative approach will attract more environmentally aware travellers, boosting the country’s tourism industry.

The Role of tuktukrental.com in Driving Social Impact

Tuktukrental.com, founded in 2016 as a social enterprise, has been at the forefront of blending authentic tourism experiences with social impact. The company’s unique model allows local communities to rent out their tuktuks to tourists, creating a direct link between the tourism industry and local livelihoods. By expanding into electric tuktuks, tuktukrental.com is reinforcing its commitment to both the planet and the people of Sri Lanka.

Having already welcomed over 70,000 travellers and created over 700 success stories for local families, the company is now expanding its efforts to ensure long-term sustainability. With the introduction of electric tuktuks, tuktukrental.com aims to meet global demand for eco-friendly travel while continuing to support the local community through its innovative business model.

A Bold Step Toward a Greener Future

More than just a switch from gasoline to electric power is symbolised by this collaboration between Evolution Auto and tuktukrental.com. For Sri Lanka’s tourism industry as well as its local communities, it represents a dedication to a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future. By adopting new technologies that encourage environmental responsibility and boost the local economy, the initiative also shows how the tourism sector can spur positive change.

This collaboration serves as a template for other travel destinations hoping to incorporate sustainability into their tourism strategies as Sri Lanka looks to the future. An important turning point in Sri Lanka’s development into a world leader in environmentally friendly travel has been reached with the launch of electric tuktuks.

Sri Lanka is establishing a new benchmark for 21st-century responsible tourism by providing a travel experience that is both environmentally friendly and closely tied to the local community.

The post Sri Lanka Accelerates Sustainable Tourism Transition with Electric Tuktuks Empowering Eco-Travel and Local Communities appeared first on Travel And Tour World.