Policy paper

UK-Tunisia sustainable tourism charter

Published 26 November 2019

Signed at the Tunisia Sustainable Tourism Dialogue, Hammamet, 26 November 2019.

Preamble

The Tunisian Constitution of 2014 recognised the right to a healthy and balanced environment and affirms that the state shall provide the necessary means to eradicate pollution of the environment. Like many nations, Tunisia is faced with the challenge of protecting its land and seas from environmental degradation. One of the country’s greatest assets is its beaches, yet their cleanliness is threatened by improper disposal of waste, particularly plastics. Hotels report that repeat customers are being deterred from returning to Tunisia due to the pollution they encounter on their holidays.

We the signatories are conscious that the duty to enhance, protect and preserve Tunisia’s environment rests on the shoulders of government, residents, civil society and businesses alike. The government must play a key role, but not alone. In the summer months, hotels in Hammamet generate 50% of total waste in the city. Hotels have an obligation to their guests and to all Tunisians to ensure that less waste is produced, more is recycled and where recycling is not possible, waste is disposed of correctly. This Sustainable Tourism Charter aims to help bring about the changes necessary, both in principle and in practice, in the pilot area of Hammamet before expanding nationwide.

Articles

Article 1: reduction of single use plastics

1.1 Tour operators and the Fédération Tunisienne de l’Hôtellerie (FTH) will encourage hotels to discontinue use of disposable plastic cutlery and cups by 31 August 2020.

1.2 Tour operators and the Fédération Tunisienne de l’Hôtellerie (FTH) will encourage their hotels to discontinue general use of plastic straws by 31 May 2019 offering them only in exceptional circumstances, such as to clients with disabilities (although biodegradable options are encouraged).

1.3 Tour operators and the Fédération Tunisienne de l’Hôtellerie (FTH) will encourage their hotels to provide alternatives to disposable cups or bottles of water in public areas and bedrooms, such as via re-usable bottles and water dispensers with re-usable cups by 31 August 2020.

1.4 Tour operators and the Fédération Tunisienne de l’Hôtellerie (FTH) will encourage their hotels to seek alternatives to disposable plastic wristbands by 31 August 2020.

1.5 The Hammamet Municipal Council will by 31 August 2020 pilot the introduction of a minimum price for plastic bags in Hammamet and by May 31st 2020 ensure only paper bags can be provided without charge at local markets.

1.6 The Tunisian Ministry of Tourism will explore options with the Ministry of Transport for provision of water coolers and bottle refill points in airports to avoid disposable plastic bottle use.

Article 2: responsible disposal and recycling of waste

2.1 Tour operators will encourage hotels to attain a Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) certification such as Travelife for Accommodation by 31 May 2020. The FTH will raise awareness of the benefits of sustainability certification amongst hotels.

2.2 The Tunisian Ministry of Tourism will lead a process with the Hammamet Municipal Council, Ministry of Local Affairs and Environment, local non-government organisations (NGOs) and hotels to agree joint goals for the protection of the environment and sustainable tourism. A corresponding work plan with clear roles and responsibilities will be published online by 31 August 2020 for the public to view.

2.3 Hammamet Municipal Council will convene quarterly meetings with hotels, relevant government bodies and NGOs to report on progress against environmental protection goals. The outcomes will be communicated to key stakeholders.

2.4 Hotels, local recycling entities and ANGED will work together towards a fully integrated waste disposal and recycling system.

Article 3: supporting local economies

3.1 Tour operators and the Fédération Tunisienne de l’Hôtellerie (FTH) will encourage their hotels to seek ways to offer local and regional artisans improved opportunities to sell goods to guests on and off hotel premises and promote local food in their restaurants by 31 August 2020.

3.2 Hammamet Municipal Council, ANGED and the Ministry of Local Affairs and Environment will consider involvement of the informal sector (barbéchas/waste pickers) when designing waste disposal systems and seek ways to provide technical assistance to the pickers as respected members of the waste management process.

3.3 Hammamet Municipal Council will engage with the Ministry of Interior about making Tourist Police more visible in public places to leave guests feeling more at ease leaving hotels.

Article 4: maintaining cleanliness of public spaces

4.1 The Tunisian Coastal Protection and Planning Agency (APAL), Hammamet Municipal Council and hotels will work together to ensure beach areas surrounding their properties are kept clean, including in public areas, particularly during the summer months. Hammamet Municipal Council will work with Environmental Police to raise awareness of fines for littering in beach areas.

4.2 The Hammamet Municipal Council will work with civil society and local schools to organise regular clean-ups of beaches and coastal areas (at least quarterly) and raise awareness more generally about plastic waste. All parties signatory to this Charter will reconvene in autumn 2020 to report on progress.

Signatories

• M Khaled Fakhfakh: President, Tunisian Federation of Hotels
• Mr Mark Tanzer: Director General, Association of British Travel Agents
• M Moez Mrad: Mayor of Hammamet
• M Hedi Bouaoun: Director General, ANGED, National Waste Management Agency
• Her Excellency, Louise de Sousa: British Ambassador to Tunisia (witness)
• His Excellency, René Trabelsi: Minister of Tourism and Handicrafts