10^th June 2024, Kuala Lumpur – The Tourism Productivity Nexus (TPN), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Malaysia Country Office and Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC), alongside PATA Malaysia Chapter, The Habitat Foundation and key industry players has announced a joint commitment to ensuring the widespread implementation of sustainable practices across the entire tourism value chain. This initiative aims to position the tourism sector as a leading force in promoting environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic viability.

As global tourism continues to recover and grow, the industry faces the dual challenges of meeting rising demand while minimising its ecological footprint. Recognizing this, TPN together with UNDP and its partners are dedicated to fostering a sustainable tourism ecosystem that benefits local players and communities economically and socially, sustainable use of natural resources, and enhances the overall visitor experience.

One of the core initiatives is the promotion of sustainable practices throughout the tourism sector which directly supports SDG Goal 12 - sustainable production and consumption. These includes encouraging hotels, resorts, and other tourism facilities to adopt eco-friendly measures such as reducing waste, conserving water, and minimising energy consumption.

Community engagement and support are also paramount to this initiative. TPN together with UNDP and its partners are committed to working closely with local communities to develop a sustainable tourism business model that supports to celebrate and preserve cultural heritage and natural assets. By providing training and resources to local businesses, the initiative aims to enhance sustainability practices and improve their competitiveness in the global market. This not only bolsters local economies but also ensures that tourism benefits are equitably shared.

Responsible tourism education is a key component of TPN's strategy. Awareness campaigns will be launched to educate tourists on the importance of sustainable travel and encourage responsible behaviour. Furthermore, TPN is collaborating with educational institutions to integrate sustainability into tourism and hospitality curricula, ensuring that the next generation of industry leaders is well-versed in sustainable practices.

TPN Champion, Rohizam Md Yusoff highlighted, "Our commitment to sustainability is unwavering. By integrating sustainable practices across the tourism value chain, we are not only protecting our planet but also ensure that tourism remains a vibrant and viable industry for future generations. Together with our partners, we are paving the way for a greener, more responsible future".

TPN, in collaboration with UNDP Malaysia, has successfully organised two out of four workshop series to develop Sustainable Tourism Industry Champions among key industry players. These workshops aimed to enhance productivity by equipping participants with the skills, knowledge, and practices to implement and lead sustainable initiatives, thereby optimizing resource use, reducing operational costs, and improving overall efficiency. By fostering a culture of sustainability, the initiative not only elevates industry standards but also ensures long-term economic and environmental benefits. Additionally, MPC and TPN are committed to boosting the productivity of the tourism industry to benefit businesses and the rakyat at large.

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About Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC)

MPC is a statutory body under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI). It drives national productivity holistically at the national, sectoral, and enterprise levels through three main thrusts: developing future talent, driving digitization and innovation, and building a robust ecosystem. It collaborates strategically with the private and public sectors by emphasising productivity as a key agenda to boost productivity growth and national competitiveness, ultimately leading to shared well-being and prosperity.

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