STTA Launches First-Ever SME Climate Toolkit for the Tourism Industry
Wednesday, 11 September 2024, Nairobi, Kenya
Sustainable Travel and Tourism Africa, a leader in sustainable business solutions, today launched a Climate Action Plan Toolkit for MSMEs in tourism in Kenya. This groundbreaking toolkit is the first of its kind, specifically designed to empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the tourism sector to take actionable steps towards accounting for and reducing their carbon footprint and contributing to a more sustainable future for tourism.
SMEs make 60% of the tourism industry and leaving them behind in climate action is equal to climate denial by the industry. The SME Climate Action Toolkit responds to the urgency to make climate action inclusive by effectively skilling and tooling the industry. The needs of SMEs, remain unique, even on matters climate and this tool is designed to equip SMEs with knowledge that leads to empowerment to take action. It is designed to help SMEs identity the source of emissions, set reduction targets, and implement strategies that align with global climate goals.
Key values promoted by the toolkit include:
- Equitable access to climate action knowledge and practice
- Mentorship in effective climate action planning
- Innovation for practical and cost-effective solutions for MSMEs
- Efficient tracking of climate action progress
- Integration of MSMEs in climate commitments
- Collaborative partnerships for meaningful climate action
Judy Kepher Gona, Founder and Lead Consultant at Sustainable Travel and Tourism Africa is quoted saying
“The launch of the SME Climate Toolkit marks a significant milestone in our commitment to sustainability. By focusing on SMEs in the tourism sector, we are enabling thousands of businesses to take meaningful steps towards reducing their carbon footprint. We believe this toolkit will not only help SMEs thrive in a low-carbon economy but also set a new standard for sustainability in tourism.”
The SME Climate Action Plan Toolkit is now available on request through this link.
We encourage tourism SMEs, industry leaders, and policymakers to leverage this resource to drive climate action and ensure the long-term sustainability of the tourism sector.