While the rapid growth of the Travel & Tourism industry is significantly contributing to economic development in many parts of the world, it is also posing increasing threats to the environment, social systems and cultural values. Pursuing environmental, social, economic and cultural sustainability in this complex and dynamic sector requires extensive multidisciplinary expertise, continuous capacity building, and equitable collaboration between all relevant stakeholders including: Travel & Tourism businesses, the travelling public, government and administration, educational and research institutions, regional and international professional organizations, NGOs, social movements and local communities.

The BEST EN Networking Committee aims at:

• Maintaining and making available to BEST EN members an up-to-date database of private/public stakeholders involved with or concerned by issues relevant to sustainable tourism

• Featuring showcases of best practice in sustainable travel & tourism

• Disseminating information on workshops, conferences, seminars and other networking events in related subject areas

• Providing a platform for the continuous exchange of ideas, information, and expertise (discussion groups, net-meetings)

• Stimulating the creation of public/private alliances and partnerships aimed at increasing stakeholder awareness, expertise and ability to implement sustainability in travel & tourism practice