Steps for a sustainable future

The dizzying growth of the Middle East and North Africa region’s economy has created enormous opportunities for its tourism sector, with mega-resorts such as Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah capturing global attention and positioning the region as a “must-visit” destination. However, if the region is to reach its full potential, it must fuel its growth sustainably and lead global efforts to implement environmentally conscious tourism.     With concerns over climate change continuing to mount, the number of environmentally conscious tourists is on the rise. They are calling for “green” destinations, with major global travel distributors and communities like Thomas Cook and National Geographic Traveler increasingly using sustainability as a key measure in ranking and recommending destinations. A number of destinations across the globe, from the Maldives to Costa Rica, have responded by branding themselves as “green.” In response, destinations must invest in the preservation of their natural assets. Those that squander