Global non-profit Sustainable Travel International announced the launch of its Sustainable Destination Leadership Network; the SDLN is the world's first collaboration of its kind for decision makers from tourism authorities.

The network brings together forward-thinking tourism destinations committed to meaningful exchange that advances good tourism, which preserves sense of place and ensures long-term prosperity.

"Innovation Norway is proud to support the Sustainable Destination Leadership Network," said Innovation Norway's Ingunn Sørnes. "It is a perfect opportunity for destinations to advance the sustainability dialogue, to collaborate with peers on the international stage, and to make a difference. Innovation Norway believes that local engagement in a long-term perspective really can make for sustainable destinations."

The SDLN will help senior-level leaders to increase their competitiveness by integrating sustainability into policies, strategies, day-to-day management and marketing. Participating destinations are required to complete an annual Destination Sustainability Self-Assessment, share good practices with other SDLN destinations, and demonstrate measurable progress toward sustainable tourism outcomes over time.

The SDLN initiative is a logical next step for Sustainable Travel International. The organization is working closely with destinations and businesses worldwide in the areas of assessment, planning, project implementation, standards development, and marketing. Sustainable Travel International also convenes the Sustainable Travel Leadership Network (STLN), a group of leading multinational companies from every sector of the travel industry.

The SDLN evolved from the STLN's TravelWell initiative, which seeks to encourage sustainability at a destination level by helping governments to assess and benchmark their environmental and social practices and policies, while providing specific guidelines for sustainable destination management.

"An increasing number of destinations recognize the potential of sustainable destination management to drive economic growth and inclusive development," said Sustainable Travel International CEO Brian Mullis. "The SDLN will provide unparalleled networking opportunities. By providing a forum for sharing good practices and challenges, top executives from tourism management and marketing organizations will gain insights and broader perspectives from other industry leaders, and facilitate the progression and promotion of their sustainability initiatives."

The network will feature a host of exclusive benefits, including collaborative marketing opportunities, access to the latest destination management and monitoring tools and research, and the annual Sustainable Destinations World Forum.

To learn more, please visit www.sustainabletravel.org/program/sustainable-destination-leadership-network.

To inquire about joining the network, please contact Sustainable Travel International's Seleni Matus at selenim@sustainabletravel.org or Jeremy Sampson at jeremys@sustainabletravel.org. They can also be reached at +1-503-488-5500.