Benchmarking Methodology For Cruise Destinations

In 2016, Greenview authored the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) report Sustainable Cruise Tourism Development Strategies – Tackling the Challenges in Itinerary Design in South-East Asia. The publication outlined eight key strategies for embedding sustainability into the region’s cruise tourism sector, encouraging destinations to adopt a collaborative, stakeholder-driven approach that balances economic growth with environmental and community well-being.

Building on this foundation, in 2017, Greenview developed a Sustainability Benchmarking Methodology for Cruise Destinations on behalf of the UNWTO, in partnership with the ASEAN Secretariat and its National Tourism Organizations. This practical framework enables policymakers and destination managers to evaluate cruise tourism impacts, share best practices, and strengthen regional collaboration.

The methodology was piloted across 16 destinations in six Southeast Asian countries, with additional participation from Kobe, Japan, and support from ASEAN’s tourism unit, national ministries, and local tourism authorities. It is now available for industry-wide use and adaptation, offering destinations a proven tool to guide sustainable cruise tourism development.

Interested in Advancing

Sustainability for your Portfolio?

Greenview works with leading hotel brands and companies worldwide to elevate their sustainability performance

Greenview Portal

Track, empower, and advance your hotels’s
environmental performance

Global ESG Policy Tracking

Stay ahead of evolving
regulations worldwide

Cornell Hotel Sustainability Benchmarking Index

Assess your sustainability performance
against your peers

Sustainability Risk Assessment

Identify risks and uncover opportunities
for your property

ESG Program Design & Implementation

Transform ESG ambitions into
actionable success

Sustainability Certification

Achieve trusted recognition
for your efforts

Whether you’re just starting your sustainability journey or aiming to elevate your presence as a leader in sustainability among hospitality industry peers, we’re here to help. We offer advisory support, unique to your organization. Get in touch today!