Every year, hundreds of millions of people switch off for Earth Hour as a 
symbolic gesture of solidarity to protect the planet. This year on March 26, 
invited by the World Wildlife Foundation (WWF), the organizers of Earth Hour, 
the Sanya Tourism Promotion Board (STPB) took part in the global movement, 
joining hands with multiple tourism organizations to #ShapeOurFuture and 
promote sustainable tourism in Sanya, the popular resort city located on the 
southern tip of China's Hainan Island.

Under the slogan "Shape Our Future", Earth Hour 2022 marked a critical turning 
point in the world's climate emergency and was a pivotal opportunity to ensure 
the environment is at the top of the global agenda.

"We only have one home, so we cannot ask for anything from it. Unsustainable 
travel and consumer behaviors can cause irreversible damage to the ecosystems 
that we depend on. As global citizens, all of us have a responsibility to take 
care of the environment and preserve its beauty for future generations. We hope 
to build Sanya into a tropical coastal resort focused on sustainable tourism 
development through the protection of marine ecology and the environment, the 
expansion of intergenerational research and education, and the growth of our 
health and leisure offering," said Albert Yip, director general of the Sanya 
Tourism Promotion Board

Sanya boasts unique advantages for sustainable tourism thanks to its beautiful 
backdrop and abundance of natural resources. Air and water quality in Sanya are 
far above China's national average and the region has a high forest cover, so 
tourists can enjoy a pristine paradise at every turn. Plus, with popular 
jogging and cycling routes in the city, well-protected beaches and 
crystal-clear waters with exceptional visibility, Sanya promotes clean, 
eco-friendly outdoor activities that don't harm the environment. 

Beyond its sunshine, beaches and luxury hotels, Sanya offers plenty of 
activities to enable travelers to discover the local surroundings and learn 
about environmental conservation. Sanya takes care to preserve its rich local 
history for visitors to discover, including the indigenous Li and Miao culture, 
and raise awareness of marine conservation with fun family activities such as 
coral propagation. 

In addition, policies have been introduced to protect endangered wildlife and 
the ecology of the island, including prohibiting the digging and sale of 
coral-derived products. The STPB is also actively seeking new opportunities to 
raise awareness for sustainable tourism and preserve its beauty for future 
generations, in through Earth Hour 2022.

Since launching in 2007, Earth Hour has evolved to become the biggest movement 
to protect the planet and unites people in over 7,000 cities worldwide. Beyond 
switching off, Earth Hour is an opportunity for collective action through 
on-ground events that bring the community together.

As part of Earth Hour 2022, a number of local tourism operators in Sanya did 
their part for the environment by switching off and hosting events in honor of 
Mother Earth. Hoteliers such as the Sheraton Sanya Resort invited guests to 
switch off with a candlelit concert in the lobby bar, while the 
Intercontinental Sanya Haitang Bay Resort organized a Glowing Mermaid Show at 
the Intercontinental Aquarium. Numerous iconic tourist hotspots, including 
Sanya Haichang Dream Ocean City and CNSC Sanya International Duty Free Plaza, 
also switched off to show solidarity and raise awareness of environmental 
conservation amongst travelers.

SOURCE: Sanya Tourism Promotion Board

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   Link: https://iop.asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=417822

   Caption: Sanya Switches Off During WWF Earth Hour to Demonstrate Support for 
Sustainable Tourism