2017 is the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development

The year 2017 has been designated as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development with a main goal: a 12-month celebration and promotion of the contribution of the tourism sector to building a better world. 

The United Nations 70th General Assembly declared 2017 as the “International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development” recalling the potential of tourism to advance the universal 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The International Year aims to support a change in policies, business practices and consumer behavior towards a more sustainable tourism sector than can contribute effectively to the SDGs.

“This is a unique opportunity to build a more responsible and committed tourism sector that can capitalize its immense potential in terms of economic prosperity, social inclusion, peace and understanding, cultural and environmental preservation”, said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai.

Accounting for 7 percent of worldwide exports, one in eleven jobs and 10 percent of the world’s GDP, the tourism sector if well managed can foster inclusive economic growth, social inclusiveness and the protection of cultural and natural assets.

The International Year will promote tourism’s role in the following five key areas:

(1) Inclusive and sustainable economic growth;
(2) Social inclusiveness, employment and poverty reduction;
(3) Resource efficiency, environmental protection and climate change;
(4) Cultural values, diversity and heritage; and
(5) Mutual understanding, peace and security.

The presentation of the International Year will take place in Madrid on January 18, 2017, on the occasion of the Spanish Tourism Fair, FITUR.

UNWTO invites all partners to join the celebrations by sharing their activities and initiatives to advance sustainable tourism for development at www.tourism4development2017.org

Join the conversation: #travelenjoyrespect #IY2017