2017 declared year of sustainable tourism

2017-declared-year-of-sustainable-tourism

YEAR 2017 has been declared the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly.

In a statement by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the resolution was made in recognition of “the importance of international tourism, and particularly of the designation of an international year of sustainable tourism for development, in fostering better understanding among peoples everywhere, in leading to a greater awareness of the rich heritage of various civilisations and in bringing about a better appreciation of the inherent values of different cultures, thereby contributing to the strengthening of peace in the world.”

Taleb Rifai, secretary-general of UNWTO, added that this “is a unique opportunity to advance the contribution of the tourism sector to the three pillars of sustainability – economic, social and environmental, while raising awareness of the true dimensions of a sector which is often undervalued.”

Leading to this decision was the recognition by world leaders at the UN Conference on Sustainable Development that “well-designed and well-managed tourism” can contribute to the three dimensions of sustainable development, to job creation and to trade.

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