International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development

2017 is the United Nations International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development. It supports a change in policies, business practices and consumer behaviour towards a more sustainable tourism sector.

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the United Nations Specialized Agency for Tourism, has been mandated to facilitate the organisation and implementation of the International Year, in collaboration with governments, relevant organisations of the United Nations system, international and regional organisations and other stakeholders.

The #IY2017 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

(5)        Mutual understanding, peace and security.

“With more than one billion international tourists now traveling the world each year, tourism has become a powerful and transformative force that is making a genuine difference in the lives of millions of people. The potential of tourism for sustainable development is considerable. As one of the world’s leading employment sectors, tourism provides important livelihood opportunities, helping to alleviate poverty and drive inclusive development.”

Ban Ki-moon, the eighth Secretary-General of the United Nations from January 2007 to December 2016, in his World Tourism Day Message in 2015.

For a list of celebrations, partnership opportunities and more information, see here.