2017, International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development

The General Assembly of the United Nations has approved the designation of 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, a resolution that recognizes the importance of tourism at the international level, since it is a sector whose weight is often underestimated. The aim of this proclamation is to draw attention to the importance of promoting greater understanding among all peoples, leading to a greater awareness of the wealth of the heritage of different civilizations and to a better appreciation of the inherent values ​​of The various cultures, thus contributing to the strengthening of peace in the world.

For the celebration of this International Year, UNWTO will count on the collaboration of Governments, relevant organizations of the United Nations system as well as other international and regional organizations. All actions will be carried out under the maxim that well-designed and well-managed tourism can contribute to the three dimensions of sustainable development, create jobs and generate business opportunities.

The decision to designate 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development comes at a particularly important time, when the international community adopts the new Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Objectives (ODS) adopted by the General Assembly of the The United Nations last September. Tourism is among the goals of three of the ODS: Goal 8: promote sustainable, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all; Objective 12: Sustainable consumption and production and Objective 14: to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.