The United Nations have declared 2017 the International Year of Sustainable Tourism Development. What a statement, but what does it mean and how can we be part of it?
How does tourism impact the economy?
Tourism generates about 10% of the global GDP and accounts for every eleventh job worldwide. One can therewith imagine the impact it has on the world and this is only economically, not taking it´s ecological and cultural impact into acount.
Why an “International Year of Sutainable Tourism Development”?
The aim of the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development as delcared by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation is to promote tourism´s role in the following 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.
How can you participate or learn more about Sustainable Tourism Development?
If you are a tourism organisation or destination you can join by creating your own event on the topic, celebrating the cause here.
If you are just a person like myself interested in this issue you can participate in these events. Check out the calander here for more infos.
If you want to gain some skills to be able to manage your touristic project sustainibly you may also consider taking this course: Project Management for Sustainable Development. It combines the classic project management skills with knowledge of how to bring about sustainable change by using them.
How do you participate?
All pictures by Eva Sturm
The post Let´s do it: International Year of Sustainable Tourism Development appeared first on Travel Responsibly.
