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How will sustainable tourism year fare in the age of Trump and Brexit
UN has marked 2017 as the ‘Year of Sustainable Tourism’ will it die in a new world order?
2017 has been recognised as the International Year of Sustainability Tourism for Development by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly.
Since its adoption in 2015 the world’s political climate has changed dramatically – and is set to change still further. Already Donald Trump has won the US presidency, the UK has voted to leave the EU, France is set to have the most right-wing president for 50 years, and there is more to come. What will happen to sustainability?
The UN resolution recognized:
"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 civilizations and in bringing about a better appreciation of the inherent values of different cultures, thereby contributing to the strengthening of peace in the world".
Said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai. "The declaration by the UN of 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development 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"
This decision follows the recognition by global leaders at the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) that "well-designed and well-managed tourism" can contribute to the three dimensions of sustainable development, to job creation and to trade.
Last year a set of sustainable development goals were adopted and tourism is included as three of the targets:
SDG 8: Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all; SDG 12: Sustainable Consumption and Production and SDG 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.
It remains to be seen if tourism can take its place as a force for good.
Valere Tjolle
@ValereTjolle
Valere
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