(Posted 29th September 2015)
UNWTO welcomes the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and reiterates its commitment to work towards the implementation of the Goals.
Tourism is one of the most dynamic economic sectors, with significant global reach, and can make an important contribution to the achievement of the SDGs, particularly in the areas of job creation, sustainable consumption and production and the preservation of natural resources.
‘Issues such as climate change, effective resource management, poverty reduction and inclusive growth need to be at the center of tourism development. Now that the Goals have been approved, it is time to step up our action, time to advance policies and business strategies that monitor and minimize the negative effects of tourism development and maximize its positive impacts, namely through the distribution of its benefits among host communities‘ said UNWTO Secretary-General, Dr. Taleb Rifai.
The SDGs are a universal 17-goal plan of action for people, the planet and prosperity for all countries and require all stakeholders to act in collaborative partnerships. The SDGs were approved by the 70th Session of the United Nations General Assembly on 25 September 2015.
Tourism is included in the SDGs as a target in Goal 8, Goal 12 and Goal 14:
– Goal 8, on the promotion of “sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all includes as Target 8.9 "By 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products".
–Goal 12 aimed to “ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns” includes as Target 12.b to "Develop and implement tools to monitor sustainable development impacts for sustainable tourism which creates jobs, promotes local culture and products".
–Goal 14 set to “Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development” includes as target 14.7 "by 2030 increase the economic benefits of SIDS and LCDs from the sustainable use of marine resources, including through sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture and tourism".
