INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF SUSTAINABLE TOURISM FOR DEVELOPMENT

By decision of the United Nations, 2017 has been proclaimed “International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development” in recognition of the important role of sustainable tourism as a positive instrument towards the eradication of poverty, the protection of the environment and the improvement of quality of life, and of its contribution to the three dimensions of sustainable development (economic, social and environmental). Tourism has close linkages to other sectors and can contribute to decent job creation. The sector’s importance is reflected by the fact that tourism is included as targets under three of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals adopted by the United Nations. International tourism, in particular, can generate trade opportunities, foster better understanding among peoples and bring about a greater appreciation of the rich heritage and the inherent values of different cultures, thereby contributing to the strengthening of peace in the world.