Following the reccomendations of the United Nations World Tourism Organization, ganización Mundial del Turismo, the United Nations General Assembly has declared 2017 theYear of Sustainable Tourism for Development. During the World Summit on Sustainable Tourism (ST + 20), celebrated in Vitoria-Gasteiz last November 2015 with the Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site represented among participants, the World Charter for Sustainable Tourism +20 was unanimously adopted. Recalling the principles expressed in theWorld Charter for Sustainable Tourism that was set forth in 1995, this document also recognises the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a significant opportunity to further guide tourism along an inclusive and sustainable course.
Tourism has the potential to contribute, directly or indirectly, to all of the goals. In particular, it has been included as targets in Goals 8, 12 and 14 on inclusive and sustainable economic growth, sustainable consumption and production (SCP) and the sustainable use of oceans and marine resources, respectively.
Sustainable tourism is firmly positioned in the 2030 Agenda. Achieving this agenda, however, requires a dear implementation framework, adequate financing and investment in Technology, infrastructure and human resources.
SDG 8: Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all. Tourism is one of the driving forces of global economic growth, and currently provides for 1 in 11 jobs worldwide. By giving access to decent work opportunities in the tourism sector, society- particularly youth and women- can benefit from increased skills and professional development. The sector’s contribution to job creation is recognized in Target 8.9 “By 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products”.
SDG 12: Ensure sustainable Consumption and Production patternsA tourism sector that adopts sustainable consumption and production (SCP) practices can play a significant role in accelerating the global shift towards sustainability. To do so, as set in Target 12.b of Goal 12, it is imperative to “Develop and implement tools to monitor sustainable development impacts for sustainable tourism which creates jobs, promotes local culture and products”. The Sustainable Tourism Programme (STP) of the 10-Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production Patterns (10YFP) aims at developing such SCP practices, including resource efficient initiatives that result in enhanced economic, social and environmental outcomes.
SDG 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development. Coastal and maritime tourism, tourism’s biggest segments, particularly for Small Island Developing States’ (SIDS), rely on healthy and marine ecosystems. Tourism development must be a part of integrated Coastal Zone Management in order to help conserve and preserve fragile ecosystems. Tourism Development and serve as a vehicle to promote blue economy, in line with 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, acquaculture and tourism”.
The WTO has developped a survey about how tourism can help to get de 17 goals.