As global tourism returns to pre-pandemic levels, Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has urged tourism industry players to build a sector that achieves positive environmental and social outcomes.
Pololikashvili was speaking at the G20 Tourism Ministers’ meeting in Belém, Brazil, where he called for the development of a tourism sector that helps to empower communities, advance climate action, and implement sustainable economic models that prioritise nature and circularity.
“Tourism thrives on the stability of the climate, biodiversity, and the sustainable use of natural resources,” Pololikashvili said. “Without urgent climate action, the future of tourism, along with the communities and ecosystems that rely on it, is at risk.”
Exceeding pre-pandemic levels
Data shows that in the first half of 2023, international tourist arrivals reached 80% of pre-pandemic (2019) levels.
While regions such as the Middle East and Europe have exceeded the levels last recorded in 2019, Asia and the Pacific are experiencing a slower return due to continuing travel restrictions.
Pololikashvili also stressed that tourism’s potential extends beyond economic benefits, as it can bring diverse cultures together – however for this to be achievable, governance models that prioritise the needs of local communities and environmental preservation should be implemented, as well as wider collaboration between governments and various stakeholders.
‘A critical juncture’
‘This appeal marks a critical juncture for the global tourism industry,’ the UNWTO noted. ‘The message is clear: to ensure its long-term success and resilience, the sector must place climate action and community empowerment at its core.’
Key takeaways from the meeting emphasised several urgent needs:
- Need For A New Governance Framework: This would include regular consultation with residents and stronger coordination among all government agencies, national and local authorities, and the private sector.
- Targeted Policies: Policies should focus on areas such as gender equality, social inclusion, decent jobs, climate change, circular economy, nature-positive outcomes, and regional development within the tourism sector.
- Improved Measurement of Tourism Impact: There is a need to enhance the measurement of tourism’s economic, social, and environmental impact at national and local levels. With this in mind, participants welcomed the United Nations’ recent approval of the Statistical Framework for Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism.
Read more: Improving sustainability of tourism industry needs to be a key focus, says UNWTO
