Brasília – The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has declared 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development. The main goal is to raise awareness for the potential of tourism for the sustainable economic development, job creation, poverty reduction, environment protection, and defense of cultural heritage, among other benefits.
According to the United Nations, one in 11 jobs in the world is created by tourism. Besides, the sector accounts for 7% of global exports and for 10% of global GDP.
With the declaration, UNWTO plans to encourage public policies for the sector and promote the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development, which has tourism among its targets. The official announcement of the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development will be made on January 18 in Madrid.
*Translated by Sérgio Kakitani
