[World Tourism Organization] The COVID-19 pandemic has had a massive social and economic impact. Both developed and developing economies have been hit. And marginalized groups and the most vulnerable have been hit hardest of all. The restart of tourism will help kickstart recovery and growth. It is essential that the benefits this will bring are enjoyed widely and fairly.
World Tourism Day, celebrated each year on 27 September, is the global observance day fostering awareness of tourism’s social, cultural, political and economic value and the contribution that the sector can make towards reaching the Sustainable Development Goals.
A Global Challenge
An additional 32 million people were pushed into extreme poverty in 2021. In
least-developed countries especially, women have been hit hardest by the global crisis caused by the pandemic. One reason for this is that they mainly work in the sectors most-affected by the pandemic – including tourism. The most vulnerable members of societies have been less able to cope with the social and economic affects of the pandemic. Furthermore, low-paid workers, youth, the elderly, indigenous communities, and differently abled people, are in many cases also less likely to have the resources or opportunities to bounce back from adversity. The Second Principle of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is to “Leave No One Behind”. This pledge, made by all UN Member States and its various Agencies, including UNWTO, is more relevant than ever. There is a duty to ensure that as growth returns, it actually improves lives.
UNWTO is fully committed to the UN Decade of Action to deliver the Global Goals,
and has also contributed to the guiding principles of “The Future We Want, the UN We Need”, the broad call contributing to transforming our world. Tourism’s Role in Inclusive Recovery Tourism has a unique ability to make sure nobody is left behind, as recognized in the Year of Tourism for Inclusive Development and World Tourism Day 2021. The sector is a recognized pillar of most – if not all – the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goals 1 (no poverty), 5 (gender equality), 8 (decent work and economic growth) and 10 (reduce inequalities).
UNWTO as the United Nations specialized agency for responsible and sustainable
tourism, is guiding the global sector towards inclusive recovery and growth. UNWTO
ensures every part of the sector has a say in its future – including communities,
minorities, youth and those who would otherwise be at risk of being left behind.
For tourism’s restart and growth to be as inclusive as possible, UNWTO focuses on:
• Partnerships: Tourism’s relevance has never been more relevant. Now is the time
to grow the sector’s role in other parts of the development agenda. Embracing
the UN Reform to strengthen UN support at country level, partnerships with sister
UN agencies, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP),
International Labor Organization, the UN Conference on Trade and Development
(UNCTAD) and UN Women, as well as with international organizations, are key to
ensuring the benefits that will come with tourism’s growth are felt outside of the
sector itself and help advance wider progress.
• Advocacy: Tourism’s importance is increasingly recognized at the highest political
level. UNWTO works with governments to ensure domestic and international tourism
is inclusive, taking into account the needs and goals of a diverse range of stakeholders,
including those who may be left behind. World Tourism Day 2021 provides an
opportunity for governments worldwide to promote tourism’s role in inclusive growth
and identify how further progress can be made.
• Looking to the Future: Unlocking the potential of the tourism ecosystem and broad
value chain, and investments facilitation in tourism can deliver more inclusive and
sustainable growth in new areas, including for traditionally-marginalized communities. Alongside this, expanding access to tourism education and delivering sector-specific training will give everybody the chance to benefit from tourism’s future growth.
Tourism for Inclusive Growth
World Tourism Day 2021 is a unique occasion to amplify the conversation about sector’s role in recovery and growth. UNWTO invites its Member States and Affiliate Members, and also sister UN agencies, international organizations, destinations businesses and individual travellers to be an active part of the day:
• UNWTO Members: Inclusive tourism growth is central to UNWTO’s mission. World
Tourism Day is an opportunity for Member States and Affiliate Members to reaffirm
their commitment to this mission through sharing best practices, showcasing
successes and ensuring the principle of inclusive growth informs decision making at
the highest political and business level.
• UN Agencies and International Organizations: UNWTO calls on its sister UN
agencies to use the occasion of World Tourism Day to recognize the role tourism
plays in their respective fields, from fair trade and climate action to gender equality,
indigenous rights and opportunities for youth.
• Destinations and Businesses: Ideas and commitments are nothing if they are
not put into action. World Tourism Day is a chance for a diverse range of tourism stakeholders, including destinations and businesses of all sizes, to explore how they
can be more inclusive as tourism restarts, to share best practices and to celebrate
achievements.
• Individual Tourists: Tourism is all about people and experiences. World Tourism Day will reflect this. Individual tourists are called on to be part of the conversation, sharing their thoughts on how the sector’s growth can be more inclusive.
Australian Hospitality Alumni Network Vietnam 