Sustainable tourism plays a pivotal role in achieving the UN’s 2030 Agenda. The UN’s SDG platform highlights its significance by linking tourism to economic growth (SDG 8), responsible consumption (SDG 12), and conservation of oceans (SDG 14).
What Is Sustainable Tourism?
The UN defines sustainable tourism as tourism that fully considers its economic, social, and environmental impacts. It must address the needs of visitors, host communities, industry, and the environment both now and in the future.
This definition echoes Rio+20’s vision, emphasizing tourism’s role in job creation, cultural preservation, environmental protection, and poverty reduction.
Key SDG Targets Involving Tourism
- Target 8.9: By 2030, countries should implement policies promoting sustainable tourism that creates jobs and strengthens local culture and products.
- Target 12.b: Encourage tourism sustainability monitoring tools that support job creation and cultural preservation.
- Target 14.7: By 2030, increase economic gains from sustainable ocean-based tourism, benefiting small islands and least developed countries.
UN Initiatives Driving Change
- Tourism4SDGs platform showcases how tourism contributes to the achievement of all 17 SDGs.
- The One Planet Sustainable Tourism Programme, led by UN Tourism and UNEP, supports sustainable consumption, climate action, and circular tourism initiatives like the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative.
- Partnerships such as the Sustainable Tourism Stewardship Council promote industry standards in hotels and tour operators to protect communities and biodiversity.
The Impact
- The UN encourages tools and observatories to track tourism’s socio-economic and environmental footprint, enabling better policy decisions and performance monitoring.
- Frameworks like SDG Target 12.b and the INSTO network support countries in collecting comparable tourism data for decision-making and accountability.
Why It Matters
Sustainable tourism is a powerful lever for:
- Generating decent jobs and economic inclusion (SDG 8)
- Promoting responsible consumption and efficient resource use (SDG 12)
- Protecting marine life and ecosystems (SDG 14)
- Preserving cultural heritage and supporting local development
It also underpins broader SDGs, including eradicating poverty, achieving gender equality, and combating climate change.
In Summary
The UN recognizes sustainable tourism as a vital engine for achieving the 2030 Agenda. Through clear definitions, linked SDG targets, and global programmes, UN efforts aim to foster tourism that benefits people, preserves environments, and builds resilient economies.