14 January 2015: The UN General Assembly (UNGA) has adopted a resolution (A/RES/69/233) recognizing the contribution of sustainable tourism to poverty eradication, community development and the protection of biodiversity. The resolution, titled ‘Promotion of sustainable tourism, including ecotourism, for poverty eradication and environment protection,’ calls on the UN to promote sustainable tourism as a tool for achieving global development goals.
The resolution, which was adopted by consensus and sponsored by 107 Member States, builds on a 2012 UN resolution on ecotourism, and draws on a report prepared by the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), highlighting the importance of policies, guidelines and regulations for promoting sustainable tourism, including ecotourism.The resolution requests UNWTO and other UN agencies to develop recommendations on ways to promote sustainable tourism, including ecotourism, to be submitted to the 71st UNGA, in 2016. [UNWTO News] [UNGA Meeting Record]