As the world celebrates Tourism day September 27 it is important to understand the responsibilities we all have, to save the beauty and diversity of our beautiful Planet Earth. Tourism does not only have an economic impact but also influences social, cultural and sustainable development. It is our responsibility to offer a clean and green environment for the future generations. Every year the United Nations World Travel Organization (UNWTO) selects a host country to create a unique theme for the event. This year Saudi Arabia is the host country and theme for World Tourism Day 2023 is “ Tourism and Green Investments”. It focuses on investments in environment friendly tourism projects.
The two-days (27-28 Sept) Tourism event started in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia with participation of around 500 government officials and tourism experts from 120 countries. UN Secretary Antonio Guterre says “ Tourism is a powerful force for progress and mutual understanding. But this force must be protected and nurtured to deliver its full benefits. On the World Tourism day we recognize the vital need for green investments to build a tourism sector that delivers for the people and the planet. So let us do more to harness the full potential of sustainable tourism because it is for betterment of future for all.”
Green Investments for a sustainable future
Tourism is one of the largest industries that contributes to the global economy. It provide jobs to millions of people around the world. The sector majorly suffered in 2020-21 of pandemic, the investment and especially foreign direct investment also dropped. But since then Global tourism is gradually bouncing back slowly. Experts believe that global tourism require more green investments for a sustainable future. The investments should not only be quantitative but qualitative with an factor of “green” in it. It is important to understand both the supplier and demand go together. One has to be a responsible tourist towards the environment. According to Prateek Hira, President and CEO of Tornos, Investment in tourism is not only economic pursuit but also a social welfare initiative. As it generates employment, empowers local communities,enhances lifestyle, protects culture and tradition, and above all tourism can mitigate environmental impacts.
There is a need to reduce emissions that will provide more investments in green building in hotels, resorts and restaurants.To ensure Climate resilient infrastructure through new adaptation methods. This will help in bridging the gap and achieve sustainable Development Goals in the developing world. UNCTAD and UNWTO have join hands to promote green investments in global tourism supporting low carbon and climate resilient tourism.
After Pandemic tourist have been exploring more sustainable vacation options than they had before pandemic. According to a Booking.com survey in 2022 , 61% of the tourist revealed they are more conscious in travelling now. They want to visit the environment friendly places only. According to UN , a clean and effective transition to a sustainable future will create more jobs in the tourism industry, estimated to 10.5% more by 2030.
World Tourism day serves to be platform to raise awareness of the importance of tourism. The World Tourism Day 2024 will be celebrated in Europe next year and the proposed theme is “Tourism and Peace”.
