Summary
This UNCTAD XII pre-event focused on identifying best practices for promoting sustainable tourism. Developing countries are increasingly pursuing sustainability in tourism, with the aim of ensuring that benefits from the sector translate into long-term economic, social and environmental gains. To this end, experts recommended stronger links between tourism and other economic areas. The meeting stressed that tourism should provide decent work that ensures social security, social protection, and good working conditions.
Information and communication techno-logy and foreign direct investment also play a role in developing sustainable tourism. Direct advertising through the Internet, the use of electronic networks to arrange travel and the use of e-banking as a method of payment mean developing countries have the potential to provide the full package of services associated with tourism - and so keep a higher share of the profits at home. Much of such income in the past has remained overseas with foreign tour operators, airlines and the businesses that handle money transfers and currency exchanges.
The conference also explored the potential for expanding tourism through multilateral trade negotiations in the context of the Doha Round as well as trade agreements and cooperation. And it discussed ways to help developing countries and tourism firms capitalize on what is unique in their natural and cultural heritages. These are attractions developing countries have in abundance.
The conference noted that among the advantages of increased tourism are that it is labour-intensive and employs many women. It also is a highly diversified activity that can lead to economic growth in rural as well as urban areas.