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COMMITTEE: UN World Tourism Organization

Sustainable Tourism

DESCRIPTION OF THE COMMITTEE The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is the

promoting and ensuring accessible, sustainable and responsible tourism among member states. Created in 1970, UNWTO provides a forum where 155 member states and six associate members interact with approximately 400 partners from the public and private sectors to look at trends, ethics and development of tourism.1 The main goal of UNWTO is to promote the sustainable growth of tourism. In order to do so, UNWTO watches the relationship between climate change, sustainability, biodiversity, ethics, green economy initiatives worldwide and the tourism industry. UNWTO is committed to promoting education, worldwide partnership and achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Representatives come together in the UN General Assembly to discuss global trends and initiatives to foster sustainable and universally accessible tourism at the UNWTOheadquarters in Madrid, Spain.

READ TO DISCOVER: 1. Why is sustainable tourism important for countries? 2. What are some of the barriers to promote sustainable tourism? 3. What are the UN and the international community doing to promote sustainable

tourism practices?

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Sustainability: the ability to maintain a balance between humans and nature without over-using resources. Indigenous: the natural population, human or otherwise, and culture of a place. Eco-systems: a community of living organisms and the non-living materials needed for their survival.

INTRODUCTION Sustainability is the idea that people can enjoy and use natural resources today in a way that will make sure they are still available in the future. This means that the social and economic concerns we have now must be balanced with long-term concerns so that future generations have the same, or better, opportunities. Sustainable growth and development is important not only for physical resources, but also cultural and social ones. Economic, technological, or industrial opportunities must be considered against their effects on indigenous ecosystems and populations. Sustainable tourism focuses on the impact that the tourism industry has on environmental, economic, social and cultural matters. In recent decades,

, now accounting for one- . UNWTO estimates there were about 1 billion tourists in 2012, generating about $1.2 trillion USD in revenue.2 The number of tourists worldwide is expected to increase by 3.3% each year over the next 20 years, almost doubling by 2030.3 Sustainable tourism plans would be those that make sure the money generated through tourism is used for things that are good for the population and the environment. By making the country more appealing and better run, the state ensures the continued growth of tourism and increase in revenue. Sustainable tourism was identified as a goal for sustainable development at the fifth anniversary meeting of the Earth Summit, in 1997. The General Assembly accepted the topic's inclusion in the , a comprehensive plan of action for global sustainable deveenvironmental and cultural needs with its attractiveness as a destination for visitors.4 Today, two decades and two Earth Summits later, member states face the continuing question of how to further implement sustainable tourism throughout the world.

TOURISM AS AN IMPORTANT TOOL FOR DEVELOPMENT

-designed and managed tourism can make a significant contribution to the three dimensions of sustainable development (environmental, economic and sociopolitical sustainability), has close linkages to other sectors, and can create decent jobs and generate trade opportunities. we underline the importance of establishing, where necessary, appropriate guidelines and regulations in accordance with national priorities and legislation for promoting and supporting sustainable

Source: The future we want. Rio+20 Outcome Document. 20-22 June 2012 A/CONF.216/L.1

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Eco-tourism: tourism centered around well conserved natural ecosystems. Leakage: money that is drawn away from the local economy.

BACKGROUND Tourism's environmental effects are a serious problem for many developing nations. When visitors travel to a destination, they draw upon the region's freshwater resources for drinking, bathing and other activities. In hot environments, such as the Mediterranean, tourists use more water than they would at home, even though this resource may be scarce. In Spain, the typical visitor drinks almost twice as much as the average Spanish citizen each day.5 The same can be said for other resources such as food and energy during peak travel seasons in certain areas, there can be up to ten times as many tourists as inhabitants.

Pollution is another environmental problem caused by tourism. Like any other industry, the travel sector produces waste in the form of chemicals, garbage and sewage. Tourism today accounts for approximately 60 percent of all air travel. Airplane exhaust gases are a major contributor to air pollution globally. In addition, tourists often rent cars or travel on tour buses when they arrive at their destination, further contributing to the amount of harmful automobile emissions. Visitors also often produce huge amounts of garbage while on vacation. Cruise ships in the Caribbean alone account for almost 70,000 tons of solid waste each year.6

The amenities that tourists demand, such as golf courses, ski resorts or sandy beaches, often require serious changes to the natural ecosystem. Golf courses require the use of pesticides; ski resorts result in the clearing of forested areas. Companies constructing seaside resorts often drain wetlands or injure the natural structure of the coast. The construction of these resorts can also be harmful to the environment. Coral reefs, which are an ecosystem extremely sensitive to change, are sometimes used for construction material. Light pollution (the unnatural presence of light) from hotels can also disrupt the mating cycles of endangered animals, like sea turtles.

Many of these areas are attractive for their exotic natural surroundings, which are considered exotic because of their rarity. But the fragility of these rare ecosystems can make the tourist industry extremely damaging. Even eco-tourism can be harmful to a local environment, as careless tourists or tour guides often trample the vegetation or introduce foreign elements to a sensitive, contained ecosystem.7

A polluted pond in Jamaica Source: UN Photo/AF

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LEAKAGE

Thailand estimated that 70 percent of all money spent by tourists ended up leaving Thailand via foreign-owned tour operators, airlines, hotels, imported drinks and food. Estimates for other developing countries range from 80 percent in the Caribbean to 40 percent in India. Source: http://www.uneptie.org/scp/tourism/sustain/impacts/economic/negative.htm

CRITICAL THINKING What do you think people like about eco-tourism? What might happen if tourism destroys these environments?

For the economy, poorly managed tourism can cause significant problems for a region's financial stability. When people visit an area, they spend money on travel, places to stay, food, and various activities. However, this money often does not go to local businesspeople and may not even remain within the national economy. When tourism companies set up travel packages, a large portion of the money they spend goes directly to airlines, hotel chains and tour companies. Only a small fraction of this money goes to local inhabitants, who may still provide services for vacationers. When hotels and restaurants have to import goods for tourists, the amount of leakage can be even greater.

Tourism can also have a direct economic effect on local people. In popular or frequently visited areas, the prices of goods can be driven way up as local businesspeople try to profit from the presence of wealthy tourists. However, locals cannot afford to pay these inflated prices, and they suffer as a result.

Adding to the problem is the emergence -a well-preserved environment and local culture. Eco-tourism is often used to gather support for natural ecosystems and the preservation of species. However, when the rules and regulations of these places are too relaxed, often in order to attract more tourism, it can jeopardize ecological and cultural stability. Unbalanced tourism can introduce factors like garbage or pollution, or interfere with the local culture. However, economic benefits of tourism may improve the local quality of life and promote development. If properly coordinated, eco-

1 Furthermore, tourism is a seasonal business many areas of the world have many visitors during one season and very few during others. Local businesses that are supported by tourism may suffer

- periods. Similarly, intense competition for the business of tourists may undermine overall development. Too many people enter the market to sell products and services to visitors, neglecting other helpful business ventures, job opportunities or development projects.

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Finally, tourism may harm the cultural integrity of a region. Visitors often expect, and pay for, an

xotic

traditional roles and to misrepresent their cultural heritage in ovisitors want. However, tourism is not always harmful. The revenue created by tourist ventures in a region can be put to use in a variety of ways to improve the local infrastructure, environment, and overall development. Similarly, tourism may promote a greater degree of international awareness, as tourists are exposed to other parts of the world. The difficult task is to balance the positive qualities of tourism with the possible harms that the industry may pose. PAST INTERNATIONAL ACTION

Small Island States Small island developing states have become the primary candidates for sustainable tourism programs. Foreign travelers seeking a beautiful and well-preserved vacation site often travel to Pacific states like Micronesia and Caribbean states like Jamaica. But, while tourism represents an economic advantage for these countries, the activities of visitors may also threaten their cultural integrity and fragile ecosystems.

ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE CAUSED BY RECREATION Golfing has long been a popular recreational activity for tourists around the globe. However, an average golf course in a tropical country such as Thailand needs 3,300 pounds of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides per year and uses as much water as 60,000 rural villagers. Source: www.tourismconcern.org.uk

UNSG Ban Ki-moon meets hotel employees in Sri Lanka Source: UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe

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Several small island states have recognized this problem and have taken measures to implement sustainable tourism plans. The

s, held in Barbados in 1994 paid specific attention to the concerns of small island states and brought global attention to their problems.8 Tourism is considered essential to the development of these nations, many of which are too small to support large industries and unable to afford environmental preservation programs. A successful model for eco-tourism would combine the prospect of a strong tourist industry and economic opportunity with environmental and cultural respect.

Local Government, Private Sector and NGO Involvement: The Calvia Declaration The implementation of sustainable tourism requires cooperation among governments, the private sector, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and citizens. While political officials develop policies for sustainable development, NGOs initiate educational programs to raise awareness about these issues. Citizens and corporations must understand the need for sustainable development policies and must obey them once in place. The

created in 1997, is an example of the interdependent relationship between all of these actors.9

The Spanish city of Calvia invited nearly 500 leaders and decision-makers from a variety of sectors in order to establish guidelines for the protection of the environment and culture in light of tourism. The Calvia Declaration is an example of the partnerships that must be forged in order to implement responsible sustainable tourism.

By including government officials, civic groups, businesses, and the community, Calvia was able to draw upon a variety of resources and information in order to design a program that met the specific needs of the city.

However, this experience may not be easily reproduced in areas where coordination among the various sectors is difficult or the views of different groups conflict. Also, other regions may not be able to afford incentive programs to entice businesses and individuals to promote sustainable tourism.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon meets the head of UNWTO

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Past UN Action

Although the issue of sustainable tourism was not included in the initial , it became one of the major themes at , the fifth anniversary summit of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, the Earth Summit. At 5, international leaders defined the main players that must be involved in successful sustainable development policies: national and local governments, the private sector, and NGOs that bridge the gap between these groups and travelers. In 1996, three NGOs the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), and the Earth Council jointly launched an action plan entitled

10 The plan lays out methods through which governments may work with NGOs, civic organizations, the private sector, trade groups and each other to implement sustainable tourism on a fully international scale. Also held to mark the fifth anniversary of Earth Summit was Earth Summit +5, at which eco-tourism became a priority for the UN Commission on Sustainable Development. However, the

make concrete commitments. Due to - divisions differences between developed and developing nations nations disagreed on funding and assistance. Many believed that the

tourism.11 In 1999, the General Assembly and the Commission on Sustainable Development adopted

, in which nations were encouraged to set guidelines for eco-tourism and establish legal penalties for violators within their borders.12 However, many nations are still reluctant to offer monetary aid and assistance to promote sustainable tourism without concrete guidelines to coordinate efforts. In 2004, the World Committee on Tourism Ethics (WCTE) was established as the implementer of the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism (GCET), a document agreed on in 1999 by the General Assembly which recognizes ethics as a factor for sustainable tourism. The GCET is of voluntary implementation and it outlines 10 principles states should consider to ensure sustainable tourism which balance both the rights and responsibilities of states and people engaged in tourism. The Code allows resolve disputes. In 2012, world leaders from member states, international organizations and civil society groups convened for Rio+20. and the delegates discussed how to sustainably end poverty, combat water scarcity and foment green energy. The concluding document of the Rio+20 Conference in Sustainable Development13 encourages investment in the expansion of ecological and cultural tourism in cooperation with local communities and non-governmental institutions. The delegates identified sustainable tourism as a significant contributor to sustainable development and encouraged its development.

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RECOMENDATIONS FOR CREATING A RESOLUTION The recognized the opportunity for tourism to promote development. It focused on several key points:

Promoting awareness campaigns about the benefits and potential harms of eco-tourism; Creating an incentive program to award private and corporate actors that contribute to

sustainable tourism; and Establishing partnerships between government and local civic groups to cultivate a

sustainable tourism plan tailored to a specific city. Delegates must recognize both the potential harms of tourism and the benefits the tourism industry can provide. Other considerations include:

-funding for sustainable tourism programs;

The scope of development efforts (e.g., national, regional, or fully international); The best ways for governments to collaborate with NGOs and the private community;

and Ways to increase sustainable tourism to locations that could most benefit, such as Africa

and the Asia Pacific region.

Questions to Consider:

1. Is your country a popular tourist destination? If so, has it attempted to implement sustainable tourism policies in any of its popular destinations?

2. Does your country have any sites appropriate for the implementation of eco-tourism (e.g., natural preserves, rainforests, and endangered land)?

3. Has your country participated in any sustainable development initiatives in the past, such as regulating tourist access to ecologically fragile areas? How successful have they been?

4.industries?

5. Who should pay for sustainable tourism? How can the UN encourage sustainable tourism worldwide? Should it offer financial incentives?

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RESEARCH AID The CIA World Fact Book is a good starting place for background information about your country.

The World Fact Book, https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/

This is the official site of the UNUNWTO

Sustainable Development of Tourism, UN World Tourism Organization, http://sdt.unUNWTO.org/

ThiSustainable Development.

Sustainable Tourism, UN Division for Sustainable Development, www.un.org/esa/sustdev/sdissues/tourism/tourism.htm

This UNEP site outlines some of the major issues with tourism from an environmental standpoint.

, http://www.unep.fr/scp/tourism/sustain/impacts/environmental/mainareas.htm

www.uneptie.org/pc/tourism/sust-tourism/env-3main.htm REFERENCES 1 UNUNWTO: http://www2.unUNWTO.org/en/content/who-we-are-02 UNUNWTO: http://media.unUNWTO.org/en/press-release/2012-09-12/international-tourism-track-hit-one-billion-end-20123 . http://dtxtq4w60xqpw.cloudfront.net/sites/all/files/docpdf/unUNWTOhighlights12enlr_1.pdf 4 http://www.jsdnp.org.jm/susTourism.htm. 5 e, http://www.uneptie.org/pc/tourism/sust-tourism/env-3main.htm. 6 7 8 http://www.un.org/esa/sustdev/sids/sids.htm 9 UN Division for Sustainable Development, http://www.un.org/esa/sustdev/mgroups/success/tour8.htm 10 http://www.wttc.org/promote/agenda21.htm11 "Earth Summit Review Ends with Few Commitments," July 1997,

http://www.un.org/ecosocdev/geninfo/sustdev/es5final.htm. 12 http://www.earthsummit2002.org/toolkits/women/un-doku/un-comm/csd/csd1999.htm#Decision%207/3 13 Report of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development. http://www.uncsd2012.org/content/documents/814UNCSD%20REPORT%20final%20revs.pdf

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