UN Tourism Calls for Inclusive Policy Action to Maximise Tourism’s Role in Development
A joint report by UN Tourism and the World Tourism Alliance urges governments to prioritise inclusive policies, regulatory frameworks and governance models in order to fully harness tourism’s potential to drive shared prosperity and help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The study identifies tourism as a powerful catalyst for reducing inequalities (SDG 10), particularly through community development, job creation, education, environmental stewardship, and gender inclusion.
The report draws on case studies from China, Albania, Indonesia, Jordan, Peru, Rwanda and Vanuatu, showcasing how targeted national strategies have helped communities benefit equitably from tourism. UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili emphasised the need for action with just five years remaining to reach the 2030 SDG targets, calling for a shift towards community-centred tourism development. Recommendations include reinvesting tourism-generated income into social infrastructure, strengthening inclusive planning, and using tourism as a tool for poverty reduction and sustainable growth.
Source: UNWTO
