2017 is the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, declared by the United Nations General Assembly on 29 December as it pushes for a more inclusive industry.

While the tourism industry will never be entirely sustainable, it has great potential to operate more sustainably.

Sustainable tourism promotes environmental awareness, conserves and protects the environment, respects wildflife, flora, biodiversity, ecosystems and cultural diversity, and improves the welfare and livelihoods of local communities. It can also act as an education tool for visitors and locals alike. 

In an effort to encourage economic growth, heal and secure our planet and alleviate poverty, the UN is promoting the potential of sustainable tourism as part of its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This means tourism operators and developers who want to embrace sustainable tourism, will need to re-focus and adapt to balance economic, social and environmental aspects as well as include the interests of local people, local communities, visitors, industry and government.

Long term planning is required to ensure the industry has low impact on the environment and local culture by ensuring consumption and production patterns and use of all natural resources - air, land, rivers, lakes, aquifers, oceans and seas are sustainable.

The United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai said that the international year presents an opportunity for tourism.

"This is a unique opportunity to build a more responsible and committed tourism sector that can capitalize its immense potential in terms of economic prosperity, social inclusion, peace and understanding, cultural and environmental preservation.”

The tourism sector accounts for 7% of worldwide exports, one in eleven jobs and 10% of the world’s GDP.

As more and more tourists look to enjoy a unique experience in a healthy and pristine natural environment, sustainable tourism will need to be developed to deliver and operate responsibly to survive.

In Tonga, sustainable tourism such as whale swimming and watching is continually developing ensuring minimum impact on whales, ocean, locals and visitors. A success story is the special management area marine reserve that was legislated at Fafa Island in 2013.

Local handicraft shops, markets, carvers, accommodation, cultural tours, transport operators and retailers all benefit from these activities.

To help the industry, the UNWTO is offering leadership and support to change policies, business practices and consumer behavior for a more sustainable tourism sector.

The UNWTO is holding a presentation of the International Year in Madrid on 18 January 2017, on the occasion of the Spanish Tourism Fair, FITUR.

UNWTO partners will share their activities and initiatives to advance sustainable tourism for development at www.tourism4development2017.org [2]