Tourism’s potential to play a key role in job creation and economic growth globally while also contributing to the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Agenda, was recognized at an event organized by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in Geneva, Switzerland.

The event titled ‘Tourism Financing for the 2030 Agenda’ was held during the 2019 Global Review of Aid for Trade at the World Trade Organization (WTO) headquarters.

Tourism is mentioned in three of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), 8 – Decent work and economic growth, 12 – Responsible production and consumption, 14 – Life below water.

While ministers, development partners and financing institutions need to better understand and recognize how tourism can contribute to the SDGs, speakers at the session noted that the amount of aid and development financing directed towards tourism needs to be increased significantly.

UNWTO Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili said this is an important time for both the tourism and the international development sectors.

“Strengthening and unlocking aid flows for tourism will help the sector be a driver of job creation, as well as of social and economic development and economic diversity.”

“UNWTO welcomes the opportunity to join ministers, tourism leaders and our partners for these important talks here in Geneva. Working together we can harness the power of the new aid architecture and ensure that nobody gets left behind as tourism transforms lives around the world,” he said.

To realize the 2030 Agenda, a combination of effective and robust policy frameworks, enhanced private sector action, and an innovative approach to partnerships for development cooperation.

Attending the session were Ms Arancha González, Executive Director, International Trade Centre (ITC), HE Dr Rania Al- Mashat, Minister of Tourism, The Arab Republic of Egypt, Mr Toshiyuki Nakamura, Director General, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and Ms Caroline Freund, Director of Trade, Regional Integration and Investment Climate, World Bank.