The United Nations (UN) has declared 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development. This decision comes fifty years after the celebration of the International Tourist Year on Tourism- Passport to Peace (1967) and fifteen years since the International Year of Ecotourism (2002).   The UN General Assembly has invited the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) to “facilitate the organization and implementation of the Year, in collaboration with Governments, relevant organizations of the United Nations System, other international and regional organizations and other relevant stakeholders”.
2017 presents a unique opportunity to explore and highlight tourism’s potential to help transform our world into a place of prosperity and wellbeing for all.

As one of the largest and fastest-growing socio-economic sectors of our times, tourism can stimulate economic growth, create decent jobs and business opportunities, helping millions of people escape poverty and improve their livelihoods.
With the right policies in place, tourism can contribute to gender equality, the preservation of ecosystems and biodiversity, the protection of natural and cultural heritage, and offers solutions to many other pressing challenges our world is facing today.

An inclusive and participatory tourism can spur dialogue, foster mutual understanding and support efforts toward building a culture of peace.

More info: http://www.tourism4development2017.org/about/