What's Happening?
The World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) recently conducted a regional workshop focused on measuring the sustainability of tourism in Asia and the Pacific. Held in Bandar Seri Begawan from November 18 to 20, 2025, the event gathered over 100 participants
from 11 member states. The workshop aimed to enhance the capacity of these members to produce reliable and policy-relevant tourism data. Participants included representatives from National Tourism Authorities, National Statistics Offices, and other key institutions, alongside international experts. The sessions combined high-level dialogue with technical discussions on the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of tourism sustainability. Attendees explored the application of the Statistical Framework for Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism (MST) and related tools, such as the Tourism Satellite Account (TSA) and the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA). The event emphasized strengthening institutional coordination between tourism and statistics authorities and improving tourism data governance.
Why It's Important?
The workshop underscores the importance of data-driven approaches in promoting sustainable tourism development. By equipping member states with the tools to measure tourism's sustainability, the UN Tourism aims to foster evidence-based policymaking and destination management. This initiative is crucial for advancing tourism measurement as a foundation for sustainable and resilient tourism development. Reliable data can help countries address the economic, social, and environmental impacts of tourism, ensuring that growth in this sector contributes positively to local communities and ecosystems. The focus on integrated information systems and improved data governance is expected to enhance the ability of member states to make informed decisions that align with sustainable development goals.
