What is the story about?
What's Happening?
The World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) hosted a side event at the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) to discuss the role of tourism in economic diversification and social inclusion. The event highlighted the potential of sustainable and rural tourism to boost economies in LLDCs, which welcomed 50 million international tourists in 2024, representing 3.5% of global arrivals. Despite this, LLDCs only accounted for 1.4% of international tourism export revenues, indicating untapped potential. The Awaza Programme of Action aims to double the output of service sectors, including tourism, by 2034, fostering cross-sectoral linkages with agriculture, creative, and cultural sectors. The event featured discussions on best practices for sustainable tourism development, emphasizing infrastructure improvement, community participation, and capacity-building for MSMEs.
Why It's Important?
Tourism is a vital sector for LLDCs, offering opportunities for economic diversification, community empowerment, and sustainable livelihoods. By enhancing tourism infrastructure and connectivity, LLDCs can increase their share of global tourism revenues, boosting local economies and creating jobs. The focus on rural and nature-based tourism aligns with global sustainability goals, promoting environmental conservation and cultural heritage. Supporting MSMEs and community-led initiatives can drive inclusive development, reducing poverty and fostering entrepreneurship. The strategic recommendations from the event aim to position tourism as a key pillar for resilient growth in LLDCs, contributing to broader economic and social objectives.
What's Next?
The UN Tourism's Tourism for Rural Development Programme will continue to support Member States and rural communities through initiatives like the Best Tourism Villages and the Small Grants Programme. These efforts aim to accelerate tourism as a driver for rural development and community well-being. The recommendations from the event call for improved infrastructure, cross-border connectivity, and financing mechanisms to empower grassroots actors and scale sustainable tourism models. Collaboration between public and private sectors will be crucial in implementing these strategies and achieving the targets set by the Awaza Programme of Action.
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