Covid-19: UNWTO Call for Action

In their publication "SUPPORTING JOBS AND ECONOMIES THROUGH TRAVEL & TOURISM - A Call for Action to Mitigate the Socio-Economic Impact of COVID-19 and Accelerate Recovery" the World Tourism Organisation makes a clear statement pro SDGs 2030, saying:

"The COVID-19 pandemic has hit travel and tourism hard. It nevertheless offers a rare opportunity for reflection and recalibration to grow again, and to grow better for planet and people.This is particularly relevant as the global community now has just 10 years to achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined in the 2030 Agenda – we have started the Decade of Action. Managed responsibly, tourism can emerge from the current crisis as an even more important contributor to the SDGs, supporting livelihoods and creating opportunities for millions of people around the world and leaving nobody behind."

7 recommendations for preparing for tomorrow

The call for action provides 23 recommendations which "are divided into three groups, but should ideally be approached simultaneously and through cooperation between all stakeholders in the ecosystem. To prepare for tomorrow it is recommended to

diversify markets, products and services

invest in market intelligence systems and digital transformation

reinforce tourism governance at all levels

prepare for crisis, build resilience and ensure tourism is part of national emergency mechanism and systems

invest in human capital and talent development

place sustainable tourism firmly on the national agenda

transition to the circular economy and embrace the SDGs

10 years left to achieve the SDGs by 2030

Regarding the actions for transition to the circular economy and embrace the SDGs the UNWTO recommends:

"This crisis could jeopardize our collective ability to achieve the 17 SDGs by 2030. Define, revise or advance the implementation of Sustainable and Responsible Tourism within the framework of the SDGs.

Support the transition towards a circular economy – this crisis is also an opportunity to place stronger emphasis on the development of strategies that enhance coordinated action and decisions across all actors (producers, distributors, consumers, etc.) in the tourism value chain. This can support integrating circularity in tourism operations, transitioning to more resource efficient and low carbon tourism operations, while also enhancing the competitiveness and resilience of the sector as a whole.

Embracing sustainability more fully will help tourism as the sector establishes closer links with the wider United Nations system. A resilient sector is vital if tourism is to become a key partner of UN agencies, international organizations and international finance institutions as the global community works to realize the 2030 Agenda."

ECOTRANS comment:

These recommendations are not new. Since more than 40 years many organisations and individuals have been working for mainstreaming sustainable and responsible tourism. It would be great if NOW words would be followed by more actions than ever. Only little effort would be necessary to raise the market share of green certified businesses and destinations from 1-2% within few years to 5-10%  - with their credible contributions to the planet and the people.

> see certified tourism worldwide on the Green Travel Maps

> see the global collaboration initiative Travel Green Planet 2030