Global Tourism Resilience Day, celebrated on February 17, is an initiative aimed at emphasizing the importance of building a more resilient tourism sector. The day was declared by the United Nations General Assembly in resolution A/RES/77/269. Its primary goal is to raise awareness about the vulnerabilities of the tourism industry to various disruptions such as natural disasters, pandemics, and economic crises, and to highlight the need for strategies that ensure the sector can recover and thrive in the face of such challenges.
The day encourages countries to develop national strategies for tourism recovery and resilience, including through public-private cooperation, diversification of tourism products and activities, and innovation. It serves as a call to action for nations to prioritize the sustainability and future growth of the tourism sector, ensuring it continues to contribute to economic and social development, particularly in vulnerable regions.
For numerous developing nations, including the least developed countries, small island states, African nations, and middle-income countries, tourism is a vital contributor to their economy, offering significant revenue through foreign currency, taxes, and job creation. Tourism, which brings people closer to nature, has a unique role in encouraging environmental responsibility and conservation through sustainable practices. Tourism supports millions of direct and indirect jobs all over the world, in particular for women and young people.
Sustainable tourism, including ecotourism, is a multifaceted approach that supports all three dimensions of sustainable development and plays a key role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. It fosters economic growth, combats poverty, and creates decent, productive employment opportunities for all.
Furthermore, sustainable tourism aids in shifting towards more responsible consumption and production patterns, while promoting the sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources. It also highlights the value of local culture, enhances the quality of life, and empowers women, youth, indigenous peoples, and local communities. Additionally, it promotes rural development, improving living conditions for rural populations, including smallholder and family farmers.
Utilizing sustainable and resilient tourism as a tool for driving inclusive and sustainable economic growth, social progress, and financial inclusion helps formalize the informal sector. It also encourages domestic resource mobilization, environmental protection, and the eradication of poverty and hunger. It supports the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and natural resources and fosters investment and entrepreneurship within the sustainable tourism sector.
Resolution A/RES/78/260 invites Member States, the UN system and other actors to ‘take effective measures, in the context of sustainable and resilient tourism, including ecotourism initiatives, to promote the equal participation of women and the balanced participation of youth, older persons, persons with disabilities, Indigenous Peoples and local communities, at all levels and in decision-making processes’ in the framework of this annual observance.