More than 90 tourism experts have met to debate how this economic sector can carry out its activities sustainably and can add to economic growth in developing countries.
The discussions took place at the Expert Meeting on Tourism's Contribution to Sustainable Development, which was held on 14-15 March 2013 in Geneva.
Participants shared their knowledge and identified key issues and policy options related to sustainable tourism.
The interactive debates addressed issues such as:
Public policy for tourism development;
Tourism and economic development;
Tourism, employment, and poverty reduction;
Tourism, the environment, and climate change;
Natural and cultural heritage;
Regional strategies;
Tourism statistics; and
Multilateral efforts for sustainable tourism.
The keynote address was given by Mr. Suman Billa, Secretary of Tourism of Kerala, India. He gave a summary of Kerala's initiative for responsible tourism driven by public-sector policy and stakeholder involvement.
Panellists from China, Algeria, Uganda, Senegal, Jamaica and Ethiopia then shared their countries' experiences with sustainable tourism.
Presentations also were given by Swiss tour operator Kuoni Travel Ltd; by experts from various agencies (the World Trade Organization, the World Tourism Organization, the International Labour Organization, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the International Trade Centre, and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ)); by a representative of the European Commission; and by tourism consultancy firm The Tourism Company.
