Tourism
is one of the principal economic activities in islands and therefore an
essential source of job opportunities, livelihood, and inclusive growth
for these destinations. For Small Island Developing States (SIDS),
international tourism is of special significance and often represents a
major source of foreign currency, while at the same time it is subject
to specific social, economic and environmental vulnerabilities.
The Conference will address a whole
range of relevant issues for island destinations, from the
competitiveness and sustainability perspectives, identifying specific
challenges and vulnerabilities and examples of relevant actions. The
Conference will also provide an opportunity to share with the
international community, at the ministerial and expert levels, further
knowledge and lessons learned for tourism in SIDS and other islands. The
progress of international efforts aimed at strengthening the
sustainable development of tourism, taking into account their particular
situation, will also be reviewed.
As a United Nations specialised agency,
the World Tourism Organization has engaged, together with a series of
partners, in initiatives ranging from poverty alleviation and economic
recovery to climate change, biodiversity and ecotourism, aimed at
promoting awareness of the role of tourism in sustainable development,
including addressing the special needs of SIDS. This includes the
production and dissemination of the UNWTOConference on Sustainable Development of Tourism in Islands jointly Organized by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the French Government report Challenges and
Opportunities for Tourism in Small Island Developing States launched on
the occasion of RIO+20 Conference.
This international conference is
expected to contribute to strengthen tourism development in islands, as
one of the most promising options for economic growth and development if
planned and managed according to the principles of sustainability
The conclusions from the Conference
shall serve as guidance to National Tourism Authorities and relevant
destinations as well as to the international community as an input to
the Third International Conference on SIDS, scheduled to convene In
September 2014, in Samoa, and called for by the United Nations as a
follow up to the Rio+20 Conference.
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