Tourism is the most important source of foreign exchange and foreign direct investment for many developing countries. However, the rapid growth in both international and domestic travel, the trends to travel farther and over shorter periods of time, and the preference given to energy-intensive transportation are increasing the non-renewable energy dependency of tourism, resulting in the sector’s contribution of 5% to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (UNEP, 2012)
Greening the tourism sector allows tourism growth, environmental conservation and social well-being to be mutually reinforcing – with green tourism creating new, green jobs, supporting the local economy and reducing poverty.
The Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets 8.9 and 12.b address sustainable tourism’s role in creating jobs and promoting local culture and products. Target 14.7 identifies the economic benefits of tourism for Small Islanded Developing States (SIDS) and least developed countries.
Explore green growth resources related to SDGs:
SDG 8.9 Sustainable Tourism SDG 14.7Small Islanded Developing States