Secretary-General's message on the occasion of World Tourism Day: Tourism and green investment

25-09-23

Tourism is a powerful force for progress and mutual understanding. For this force to deliver its full benefits, it must be protected and nurtured.

Today, the climate emergency threatens many tourism destinations and the very survival of the communities and economies that depend on tourism. In addition, many developing countries that are being severely affected by a changing climate are also facing a growing investment deficit and a cost of living crisis.

On this World Tourism Day, we recognise the vital need for green investments to build a tourism sector that works for the benefit of people and the planet.

Governments and businesses must invest in sustainable and resilient tourism practices. Private actors must adopt zero emission pathways, reduce their energy consumption and harness renewable forms of energy. And everyone must protect the biodiversity and ecological balance of all destinations.

Targeted investments can generate employment and support local businesses and industries, while mitigating the environmental impact of tourism, empowering communities, promoting their cultures and contributing to essential social protection systems.  

So let us all do more to realise the full potential of sustainable tourism. Because investing in sustainable tourism is investing in a better future for all.

Speech by

António Guterres

UN

Secretary-General of the United Nations