The Global Tourism Economy Research Centre (GTERC) is proud to be one of the Official Sponsors of the 2017 International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development (IY2017).
On January 18th, IY2017 was officially launched at the International Tourism Fair of Spain (FITUR) in Madrid. In his Opening Remark, Dr. Taleb Rifai, Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), said: “2017 is a unique opportunity for us to promote the contribution of tourism to achieving the future we want – and also to determine, together, the exact role we will have tourism play in the sustainable development agenda, to and beyond 2030. A unique opportunity to ensure that tourism is a pillar in achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.”
Ms. Pansy Ho, Chairman of GTERC and Secretary-General and Vice Chairman of Global Tourism Economy Forum, was one of the distinguished Officiating Guests at the Opening Ceremony. Eminent Officiating Guests from the public sector included Dr. Taleb Rifai, Secretary-General of UNWTO; H.E. Mr. Giorgi Kvirikashvili, Prime Minister of Georgia; H.E. Mr. Ricardo Alvarez Arias, Vice-President of Honduras; H.E. Mr. Alfonso Maria Dastis Quecedo, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Spain; H.E. Mr. Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations; Mr. Francesco Bandarin, Assistant Director-General of UNESCO; and Ms. Elżbieta Bieńkowska, European Commissioner for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs. Renowned Officiating Guests from the private sector comprised a stellar line-up of global enterprises and organizations which are also Official Sponsors of IY2017.
The United Nations 70th General Assembly has named 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, aiming to raise awareness among stakeholders in both the public and private sectors on how sustainable tourism can contribute to development, and to inspire collaboration among stakeholders to make positive changes through tourism such as changes in policies, business practices and consumer behavior.
UNWTO has been tasked to facilitate the implementation of IY2017, in collaborations with Governments, pertinent entities within the United Nations system, international and regional organizations, and other relevant stakeholders. UNWTO will promote tourism’s role in IY2017 in five crucial areas: (1) Inclusive and sustainable economic growth; (2) Social inclusiveness, employment and poverty reduction; (3) Resource efficiency, environmental protection and climate change; (4) Cultural values, diversity and heritage; and (5) Mutual understanding, peace and security.
GTERC is thrilled to support IY2017 as the Centre believes this initiative is destined to not only create a lasting positive impact on the world, but also demonstrate the collective resolve of the industry. Working hand in hand with UNWTO and its strategic public and private partners, GTERC was the first to use its Global Tourism Economy Forum platform to spearhead discussion and exchange among stakeholders on how sustainable tourism development can be achieved based on the framework of China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
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