define tourist potential

• Understanding Poverty
• Competitiveness

Tourism and Competitiveness

• Publications

The tourism sector provides opportunities for developing countries to create productive and inclusive jobs, grow innovative firms, finance the conservation of natural and cultural assets, and increase economic empowerment, especially for women, who comprise the majority of the tourism sector’s workforce. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, tourism was the world’s largest service sector—providing one in ten jobs worldwide,  almost seven percent of all international trade and  25 percent of the world’s service exports —a critical foreign exchange generator.  In 2019 the sector was valued at more than US$9 trillion and accounted for 10.4 percent of global GDP.

Tourism offers opportunities for economic diversification and market-creation. When effectively managed, its deep local value chains can expand demand for existing and new products and services that directly and positively impact the poor and rural/isolated communities. The sector can also be a force for biodiversity conservation, heritage protection, and climate-friendly livelihoods, making up a key pillar of the blue/green economy. This potential is also associated with social and environmental risks, which need to be managed and mitigated to maximize the sector’s net-positive benefits.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been devastating for tourism service providers, with a loss of 20 percent of all tourism jobs (62 million), and US$1.3 trillion in export revenue, leading to a reduction of 50 percent of its  contribution to GDP  in 2020 alone. The collapse of demand has severely impacted the livelihoods of tourism-dependent communities, small businesses and women-run enterprises. It has also reduced government tax revenues and constrained the availability of resources for destination management and site conservation.

Naturalist local guide with group of tourist in Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve Ecuador. Photo: Ammit Jack/Shutterstock

Tourism and Competitiveness Strategic Pillars

Our solutions are integrated across the following areas:

• Competitive and Productive Tourism Markets. We work with government and private sector stakeholders to foster competitive tourism markets that create productive jobs, improve visitor expenditure and impact, and are supportive of high-growth, innovative firms. To do so we offer guidance on firm and destination level recovery, policy and regulatory reforms, demand diversification, investment promotion and market access. 
• Blue, Green and Resilient Tourism Economies. We support economic diversification to sustain natural capital and tourism assets, prepare for external and climate-related shocks, and be sustainably managed through strong policy, coordination, and governance improvements. To do so we offer support to align the tourism enabling and policy environment towards sustainability, while improving tourism destination and site planning, development, and management. We work with governments to enhance the sector’s resilience and to foster the development of innovative sustainable financing instruments.
• Inclusive Value Chains. We work with client governments and intermediaries to support Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs), and strengthen value chains that provide equitable livelihoods for communities, women, youth, minorities, and local businesses. 

The successful design and implementation of reforms in the tourism space requires the combined effort of diverse line ministries and agencies, and an understanding of the impact of digital technologies in the industry. Accordingly, our teams support cross-cutting issues of tourism governance and coordination, digital innovation and the use and application of data throughout the three focus areas of work.

Tourism and Competitiveness Theory of Change 

Examples of our projects:

• In Indonesia , a US$955m loan is supporting the Government’s Integrated Infrastructure Development for National Tourism Strategic Areas Project. This project is designed to improve the quality of, and access to, tourism-relevant basic infrastructure and services, strengthen local economy linkages to tourism, and attract private investment in selected tourism destinations. In its initial phases, the project has supported detailed market and demand analyses needed to justify significant public investment, mobilized integrated tourism destination masterplans for each new destination and established essential coordination mechanisms at the national level and at all seventeen of the Project’s participating districts and cities.
• In Madagascar , a series of projects totaling US$450m in lending and IFC Technical Assistance have contributed to the sustainable growth of the tourism sector by enhancing access to enabling infrastructure and services in target regions. Activities under the project focused on providing support to SMEs, capacity building to institutions, and promoting investment and enabling environment reforms. They resulted in the creation of more than 10,000 jobs and the registration of more than 30,000 businesses. As a result of COVID-19, the project provided emergency support both to government institutions (i.e., Ministry of Tourism) and other organizations such as the National Tourism Promotion Board to plan, strategize and implement initiatives to address effects of the pandemic and support the sector’s gradual relaunch, as well as to directly support tourism companies and workers groups most affected by the crisis. 
• In Sierra Leone , an Economic Diversification Project has a strong focus on sustainable tourism development.  The project is contributing significantly to the COVID-19 recovery, with its focus on the creation of six new tourism destinations, attracting new private investment, and building the capacity of government ministries to successfully manage and market their tourism assets.  This project aims to contribute to the development of more circular economy tourism business models, and support the growth of women- run tourism businesses.  
• Through the Rebuilding Tourism Competitiveness: Tourism Response, Recovery and Resilience to the COVID-19 Crisis initiative and the Tourism for Development Learning Series , we held webinars, published insights and guidance notes as well as formed new partnerships with Organization of Eastern Caribbean States, United Nations Environment Program, United Nations World Tourism Organization, and World Travel and Tourism Council to exchange knowledge on managing tourism throughout the pandemic, planning for recovery and building back better. The initiative’s key Policy Note has been downloaded more than 20,000 times and has been used to inform recovery initiatives in over 30 countries across 6 regions.
• The Global Aviation Dashboard  is a platform that visualizes real-time changes in global flight movements, allowing users to generate 2D & 3D visualizations, charts, graphs, and tables; and ranking animations for: flight volume, seat volume, and available seat kilometers.  Data is available for domestic, intra-regional, and inter-regional routes across all regions, countries, airports, and airlines on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis from January 2020 until today. The dashboard has been used to track the status and recovery of global travel and inform policy and operational actions.

Traditional Samburu women in Kenya. Photo: hecke61/Shutterstock.

Featured Data

We-Fi WeTour Women in Tourism Enterprise Surveys (2019)

• Sierra Leone  |  Ghana

Featured Reports 

• Destination Management Handbook: A Guide to the Planning and Implementation of Destination Management  (2023)
• Blue Tourism in Islands and Small Tourism-Dependent Coastal States : Tools and Recovery Strategies (2022)
• Resilient Tourism: Competitiveness in the Face of Disasters  (2020)
• Tourism and the Sharing Economy: Policy and Potential of Sustainable Peer-to-Peer Accommodation  (2018)
• Supporting Sustainable Livelihoods through Wildlife Tourism  (2018)
• The Voice of Travelers: Leveraging User-Generated Content for Tourism Development  (2018)
• Women and Tourism: Designing for Inclusion  (2017)
• Twenty Reasons Sustainable Tourism Counts for Development  (2017)
• An introduction to tourism concessioning:14 characteristics of successful programs.  The World Bank, 2016)
• Getting financed: 9 tips for community joint ventures in tourism . World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and World Bank, (2015)
• Global investment promotion best practices: Winning tourism investment” Investment Climate  (2013)

Country-Specific

• COVID-19 and Tourism in South Asia: Opportunities for Sustainable Regional Outcomes  (2020)
• Demand Analysis for Tourism in African Local Communities  (2018)
• Tourism in Africa: Harnessing Tourism for Growth and Improved Livelihoods . Africa Development Forum (2014)

COVID-19 Response

• Expecting the Unexpected : Tools and Policy Considerations to Support the Recovery and Resilience of the Tourism Sector (2022)
• Rebuilding Tourism Competitiveness. Tourism response, recovery and resilience to the COVID-19 crisis  (2020)
• COVID-19 and Tourism in South Asia Opportunities for Sustainable Regional Outcomes  (2020)  
• WBG support for tourism clients and destinations during the COVID-19 crisis  (2020)
• Tourism for Development: Tourism Diagnostic Toolkit  (2019)
• Tourism Theory of Change  (2018)

Country   -Specific

• COVID Impact Mitigation Survey Results  (South Africa) (2020)
• COVID Preparedness for Reopening Survey Results  (South Africa) (2020)
• COVID Study  (Fiji) (2020) with   IFC

Featured Blogs

• Louise Twining-Ward and Alba Suris , Bridging the Tourism Data Divide: New Tools for Policymaking
• Fiona Stewart, Samantha Power & Shaun Mann ,  Harnessing the power of capital markets to conserve and restore global biodiversity through “Natural Asset Companies”   | October 12 th  2021
• Mari Elka Pangestu ,  Tourism in the post-COVID world: Three steps to build better forward  | April 30 th  2021
• Hartwig Schafer ,  Regional collaboration can help South Asian nations rebuild and strengthen tourism industry  | July 23 rd  2020
• Caroline Freund ,  We can’t travel, but we can take measures to preserve jobs in the tourism industry  | March 20 th  2020

Featured Webinars

• Destination Management for Resilient Growth . This webinar looks at emerging destinations at the local level to examine the opportunities, examples, and best tools available. Destination Management Handbook
• Launch of the Future of Pacific Tourism. This webinar goes through the results of the new Future of Pacific Tourism report. It was launched by FCI Regional and Global Managers with Discussants from the Asian Development Bank and Intrepid Group.
• Circular Economy and Tourism . This webinar discusses how new and circular business models are needed to change the way tourism operates and enable businesses and destinations to be sustainable.
• Closing the Gap: Gender in Projects and Analytics .  The purpose of this webinar is to raise awareness on integrating gender considerations into projects and provide guidelines for future project design in various sectoral areas.
• WTO Tourism Resilience: Building forward Better. High-level panelists from Sri Lanka, Costa Rica, Jordan and Kenya discuss how donors, governments and the private sector can work together most effectively to rebuild the tourism industry and improve its resilience for the future.
• Tourism Watch
• Tourism Factsheets
• [email protected]

Launch of Blue Tourism Resource Portal

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That actually explain what's on your next test, tourism potential, from class:, florida history.

Tourism potential refers to the capacity of a location to attract visitors due to its natural, cultural, historical, and recreational resources. This concept is crucial for understanding how various development initiatives can enhance a region's appeal and economic viability, particularly in the context of economic recovery and growth strategies implemented during significant historical periods.

congrats on reading the definition of tourism potential . now let's actually learn it.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

• During the New Deal era, various programs were initiated to develop infrastructure that improved tourism potential across Florida, such as building roads and parks.
• Natural attractions like the Everglades and beaches were promoted as tourist destinations, highlighting Florida's unique environment and biodiversity.
• Cultural initiatives included the promotion of local arts and historical sites, which enhanced Florida's appeal to visitors seeking diverse experiences.
• Government investment in tourism-related projects aimed to create jobs and stimulate the economy during the Great Depression, making it a vital aspect of recovery efforts.
• By boosting tourism potential through strategic planning, Florida positioned itself as a leading travel destination in the United States by the mid-20th century.

Review Questions

• Infrastructure development during the New Deal was crucial for enhancing Florida's tourism potential by creating better access to natural attractions and cultural sites. New roads, improved transportation systems, and the establishment of state parks made it easier for visitors to explore Florida's diverse offerings. This investment not only made tourism more convenient but also promoted economic recovery by attracting more visitors to the state.
• Government investment in tourism during the New Deal had a significant positive impact on local economies in Florida by generating jobs and stimulating various industries. As infrastructure improved, more tourists visited the state, leading to increased demand for services like hospitality, dining, and entertainment. This influx of visitors helped revitalize struggling communities and fostered economic growth that laid the foundation for Florida's future as a major tourist destination.
• Florida's emphasis on tourism potential during the New Deal fundamentally transformed its long-term economic landscape by establishing a robust tourism industry that continues to thrive today. The focus on developing attractions and enhancing visitor experiences set a precedent for ongoing investment in tourism infrastructure. This strategic approach not only created a diverse job market but also positioned Florida as one of the top travel destinations in the U.S., significantly contributing to its economic resilience even through various challenges over the decades.

Related terms

Infrastructure Development : The construction and improvement of facilities and services necessary for tourism, such as roads, airports, hotels, and attractions.

Economic Recovery : The process of rebuilding and revitalizing an economy after a downturn or crisis, often involving investment in tourism as a key growth sector.

Cultural Heritage : The legacy of physical artifacts and intangible attributes inherited from past generations, which can be leveraged to attract tourists.

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Measuring Tourism: Methods, Indicators, and Needs

• First Online: 23 August 2018

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• Rodolfo Baggio 3  

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17 Citations

This chapter examines the wicked problem of adequately measuring tourism in its many facets. This concise survey examines the main techniques used today for assessing tourism flows and their direct, indirect, and induced effects on environmental, socio-cultural, and economic macro-scenarios. Demand and supply evaluations are explored through the description of traditional time series and econometric models and the main national tourism statistical measurements together with cutting-edge techniques such as the artificial intelligence methods that use the most recent advances in computer science. The important task of estimating the impacts of tourism related activities on the socio-economic environment is discussed by looking at the most popular methods such as the Input-Output model, the Social Accounting Matrix, the Computable General Equilibrium model and the Tourism Satellite Account. Moreover, computerised numerical simulation techniques are called into play for their capability to provide useful insights and outcomes in complex and uncertain situations, typical of the tourism domain.

The analysis discusses the main shortcomings of all these approaches. In an increasingly complicated and fast changing World, many of the foundations up to now considered relatively set have seen, in recent times, a number of disruptive modifications. As a consequence our traditional approaches have lost most of their validity and seem no more fully able to provide useful and reliable insights. Methodological and instrumental changes are sketched as a possible answer to the question.

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Baggio, R. (2019). Measuring Tourism: Methods, Indicators, and Needs. In: Fayos-Solà, E., Cooper, C. (eds) The Future of Tourism. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-89941-1_13

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The convergence between tourism and culture, and the increasing interest of visitors in cultural experiences, bring unique opportunities but also complex challenges for the tourism sector.

“Tourism policies and activities should be conducted with respect for the artistic, archaeological and cultural heritage, which they should protect and pass on to future generations; particular care should be devoted to preserving monuments, worship sites, archaeological and historic sites as well as upgrading museums which must be widely open and accessible to tourism visits”

UN Tourism Framework Convention on Tourism Ethics

Article 7, paragraph 2

This webpage provides UN Tourism resources aimed at strengthening the dialogue between tourism and culture and an informed decision-making in the sphere of cultural tourism. It also promotes the exchange of good practices showcasing inclusive management systems and innovative cultural tourism experiences .  

About Cultural Tourism

According to the definition adopted by the UN Tourism General Assembly, at its 22nd session (2017), Cultural Tourism implies “A type of tourism activity in which the visitor’s essential motivation is to learn, discover, experience and consume the tangible and intangible cultural attractions/products in a tourism destination. These attractions/products relate to a set of distinctive material, intellectual, spiritual and emotional features of a society that encompasses arts and architecture, historical and cultural heritage, culinary heritage, literature, music, creative industries and the living cultures with their lifestyles, value systems, beliefs and traditions”. UN Tourism provides support to its members in strengthening cultural tourism policy frameworks, strategies and product development . It also provides guidelines for the tourism sector in adopting policies and governance models that benefit all stakeholders, while promoting and preserving cultural elements.

Recommendations for Cultural Tourism Key Players on Accessibility 

UN Tourism , Fundación ONCE and UNE issued in September 2023, a set of guidelines targeting key players of the cultural tourism ecosystem, who wish to make their offerings more accessible.

The key partners in the drafting and expert review process were the ICOMOS International Cultural Tourism Committee and the European Network for Accessible Tourism (ENAT) . The ICOMOS experts’ input was key in covering crucial action areas where accessibility needs to be put in the spotlight, in order to make cultural experiences more inclusive for all people.

This guidance tool is also framed within the promotion of the ISO Standard ISO 21902 , in whose development UN Tourism had one of the leading roles.

Download here the English and Spanish version of the Recommendations.

Compendium of Good Practices in Indigenous Tourism

The report is primarily meant to showcase good practices championed by indigenous leaders and associations from the Region. However, it also includes a conceptual introduction to different aspects of planning, management and promotion of a responsible and sustainable indigenous tourism development.

The compendium also sets forward a series of recommendations targeting public administrations, as well as a list of tips promoting a responsible conduct of tourists who decide to visit indigenous communities.

For downloads, please visit the UN Tourism E-library page: Download in English - Download in Spanish .

Weaving the Recovery - Indigenous Women in Tourism

This initiative, which gathers UN Tourism , t he World Indigenous Tourism Alliance (WINTA) , Centro de las Artes Indígenas (CAI) and the NGO IMPACTO , was selected as one of the ten most promising projects amoung 850+ initiatives to address the most pressing global challenges. The project will test different methodologies in pilot communities, starting with Mexico , to enable indigenous women access markets and demonstrate their leadership in the post-COVID recovery.

This empowerment model , based on promoting a responsible tourism development, cultural transmission and fair-trade principles, will represent a novel community approach with a high global replication potential.

Visit the Weaving the Recovery - Indigenous Women in Tourism project webpage.

Inclusive Recovery of Cultural Tourism

The release of the guidelines comes within the context of the International Year of Creative Economy for Sustainable Development 2021 , a UN initiative designed to recognize how culture and creativity, including cultural tourism, can contribute to advancing the SDGs.  

UN Tourism Inclusive Recovery Guide, Issue 4: Indigenous Communities

Sustainable Development of Indigenous Tourism

The Recommendations on Sustainable Development of Indigenous Tourism provide guidance to tourism stakeholders to develop their operations in a responsible and sustainable manner within those indigenous communities that wish to:

• Open up to tourism development, or
• Improve the management of the existing tourism experiences within their communities.

They were prepared by the UN Tourism Ethics, Culture and Social Responsibility Department in close consultation with indigenous tourism associations, indigenous entrepreneurs and advocates. The Recommendations were endorsed by the World Committee on Tourism Ethics and finally adopted by the UN Tourism General Assembly in 2019, as a landmark document of the Organization in this sphere.

Who are these Recommendations targeting?

• Tour operators and travel agencies
• Tour guides
• Indigenous communities
• Other stakeholders such as governments, policy makers and destinations

The Recommendations address some of the key questions regarding indigenous tourism:

Download PDF:

• Recommendations on Sustainable Development of Indigenous Tourism
• Recomendaciones sobre el desarrollo sostenible del turismo indígena, ESP

UN Tourism/UNESCO World Conferences on Tourism and Culture

The UN Tourism/UNESCO World Conferences on Tourism and Culture bring together Ministers of Tourism and Ministers of Culture with the objective to identify key opportunities and challenges for a stronger cooperation between these highly interlinked fields. Gathering tourism and culture stakeholders from all world regions the conferences which have been hosted by Cambodia, Oman, Türkiye and Japan have addressed a wide range of topics, including governance models, the promotion, protection and safeguarding of culture, innovation, the role of creative industries and urban regeneration as a vehicle for sustainable development in destinations worldwide.

Fourth UN Tourism/UNESCO World Conference on Tourism and Culture: Investing in future generations. Kyoto, Japan. 12-13 December 2019 Kyoto Declaration on Tourism and Culture: Investing in future generations ( English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian and Japanese )

Third UN Tourism/UNESCO World Conference on Tourism and Culture : For the Benefit of All. Istanbul, Türkiye. 3 -5 December 2018 Istanbul Declaration on Tourism and Culture: For the Benefit of All ( English , French , Spanish , Arabic , Russian )

Second UN Tourism/UNESCO World Conference’s on Tourism and Culture: Fostering Sustainable Development. Muscat, Sultanate of Oman. 11-12 December 2017 Muscat Declaration on Tourism and Culture: Fostering Sustainable Development ( English , French , Spanish , Arabic , Russian )

First UN Tourism/UNESCO World Conference’s on Tourism and Culture: Building a new partnership. Siem Reap, Cambodia. 4-6 February 2015 Siem Reap Declaration on Tourism and Culture – Building a New Partnership Model ( English )

UN Tourism Study on Tourism and Intangible Cultural Heritage  

The first UN Tourism Study on Tourism and Intangible Cultural Heritage provides comprehensive baseline research on the interlinkages between tourism and the expressions and skills that make up humanity’s intangible cultural heritage (ICH). 

Through a compendium of case studies drawn from across five continents, the report offers in-depth information on, and analysis of, government-led actions, public-private partnerships and community initiatives.

These practical examples feature tourism development projects related to six pivotal areas of ICH: handicrafts and the visual arts; gastronomy; social practices, rituals and festive events; music and the performing arts; oral traditions and expressions; and, knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe.

Highlighting innovative forms of policy-making, the UN Tourism Study on Tourism and Intangible Cultural Heritage recommends specific actions for stakeholders to foster the sustainable and responsible development of tourism by incorporating and safeguarding intangible cultural assets.

UN Tourism Study on Tourism and Intangible Cultural Heritage

• UN Tourism Study
• Summary of the Study

Studies and research on tourism and culture commissioned by UN Tourism

• Tourism and Culture Synergies, 2018
• UN Tourism Study on Tourism and Intangible Cultural Heritage, 2012
• Big Data in Cultural Tourism – Building Sustainability and Enhancing Competitiveness (e-unwto.org)

Outcomes from the UN Tourism Affiliate Members World Expert Meeting on Cultural Tourism, Madrid, Spain, 1–2 December 2022

UN Tourism and the Region of Madrid – through the Regional Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Sports – held the World Expert Meeting on Cultural Tourism in Madrid on 1 and 2 December 2022. The initiative reflects the alliance and common commitment of the two partners to further explore the bond between tourism and culture. This publication is the result of the collaboration and discussion between the experts at the meeting, and subsequent contributions.

Relevant Links

• 3RD UN Tourism/UNESCO WORLD CONFERENCE ON TOURISM AND CULTURE ‘FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL’

Photo credit of the Summary's cover page:  www.banglanatak.com

• Partners and Fundings
• events & news
• green hotels
• who’s talking about us

Discovering sustainable tourism: its meaning and potential

Our blog is all about sustainable tourism . We share new ways of travelling and green travel experiences. We give tips on how to look after our environment and our nature. And we often (well, almost every day) talk about sustainable tourism through direct experiences and interviews. But what does sustainable tourism really mean? How is it possible to travel respecting the environment, the places we visit and their local communities? Let’s find it out together.

What does Sustainable Tourism mean?

To fully understand the meaning of sustainable tourism it’s useful for us to begin with the general concept of “ sustainable development ”, which was reported in the renowned 1987 Bruntland Report : “ Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs ”.

The first definition of sustainable tourism was offered in 1988 by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO): “ Tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities ”.

Sustainable tourism has then to do with our own well-being, along with the Earth’s and the future generations’ ones.

Further definitions of Sustainable Tourism

Sustainable tourism is “ able to last over time while maintaining its qualitative and quantitative values. It is able to meet locals’ and tourists’ expectations both in the long term and in the short term, without lowering the quality of the travelling experience and without damaging the environmental values of the environment ” (WWF)

Ecotourism is the “ Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people ” (The international Ecotourism Society, TIES, 1990).

According to the World Tourism Organization (WTO), “ sustainable tourism’s development satisfies the actual demands of both tourists and hosting regions, while preserving and improving the prospects for the future. It needs to manage all the resources in a way that fits the economic, social and aesthetic needs, and maintaining at ht same time cultural integrity, fundamental ecological processes, biological diversity and living systems. Touristic products should be in line with the environment, the local community and cultures “.

Tourism’s development “ shall be based on criteria of sustainability, which means that it must be ecologically bearable in the long term, economically viable, as well as ethically and socially equitable for the local communities ” (1 st principle, World Conference on Sustainable Tourism Development, Lanzarote 1995)

Tourism’s ecological footprint

Modern society has reduced tourism to a mere act of consuming, to “ the chance to go and see what has been made trite ” as Guy Debord defined it in 1969 (‘’The Society of the Spectacle”). Most of the times such a perspective has a negative impact on the environment, places and local economies, and forecasts only predict that the number of tourists all over the world will constantly grow.

Cruises are a typically depicted as an example of mass tourism, damaging both environments and locations. This touristic branch has undergone the greatest growth in the past 20 years. But cruise holidays do not just pollute 1000 times more than bike holidays in terms of CO2 emissions. In fact, they are also responsible for sea pollution, barrier reef destruction and dumping of waste at sea.

And what’s more to that, is the kind of mass tourism offered: uninterested hordes of group visits usually spend only a few hours in the different locations. This leads to negative consequences for local villages, their economies and people, which are overwhelmed by thousands of tourists in a very short time without gaining any advantage from this.

According to the EU document “Consumption and Environment 2012”, which checks on consumes in Europe and on their consequences for the environment, the fourth cause of environmental pollution and CO2 production is in fact tourism, following just after transport, household equipment, food and beverage.

The main responsible for tourism impact on the environment is transport. Planes and cars alone are  cause 75% of CO2 emissions. The second main responsible are hosting facilities, to which around 21% of CO2 emissions of the whole touristic system can be traced back (Source: UNWTO-UNEP report 2008,  Climate Change and Tourism ).

These data shouldn’t be surprising: on average, hotels consume 21kW of energy and 645 litres of water for every guest per day. At this rate, the consequences for future generations and for the environment would be tragic.

But the ecological footprint of accommodation facilities can be reduced of 90%  thanks to simple ecological measures. For example, hotel managers could choose environmental-friendly buildings and interiors and use energy from 100% renewable resources. They might decide to install solar panels for hot water and low energy light bulbs, or to prefer eco-friendly cleaning products to others. Local grown and 0 km biological food, waste sorting, linen change upon request only, can help the environment and be the key-factor attracting visitors.

Encouraging hosting facilities to satisfy these requirements of sustainability and inviting travellers to make use of green accommodation when planning their journeys, we will all help reducing CO2 emissions and water consumption to the 90%, while promoting local economies.

Sustainable Tourism and its Potentials

The touristic system has the makings for growing, especially in the ecotourism branch and in Italy. In fact, tourism can actually bring wealth and prosperity only if sustainable.

For this reason, the “Promoting Tourism for Sustainable Development and Poverty Reduction” UN measure adopted on February 21 st , 2012, underlined how green tourism can contribute to solve some of the major problems affecting our world. From poverty to climate change, from income growth to job creation and education, sustainability has a major potential.

Sustainable tourism is a real opportunity for local economies – from agriculture to handicraft – to grow, for territories and landscapes to be  , for old villages and mountain hamlets, threatened by abandon, to be restored, and also for precious traditions with thousands of years of history and culture to be valued.

Sustainable travel: what does it mean?

To travel sustainable means to reduce our impact on the environment as much as possible, to make our journey positive and beneficial ,  to help the local culture and economies.

But it also means to rediscover the authentic way of travelling , deep bounded with the places we visit and the people we meet along our way.

Sustainability is the future of tourism. It’s the chance to meet new people, to share experiences and ideas, to support projects and economies, to feel citizens of the same Earth, to share the same path .

Cover image: Etna mountain, Sicily, Italy, ph. by Giuseppe Graziano Barone via Flickr

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A zero-emission travel by train: you can now do it in australia, tourists: what is their ecological footprint, eco-friendly travelling: 3 tips not to miss.

Unlocking the potential of tourism and culture for development

Strengthening cooperation between the tourism and culture sectors to boost prosperity and enhance heritage protection is the topic of the 2 nd Global Conference on Tourism and Culture, which will be held in Muscat, Oman 11-12 December.

Jointly organized by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the United Nations Education Science and Culture Organization (UNESCO), it will bring together around 500 participants to explore how these sectors can drive progress towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Agenda.

The Conference will open with a high-level panel with some 30 ministers of tourism and ministers of culture who will address policy and governance frameworks. They will also address the issue of Cultural Tourism as a Factor of Peace and Prosperity.

This panel will be followed by three round-table discussions with professionals from World Heritage Sites and intangible cultural heritage, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, and private sector stakeholders. Topics include: tourism development and protection of cultural heritage; culture and tourism in urban development and creativity; and exploring cultural landscapes in tourism.

The Conference will take place in the framework of the United Nations International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, a unique opportunity to explore and highlight tourism’s potential to help transform our world into a place of prosperity and wellbeing for all. This Conference will build on the interagency partnership formed between UNWTO and UNESCO at the first World Conference on Tourism and Culture held in 2015, in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Additional information:

About the conference

International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development 2017

For press accreditation, please contact UNWTO Media Officer Ruth Gomez Sobrino

Tel: (+34) 91 567 81 60 /  rgomez@unwto.org

For more on

UNESCO’s related programmes , please contact Clare Sharkey Tel: +33 1 45 68 04 31/ c.sharkey@unesco.org

UNWTO Communications & Publications Programme Tel: (+34) 91 567 8100 / Fax: +34 91 567 8218 /  comm@UNWTO.org

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Sustainable tourism

Related sdgs, promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable ....

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Publications.

Tourism is one of the world's fastest growing industries and an important source of foreign exchange and employment, while being closely linked to the social, economic, and environmental well-being of many countries, especially developing countries. Maritime or ocean-related tourism, as well as coastal tourism, are for example vital sectors of the economy in small island developing States (SIDS) and coastal least developed countries (LDCs) (see also: The Potential of the Blue Economy report as well as the Community of Ocean Action on sustainable blue economy).

The World Tourism Organization defines sustainable tourism as “tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities".

Based on General assembly resolution 70/193, 2017 was declared as the  International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development.

In the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development SDG target 8.9, aims to “by 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products”. The importance of sustainable tourism is also highlighted in SDG target 12.b. which aims to “develop and implement tools to monitor sustainable development impacts for sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products”.

Tourism is also identified as one of the tools to “by 2030, increase the economic benefits to Small Island developing States and least developed countries” as comprised in SDG target 14.7.

In the Rio+20 outcome document The Future We want, sustainable tourism is defined by paragraph 130 as a significant contributor “to the three dimensions of sustainable development” thanks to its close linkages to other sectors and its ability to create decent jobs and generate trade opportunities. Therefore, Member States recognize “the need to support sustainable tourism activities and relevant capacity-building that promote environmental awareness, conserve and protect the environment, respect wildlife, flora, biodiversity, ecosystems and cultural diversity, and improve the welfare and livelihoods of local communities by supporting their local economies and the human and natural environment as a whole. ” In paragraph 130, Member States also “call for enhanced support for sustainable tourism activities and relevant capacity-building in developing countries in order to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development”.

In paragraph 131, Member States “encourage the promotion of investment in sustainable tourism, including eco-tourism and cultural tourism, which may include creating small- and medium-sized enterprises and facilitating access to finance, including through microcredit initiatives for the poor, indigenous peoples and local communities in areas with high eco-tourism potential”. In this regard, Member States also “underline the importance of establishing, where necessary, appropriate guidelines and regulations in accordance with national priorities and legislation for promoting and supporting sustainable tourism”.

In 2002, the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg called for the promotion of sustainable tourism development, including non-consumptive and eco-tourism, in Chapter IV, paragraph 43 of the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation.

At the Johannesburg Summit, the launch of the “Sustainable Tourism – Eliminating Poverty (ST-EP) initiative was announced. The initiative was inaugurated by the World Tourism Organization, in collaboration with UNCTAD, in order to develop sustainable tourism as a force for poverty alleviation.

The UN Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) last reviewed the issue of sustainable tourism in 2001, when it was acting as the Preparatory Committee for the Johannesburg Summit.

The importance of sustainable tourism was also mentioned in Agenda 21.

For more information and documents on this topic,  please visit this link

UNWTO Annual Report 2015

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22nd general assembly of the united nations world tourism organization, world tourism day 2017 official celebration.

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Unwto regional conference enhancing brand africa - fostering tourism development.

Tourism is one of the Africa’s most promising sectors in terms of development, and represents a major opportunity to foster inclusive development, increase the region’s participation in the global economy and generate revenues for investment in other activities, including environmental preservation.

• January 2017 International Year of Tourism In the context of the universal 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the International Year aims to support a change in policies, business practices and consumer behavior towards a more sustainable tourism sector that can contribute to the SDGs.
• January 2015 Targets 8.9, 12 b,14.7 The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development commits Member States, through Sustainable Development Goal Target 8.9 to “devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products”. The importance of sustainable tourism, as a driver for jobs creation and the promotion of local culture and products, is also highlighted in Sustainable Development Goal target 12.b. Tourism is also identified as one of the tools to “increase [by 2030] the economic benefits to Small Island developing States and least developed countries”, through Sustainable Development Goals Target 14.7.
• January 2012 Future We Want (Para 130-131) Sustainable tourism is defined as a significant contributor “to the three dimensions of sustainable development” thanks to its close linkages to other sectors and its ability to create decent jobs and generate trade opportunities. Therefore, Member States recognize “the need to support sustainable tourism activities and relevant capacity-building that promote environmental awareness, conserve and protect the environment, respect wildlife, flora, biodiversity, ecosystems and cultural diversity, and improve the welfare and livelihoods of local communities” as well as to “encourage the promotion of investment in sustainable tourism, including eco-tourism and cultural tourism, which may include creating small and medium sized enterprises and facilitating access to finance, including through microcredit initiatives for the poor, indigenous peoples and local communities in areas with high eco-tourism potential”.
• January 2009 Roadmap for Recovery UNWTO announced in March 2009 the elaboration of a Roadmap for Recovery to be finalized by UNWTO’s General Assembly, based on seven action points. The Roadmap includes a set of 15 recommendations based on three interlocking action areas: resilience, stimulus, green economy aimed at supporting the tourism sector and the global economy.
• January 2008 Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria The Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria represent the minimum requirements any tourism business should observe in order to ensure preservation and respect of the natural and cultural resources and make sure at the same time that tourism potential as tool for poverty alleviation is enforced. The Criteria are 41 and distributed into four different categories: 1) sustainability management, 2) social and economic 3) cultural 4) environmental.
• January 2003 1st Int. Conf. on Climate Change and Tourism The conference was organized in order to gather tourism authorities, organizations, businesses and scientists to discuss on the impact that climate change can have on the tourist sector. The event took place from 9 till 11 April 2003 in Djerba, Tunisia.
• January 2003 WTO becomes a UN specialized body By Resolution 453 (XV), the Assembly agreed on the transformation of the WTO into a United Nations specialized body. Such transformation was later ratified by the United Nations General Assembly with the adoption of Resolution A/RES/58/232.
• January 2002 World Ecotourism Summit Held in May 2002, in Quebec City, Canada, the Summit represented the most important event in the framework of the International Year of Ecosystem. The Summit identified as main themes: ecotourism policy and planning, regulation of ecotourism, product development, marketing and promotion of ecotourism and monitoring costs and benefits of ecotourism.
• January 1985 Tourism Bill of Rights and Tourist Code At the World Tourism Organization Sixth Assembly held in Sofia in 1985, the Tourism Bill of Rights and Tourist Code were adopted, setting out the rights and duties of tourists and host populations and formulating policies and action for implementation by states and the tourist industry.
• January 1982 Acapulco Document Adopted in 1982, the Acapulco Document acknowledges the new dimension and role of tourism as a positive instrument towards the improvement of the quality of life for all peoples, as well as a significant force for peace and international understanding. The Acapulco Document also urges Member States to elaborate their policies, plans and programmes on tourism, in accordance with their national priorities and within the framework of the programme of work of the World Tourism Organization.

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• A/70/472 - Sustainable development: report of the Second Committee [Arabic] [Chinese] [English] [French] [Russian] [Spanish]
• A/RES/70/193 - International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, 2017 [Arabic] [Chinese] [English] [French] [Russian] [Spanish]
• A/RES/70/196 - Sustainable tourism and sustainable development in Central America [Arabic] [Chinese] [English] [French] [Russian] [Spanish]
• A/RES/70/200 - Global Code of Ethics for Tourism [Arabic] [Chinese] [English] [French] [Russian] [Spanish]
• Compendium of Best Practices in Sustainable Tourism

What Is Ecotourism? Definition, Examples, and Pros and Cons

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Ecotourism Definition and Principles

Pros and cons.

• Examples of Ecotourism
• Frequently Asked Questions

Ecotourism is about more than simply visiting natural attractions or natural places; it’s about doing so in a responsible and sustainable manner. The term itself refers to traveling to natural areas with a focus on environmental conservation. The goal is to educate tourists about conservation efforts while offering them the chance to explore nature.

Ecotourism has benefited destinations like Madagascar, Ecuador, Kenya, and Costa Rica, and has helped provide economic growth in some of the world’s most impoverished communities. The global ecotourism market produced $92.2 billion in 2019 and is forecasted to generate $103.8 billion by 2027.

A conservationist by the name of Hector Ceballos-Lascurain is often credited with the first definition of ecotourism in 1987, that is, “tourism that consists in travelling to relatively undisturbed or uncontaminated natural areas with the specific object of studying, admiring and enjoying the scenery and its wild plants and animals, as well as any existing cultural manifestations (both past and present) found in these areas.”

The International Ecotourism Society (TIES), a non-profit organization dedicated to the development of ecotourism since 1990, defines ecotourism as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education [both in its staff and its guests].”

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) looks at ecotourism as a significant tool for conservation, though it shouldn’t be seen as a fix-all when it comes to conservation challenges:

“There may be some areas that are just not appropriate for ecotourism development and some businesses that just won’t work in the larger tourism market. That is why it is so important to understand the basics of developing and running a successful business, to ensure that your business idea is viable and will be profitable, allowing it to most effectively benefit the surrounding environment and communities.”

Marketing an ecosystem, species, or landscape towards ecotourists helps create value, and that value can help raise funds to protect and conserve those natural resources.

Sustainable ecotourism should be guided by three core principles: conservation, communities, and education.

Conservation

Conservation is arguably the most important component of ecotourism because it should offer long-term, sustainable solutions to enhancing and protecting biodiversity and nature. This is typically achieved through economic incentives paid by tourists seeking a nature-based experience, but can also come from the tourism organizations themselves, research, or direct environmental conservation efforts.

Communities

Ecotourism should increase employment opportunities and empower local communities, helping in the fight against global social issues like poverty and achieving sustainable development.

Interpretation

One of the most overlooked aspects of ecotourism is the education component. Yes, we all want to see these beautiful, natural places, but it also pays to learn about them. Increasing awareness about environmental issues and promoting a greater understanding and appreciation for nature is arguably just as important as conservation.

As one of the fastest growing sectors of the tourism industry, there are bound to be some downsides to ecotourism. Whenever humans interact with animals or even with the environment, it risks the chance of human-wildlife conflict or other negative effects; if done so with respect and responsibility in mind, however, ecotourism can reap enormous benefits to protected areas.

As an industry that relies heavily on the presentation of eco-friendly components to attract customers, ecotourism has the inevitable potential as a vessel for greenwashing. Part of planning a trip rooted in ecotourism is doing research to ensure that an organization is truly providing substantial benefits to the environment rather than exploiting it.

Ecotourism Can Provide Sustainable Income for Local Communities

Sustainably managed ecotourism can support poverty alleviation by providing employment for local communities, which can offer them alternative means of livelihood outside of unsustainable ones (such as poaching).

Research published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that communities in regions surrounding conservation areas in Costa Rica had poverty rates that were 16% lower than in areas that weren’t near protected parks. These protected areas didn’t just benefit from conservation funds due to ecotourism, but also helped to reduce poverty as well.

It Protects Natural Ecosystems

Ecotourism offers unique travel experiences focusing on nature and education, with an emphasis on sustainability and highlighting threatened or endangered species. It combines conservation with local communities and sustainable travel , highlighting principles (and operations) that minimize negative impacts and expose visitors to unique ecosystems and natural areas. When managed correctly, ecotourism can benefit both the traveler and the environment, since the money that goes into ecotourism often goes directly towards protecting the natural areas they visit.

Each year, researchers release findings on how tourist presence affects wildlife, sometimes with varying results. A study measuring levels of the stress hormone cortisol in wild habituated Malaysian orangutans found that the animals were not chronically stressed by the presence of ecotourists. The orangutans lived in the Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, where a local community-managed organization operates while maintaining strict guidelines to protect them.

Ecotourism May Also Hurt Those Same Natural Ecosystems

Somewhat ironically, sometimes ecotourism can hurt ecosystems just as much as it can help. Another study in the journal Trends in Ecology and Evolution found that ecotourism can alter animal behaviors in ways that put them at risk. If the presence of humans changes the way animals behave, those changes may make them more vulnerable by influencing their reaction to predators or poachers.

It's not just the animals who are at risk. As ecotourism activities become too popular, it can lead to the construction of new infrastructure to accommodate more visitors. Similarly, more crowds mean more pressure on local resources, increased pollution, and a higher chance of damaging the soil and plant quality through erosion. On the social side, these activities may displace Indigenous groups or local communities from their native lands, preventing them from benefiting from the economic opportunities of tourism.

Ecotourism Offers the Opportunity to Experience Nature

Renown conservationist Jane Goodall has a famous quote: “Only if we understand, will we care. Only if we care, will we help. Only if we help, shall all be saved.” It can be difficult to understand something that we haven’t seen with our own eyes, and ecotourism gives travelers the opportunity to gain new experiences in natural areas while learning about the issues they face. 

Ecotourism also educates children about nature, potentially creating new generations of nature lovers that could someday become conservationists themselves. Even adult visitors may learn new ways to improve their ecological footprints .

EXAMPLES OF ECOTOURISM

The East African country has some competitive advantages over its neighbors thanks to its rich natural resources, paired with the fact that it has allocated over 25% of its total area to wildlife national parks and protected areas. Because of this, an estimated 90% of tourists visit to Tanzania seeking out ecotourism activities. Ecotourism, in turn, supports 400,000 jobs and accounts for 17.2% of the national GDP, earning about $1 billion each year as its leading economic sector.

Some of Tanzania’s biggest highlights include the Serengeti, Mount Kilimanjaro , and Zanzibar, though the country still often goes overlooked by American tourists. Visitors can take a walking safari tour in the famous Ngorongoro Conservation area, for example, with fees going to support the local Maasai community.

The country is also known for its chimpanzees , and there are several ecotourism opportunities in Gombe National Park that go directly towards protecting chimpanzee habitats.

Galapagos Islands

It comes as no surprise that the place first made famous by legendary naturalist Charles Darwin would go on to become one of the most sought-after ecotourism destinations on Earth, the Galapagos Islands .

The Directorate of the Galapagos National Park and the Ecuadorian Ministry of Tourism require tour providers to conserve water and energy, recycle waste, source locally produced goods, hire local employees with a fair wage, and offer employees additional training. A total of 97% of the land area on the Galapagos is part of the official national park, and all of its 330 islands have been divided into zones that are either completely free of human impact, protected restoration areas, or reduced impact zones adjacent to tourist-friendly areas.

Local authorities still have to be on their toes, however, since UNESCO lists increased tourism as one of the main threats facing the Galapagos today. The bulk of funding for the conservation and management of the archipelago comes from a combination of governmental institutions and entry fees paid by tourists.

Costa Rica is well-known throughout the world for its emphasis on nature-based tourism, from its numerous animal sanctuaries to its plethora of national parks and reserves. Programs like its “Ecological Blue Flag” program help inform tourists of beaches that have maintained a strict set of eco-friendly criteria.

The country’s forest cover went from 26% in 1983 to over 52% in 2021 thanks to the government’s decision to create more protected areas and promote ecotourism in the country . Now, over a quarter of its total land area is zoned as protected territory.

Costa Rica welcomes 1.7 million travelers per year, and most of them come to experience the country’s vibrant wildlife and diverse ecosystems. Its numerous biological reserves and protected parks hold some of the most extraordinary biodiversity on Earth, so the country takes special care to keep environmental conservation high on its list of priorities. 

New Zealand

In 2019, tourism generated $16.2 billion, or 5.8% of the GDP, in New Zealand. That same year, 8.4% of its citizens were employed in the tourism industry, and tourists generated $3.8 billion in tax revenue.

The country offers a vast number of ecotourism experiences, from animal sanctuaries to natural wildlife on land, sea, and even natural caves. New Zealand’s South Pacific environment, full of sights like glaciers and volcanic landscapes, is actually quite fragile, so the government puts a lot of effort into keeping it safe.

Tongariro National Park, for example, is the oldest national park in the country, and has been named by UNESCO as one of only 28 mixed cultural and natural World Heritage Sites. Its diverse volcanic landscapes and the cultural heritage of the indigenous Maori tribes within the create the perfect combination of community, education, and conservation.

How to Be a Responsible Ecotourist

• Ensure that the organizations you hire provide financial contributions to benefit conservation and find out where your money is going.
• Ask about specific steps the organization takes to protect the environment where they operate, such as recycling or promoting sustainable policies.
• Find out if they include the local community in their activities, such as hiring local guides, giving back, or through initiatives to empower the community.
• Make sure there are educational elements to the program. Does the organization take steps to respect the destination’s culture as well as its biodiversity?
• See if your organization is connected to a non-profit or charity like the International Ecotourism Society .
• Understand that wildlife interactions should be non-invasive and avoid negative impacts on the animals.

Ecotourism activities typically involve visiting and enjoying a natural place without disturbing the landscape or its inhabitants. This might involve going for a hike on a forest trail, mountain biking, surfing, bird watching, camping, or forest bathing . 

Traveling in a way that minimizes carbon emissions, like taking a train or bike instead of flying, may also be part of an ecotourism trip. Because these modes of travel tend to be slower, they may be appreciated as enjoyable and relaxing ecotourism activities.

The Wolf Conservation Center ’s programing in New York State is an example of ecotourism. This non-profit organization is dedicated to the preservation of endangered wolf species. It hosts educational sessions that allow visitors to observe wolves from a safe distance. These programs help to fund the nonprofit organization’s conservation and wildlife rehabilitation efforts.

Stonehouse, Bernard. " Ecotourism ." Environmental Geology: Encyclopedia of Earth Science , 1999, doi:10.1007/1-4020-4494-1_101

" What is Ecotourism? " The International Ecotourism Society .

" Tourism ." International Union for Conservation of Nature .

https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1307712111

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0033357

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tree.2015.09.010

https://doi.org/10.5897/JHMT2016.0207

" Galapagos Islands ." UNESCO .

" About Costa Rica ." Embassy of Costa Rica in Washington DC .

https://www.stats.govt.nz/information-releases/tourism-satellite-account-2019

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Seizing the Philippines’ tourism potential

The Philippines is among the top tourist destinations in the world, making tourism a major contributor to its economy. In 2023 , the tourism sector posted an 8.6% contribution to the Philippine Gross Domestic Product. The number not only show tourism’s impact, but it also affirms the potential of the Philippines as a prime hub for meetings, incentive travel, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) tourism industry.

Expanding horizons with MICE The MICE industry is geared towards planning, organizing, and implementing business events.

Leveraging its status as an outstanding travel hotspot, the Philippines has been actively positioning itself as a premier destination for MICE. Aside from its popular tourism offerings, the country is also home to numerous convention centers located in strategic areas across the nation. May it be for small groups or large-scale receptions, organizers and venue seekers have many options ready for the task.

Some MICE destinations that the Philippines has to offer include Manila, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Bacolod, Clark, and the Subic Bay Freeport. These hotspots offer exceptional tourism products and services, as well as vast opportunities for business. Not only that, they also have consistently growing local economies that attract investors.

Other localities are also working hard to seize opportunities in the MICE industry. For instance, Iloilo has been gaining ground by building roads, a modern airport, and multiple commerce spaces in the last two decades. In 2015, it established the Iloilo Convention Center, fostering the growth of the MICE industry in the city.

Central Luzon is not one to get left behind. In fact, the recently concluded Philippine MICE Conference 2024 (MICECON 2024) was held at the SMX Convention Center Clark in Pampanga from July 10 to 12. Following the theme “MICE XD: Xperience Diversified”, the event underscored the significance of technology, inclusion, and diversity in shaping the industry’s future.  Subject experts led discussions and covered topics including artificial intelligence, crisis recovery and reputation management, inclusive event planning, digital marketing and the appeal of in-person experiences, as well as training and upskilling of the tourism workforce.

Spotlight on Clark This is the second time that Clark hosted the prestigious convention. In her opening message , Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said: "Clark’s selection as the host of MICECON 2024 is a recognition of its readiness and potential as a premier MICE destination. The Clark Freeport Zone’s accessibility, state-of-the-art conference venues, and comprehensive support services are very well prepared to welcome all the participants of MICECON 2024.”

It first hosted the event in 2014, an experience which planted the possibilities for its economic future with tourism and MICE. Poised as the ultimate tourism destination in Central Luzon, the 4,400-hectare Clark Freeport Zone was developed with business and tourism as its primary goals.

Location played an important role in its positioning as a prime MICE hub. Strategically situated only 80 kilometers north of Metro Manila, Clark is accessible via the North Luzon Expressway. It also serves as a gateway to Northern and Central Luzon via the Clark International Airport, which currently flies to ten international and six domestic destinations. Being only two to four hours away via air travel to other major Asian destinations, this aerotropolis is also a natural entry point to the Asia Pacific Region.

Infrastructure-wise, Clark is home to an assortment of facilities that are up-to-spec for high-end and IT-enabled industries, aviation, logistics enterprises, and tourism—including MICE. It currently has 80 convention or meeting facilities, 3,608 rooms and villas, and 146 dining establishments. To improve Clark’s portfolio, expansion of existing facilities and construction of new ones are either being planned or already in progress. A train system connecting Clark to its adjacent regions is also underway.

Clark today is the result of years of careful planning and painstaking work by everyone who collaborated for its development—the locals, the government, and the public and private sectors. A showcase of success, Clark leads the way for other localities that also hold the potential to succeed with MICE.

Go for MICE For our local economies, the MICE industry brings employment opportunities, profit, and business growth. But more importantly in the grander scheme of things, it helps put the Philippines in the global spotlight, opening more opportunities for international trade, as well as knowledge and technology exchanges.

According to Grand View Research, a market research and consulting company based in India and the US, the Asia-Pacific MICE market in 2023 was valued at $183.47 billion, and projections expect it to grow 10% by 2030. This shows that there is much to gain from developing the Philippines’ capability to host the MICE sector.

Acknowledging its valuable contributions, Tourism Secretary Frasco emphasized: "By positioning the Philippines as a premier MICE destination, we foster economic growth and provide invaluable opportunities for our people.”

With sufficient support and collaboration between stakeholders, the future is bright for the Philippines as a premier MICE destination.

*   *   *

M.I.C.E.CON is organized by the Tourism Promotions Board, an attached agency of the Department of Tourism, that is tasked to promote the Philippines as a world-class tourism and MICE destination. The event gathers MICE professionals for an opportunity to learn new global trends in business meetings, to network with other MICE experts, and to explore the host location’s facilities.

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What is Tourism Potential

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Tourism Potential (GIS)

Information System (GIS) model that will model tourism values and show areas of high tourism

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Definition of potential.

The determination of what is tourism potential is a central question that must be answered before model development can occur. It is not an easy concept to define because tourism potential, like the industry itself, is quite subjective and open to personal preferences. Site-based potential was derived from the digital data itself, the Integrated Resource Management data in particular; the potential to draw tourists can be directly linked to natural resources such as scenic beauty that an area offers. The potential model was meant to integrate or mesh with the existing Integrate Resource Management land classification system of the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources. The “Integrated resource management (IRM) is a planning and decision making process that coordinates resource use so that the long term sustainable benefits are optimized and conflicts among users are minimized. IRM brings together all resource groups rather than each working in isolation to balance the economic, environmental, and social requirements of society. IRM includes planning for minerals, 132 forests, recreation, wilderness, energy, wildlife, and parks.” The important question to consider in defining tourism potential is : “do the natural resources of the study area provide the necessary elements required for the preferred tourist activity?”.

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