1. Read through the Executive summary (p. 10–13) and the Introduction (p. 14–18) in the
Tourism and the Sustainable Development Goals – Journey to 2030 document. Explain the
importance of this document for stakeholders in the tourism sector who need to practise good
governance through sustainable development initiatives.
The Importance of the "Tourism and the Sustainable Development Goals – Journey to 2030"
Document for Good Governance in Sustainable Tourism
The "Tourism and the Sustainable Development Goals – Journey to 2030" document plays a critical
role in guiding stakeholders in the tourism sector who are committed to practising good governance
through sustainable development. It offers a comprehensive framework that highlights tourism's
potential to contribute meaningfully to global development while addressing the responsibilities of
various actors within the sector. This document is particularly important as it outlines how tourism
can be both a driver and a beneficiary of sustainable practices when managed effectively.
Recognising Tourism’s Economic and Social Impact
The document emphasises the global significance of tourism, identifying it as a major economic
contributor that supports millions of jobs and generates substantial revenue. With billions of tourists
travelling each year, the sector has a wide-ranging influence on societies, economies, and the
environment. For stakeholders, understanding this scale of impact underscores the urgency of
adopting sustainable development practices and implementing governance structures that can
manage tourism growth responsibly.
Aligning Tourism with the Sustainable Development Goals
A key contribution of the document is its demonstration of how tourism is linked to all 17
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), not just those where it is explicitly mentioned. The sector
has the capacity to contribute to poverty reduction, gender equality, environmental conservation,
cultural exchange, and peacebuilding. For stakeholders, this alignment provides a strategic roadmap
to ensure that tourism initiatives contribute positively to broader national and global development
agendas.
Defining Sustainable Tourism and the Role of Governance
The document offers a clear definition of sustainable tourism, which takes into account the long-term
economic, social, and environmental impacts of tourism activities. It also highlights the need for
governance mechanisms that foster cooperation between stakeholders, ensuring that the interests of
visitors, local communities, industry players, and the environment are balanced. Good governance, in
this context, involves inclusive decision-making, accountability, and strategic policy alignment.
Identifying Risks and Opportunities
Tourism presents numerous opportunities for sustainable development, but it also carries significant
risks if not managed properly. Issues such as overconsumption, environmental degradation,
vulnerability to natural disasters, and climate change are identified as threats to the sector’s
sustainability. Recognising these challenges is essential for stakeholders who must develop policies
and practices that mitigate these risks and safeguard the long-term viability of tourism.