What are The Sustainable Development Goals and what have they got to do with Tourism?

Tourism, specifically mentioned in three SDGs (#8, #12, #14), actually has the potential to contribute, directly or indirectly, to all of the goals, in more ways than most industries. It’s one of the top GDP earners for countries, especially the Least Developed Countries of the world, it can reach into all corners of a country (not just in focused areas like extractive industries) and can offer great benefits to a country’s people at many levels.

Protection of environments, species and cultural heritage, appreciation and understanding of the inherent values of different cultures and societies are just some of the positive impacts tourism can actually create when managed in the right way.