Sustainable tourism bid to help world’s poor
The World Tourism Organization (WTO) and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) are to join forces to try to reduce worldwide poverty.
The two organisations believe sustainable tourism can play an important role in improving conditions in some of the world’s most poorest countries and have formed a new initiative, called ‘Sustainable Tourism as a tool for Eliminating Poverty’, (ST-EP), to progress this idea further.
The agreement was signed by WTO Secretary-General Mr Francesco Frangialli and his UNCTAD counterpart Mr Rubens Ricupero last week at a meeting in Alexandria, Egypt.
Mr Frangialli said tourism is a major, growing contributor to employment, wealth, investment and cultural understanding. He added: “Alleviating poverty has become one of the most important challenges of the 21st century.”
Further support for the ST-EP initiative will be raised at a WTO side event at the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) in Johannesburg later this year, when a publication on poverty alleviation through tourism will be presented.
Read our previous stories:
10-Jun-2002 Fair Trade in Tourism trademark launches in SA
29-May-2002 Travel and tourism on UN agenda for sustainability and poverty alleviation
27-May-2002 The TravelMole Interview: Oliver Hillel, UNEP
25-Apr-2002 Tourism Concern publishes report on corporate responsibility
28-Mar-2002 WWF: Holidays abroad needn’t cost the Earth
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Skyscanner reveals major travel trends 2026 at ITB Asia
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
In Italy, the Meloni government congratulates itself for its tourism achievements