This document discusses sustainable tourism. It defines sustainable tourism as tourism that takes into account its current and future economic, social, and environmental impacts as well as the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment, and host communities. Some key statistics about tourism globally are provided, such as there being over 1 billion tourists worldwide in 2013 and tourism contributing 9% to the world's GDP. Sustainable tourism focuses on economic sustainability, socio-cultural sustainability, and environmental sustainability. It aims to financially benefit local communities and protect local culture from commercialization. Examples of sustainable tourism practices are given.

1. Create infographics
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SUSTAINABLE TOURISM
“Fair or sustainable tourism takes
full account of its current and future
economic, social and environmental
impacts, addresses the needs of
visitors, the industry, the
environment and host communities”
Word Tourism Organization
Tourism in numbers (Source: UNWTO)
over 1 billion
Number of tourists in 2013 worldwide
app. 1,8 billion
Estimated number of tourists by 2030
worldwide
9%
Tourism contribution to world's GDP
1:10
1 out of 10 jobs are generated within
the tourism sector
2014
Growth in tourism exceeded
expectations
If tourism continues to grow with the
same pace as today, by 2050 it will
instigate (source: UNEP):
111%
Growth in energy consumption
105%
Growth in greenhouse gases
150%
Growth in water consumption
252%
Growth in waste production
SUSTAINABLE TOURISM FOCUSES ON
THREE MAIN AREAS: ECONOMIC
SUSTAINABILITY, SOCIO-CULTURAL
SUSTAINABILITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL
SUSTAINABILITY
"Economic sustainability can refer to
the destination community benefiting
from tourism financially".
Finnish Association for Fair Tourism
"While big hotels can provide
employment to many locals, small,
locally-owned businesses have more
potential to distribute profits and
reduce poverty in the community".
Finnish Association for Fair Tourism
"Sustainable tourism aims to protect
the local culture against cultural
commercialization: a process where
local heritage and culture are
modified to meet the tourists’
expectations".
Finnish Association for Fair Tourism
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Turtle tourism in the Dominican
Republic builds green economies and
preserves marine biodiversity (video by
UNEP)
//youtu.be/8OXqdHSOIxI