UNWTO – Sustainable Development Goals

The outbreak of COVID-19 has impacted countries at different times, in different ways and in
varying degrees. Yet, around the world, response to curb the pandemic has translated into national
lockdowns and a wide implementation of travel restrictions and shutdown of borders2 making tourism
one of the hardest-hit sectors. The United Nations Secretary-General has sent a historic message to the
world, highlighting the unique role of the sector in promoting the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable
Development and protecting the most disadvantaged members of our communities, as UNWTO leads
the restart of tourism. The worldwide outbreak of COVID-19 has brought the world to a standstill, and
tourism has been the worst affected of all major economic sectors. Against a backdrop of heightened
uncertainty, up-to-date and reliable information is more important than ever, both for tourists and for
the tourism sector.

Objectives:

 By cooperating closely with the World Health Organization (WHO), the lead UN agency for the
management of this outbreak;
 By ensuring with WHO that health measures are implemented in ways that minimize
unnecessary impact on international travel and trade;
 By standing in solidarity with affected countries; and
 By emphasizing tourism’s proven resilience and by standing ready to support recovery.

UN SECRETARY-GENERAL ANTONIO GUTERRES said in an interview “As the world faces the
devastating consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, the tourism sector is among those being
affected most severely. Travel is down, fear is up, and the future is uncertain. Tourism is an
essential pillar of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The livelihoods of many depend on
it, especially women and particularly in the world’s most vulnerable countries, including Small Island
Developing States and Least Developed Countries. Moreover, in many parts of the world, the
protection of biodiversity relies heavily on the tourist sector, from conservation to the revenue
generated by those efforts. Tourism can be a platform for overcoming the pandemic. By bringing
people together, tourism can promote solidarity and trust – crucial ingredients in advancing the
global cooperation that is so urgently needed at this time. The United Nations World Tourism
Organization is strongly committed to this work. I encourage all those involved in the tourism sector
to explore how we can recover better, including through climate action and other steps that
advance sustainability and build resilience. On our journey toward a better future, we must uphold
our pledge to leave no one behind.

Thank You.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Xi9syQvaR8