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About the Facility for Investment This paper is authored by Louise Twining-Ward with contributions by Gabriela Aguerrevere, Martine Bakker, Jennifer Bartlett, Robert Climate Advisory Services (FIAS) Chappell, Philip Harmann, Wendy Li, Shaun Mann, Jose Miguel This publication was developed with funding Villascusa Cerezo, John Perrottet, Talia Salem, Damien Shiels, Issa provided by FIAS Development Partners Torres, under Bradley Weiss, and Cordula Wohlmuther. the FY17-21 FIAS strategy. Through the FIAS program, the World Bank Group and donor reforms to Send feedback partners facilitate investment climate in Louise Twining-Ward: ltwiningward@worldbank.org developing countries to foster open, productive, and competitive markets and to unlock sustainable private investments in sectors that contribute to growth and poverty reduction. The FIAS program is managed by the World Bank Group global practice. This paper is authored by Louise Twining-Ward with contributions by Gabriela Aguerrevere, Martine Bakker, Jennifer Bartlett, Robert Chappell, Phil Harman, Wendy Li, Shaun Mann, Jose Miguel Villascusa Cerezo, John Perrottet, Talia Salem, Damien Shiels, Issa Torres, Bradley Weiss, and Cordula Wohlmuther. Trade & Competitiveness Introduction 20 Reasons Sustainable Tourism Counts For Development Sustainable tourism is a proven tool for development, benefitting communities in destinations around the world. As demand for global tourism continues to grow, the opportunities for sustainable development also increase. This report aims to raise awareness of sustainable tourism as a powerful and effective tool for development, leveraging the momentum generated by the United Nations designating 2017 as the International Year of “Sustainable Tourism for Development”. More than 50 years after the World Bank financed its first tourism for development projects in Morocco and Tunisia,1 the case for tourism as a sustainable development model is still a compelling one. Tourism is highly labor intensive, facilitates the development of new infrastructure, helps fund conservation, revitalizes modern and historic cities, and can contribute to international understanding. Despite these benefits, tourism is more often viewed as a luxury for those who can afford it, rather than a nimble development tool. This paper challenges development professionals to embrace the broad, cross-cutting potential of tourism to enhance the lives of those living in existing and emerging destinations. Sustainable Tourism is defined as: “Tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social, and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment, and host communities.” (UNWTO, 2016) 5 20 REASONS SUSTAINABLE TOURISM COUNTS While the focus of this paper is on sustainable In support of sustainable tourism, United tourism’s wider benefits, it is important to Nations has designated 2017 as the acknowledge that there are tradeoffs involved. International Year of “Sustainable Tourism Like other economic activities, tourism for Development”. Sustainable tourism is both gives and takes from communities and identified as a vital component to ensure travelers. When it is poorly planned, tourism the achievements of the Sustainable can negatively impact cities, parks, and Development Goals (SDGs) 8, 12, and 14 and the historic monuments, and put severe pressure 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.2 on local infrastructure, resident communities, This makes it an ideal moment to update and and their resources. reaffirm the evidence case behind tourism as a development tool. UNWTO (the United When properly planned and managed, Nations agency responsible for the promotion sustainable tourism can contribute to improved of responsible, sustainable and universally livelihoods, inclusion, cultural heritage and accessible tourism) outlines the five pillars of natural resource protection, and promote tourism for development shown below.3 international understanding. The goal of this paper is to build the case for this type of Drawing from these pillars, this paper sustainable and inclusive tourism development. identifies 20 reasons sustainable tourism counts for tourism destinations, people who live there, and travelers. The following reasons are only a starting point for integrating a holistic approach to sustainable tourism into development projects. Sustainable Economic Growth Social Inclusiveness, Employment, and Poverty Reduction Resource Efficiency, Environmental Protection, and Climate Cultural Values, Diversity, and Heritage Mutual Understanding, Peace, and Security 6 20 REASONS SUSTAINABLE TOURISM COUNTS 20 Reasons Sustainable Tourism Counts For Development Sustainable Resource Efficiency, Environmental Economic Growth Protection, and Climate 1. Stimulates GDP Growth 13. Facilitates Conservation 2. Increases International Trade 14. Raises Climate Change Awareness 3. Boosts International Investment 15. Propels the Blue Economy 4. Drives Infrastructure Development Cultural Values, Diversity, and Heritage 5. Supports Low-Income Economies 16. Protects Cultural Sites Social Inclusiveness, Employment, and Poverty Reduction 17. Sustains Intangible Culture 6. Creates Jobs Efficiently Mutual Understanding, Peace, and Security 7. Promotes Inclusive Growth 18. Spreads Philanthropy 8. Strengthens Rural Communities 19. Cultivates Intercultural Understanding 9. Revitalizes Urban Areas 20. Aids Post-Conflict Recovery 10. Improves Access to Income via Travel Tech 11. Benefits Women 12. Bolsters Artisans 7 20 REASONS SUSTAINABLE TOURISM COUNTS Sustainable Economic Growth Tourism’s broad-reaching economic benefits 1. Stimulates GDP Growth Travel and tourism make up the largest service industry in the world and it continues to grow. This industry stimulates Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth in host countries and contributes substantially to government tax revenues. Worth USD7.6 trillion dollars, the travel and tourism sector accounts for more than 10% of global GDP, and represents 7% of all international trade and 30% of the world’s export in services.4 Tourism receipts provide an important source of foreign exchange for countries around the world, enabling economic growth and investment in a multitude of other sectors. In 2016, tourism grew by 3.1%, outperforming the global economy’s growth of 2.5%.5 Travel and tourism make up the largest service industry in the world and it continues to grow. 8 20 REASONS SUSTAINABLE TOURISM COUNTS 2. Increases International Trade International tourism exports have surpassed the growth of world trade over the past four years.6 Worth USD1.4 trillion in export earnings, tourism is the third largest global export, after chemicals and fuels, and ranked ahead of automotive products and food.7 From 2010 to 2015, export earnings from international tourism grew by nearly 25%, outpacing automotive manufacturing at 22%, food at 19%, and chemicals at 9%.8 Additionally, tourism can help open new markets, resulting in the export of new products. The growth of European tourists in Nepal, for example, led to the rapid rise of pashmina exports to the West.9 Tourism is shown to drive the growth of trade in countries like Nicaragua, Chile, Venezuela, and the Dominican Republic.10 Firms in Arizona were 30 to 50% more likely to trade with their Mexican counterparts, if their management had visited Mexico for leisure or business.11 Direct Contribution of Tourism to Global GDP and % Annual Change 2010 to 2017 3,000 6.00% 2,500 5.00% 2,000 4.00% 1,500 3.00% 1,000 2.00% 500 1.00% 0 0.00% 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 USD billion (real prices) % Annual Change Source: World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), https://www.wttc.org/datagetaway 3. Boosts International 4. Drives Infrastructure Investment Development Tourism and hospitality is now the second Tourism sector development often results in fastest-growing industry in terms of foreign improvements in basic infrastructure, such as direct investment (FDI) attraction, only airports, roads, water supply, energy, medical surpassed by communications services. services, mobile phone networks, and health Tourism is a large contributor to FDI, considered and safety services that are enjoyed by tourists a priority by most investment-promotion and locals alike. In recent years, the World agencies for stimulating widespread economic Bank has implemented tourism projects with development. About USD806.5 billion (4.4% of infrastructure components in Ethiopia, Nepal, total investment) was invested in travel and Georgia, Albania, Tanzania, Madagascar, tourism in 2016, compared to USD680 billion in Mozambique, and Senegal, among many other the oil and gas industry. countries. However, the real size of the activity might be For example, the World Bank Integrated underestimated, since in the hotel industry, Growth Poles Project in Madagascar promoted managerial contracts and other non-equity tourism-led growth and resulted in many arrangements, such as franchises, are not infrastructure improvements, including reflected in the national accounts as FDI.13, 14 60km of new road, two enhanced ports, It has been argued that FDI can play a critical improved public utilities, an expanded hospital, role in the political stability of a country, and and quadrupled solid waste collection.17 the transfer of know-how and technology The World Bank Cultural Heritage Preservation from foreign companies to the local ones.15 and Tourism Sector Support Project in Empirical evidence in Africa also seems to Haiti provided much-needed infrastructure point to a strong correlation between tourism improvements for locals, such as upgraded expenditure and FDI investment, tourist water and sanitation, while making the country arrivals and employment.16 more attractive to tourists and investors.18 Tourism sector development often results in improvements in basic infrastructure. 10 20 REASONS SUSTAINABLE TOURISM COUNTS Tourism is a large and growing contributor to foreign direct investment. 5. Supports Low-Income Economies Tourism is particularly important for less developed and low- income economies. In 2015, the world’s 48 lower income and lower middle income countries received 29 million international tourist arrivals (nearly a threefold increase in a decade) and earned USD21 billion from international tourism. Tourism is the first or second largest source of export earnings in 20 of the 48 UN-classified Least Developed Countries (LDCs).19 Tourism accounted for 26.5% of exports in Cambodia, and is expected to grow by 11.8% in 2017.20 Tourism makes up 73% of exports in Sao Tome and Principe, and is projected to increase by 8.4% in the coming year.21 Tourism accounts for over 25% of GDP in at least seven Small Island Developing States (SIDS)22, and 10 LDCs have seen triple-digit growth in tourism arrivals since 2009, underscoring the growing importance of tourism.23 The sector was a key driver for the graduation of Samoa, Cabo Verde and the Maldives from LDC status, and of other LDCs soon to graduate.24 12 20 REASONS SUSTAINABLE TOURISM COUNTS Social Inclusiveness, Employment, and Poverty Reduction Tourism’s unique power to drive employment at all levels 14 20 REASONS SUSTAINABLE TOURISM COUNTS 6. Creates Jobs Efficiently World Bank research shows that employment made up of small and micro enterprises. is the surest pathway out of poverty.25 The World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) Tourism employs 292 million people 2012 report The Comparative Economic Impact worldwide, which means that one in every of Travel & Tourism found that tourism is the ten jobs is related to tourism. In Africa, second most efficient job creator. When direct, between 2000 and 2014, the number of jobs indirect and induced effects are included, 50 attributable to the tourism sector nearly jobs are created for every million US dollars doubled from 11.6 million to 20.5 million, generated in tourism receipts; giving the which represents 8.1% of total employment sector double the job creation power of in the region. Consequently, targeting the automotive, telecommunications and sectors like tourism that are efficient and financial industries.26,27 Tourism is also one of effective job creators, is an ideal way to direct the few services that can thrive in remote development funds. As a service industry, and rural areas, helping to reduce rural-urban tourism is labor intensive and is traditionally migration through local job creation.28 Total Contribution of Tourism to Global Employment and % Annual Change 2010 to 2017 (USD billion) 350,000 3.5% 3.0% 300,000 2.5% 2.0% 250,000 1.5% 200,000 1.0% 0.5% 150,000 0.0% 0.5% 100,000 1.0% 0.0% 50,000 -0.5% 0 - 1.0% 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Indirect and Induced Contribution Direct Contribution % Annual Change Source: World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), https://www.wttc.org/datagetaway 7. Promotes Inclusive Growth Inclusive growth is broad-based and sector generates USD3.20, higher than allows a wide range of a country’s the industry average of USD2.70. For labor force to participate.29 Tourism has every million US dollars spent on travel a wide supply chain, which includes and tourism, USD701,000 of income transport providers, cultural interpreters, is generated - exceeding the ratios for accommodation, food and beverage auto, communications, chemicals, and suppliers, agriculture producers, energy mining.30 In Spain, tourism has become and water supply, attractions, events, a primary source of employment and souvenirs, cultural heritage, arts and has significant multiplier effects, which crafts, microbusinesses, and construction are spread throughout the country. and maintenance workers. Because of this, Additionally, tourism income increases are tourism has the potential to reach and linked to positive growth to the Spanish benefit large numbers of people. Several economy overall.31 Similarly in Panama, the studies have highlighted the multiplier tourism sector was found to have higher effect of tourism in local economies, multipliers than any of the country’s seven and its broad employment in middle and other principal sectors. With a multiplier high income countries. The WTTC found of 2.87, tourism was more than twice that that tourism has a very high multiplier of textiles at 1.3 and maize at 1.41, in which effect in relation to other industries. there are fewer production linkages.32 Every US dollar spent in the tourism 8. Strengthens Rural Communities From a policy perspective, rural tourism is about economic diversification: creating jobs for rural youth, ethnic minorities, women and marginalized people; alleviating poverty; and preserving heritage and culture.33 China has been promoting rural tourism as an effective way to alleviate poverty since 2009, when it implemented the National Rural Tourism Development Program (2009-2015) allowing the country to grow rural tourism at the national level.34 China estimates that by 2020, two billion travelers will visit three million rural tourism businesses annually, lifting two million people in rural areas out of poverty every year.35 Revenues from rural tourism reached nearly USD82.7 billion in 2016, up 30% from the year before. Similar impacts are found in other regions. Evidence from six southern African countries (Botswana, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe) found that employment generation and income opportunities for the local communities from ecotourism reduced poverty levels.36 In Thailand, poverty rates are around 10% lower in villages next to protected areas, which are typically large tourism demand drivers and generate tourism business opportunities.37 In Namibia, communal conservancies are considered one of the most innovative conservation models in the world, not only protecting the nation’s wildlife, but allowing for inventive tourism partnerships that create jobs and attract visitors who travel to see the flourishing wildlife populations. In 2011, Namibia’s Community Based National Resource Management Program generated almost USD3.7 million in direct benefits (cash returns to conservancies, employment remuneration, and in-kind contributions) to communities, and created 1,512 full-time jobs and 11,223 part-time jobs.38 Tourism has the potential to reach and benefit large numbers of people. 17 20 REASONS SUSTAINABLE TOURISM COUNTS 9. Revitalizes Urban Areas Improving the competitiveness of cities is an increasingly important pathway to ending extreme poverty.39 By 2050, the urban population will rise to 66%, or six billion people, with growth concentrated in Asia and Africa.40 Many cities will continue to pursue tourism-based urban regeneration for its potential to create jobs, improve infrastructure, and attract investments.41 The 1997 opening of the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao catapulted the Spanish city, once affected by terrorism and lagging industry, to fame. This gave rise to the ‘Bilbao effect’, whereby a city is positively transformed for residents, tourists, and investors by a new museum.42 Of the museum’s one million annual visitors, 70% are international, most of whom stay overnight and travel on to Basque Country, spreading the economic impact of tourism beyond the urban center.43 By actively promoting tourism, the South African cities of Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban have benefited from economic growth and employment, and improved local assets, such as waterfronts, cultural attractions, business centers, retail, and festivals and events. These cities now capture one-third of the national tourism expenditure.44 When Singapore integrated tourism development into urban planning, the city-state enhanced the quality of life for its residents and gained a reputation as a vibrant global city. Since 1964, when Singapore first created its tourism board, visitation has increased from 100,000 to nearly 13 million international tourists a year.45, 46 10. Improves Access to Income via Travel Tech Tourism is leading the way in upscaling the sharing economy through technology, which is transforming the way travel is researched, purchased, provided and experienced. It also offers many new, more informal ways to earn money through tourism, that allow people to leverage existing resources, such as their home, their culinary traditions or a car. Through home-rental platforms like Airbnb and VRBO (Vacation Rentals By Owner), locals can rent out their homes to visitors looking for an authentic travel experience, which results in more money staying in the local economy. Online travel agencies and rating systems are levelling the playing fields and providing new opportunities for entrepreneurs to reach broad bases of customers. 18 20 REASONS SUSTAINABLE TOURISM COUNTS 11. Benefits Women Tourism is one of the few sectors where female labor participation is already above parity in some regions.47 According to the International Labour Organization’s analysis of tourism, poverty reduction, and gender equality in 2013, women make up 60 to 70% of all workers in the tourism industry. In the Caribbean, women’s participation in the hotel and restaurant industry ranges between 43% and 63%.48 “Tourism also offers women the opportunity for social, professional and economic empowerment, especially through the sharing economy.” It is estimated that more than one million women host on Airbnb, making up 55% of the global Airbnb community who earned more than USD10 billion on the platform. In Kenya, the typical female host makes enough to cover one-third of the average annual household expenditures.49 As a result of tourism’s comparative advantage for women, gender development strategies are starting to incorporate tourism as a critical sector for women’s economic and social advancement.50 12. Bolsters Artisans Artisans benefit from selling goods to tourists, and eventually the world. The global market for artisan crafts is significant and continues to expand: world exports of artisan products rose from a value of USD17.5 billion in 2002 to USD32 billion in 2008, an increase of 87%.51 According to the Creative Economy Report 2008, arts and crafts is the only creative industry where developing countries have a leading position in the global market, generating 65% of all artisanal revenues. Tourism and the expansion of leisure and art markets have contributed to the dynamism of arts and crafts in the world market.52 United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) also calls attention to the importance of selling artisan products to tourists in its Crafts and Tourism Index, citing country-specific spending. The organization estimates that tourists spend an average of USD5.5 per day on crafts while visiting Latvia. Spending ranges by country with USD35.29 per tourist in Mexico and USD62.9 in Ecuador.53 19 20 REASONS SUSTAINABLE TOURISM COUNTS Resource Efficiency, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change Tourism places a non-consumptive value on natural assets 13. Facilitates Conservation Nature-based tourism is in high demand, motivates local people to play an active role in which not only increases the value placed on nature/biodiversity conservation and prevent unspoiled nature and wildlife, it generates poaching.56 For example, the economic value funds used for conservation. In 2014, nature- of gorilla tourism in Uganda is estimated to based visitors made up 66% of all international be worth as much as USD34.3 million, and travelers to Australia and spent USD18.32 has led to policy that supports conservation billion on trips to Australia.54 In a survey and ecotourism.57 In Costa Rica, largely of international travelers commissioned because of tourism, private reserves receive by Brand USA, the destination marketing financial contributions from the government organization for the USA, ecotourism and for protecting biodiversity, conserving nature was consistently ranked in the top water reservoirs, and reducing carbon five motivating factors for travelers selecting emissions.58 In the South African National their last vacation. A survey conducted by Parks, tourism concessions generated USD58 the UNWTO found that wildlife tourism million between 2002 and 2012. About 47% accounted for 80% of total annual trip of tourist spending for a mountain climbing sales to Africa for the participating tour trip to Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania goes operators, with that share only increasing.55 directly towards park fees, contributing to the The economic impact of nature-based tourism realization of conservation goals.59 20 20 REASONS SUSTAINABLE TOURISM COUNTS 14. Raises Climate Change Awareness Tourism is often an innovator of sustainable consumption and production, and climate change awareness. There are many examples of tourism resorts introducing wind and solar power, organic farming, and sustainable fisheries to communities that would not otherwise be exposed to these environmental advances. This triggers a sustainability multiplier effect on the local community and often a certification or award of some kind. The Sustainable Tourism Program of the 10-Year Framework of Program (10YFP) on Sustainable Consumption and Production,60 highlights the case of St Kitts and Nevis in the Caribbean, where sustainable tourism initiatives resulted in a reduction of 80,000 gallons per year in fuel imports and put a megawatt of solar energy back on the grid.61 A number of tourism companies have also introduced carbon-offset programs like United Airlines’ Eco- Skies CarbonChoice, which calculates each traveler’s carbon footprint and goes beyond offsetting to invest in projects that reduce carbon and give back to the destination.62 Tourism is often an innovator of sustainable consumption and production, and climate change awareness. 15. Propels the Blue Economy The Blue Economy is now understood as use The Nature Conservancy estimates that of the sea and its resources for sustainable coral reefs generate income of USD36 billion economic development.63 Tourism is a key globally, USD19 billion of which derives from driver of the blue economy, helping to ‘on-reef’ tourism activities, such as diving, increase the value of marine conservation. snorkeling, glass-bottom boating, and Tourism accounts for an estimated 26% of wildlife watching.66 Palau has created marine ocean-based economic activity, and much of protected areas around its coral reefs, the the projected growth of global tourism will backbone of its diving sector, enabling the be coastal and marine. Many countries that conservation of both reefs and marine life.67 rely on ocean-based tourism have recognized Ecuador’s government recently created a the importance of protecting their coastlines, new marine sanctuary and conservation coral reefs, marine biodiversity, beaches, areas to prevent illegal extraction of sharks and waters.64 In Grenada, where tourism and other animals, and to preserve the area’s has become an economic lifeline post- unique biodiversity. The economic driver for agricultural decline, tourist entrance fees and this effort was marine-based tourism, which government funding augment the protection brings USD178 million a year and supports of the natural environment, including the one in three jobs in the country. Tourism expansion and management of protected exponentially raises the value of a live shark, areas like underwater marine parks.65 from the USD200 a fisherman receives for a dead shark, to USD5.4 million over its lifetime as a tourism asset.68 Tourism is a key driver of the blue economy, helping to increase the value of marine conservation. 22 20 REASONS SUSTAINABLE TOURISM COUNTS 23 20 REASONS SUSTAINABLE TOURISM COUNTS Cultural Values, Diversity, and Heritage Tourism creates a mechanism for funding preservation Tourism plays an important role in cultural heritage management, funding, and protection. 16. Protects Cultural Sites Tourism plays an important role in cultural heritage management, funding, and protection. Cultural tourism is an important tourism segment, and visitor spending on entrance tickets, guides and souvenirs contributes to capital needed for the protection of important sites.69 The UNWTO Silk Road Program, with 33 member states, is an outstanding example of cultural route protection through tourism.70 Other examples include territorial cohesion and intercultural dialogue among countries in the Mediterranean basin covering the Umayyad Route.71 The UNESCO World Heritage List currently holds 1,052 properties, 814 of which are cultural. Research shows that, apart from heritage conservation, tourism growth is one of the outcomes pursued by countries when nominating their national sites.72 Ensuring the protection of these sites remains the basis for their inscription in the World Heritage List, but disseminating their values and facilitating heritage interpretation to locals and visitors are vital as well. 17. Sustains Intangible Culture Intangible cultural heritage, music, performing arts, and oral traditions can also be revived or protected by tourism.73 The Tanzania Tourist Board has supported local communities in over 50 destinations to organize cultural excursions, which not only shared Tanzania’s cultural diversity with its 70,000 annual tourists, it preserved that culture, and generated income for 3,000 local people.74 Through tourism business, the Los Uros community in Peru’s Lake Titicaca were able to preserve its crafts and traditional boating. In Mali, a tour-guide training and safeguarding project protected Dogon masks and dance performances, while also creating unique tourism experiences.75 25 20 REASONS SUSTAINABLE TOURISM COUNTS Mutual Understanding, Peace, and Security Tourism fosters international collaboration and understanding 18. Spreads Philanthropy Tourism can be an effective way to engage visitors in philanthropy. Often seeing a situation firsthand can change the way people empathize with those in need. In 2016, Americans gave more than USD390 billion in charitable donations, showing the potential of travel philanthropy.76 A growing number of businesses are providing philanthropic opportunities to their guests. A hotel association in Torres del Paine, Chile, offers a voluntary contribution for a community fund at the point of checkout. The Torres del Paine Legacy Fund sees tourism growth as an opportunity to leave positive impact - transforming each new arrival into means of improving conservation efforts and addressing social issues in Torres del Paine and its surrounding communities.77 Volunteer tourism has also grown rapidly since 1990, with an estimated 1.6 million participants annually. Though volun-tourists have been criticized, tourists have also positively impacted their host communities by providing medical assistance, educational services, agricultural workers, and ecological conservation help.78 19. Cultivates Intercultural Understanding Tourism fosters peace, intercultural understanding, and global citizenship. Meeting diverse peoples and experiencing other cultures play a critical role in reducing stereotypes and promoting peace, security, and intercultural understanding. Research by the WTTC and the Institute of Economics and Peace found that countries with a more open and sustainable tourism sector tend to be more peaceful.79 Accommodation exchanges, a phenomenon that is trending upwards in travel, help foster new social ties and cultural learning, as guests often interact with hosts.80 Tourism also leads to regional cooperation to create shared tourism products and to welcome more tourists. The Africa Union (AU) and the African Development Bank are implementing an open visa policy for members of the AU to encourage the free movement of people, and boost tourism and trade. Travel and tourism in Africa is now forecasted to rise.81 Travel can also promote family bonding, healing, self-reflection and renewal. The break from the routine at home can enable new conversations, develop new skills or passions, and forge new bonds through those memories.82 26 20 REASONS SUSTAINABLE TOURISM COUNTS Countries with a more open and sustainable tourism sector tend to be more peaceful. 20. Aids Post-Conflict Recovery Tourism has served as a post-conflict recovery tool for many destinations. Rwanda rebranded itself as a nature-based tourism destination and is now recognized for its mountain gorillas rather than conflict.83 The Rwandan government’s prioritization of sustainable tourism development not only brought new inclusive job models, community support and growth, but brought improved infrastructure to the country, which contributed to post-conflict stabilization.84 Sierra Leone is currently launching a new tourism strategy to revamp a sector that had been negatively affected by the Ebola crisis.85 Following the years of wars in the breakup of the former Yugoslavia, the Croatian National Tourist Board has pivoted its strategic direction and marketed the country, which has led to great grains in tourism and new income, and stability as a by-product. The tourism sector also made efforts to establish cross-border travel and exchanges, which were important for re-establishing contact with former enemies and building peace in the region.86 In Sri Lanka the tourism industry took an active role in promoting peacebuilding and helped the country recover post-conflict.86 28 20 REASONS SUSTAINABLE TOURISM COUNTS Tourism has served as a post-conflict recovery tool for many destinations. The declaration of 2017 as the Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development is a call for development partners and governments to explore the full potential of tourism as a development tool. Having read and understood this paper, we invite you to integrate a broader approach to sustainable tourism into your work. Feedback and advice is provided by the World Bank Group’s global tourism specialists, who will be continuing the dialogue on sustainable travel and tourism throughout the year through their knowledge series, Tourism for Development, also on social media at #tourism4dev or on email at tourism@worldbankgroup.org. End Notes 1 Hawkins, D. and Mann, S. (2007). The World Bank’s Role in Tourism Development. Annals of Tourism Research, 34(2), 348-363. 2 United Nations (2015). Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. http://www.un.org/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=A/RES/70/1&Lang=E 3 World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) (2016). International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development 2017. http://www.tourism4development2017.org/about/ 4 World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) (2017). World Tourism Barometer, Volume 15, June 2017. 5 World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) (2017). Travel & Tourism Global Economic Impact & Issues 2017. https://www.wttc.org/-/media/files/reports/economic-impact-research/2017-documents/global-economic-impact-and- issues-2017.pdf 6 World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) (2016). Tourism Highlights. 2016 Edition. http://www.e-unwto.org/doi/pdf/10.18111/9789284418145 7 World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) (2017). World Tourism Barometer, Volume 15, June 2017. 8 World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) (2017). The Comparative Economic Impact of Travel & Tourism. https://www.wttc.org/-/media/files/reports/benchmark%20reports/the_comparative_economic_impact_of_travel__tourism.pdf 9 Reis, J. G., & Varela, G. (2013). Can Tourism Encourage Better Export Performance and Diversification in Nepal? Economic Premise Note Series. World Bank. 10 Lionetti, S., & Gonzales, O. (2012). On The Relationship Between Tourism and Growth in Latin America. Tourism And Hospitality Research, 12(1), 15-24. doi:10.1177/1467358411429635 Aradhyula, S., & Tronstad, R. 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Centre for Peace Research and Peace Education of the Klagenfurt University/Austria in Cooperation with the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). http://www.e-unwto.org/doi/pdf/10.18111/9783854357131 Email us at tourism@worldbankgroup.org. Engage with us on social media at #tourism4dev. © 2017 The World Bank Group