Reinforcing responsible tourism
As leaders of the world’s most advanced economies gather at the G7 Kananaskis Summit in Canada, the need to build a more sustainable, resilient and inclusive global economy is clearer than ever. Tourism can and must be part of that conversation.
Tourism is a key economic driver. The sector directly contributes to 4% of global gross domestic product and supports millions of jobs around the world. Within the G7, it contributes 3% of GDP and accounts for nearly 7% of all export revenues.
But it is much more than a key driver of economic growth. It brings people, cultures and countries together. Today, as the sector continues to expand, it offers huge potential to support G7 priorities – reducing inequality, boosting innovation, creating decent jobs and accelerating progress on climate action.
Opportunity through connection
For many communities, both in developed and developing economies, tourism creates opportunity. It brings investment, supports local businesses, and helps preserve cultural and natural heritage. But for this potential to be fully realised, we need insightful, effective and, above all, joined-up policies. In this regard, G7 members play a critical role in shaping a more inclusive and forward-looking model of tourism.
At UN Tourism, we have made sustainability, innovation and resilience the foundation of our work. Together with our partners across the United Nations system – including the UN Development Programme, the UN Environment Programme, the International Labour Organization and the UN Conference on Trade and Development – we are helping countries align tourism with the Sustainable Development Goals. Our focus is on making sure that the benefits of tourism are shared more widely, and that no one is left behind.
We have already made strong progress. One example is our Best Tourism Villages initiative, which connects rural destinations to a global network. These villages are showing how tourism can support local economies while protecting traditions and nature. The programme now includes over 250 villages around the world and continues to grow.
Despite this progress, challenges remain. Climate change is putting pressure on the destinations people love to visit. Unequal access to opportunities and geopolitical tensions continue to create uncertainty for the global travel sector.
Leading the way on responsible tourism
This is where the G7 can make a real difference.
G7 members are home to some of the world’s most popular destinations and are leaders in innovation, investment and global cooperation. They can set the standard for responsible tourism – by investing in sustainable infrastructure, supporting small businesses and making sure the sector provides fair working conditions.
Through our Tourism Investment Guidelines, we are helping countries attract the kind of investment that creates long-term value – especially in places where support is most needed. The G7 can help channel more resources to these areas and support partnerships that deliver real impact.
We also encourage G7 leaders to support tourism’s digital transformation. With the right training and tools, digital platforms can help local communities reach new markets, manage tourism more effectively and ensure that benefits are more evenly spread.
We believe tourism can be part of the G7’s broader development and foreign policy goals. Travel builds understanding, breaks down barriers, and creates connections that can support peace and cooperation.
The Kananaskis Summit is a key moment to rethink how we travel and how tourism fits into a more connected and sustainable global economy. UN Tourism is committed to working with G7 governments and partners around the world to build a tourism sector that is greener and more resilient.
