Madrid, Spain, May 31, 2024 – The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) reaffirmed its dedication to bolstering the resilience and significance of tourism for inclusive growth in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) at the Fourth International Conference for SIDS held in Antigua and Barbuda from May 27-30, 2024.
Tourism: A Lifeline for SIDS
Tourism plays a crucial role in the economies of SIDS, accounting for 38% of all exports (excluding Singapore) and reaching as high as 85% in some countries. While the SIDS have shown strong recovery from the pandemic, with 91% of pre-pandemic international tourist arrivals in 2023, the focus now shifts to establishing a sustainable and resilient tourism model that prioritizes both people and the environment.
UNWTO's Commitment to SIDS
UNWTO Executive Director Zoritsa Urosevic emphasized the organization's commitment to supporting SIDS through various initiatives and programs. These efforts include promoting local job creation, developing social protection mechanisms, integrating circularity into business models, protecting ecosystems, supporting climate action, and exploring innovative financing options.
Rethinking Tourism Policy and Finance
UNWTO organized a side-event on "Regenerative Tourism: Policy, Practice and Finance," highlighting the importance of collaboration and finance in achieving sustainable tourism goals. The event saw participation from tourism ministers and experts, with Antigua and Barbuda and Saint Kitts joining the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism.
Additionally, UNWTO co-organized a virtual side-event on "Better data for a better tourism in SIDS," emphasizing the need for improved data collection and analysis to measure tourism's impact beyond GDP and guide sustainable development efforts.
Collaborative Efforts for Sustainable Development
UNWTO actively engaged in discussions with UN delegations and other agencies to address the implementation of the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS) and foster sustainable tourism practices in SIDS.
UNWTO's unwavering commitment to sustainable tourism in SIDS is evident in its active participation in the Fourth International Conference for SIDS and its ongoing initiatives to support the unique needs and challenges faced by these island nations.