On the eve of the official meeting of the G20 Ministers of Tourism, Brazil hosted the G20 Tourism at the heart of the Amazon, the capital of Pará to discuss new approach to tourism policy and governance that places a focus on people and the planet.
With the event held under the Brazilian Presidency of the G20, high-level representatives of Azerbaijan, Canada, Chile, India, Indonesia, Jamaica, Saudi Arabia, Spain and the USA as well as the InterAmerican Development Bank, recalled the positive importance and impact of tourism in the economy and society and its potential to contribute to the SDGs and to reduce inequalities within and among countries.
Applauding Brazil’s G20 Presidency focus on inclusion and sustainability UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said “The challenges ahead of us are immense. As so are the opportunities offered by a sector that creates jobs and brings people together like no other.”
“To transform the sector, it needs new policies and models, communities and environment along with stronger coordination with all,” he said.
The G20 economies represent over 70% of all international tourist arrivals and receipts generated worldwide and 82% of tourism’s global GDP.
