SHERIDAN, WYOMING – April 19, 2025 - A new framework aims to transform tourism through responsible and inclusive investment practices
Introduction of the Guiding Principles
A unified commitment to sustainability
UN Tourism and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) have introduced a groundbreaking roadmap to guide the global tourism sector toward sustainability. Their joint “Guiding Principles for Sustainable Investment in Tourism” serve as a strategic resource for policymakers and stakeholders, promoting a resilient, inclusive, and environmentally conscious tourism industry.
A comprehensive framework for global impact
Four pillars for long-term prosperity
The Guiding Principles are anchored in a holistic policy framework that integrates governance, economic, sociocultural, and environmental considerations. These dimensions are not only interconnected but also mutually reinforcing. The approach encourages a future where tourism investment supports inclusive growth in full alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The 18 principles are designed to:
- Support the establishment of relevant policies, guidelines, institutions, and regulations across all levels, aligned with national priorities and legal frameworks.
- Advocate for investments that are responsible and SDG-aligned.
- Emphasize the need for public-private partnerships, technological innovation, and community participation in decision-making processes.
Leadership voices on the new principles
Driving sustainable transformation
UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili emphasized the sector’s pivotal role in shaping a better future:
"The tourism sector holds the potential to drive sustainable economic growth, but only if we embrace investment practices that align with the needs of the environment and society. By implementing these Guiding Principles, we can foster a global tourism sector that is not only profitable but also sustainable and transformative. This approach will ensure that tourism contributes positively to the health of our planet, enriches the cultural fabric of our societies and drives long-term prosperity for future generations."
Tourism as a force for inclusive growth
Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General of UNCTAD, added:
"Tourism is a vital economic engine that fosters mutual understanding and sustainable development. By embedding sustainability in tourism investments, we can ensure that this sector becomes a catalyst for transformative and inclusive growth, benefiting economies and communities alike. The Guiding Principles offer a strategic roadmap for policymakers, investors and stakeholders to navigate the complexities of sustainable tourism investment."
Official launch at the Annual Investment Congress
A historic collaboration at AIM 2025
The joint report was officially launched during the Annual Investment Congress (AIM) in Abu Dhabi on April 8, 2025. The unveiling took place during UN Tourism's "Ministerial Roundtable on Investment in Tourism: Shaping Tourism Investment Opportunities through Policy Innovation," hosted in collaboration with AIM and fully supported by UNCTAD. This milestone marks the first-ever cooperative initiative between UN Tourism and UNCTAD to present a unified investment framework focused on sustainable tourism.
Call to action for stakeholders
Shaping the future of global tourism
UNCTAD and UN Tourism are calling on governments, investors, and industry stakeholders to integrate the Guiding Principles into their investment policies and strategic plans. By doing so, they can help ensure a thriving tourism sector that delivers economic, social, and environmental benefits for generations to come.
For more information, visit UNCTAD and UN Tourism.