European Council on Tourism and Trade has given the start of the activities destined to mark 2017 as the YEAR OF SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AND NATURAL AREAS PROTECTION. The world tourism institution is expected to lead a world-wide push for raising awareness on tourism significance for global development.

(TRAVPR.COM) BELGIUM - January 3rd, 2017 - On January 2, 2017, European Council on Tourism and Trade President Dr. Anton Caragea announced 2017 as the YEAR OF SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AND NATURAL AREAS PROTECTION.

As it is known: The United Nations 70th General Assembly has designated 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development. In the context of the universal 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the International Year aims to support a change in policies, business practices and consumer behavior towards a more sustainable tourism sector that contributes to the SDGs.

H.E. Professor Dr. Anton Caragea also unveiled the plan of activities, advocacy and awareness to be observed during 2017 and marked the main themes of the events.

According to H.E. professor Dr. Anton Caragea during 2017 his office will promote tourism’s role in the following five key themes:

(1) Promotion and protection and inclusion in tourism activities of the World Protected Areas and Natural Parks

(2) Promoting an inclusive, socialy oriented and sustainable economic growth

(3) Draw attention of the social importance and acceptance of tourism, creating an environment conducive to social inclusiveness, employment and poverty reduction

(4) Resource efficiency, environmental protection and climate change

(5) Marking as central points on tourism development: cultural values, diversity and peoples heritage

(6) Transforming tourism in a tool for mutual understanding, peace and security.

H.E. President Professor Dr. Anton Caragea  concluded the presentation of the landmarks of 2017 as THE YEAR OF SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AND NATURAL AREAS PROTECTION underlining that: a well-designed and well-managed tourism makes a significant contribution to sustainable development, employment and cultural understanding.

###