The Monaco Tourist and Convention Authority (DTC) was in Madrid on January 18 for the official launch of the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, at the invitation of the World Tourism Organisation, visitmonaco.com reports.

In December 2015, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 2017 “International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development.” This year marks an important stage in the 2030 Agenda and is a step on the way to achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

At the official launch in Madrid, Taleb Rifai, Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organisation, emphasised that tourism is continuing to grow, despite the various crises:

“In 2016, more than 1.2 billion people travelled around the world for the purposes of tourism and six billion others made internal trips.”

With this in mind, the Secretary-General stressed the need for more sustainability in all aspects of tourism. He said that, “In parallel with the growth of the sector, there is also increased responsibility to promote greater sustainability, equity, inclusiveness and peace in our societies.”

The Monaco Tourist and Convention Authority has identified various aspects that it will develop throughout the year, including accessibility, with the publication of a booklet for visitors with reduced mobility, and the environment, with numerous visits highlighting activities related to protecting the environment. (Source: visitmonaco.com)

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