G20 Tourism ministers push for sustainable policies and governance

In a high-level side event ahead of the official G20 Ministers of Tourism meeting, representatives from countries including Azerbaijan, Canada, Chile, India, Indonesia, Jamaica, Saudi Arabia, Spain, and the USA, along with the InterAmerican Development Bank, emphasised the crucial role of tourism in driving economic growth and societal development.

Hosted under Brazil's G20 Presidency, the discussions centred on tourism's critical role in driving economic growth and societal development. Leaders highlighted the industry's potential to contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and address global inequalities. The representatives called for policies that prioritise both the well-being of people and the planet, underscoring tourism's unique ability to foster cross-cultural connections and support environmental sustainability.

The ministers agreed that collaborative action is essential to harness tourism’s economic benefits while ensuring its positive impact on local communities and ecosystems. With tourism's ability to reduce global inequalities, the G20 economies aim to shape a more sustainable and inclusive future for the sector.

Minister of Tourism of Brazil, Celso Sabino said “UN Tourism is bringing to Belem, an essential debate for the tourism sector but also for the world. Sustainability is a priority for the government of the President of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and tourism when developed in a responsible manner, protecting the environment, culture and history, is the most prosperous way for the development of nations. And Brazil is leading this so much needed and urgent debate. We are very happy to host the G20 Tourism here at the heart of the Amazon, the capital of Pará.”