Tourism is today one of the largest and fastest growing
economic sectors in the world. The direct economic contribution of tourism to local
communities would also increase; maximizing the amount of tourist spending that is retained by the local economy. Finally, a green tourism economy would ensure significant environmental benefits including reductions in water
consumption, energy use and CO2 emissions. Given tourism’s sheer size and reach, even small changes towards greening can have significant impacts.
With adequate policies and investment, the tourism sector can be at the forefront of the transformation to a green economy. Greening the growing tourism sector would
strengthen its capacity to generate economic growth, jobs and development worldwide, while protecting the environment for future generations.