The United Nations General Assembly has officially mandated UN Tourism to lead the implementation of the International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism 2027, marking a major global commitment to reshaping the future of tourism. In response, UN Tourism has taken a significant step forward with the launch of a comprehensive Road Map, designed to guide Member States and stakeholders toward coordinated, long-term action. The Road Map is the result of an extensive collaborative process and has been warmly welcomed by the Committee on Tourism and Sustainability (CTS), underscoring broad international support for the initiative.
Developed through close consultation with Member States and regional bodies, the Road Map reflects shared priorities and collective ambition. During a meeting held in Madrid, the CTS commended UN Tourism for its inclusive approach and for actively listening to the needs and perspectives of its Member States. The Committee also welcomed the clear commitment of the Organization’s new leadership to begin preparations for 2027 with momentum, clarity, and strategic focus.
Tourism as a Transformative Force Beyond 2030
UN Tourism Secretary-General Shaikha Al Nuwais emphasized that sustainability and resilience are not fixed destinations, but ongoing processes that require continuous commitment and adaptation. She highlighted that the International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism 2027 will provide a powerful platform for positioning tourism as a transformative sector within the global post-2030 development agenda.
According to Al Nuwais, the International Year will enable UN Tourism to support its Member States in aligning tourism development with broader goals such as climate action, inclusive growth, and long-term resilience. By doing so, tourism can evolve beyond its traditional economic role to become a catalyst for social progress, environmental protection, and sustainable livelihoods worldwide.
Strong Support from Member States
The Road Map has received strong endorsement from tourism leaders across regions. William Rodríguez López, Chair of the Committee on Tourism and Sustainability and Minister of Tourism of Costa Rica, stressed the sector’s growing importance in national and global development agendas. He noted that tourism leaders consistently recognize the industry’s transformative potential, particularly in addressing climate challenges and shaping development pathways beyond 2030.
Rodríguez López described the International Year as a unique opportunity to convert shared understanding into concrete and coordinated action. He emphasized that the initiative can help countries move from policy discussions to practical implementation, ensuring tourism contributes meaningfully to sustainable development goals at both national and international levels.
The Path to 2027: Governance and Coordination
The journey toward 2027 will be anchored in the Committee on Tourism and Sustainability, which plays a central role in guiding and overseeing progress. A dedicated Steering Committee composed of Member States will provide strategic direction, while consultations held during Regional Commission meetings will ensure regional priorities and perspectives are fully reflected. The overall process will be endorsed by the Executive Council, reinforcing institutional accountability and coherence.
As a subsidiary organ of the Executive Council, the CTS is responsible for monitoring the implementation of UN Tourism’s programme of work on sustainable tourism. Its leadership ensures that sustainability principles remain embedded across policies, programmes, and actions leading up to the International Year.
Driving Action, Awareness, and Impact
The Road Map sets out a clear framework for awareness-building, policy alignment, capacity development, and partnership creation ahead of 2027. By mobilizing governments, the private sector, civil society, and local communities, UN Tourism aims to create a lasting impact that extends well beyond the International Year itself.
The initiative seeks not only to highlight best practices but also to accelerate innovation, resilience planning, and responsible tourism models that can withstand global shocks while delivering inclusive benefits. In this way, the International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism 2027 is positioned as a milestone moment, one that strengthens tourism’s role as a driver of sustainable development in a rapidly changing world.
