TOPIC 2 discuss opportunities for tourism in a green economy

a. Sizing and growth of the sector

1. The tourism economy represents 5% of world GDP, while it contributes to about 8% of total employment, see table 8. 
2. International tourism ranks fourth (after fuels, chemicals and automotive products) in global exports, with an industry value of US$ 1 trillion a year, accounting for 30% of the world’s exports of commercial services or 7.9% of total exports (UNWTO 2010a; World Bank 2010). 
3. Domestic tourism represents on average 62% of total tourism consumption worldwide (UNWTO 2010c). With growing developing country participation, tourism has become a major contributor to their growth. In over 150 countries, tourism is one of five top export earners, and in 60 it is the number one export. It is the main source of foreign exchange for one third of developing countries and one half of LDCs (UNCTAD 2010). 

International tourism has recovered faster than expected from the impacts of the global financial crisis and economic recession of late 2008 and 2009. International tourist arrivals were up by 6.7% in 2010 compared to 2009, with positive growth reported in all world regions. While all regions posted growth in international tourist arrivals, emerging economies remain the main drivers of this recovery. This multi-speed recovery, lower in advanced economies (+5%), faster in emerging ones (+8%), is a reflection of the broader global economic situation and is set to dominate 2011 and the foreseeable future (UNWTO 2011a).

b. Changing consumer patterns

Tourist choices are increasingly influenced by sustainability considerations. For instance, in 2007 TripAdvisor surveyed travellers worldwide and 38% said that environmentally friendly tourism is a consideration when travelling, 38% had stayed at an environmentally-friendly hotel and 9% specifically seek out such hotels, while 34% are willing to pay more to stay in environmentally friendly hotels (Pollock 2007). CEDS and TIES (2005) found that a majority of international tourists are interested in the social, cultural and environmental issues relevant to the destinations they visit and are interested in patronizing hotels that are committed to protecting the local environment, and increasingly view local environmental and social stewardship as a responsibility of the businesses they support. 

c. Maximising potential for addressing local development and poverty reduction.