International Year of Ecotourism 2002

One of the goals of the Rio Earth Summit was to make the tourism sector more sustainable, which led to an Agenda 21 for the Travel and Tourism Industry. The United Nations recognised the global importance of eco-tourism activities and has therefore designated the year 2002 as the International Year of Ecotourism. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) together with the World Tourism Organisation (WTO) want to generate greater awareness regarding eco-tourism's capacity to contribute to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage in natural and rural areas, and improvement of standards of living in those areas.

At the International Year of Ecotourism launch on the 28th January 2002, the Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organisation, Francesco Frangialli, stated:

"Ecotourism, is far from being a fringe activity. It should not be regarded as a passing fad or a gimmick, or even as a secondary market niche, but rather as one of the trump cards of this industry of the future, i.e. tourism. And for a simple reason: it is crucial to the problem of developing a balanced, sustainable and responsible tourism sector."

The main activity during the International Year of Ecotourism was the World Ecotourism Summit to be held in Quebec, Canada, in May 2002. However, smaller events will also landmark this year with amongst others the World Tourism Day of 2002 dedicated to the subject of eco-tourism.

For further information visit the International Year of Ecotourism website

www.world-tourism.org/sustainable/IYE-Main-Menu.htm