Tourism must be catalyst for sustainability - UN Tourism

 

Hosted by the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry in collaboration with UN Tourism, the event showcased Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage, natural landscapes and commitment to sustainable tourism. - PIC CREDIT: https://www.untourism.int/

MELAKA: The 7th World Tourism Conference (WTC), held in conjunction with World Tourism Day 2025 here, marked a pivotal moment in advancing tourism as a catalyst for positive change, resilience and sustainable development worldwide, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UN Tourism). 

In a statement, UN Tourism said that under the theme Tourism and Sustainable Transformation, the global gathering underscored the vital importance of the sector as leaders, policymakers, industry experts and local communities came together to shape a sustainable future for tourism. 

Hosted by the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry in collaboration with UN Tourism, the event showcased Malaysia's rich cultural heritage, natural landscapes and commitment to sustainable tourism. 

In his official message, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres described tourism as a "powerful driver of transformation" that creates jobs, fuels economies and builds cultural bridges. 

"Yet, it must be sustainable to protect the very places and communities it celebrates. Let's harness tourism as a force for resilience, sustainability and shared progress," he said. 

The statement noted that the celebrations in Melaka featured a series of activities, including high-level panel discussions and cultural showcases focused on sustainable practices and strategies to build industry resilience.

Among the key areas of focus were investing in education and skills, accelerating innovation and digital transformation, supporting local economies, and strengthening cultural exchange. 

"The WTC also provided a collaborative platform for stakeholders to discuss strategies for sustainable tourism development, focusing on resilience, inclusivity and environmental stewardship. 

"Key sessions explored digital transformation in tourism, community-based tourism models and climate-neutral travel solutions, aligning with the theme Tourism and Sustainable Transformation," it said.

-nst online.