Path to 2027: How UN Tourism is Preparing for the International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism

Tourism has always been about more than just moving from point A to point B; it is an industry of human connection, economic survival, and cultural preservation. However, as global challenges like climate change and geopolitical instability intensify, the sector is at a crossroads. Recognizing this, UN Tourism (formerly UNWTO) has officially launched its Road Map for the International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism 2027.

Announced in early February 2026 following a key meeting in Madrid, this Road Map isn’t just a policy document—it’s a call to action. It marks the transition from “dialogue to delivery,” setting a structured three-year path to ensure that by 2027, tourism isn’t just surviving, but actively transforming the world for the better.

The Madrid Mandate: From Strategy to Action

The Road Map was warmly welcomed by the Committee on Tourism and Sustainability (CTS) during their 22nd meeting in Madrid. Led by UN Tourism Secretary-General Shaikha Al Nuwais, the organization emphasized that sustainability is not a destination, but a continuous evolution.

“Sustainability and resilience are not end goals,” Al Nuwais stated. “The International Year 2027 will allow us to support Member States in positioning tourism as a truly transformative sector within the post-2030 agenda.”

Key Pillars of the 2027 Strategy:

• Climate Action: Aligning with the Glasgow Declaration to halve emissions by 2030.
• Inclusive Growth: Ensuring tourism benefits reach women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
• Resilience: Building systems that can withstand future pandemics or economic shocks.

The Governance of Change: Who is Leading the Way?

The path to 2027 is not a solo journey. UN Tourism has established a robust governance framework to ensure every region has a voice.

• The Steering Committee: Composed of Member States, this group provides the strategic “compass” for the initiatives.
• The CTS (Committee on Tourism and Sustainability): Acting as the technical anchor, the CTS monitors how policies are translated into measurable outcomes on the ground.
• Regional Consultations: Broad input will be gathered through Regional Commission meetings in Africa, the Americas, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East to ensure the “Road Map” respects local realities.

Why 2027 Matters: The Human Impact

For a local guide in the mountains of Peru or a small hotelier in the Maldives, 2027 represents a year of global advocacy for their livelihood. The UN General Assembly’s proclamation of this thematic year recognizes tourism as a cross-cutting sector that drives:

1. Poverty Eradication: By creating decent jobs in rural and underserved areas.
2. Cultural Preservation: Turning heritage into a sustainable economic asset.
3. Nature Positivity: Shifting the industry from “consuming” nature to “restoring” it.

“The International Year offers a unique opportunity to translate shared understanding into more concrete and coordinated action,” noted William Rodríguez López, Chair of the CTS and Minister of Tourism of Costa Rica.

Measuring Success: The Move to Data-Driven Resilience

A central theme of the 2026-2027 work program is the Measurement of Sustainable Tourism (MST). UN Tourism aims to move beyond simple “visitor numbers” and instead track:

• Economic Value per Visitor: Are local communities actually seeing the money?
• Resource Use: Is the destination decoupling growth from environmental degradation?
• Social Wellbeing: Is tourism improving the quality of life for residents?

Timeline to the International Year 2027

Phase	Key Milestone	Primary Focus
2025-2026	The Build-Up	Regional consultations and “Road Map” finalization.
Early 2027	The Launch	Global opening events and policy declarations.
Late 2027	The Impact Review	Measuring the shift toward regenerative travel models.
2028 & Beyond	The Legacy	Integrating 2027 successes into the post-2030 Global Agenda.

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The Verdict: A Sector Ready for its “Golden Era”

The launch of this Road Map proves that the global tourism industry is no longer content with being a passive observer of world events. In 2026, the sector is taking the lead, using the “International Year 2027” as a benchmark for a new era of travel—one that is responsible, equitable, and inherently resilient.

As we look toward 2027, the message is clear: the future of travel isn’t just about where we go, but how we leave the places we visit.

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