Green innovation in tourism can trigger major economic, social and environmental benefits

Tourism experts from international organisations, United Nations agencies and the tourism public and private sector have outlined how green innovation in tourism can drive sustainable development by reducing costs, boosting revenue, creating jobs and improving resource efficiency (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 19 June). The Rio+20 event `Green Innovation in Tourism´, co-hosted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) with the support of the Brazilian Ministry of Tourism and the UNWTO Affiliate Member CNC-SENAC gathered 300 tourism experts worldwide. “The definition of competitiveness in tourism is closely linked with three objectives: development, inclusion and conservation,” said the Minister of Tourism of Brazil, Gastão Dias Vieira, opening the `Green Innovation in Tourism´ event. “There can be no economic growth in tourism without sustainability, without conservation of natural resources and without incentives to citizenship”. See full Press Release.