Tourism in the Green Economy: Background Report

This report is an expanded version of the Tourism chapter of the Green Economy Report which makes an economic case for investing in the greening of tourism and provides guidance on how to mobilize such investments. The objective is to motivate policy makers to support increased investment in greening the sector. Tourism has significant potential as a driver for growth of the world economy. The sheer size and reach of the sector makes it critically important from a global resource perspective. Even small changes toward greening can have important impacts. Further, the sector’s connection to numerous sectors at destination and international levels means that changes in practices can stimulate changes in many different public and private actors beyond the direct and immediate impact of tourism activity.