Preparations Begin Following UN General Assembly Mandate
Madrid | February 2, 2026-UN Tourism has formally launched a Road Map to guide preparations for the International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism 2027, marking a significant step from policy dialogue to implementation.
The initiative follows a mandate from the United Nations General Assembly, which entrusted UN Tourism with coordinating and delivering the International Year.
The Road Map was developed through a collaborative process and received strong endorsement from the Committee on Tourism and Sustainability (CTS).
Positioning Tourism in the Post-2030 Agenda
UN Tourism Secretary-General Shaikha Al Nuwais emphasised that sustainability and resilience are ongoing processes rather than fixed objectives.
“The International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism 2027 will allow UN Tourism, as the leading international tourism organization, to support our Member States in positioning tourism as a truly transformative sector within the post-2030 agenda,” she said.
The initiative aims to strengthen tourism’s role in climate action, inclusive development and long-term economic resilience.
Governance and Implementation Framework
The pathway to 2027 will be structured around established governance mechanisms within UN Tourism:
- The Committee on Tourism and Sustainability (CTS) will anchor the process.
- A Steering Committee of Member States will provide guidance.
- Regional Commission consultations will inform priorities.
- Final endorsement will come from the Executive Council.
The CTS, a subsidiary body of the Executive Council, is responsible for overseeing implementation of UN Tourism’s programme of work in sustainable tourism.
Member States Signal Support
Meeting in Madrid, Committee members commended the Organization’s engagement with Member States and welcomed early mobilisation efforts.
William Rodríguez López, Chair of the Committee and Costa Rica’s Minister of Tourism, highlighted the opportunity to translate tourism’s recognised transformative potential into coordinated action.
He noted that the International Year presents a platform to align tourism policy with national development priorities, climate objectives and global reflections beyond 2030.
From Vision to Delivery
The Road Map outlines structured engagement across regions, ensuring Member States contribute to shaping thematic priorities and implementation milestones leading up to 2027.
By formalising preparatory processes two years in advance, UN Tourism aims to ensure measurable outcomes, policy coherence and stronger integration of sustainability and resilience principles into national tourism strategies.
The International Year is expected to serve as a catalyst for embedding sustainable tourism into broader economic and development frameworks worldwide.
