The Angkor Wat temple in Cambodia.
©bigstockphoto.com/MasterLu
UN international years
Cultural Understanding
The United Nations (UN) has declared 2017 as a year to recognize that tourism is important in fostering better understanding among people.
International travel leads to greater awareness of the heritage of other civilizations, and as a result an appreciation of other countries. According to the UN, this contributes to the strengthening of world peace.
Local Benefits
Sustainable tourism is the concept of only making a positive impact on the environment, society, and economy of the country or location the tourist is visiting.
The UN points out that sustainable tourism can have a positive effect in developing countries by eradicating poverty, protecting the environment, and overall improving the quality of life.