Today, on World Tourism Day, respect_NFI | Naturefriends International renews its long-standing call for a trend reversal in tourism – towards responsible tourism that focuses on people and our planet. This also requires a law that obliges companies to take responsibility for people and the environment throughout their supply chains.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased poverty around the world, with another 32 million people pushed into extreme poverty in 2020, according to UNCTAD, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. Many people who worked in tourism are affected – and here in particular the most vulnerable: the precariously employed, young people and women.      
 
"Leave no one behind!" – the motto of the 2030 Agenda – must apply especially now, as we emerge from the crisis and also to tourism development. However, this can only be achieved through the participation of all stakeholders, respect for social standards and human rights and careful use of natural resources.

"Some tour operators and tourism companies are already taking their social responsibility seriously – such as the members of the 'Roundtable Human Rights in Tourism', who have voluntarily committed themselves to respect human rights. But voluntary action alone will not work. There is an urgent need for strong supply chain legislation that holds companies accountable for the social and environmental sustainability of their services and products," calls Cornelia Kühhas, tourism expert at respect_NFI.  

On this basis, the tourism industry can be sustainable and resilient to crises, provide quality travel products, contribute to the preservation of our planet and support the path to a good life for all – as stated as a goal in the 2030 Agenda.