Ecoship supports the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development
As part of the observance of the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development 2017, Peace Boat and the Ecoship are engaging with the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) to support this global campaign. Through the engagement, Peace Boat becomes a Friend of the International Year. The global campaign seeks to raise awareness and mobilize efforts to move towards more sustainable tourism around the world. As part of this new commitment, Peace Boat attended the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) General Assembly in Chengdu, China, 11-16 September 2017. This year’s 22nd session, the second in China and the sixth in the Asia and the Pacific region, was attended by delegates from more than 150 countries and representatives from +500 UNWTO Affiliate Members representing public and private organizations, destinations, NGOs and educational institutions.
“It is an honour for Peace Boat to collaborate with the UNWTO. We think tourism is a spur for positive change and has enormous potential to contribute to many of the SDG. Throughout our history, we have used our ship and our world voyages to bring together people and to increase mutual understanding. Our best practices will be furthermore enhanced through the launching of the Ecoship”, said Yoshioka Tatsuya, Peace Boat founder, and director.
The United Nations General Assembly declared 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development. The year seeks to raise awareness among the public and private sectors as well as the general public regarding the contribution of sustainable tourism to development while mobilizing all stakeholders to work together to make tourism a catalyst for change. Peace Boat’s commitment to sustainable tourism has increased with the announcement to build Ecoship, the world’s greenest cruise ship – promising a 40% CO2 reduction, no emissions in ports and a no-discharge operation – which will be ready to sail in 2020.
In the context of the 2030 for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the International Year aims to foster changes in policies, business practices, and consumer behavior, with the objective of making tourism a more sustainable sector that can contribute to achieving these SDGs. In line with this, the 22nd session of the General Assembly has themed “Tourism and the Sustainable Development Goals – Journey to 2030”.
UNWTO, the specialized agency of the United Nations in the field of tourism, is mandated to facilitate the organization and observance of the International Year, in collaboration with governments, the relevant organizations of the United Nations system, regional and international organizations and other stakeholders.