TOURISM OCEAN ACTION - TOWARDS A CIRCULAR AND REGENERATIVE BLUE ECONOMY - Side event at the UN Ocean Conference 2022

Tourism is the largest sector of the ocean-based industries representing 40% of its total export value. Coastal and maritime tourism plays a significant role in the economic prosperity of island and coastal communities, bringing jobs, investment and income. Besides the benefits of tourism development, there are also challenges such as the loss of biodiversity, pollution and resource consumption.

At the core of the blue economy is the decoupling of socioeconomic development from environmental impacts. The side-event will focus on sustainable consumption and production as a key strategy to accelerate tourism ocean action. Policy makers and businesses will share policies, strategies and solutions to accelerate the contribution of towards a more circular and regenerative blue economy.

Agenda

Welcome remarks:

• H.E. Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General, World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) – video
• H.E. Antonio Costa Silva, Minister of Economy and Maritime Affairs, Portugal
• Hon. Najib Balala, Cabinet Secretary for Tourism & Wildlife, Kenya

Keynote:

• Ms. Susan Gardner, Ecosystem Division Director, UN Environment Programme (UNEP)

Roundtable discussion:

• Moderated by Ms. Zoritsa Urosevic, UNWTO Executive Director

Panelists:

• Hon. Faiyaz Koya, Minister of Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport, Republic of Fiji - video
• Hon. Najib Balala, Cabinet Secretary for Tourism & Wildlife, Kenya
• Mr. Luis Araujo, President, Turismo de Portugal
• Ms. Catherine Haswell, UN Resident Coordinator, Maldives
• Ms. Gloria Fluxá, CSO, Iberostar Group
• Mr. Frédéric Dégret, CEO, NOAH Regen
• Mr. Graeme Jackson, Head of Partnerships, Travel Foundation

For more information and key recommendations for action, visit this webpage.