ILO guidelines on decent work and socially responsible tourism

Tourism is firmly positioned in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Its importance as a driver for job creation and the promotion of local economic development, local culture and products is reflected in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 8, 12 and 14 which include tourism-specific targets. The role of tourism as “a vehicle for job creation, economic growth and development” has also been recognized by the G20. Declarations issued by the G20 Tourism Ministers since 2010 reaffirm G20 countries’ commitment to advance initiatives that promote more and better jobs in the tourism sector.

Furthermore, tourism has been identified by the United Nations General Assembly in the “Future We Want” outcome document as a significant contributor to sustainable development, and by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) as one of the sectors that can lead the transition to the green economy.

These guidelines are designed to support ILO constituents and other stakeholders engaged in the design and implementation of interventions on the promotion of decent work and full and productive employment in the tourism sector with a view to enhancing its sustainability and contributing to the achievement of the SDGs. They are intended for use by all those who are engaged in promoting full and productive employment and decent work in the tourism sector at international, national, regional, local and enterprise level, including governments, policy-makers, employers’ and workers’ organizations, intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).