Towards the Development of the 10YFP Sustainable

10YFP is a global framework of action to enhance international cooperation to accelerate the shift towards SCP patterns in both developed and developing countries. Due to the increasing economic importance of tourism for developing and developed countries, sustainable tourism (including ecotourism) has been recognized as a key vehicle for sustainable development by world leaders and has been identified as one of the five initial programmes under the 10YFP. With 1 billion international tourist arrivals in 2012 and a contribution of 9 % to global GDP (direct, indirect and induced impact), tourism accounts for 1 in 11 jobs worldwide. Today, tourism is now one of the fastest growing and most important economic sectors in the world and substantial expansion is predicted to continue, especially for emerging destinations. Besides its positive economic effects, tourism can also play a crucial role in enhancing conservation and financing of the preservation of natural and cultural heritage, as well as in contributing to social inclusion in destinations. However, despite its positive potential, the growth of the sector often can bring a range of negative effects on the natural, socio-cultural and economic environment of destinations. Tourism´s substantial dependency on an intact social, cultural and natural environment has triggered a strong strategic interest to push forward sustainable development in a holistic way. Over the last 20 years the general interest and engagement of key stakeholder groups in sustainable tourism policies and practices has increased considerably. Evidence about the causes, risks and consequences of unsustainable forms of tourism have proliferated and