NEW YORK, Jan. 3 (UPI) -- U.N. tourism officials lauded support for a resolution calling on member states to support ecotourism as a means to fight poverty.
"The remarkable support that the resolution has received, from all regions and across the development spectrum, is a clear testimony that sustainable tourism has a vital role to play in a fairer and sustainable future for all," said Secretary-General of the U.N. World Tourism Organization Taleb Rifai.
The resolution was sponsored by a record 105 delegations and was drafted with input from 48 member states, the U.N. News Agency said Thursday.
It calls on nations to do more to support low income communities rich in natural resources to provide protection for those resources and do more to promote their popularity. The emphasis on the environment and economic growth through tourism "creates significant opportunities for the conservation, protection and sustainable use of biodiversity and of natural areas by encouraging local and indigenous communities in host countries and tourists alike to preserve and respect the natural and cultural heritage," the resolution says.
