UN calls summit as world tourism grows

An international summit has been called by the United Nations to tackle the social and environmental problems caused by tourism, from a rise in drug use to sewage-polluted beaches.

The damage to local communities brought about by tourists is usually ignored in the glossy holiday brochures, argues the UN Commission on Sustainable Development.

Low-paying jobs, a cheapening of their culture and traditions and a rise in prostitution and drug use are cited as some of the problems that have arisen in developing countries.

This month (19-21 April) government representatives, tourist groups and lobby groups are to meet in New York to discuss the problems associated with uncontrolled growth in tourism.

"We have high hopes that some concrete and practical steps will come from it," said JoAnne DiSano, director of the UN Commission for Sustainable Development.

Sex tourism and child labour are expected to feature high on the summit's agenda, to follow up on a charter and other measures set up by the World Tourism Organisation.

Some lobby groups are also calling for a larger share of profits and benefits to come back to communities through purchase of local food, supplies and promotion of local crafts.

The number of international travellers is expected to rise from 612 million in 1997 to about 1.6 billion by 2020.

Next year, travel and tourism is expected to generate 11.7% of world gross domestic product and account for almost 200 million jobs.

by Christina Golding