UEF6: Financing Sustainable Tourism, Advancing Quality of Life

In the upcoming 6th Urban Economy Forum, UEF intends to explore the potential of tourism as a major factor and resource that can be tapped by cities worldwide. Tourism, and urban tourism in particular, if managed well, can contribute to sustainable economic growth for communities locally and nationally. Tourism is a significant economic driver that contributes to job creation, revenue generation, and cultural exchange. However, as an engine of growth, it puts enormous stress on local land use, increased pollution, and natural habitat loss, gradually affecting the environmental resources on which it depends. As one of the fastest-growing sectors and the largest industries in the world, tourism is highly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change but can also be an important contributor to achieving international climate goals. Furthermore, the pandemic-induced travel restrictions and health concerns caused a steep decline in global tourism, adversely affecting economies and businesses heavily reliant on tourist activities.

UEF6 will focus on the fundamental notion of sustainable tourism and its nexus to various subjects and will open a debate on the theory and practices that while contributing to economic growth, prosperity, and local development, ensure the protection and conservation of natural resources, biodiversity and the promotion of cultural aspects simultaneously, including local assets and values, activate the available resources and generate positive social impacts with direct and measurable improvements in quality of life.