Overview

UN Tourism, formerly known as the World Tourism Organization, is a specialized agency of the United Nations dedicated to promoting responsible, sustainable, and accessible tourism. UNT serves as a global forum for tourism policy, treating tourism as an opportunity for economic growth, industrial development, and environmental sustainability. The agency and its 160 member states also address ethical issues of tourism, investment strategies, and maintaining public health. In this committee, delegates will discuss the environmental and ethical implications of tourism through the topics of boosting climate-friendly tourism and cultural commodification.

Topic 1: Boosting Climate-friendly Tourism

As climate change becomes a growing issue, the climate impacts of tourism have gained additional attention for the ways that international travel significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Through air travel, large sized resorts, and visitation of fragile ecosystems, additional strain is placed on natural resources in tourist destinations while carbon emissions boom. The most popular locations frequently experience water shortages, excessive amounts of waste, and damage to local habitats, undermining the economic benefits that local residents experience. Because many economies rely on tourism for income, creating a balance between the large-scale travel industry and environmental protection is challenging and often controversial. In this committee, delegates will identify how weak regulations and economic dependence have allowed unsustainable travel practices to persist and explore alternatives.

Topic 2: Cultural Commodification

When many people from outside countries travel to a place they often desire to experience the culture of the destination they are traveling to. Although this seems reasonable, local populations are often left frustrated as cultural traditions, symbols, and practices are used for economic gain. In many cases, aspects of culture are modified to maximize consumption and profit, often stripped of historical significance and value. This process contributes to the loss of cultural identity, particularly for indigenous and marginalized communities. Others argue that cultural industries can create visibility and provide income for members of the culture. In this committee, delegates will explore solutions that aim to balance the benefits and negative impacts of using culture for business purposes.