UN Tourism has officially started its journey toward the International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism in 2027 by releasing a new strategic Road Map. The United Nations General Assembly previously tasked the organisation with leading this global initiative. This latest move signals a shift from theoretical discussions to practical delivery on a global scale.

The Road Map was developed through a collaborative effort and recently received formal support from the Committee on Tourism and Sustainability (CTS) during a meeting in Madrid. This committee is a subsidiary part of the Executive Council and manages the organisation’s work regarding sustainable travel.

UN Tourism Secretary-General Shaikha Al Nuwais says: “Sustainability and resilience are not end goals, they are a continuous process. The International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism 2027 will allow UN Tourism, as the leading international tourism organization, to support our Member States in positioning tourism as a truly transformative sector within the post-2030 agenda.”

The preparation for 2027 will follow a structured internal process. It will be anchored within the CTS and guided by a specific Steering Committee made up of Member States. Regional Commission meetings will provide further consultation before the Executive Council gives its final endorsement.

During the Madrid assembly, the committee praised the organisation for focusing on the specific priorities of its Member States. They also noted the commitment of the new leadership to build a strong foundation for the upcoming international year.

Chair and Minister of Tourism of Costa Rica William Rodríguez López said: “As leaders of tourism, we consistently highlight the sector’s transformative potential and its critical role in national and global development agendas, including climate action and reflections beyond 2030. The International Year offers a unique opportunity to translate this shared understanding into more concrete and coordinated action.”

This initiative aims to place the travel industry at the heart of the global development agenda as the world looks toward a post-2030 future. By establishing this Road Map now, UN Tourism intends to ensure that the 2027 milestone results in lasting change for the sector.