UNESCO launched the World Heritage and Sustainable Tourism Programme where planning for tourism and heritage management is integrated at a destination level, the natural and cultural assets are valued and protected, and appropriate tourism developed. The Programme creates an international framework for cooperation and coordinated achievement across sectors in order to ensure that tourism delivers benefits for conservation of cultural and natural UNESCO World Heritage sites, a quality experience for visitors, and sustainable economic development for local communities.

In support of Rio+20 outcome paragraph 130 - Support sustainable tourism activities and relevant capacitybuilding that promote environmental awareness, conserve and protect the environment, respect wildlife, flora, biodiversity, ecosystems and cultural diversity, and improve the welfare and livelihoods of local communities by supporting their local economies and the human and natural environment as a whole. We call for enhanced support for sustainable tourism activities and relevant capacity-building in developing countries in order to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development.

In support of Rio+20 outcome paragraph 131 - Promotion of investment in sustainable tourism, including eco-tourism and cultural tourism, which may include creating small and mediumsized enterprises and facilitating access to finance, including through microcredit initiatives for the poor, indigenous peoples and local communities in areas with high eco-tourism potential. In this regard, we underline the importance of establishing, where necessary, appropriate guidelines and regulations in accordance with national priorities and legislation for promoting and supporting sustainable tourism.