Press release -
Happy New Sustainable Year of Tourism 2017
The declaration by the UN of 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development is completely in line with the strategy* of the tourism industry in Jämtland Härjedalen. The Sustainability Policy developed by Jämtland Härjedalen Tourism and its members is the very foundation for this regional tourism strategy and forms a unique opportunity to advance the contribution of the tourism sector to social, cultural and economic development in balance with Earth's ecological systems as far as we possibly can with available resources.
Sweden and Jämtland Härjedalen is ahead when it comes to responsible and sustainable development of the tourism industry. This comes natural as Sweden is a relatively sparsely populated country with a long tradition of people staying close to nature, the environment and local culture.
The tourism industry in Jämtland Härjedalen has the knowledge and awareness of the impacts of tourism and looks positively to the trends showing todays as well as future guests' growing interest in taking their part in acting responsibly with a strong wish to do the right thing.
- We are excited to hear about the UNWTO plans for 2017 and see great possibilities in letting tourism become the catalyst of positive change all over the world. To highlight the common responsibility for the future is something we have set high on the agenda and also made clear in our sustainability policy. Guests wanting to do the right thing and act responsible increase, to us it is about constructing the right tools, like in our latest venture adventuresweden.com where we try to emphasize the guest being part of the regions' cultural and social setting. By an agreement between Svensk Turism (Swedish Tourism), where Jämtland Härjedalen Tourism is the majority shareholder, Visita (the major sector and employer's organisation of tourism in Sweden) and UNWTO we have committed ourselves to contribute to the long term sustainability of the tourism industry internationally, says Mats Forslund, CEO of Jämtland Härjedalen Tourism.
With a total tourism turnover of 4.65 billion SEK, over 10 million guest nights, 4 400 direct full-time jobs, great importance for the development of other related businesses and tax revenues of approximately SEK 625 million every year, tourism in Jämtland Härjedalen is continuously growing and a base industry** to count on. A sustainable tourism development also provides a competitive advantage. With proper handling, Sweden and Jämtland Härjedalen are long term winners and an obvious choice for nature based experiences in the future.
*Strategy 2030: For the tourism industry in Jämtland Härjedalen - please see attached document.
**Information about the tourism industry in Jämtland Härjedalen - please see attached document.
More information:
The United Nations 70th General Assembly has designated 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development (A/RES/70/193).
http://www2.unwto.org/tourism4development2017
United Nations Secretary-General, Banki-moon
World Tourism Day Message, 2015:
"With more than one billion international tourists now traveling the world each year, tourism has become a powerful and transformative force that is making a genuine difference in the lives of millions of people. The potential of tourism for sustainable development is considerable. As one of the world’s leading employment sectors, tourism provides important livelihood opportunities, helping to alleviate poverty and drive inclusive development."
Jämtland Härjedalen Tourism (JHT) is an economic association founded in 1995. It is the professional business platform for the development of the tourism industry in Jämtland Härjedalen. JHT represents the region’s tourism industry in national and international contexts. JHT is owned by and cooperates with the county’s destinations and tourist companies, representatives of the public sector and stakeholder organisations. The association board is made up of representatives of the county’s tourism industry and representatives of the municipalities and the Regional Association, Region Jämtland Härjedalen.
