UN warns possible disastrous consequences of tourism rapid growth

Almaty. December 27. Silkroadnews - The United Nations warned on possible disastrous consequences of tourism’s rapid growth, the Kazakh Telegraph Agency (KazTAG) reports with reference to the UN press service.
According to the UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai, last year alone, 1235 million travellers crossed international borders in one single year. By 2030, this 1.2 billion will become 1.8 billion. Such a rapid growth in tourism can turn into a catastrophe, but can also open new opportunities. Tourism is often seen as something of a secondary nature, but for many countries it can serve as a driver for economic development. At the same time, the excessive inflow of tourists could cause environmental damage, excessive load on infrastructure and threatens cultural and historical values that attract travelers’ attention.
He believes, the advantages of tourism should be used for the benefit of mankind within bringing minimizing its negative consequences.
Speaking about examples of due attitude in this regard, Rifai referred to Cancun and positive changes taking part there: the resorts there are being restored along with mangroves that have been affected by human activities. The right measures undertaken allow the resort to become more attractive for tourists.
According to the UNWTO, 2017 was a record year for the number of international tourists.
Among the leaders there are China, South Korea, the United States and Canada. The most rapid growth, after a period of decline, was noted in the Russian Federation and Brazil, where the growth made 27% and 35% respectively, the statement said.