Message by the Pontifical Council for Migrants and Itinerant People for World Tourism Day 2013. A future to protect

Message by the Pontifical Council for Migrants and Itinerant People for World Tourism Day 2013.

A future to protect

On 27 September World Tourism Day will be celebrated on the theme chosen by the World Tourism Organization this year: “Tourism and water: protecting our common future”. This is in line with the “International Year of Cooperation for Water”,  proclaimed by the General Assembly of the United Nations, during the International Decade for Action “Water, source of life” (2005-2015), in order to highlight “that water is critical for sustainable development, especially for environmental integrity and eradication of poverty and hunger, it is essential for the health and well-being of human beings, and is fundamental to achieve the Millennium Development Goals”. The Holy See also wishes to join in this commemoration, bringing its contribution from its own perspective, aware of the importance of the phenomenon of tourism at the present time and the challenges and opportunities it provides to our mission of evangelization.
This is one of the economic sectors with the largest and fastest growth in the world. We must not forget that last year it was exceeded the milestone of one billion international tourists, to which we must add the even higher figures of local tourism. In the tourism sector, water is of crucial importance, an asset and a resource. It is an asset because people feel naturally drawn to it, and there are millions of tourists seeking to enjoy this natural element during their days off, by choosing as their holiday destination some ecosystems where water is the most specific element (wetlands, beaches, rivers, lakes, waterfalls, islands, glaciers or snowfields, just to name a few), or trying to grasp its many benefits (especially in seaside resorts or spas).
At the same time, water is also a resource for the tourism industry and it is essential, among other things, to hotels, restaurants and leisure activities. Looking at the future, tourism will be a real benefit if it will be able to manage these resources according to the criteria of the “green economy”, an economy whose environmental impact is kept within acceptable limits. We are invited, therefore, to promote ecotourism, environmentally friendly and sustainable, that can surely promote the creation of new jobs, support the local economy and reduce poverty.
Therefore more determination from politicians and entrepreneurs is necessary, because, although all are aware of the challenges made by the issue of water, we are conscious that this willingness should be put into practice with binding, specific and verifiable commitments.

This situation requires above all a change of mentality leading to adopt a different lifestyle marked by sobriety and self-discipline. We must ensure that tourists are aware and reflect on their responsibilities and the impact of their trip. They must be convinced that not everything is allowed, although they personally carry the economic burden. We need to educate and encourage the small gestures allowing us not to waste or pollute the water and, at the same time, help us appreciate even more its importance.



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