WTA Unveils New Research

Sanya, October 30 – At the WTA · Xianghu Dialogue 2024, the World Tourism Alliance (WTA) released two significant research findings, underscoring its commitment to sustainable tourism and rural revitalization. The first release, Developing Local Communities through Sustainable Tourism Development Roadmap, was jointly published with UN Tourism, while the second, 2024 WTA Best Practices of Rural Revitalization through Tourism, was developed in collaboration with the International Poverty Reduction Center in China.

Following their prior collaboration on Tourism: A Driver for Shared Prosperity, WTA and UN Tourism’s latest study, Developing Local Communities through Sustainable Tourism Development Roadmap, analyzes ten exemplary cases of sustainable community tourism from around the world. This research delves into the dynamic interactions between communities and tourism, offering practical guidance to local stakeholders on developing competitive, attractive, and sustainable tourism initiatives that meet long-term community needs for stability and growth. The study actively explores the synergies between tourism and other economic sectors, aiming to maximize the use of local resources, incorporate innovative technologies, and encourage cross-industry integration. Emphasis is placed on enhancing community members’ proactive involvement and participation in tourism activities, with the goal of fostering policies and management strategies that ensure harmonious coexistence among residents, businesses, and visitors. These insights aim to support the health, resilience, and sustainable development of communities by providing effective community policy and management frameworks.

For the fourth consecutive year, WTA and the International Poverty Reduction Center in China have collaborated to compile a collection of Best Practices of Rural Revitalization through Tourism. With contributions from provincial cultural and tourism departments across China, as well as WTA members, the report highlights 50 exemplary cases meeting the criteria of sustainability, replicability, quantifiability, innovation, material integrity, and positive social impact. These cases showcase China’s progress in rural development and tourism-driven revitalization, providing a foundation for sustainable development practices. By demonstrating how rural areas are transitioning from poverty alleviation to comprehensive revitalization, this collection strengthens global exchange on effective poverty alleviation and sustainable growth in rural areas.

Since its inception, WTA has championed the cause of “Promoting Tourism for Poverty Alleviation” as a central mission. Between 2018 and today, the Alliance has selected and published 100 exemplary cases of poverty alleviation and 200 examples of rural revitalization through tourism worldwide. Leveraging its position as an influential international NGO, WTA has consistently advanced the concept of tourism as a tool for poverty alleviation, conducted research, documented successful approaches, and explored new models. These efforts contribute significantly toward achieving the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.