Tourism is one of the largest global industries, with the highest growth rates. The developing countries’ market share of global tourism is 16.2 percent, also with a growing tendency. Along with economic aspects such as employment opportunities and a high potential for growth, it is essential that social, cultural and ecological criteria are taken into account for the medium and long-term sustainability of tourism operations and facilities. Such criteria must be covered and made transparent by quality standards so as to enable customers of the tourism industry to make informed decisions.

The promotion of tourism is a top priority in Technical Cooperation and the tourism industry is increasingly willing to join forces. GTZ is currently implementing some 50 projects with a tourism component, or the potential to promote tourism. Many of these projects are active in the field of environmental protection and resource conservation, with the aim to tap new resources of income for people living in the periphery of nature reserves. The promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises in the tourism sector is also of growing importance.

Key thematic areas of tourism promotion:

• environmental protection and natural resource conservation
• economic development and poverty reduction
• ecological and social standards.