Description
International tourism has become an important economic activity that is increasingly benefiting LDCs. In fact, tourism ranks among the top-3 export sectors in almost half of all LDCs. The emergence of internationally competitive hospitality industries in several of these countries is part of a broader process of domestic structural transformation and economic diversification enabling these countries to integrate more effectively - and more gainfully - into the global economy. Concomitant social effects, notable through new opportunities for employment and income generation, contribute to poverty reduction in LDCs. The event will highlight key areas of international support measures for tourism development in LDCs to be implemented under a new programme of action during 2011-2020.