UNESCO’s latest report, People and Nature in UNESCO‑Designated Sites: Global and Local Contributions, underlines the crucial role played by some of the world’s most important destinations — many of them deeply embedded in the tourism value chain — as examples of how sustainability and development can progress hand in hand. 

People and nature:

what UNESCO’s latest report teaches us about tourism and sustainability 

With more than 2,260 sites and territories recognised by UNESCO across 175 countries, these areas — including many iconic tourism destinations — cover over 13 million square kilometres and support the lives of around 900 million people. They are not simply protected areas; they are living territories where nature, local economies and communities are closely interconnected. 

Beyond their natural and cultural value, these destinations generate tangible economic and social impact. Together, they account for around 10% of global GDP and attract 1.5 billion visitors every year, many of them to major tourism hotspots. They are also home to more than 1,000 languages, reflecting a rich cultural heritage that is intrinsically linked to local ecosystems and traditional ways of life. 

This is particularly relevant for the tourism sector. Sustainability is not only an environmental issue — it is also an economic and social one. As highlighted by UNESCO, these territories demonstrate that protecting nature and strengthening local economies go hand in hand, creating long‑term opportunities for employment, development and resilience. 

A key element of this model is the role of local and Indigenous communities. At least 25% of UNESCO‑designated sites overlap with lands managed by Indigenous peoples, and more than 260 sites support traditional practices such as pastoralism or sustainable resource management. These communities do not simply depend on their environment; they are its primary stewards, bringing generations of knowledge on how to live in balance with nature.

This reinforces a core message for our industry: truly sustainable tourism is tourism that recognises the value of local communities and creates shared value — for people, the environment and the industry itself — by integrating them as active part of the solution. 

At the same time, the report delivers a clear warning. Despite their resilience, nearly 90% of these sites now face increasing environmental risks, from climate change to growing pressure on natural resources. 

In this context, it becomes evident that sustainability in tourism depends on decisions that go far beyond the destination itself, involving all actors across the value chain. Collaboration between clients, suppliers and partners is therefore essential to scale solutions that enable a more responsible tourism model. 

At HBX Group, we believe the future of tourism lies in this approach: destinations where travel not only minimises negative impact, but actively contributes to preserving ecosystems and strengthening the communities that depend on them. 

The report makes one thing clear: protecting these territories is a shared responsibility. For the tourism sector, this translates into concrete actions: 

• Integrate sustainability into decision‑making, considering not only environmental impact but also social and cultural effects. 

• Align all actors across the value chain by working with partners committed to practices that respect ecosystems and local communities. 

• Design and offer responsible experiences that showcase natural and cultural heritage without compromising long‑term conservation. 

• Actively collaborate with local communities, recognising their role as guardians of destinations and generating sustainable economic opportunities. 

• Strengthen destination resilience by adopting models that reduce risk and protect the resources on which the sector depends. 

• Promote tourism that creates shared value, where industry growth goes hand in hand with environmental protection and community wellbeing.