Sustainable Tourism Response to Global Warming The tourism and travel industry is one of the largest global economic sectors and is seen as a priority source of foreign exchange earnings and job creation in many countries around the world. The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) forecasts that international tourist arrivals will reach 1.6 billion by the year 2020. The UNWTO has determined that tourism, if properly planned and managed, will continue to play a vital role in contributing to economic and socio-cultural development with special emphasis on poverty alleviation, gender equality, cultural preservation and natural conservation.