UN launches tourism employment indicator to advance the SDGs

The United Nations (UN) has presented a new indicator to measure the impact of tourism employment on the fulfillment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This tool seeks to quantify how the sector contributes to decent work and economic growth in line with the 2030 Agenda.

In an effort to align tourism with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the UN has developed a specific indicator to assess the employment generated by this sector globally.

The initiative, highlighted in a recent report, aims to provide more accurate dataon how tourism supports the creation of decent jobs and sustainable economic development.

According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), tourism accounts for one in ten jobs worldwide, making it a key driver for reducing inequalities and promoting job opportunities, especially in developing countries. The new indicator will enable governments and international organizations to design more effective policies to promote inclusive and responsible tourism.

The tool also seeks to address challenges such as labor temporarinessand precarious conditionsin some regions, ensuring that the sector's growth is accompanied by improvements in labor rights and environmental sustainability. With this measure, the UN reinforces its commitment to SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth) and SDG 12 (responsible production and consumption).

Experts highlight that the indicator could be fundamental for reorienting post-pandemic strategies, where tourism is emerging as an axis of global economic recovery. Its implementation will be coordinated with agencies such as the UNWTO and the International Labor Organization (ILO).