The United Nations has officially integrated a new tourism employment indicator into the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Indicator Framework, strengthening recognition of tourism’s role in global development. Endorsed at the 56th session of the UN Statistical Commission, this marks the first time global tourism employment data will be systematically monitored within the SDG process.
Tourism currently accounts for 5.6% of global employment, with 127 million people working in the sector in 2023. The new indicator will help policymakers track employment trends, address inequalities, and maximize tourism’s economic and social benefits. It will also be included in UN Sustainable Development Goals reports and available in global statistical databases.
Led by Austria, Spain, Saudi Arabia, CARICOM, ILO, and UN Tourism, the initiative provides a broader perspective on tourism’s sustainability, ensuring its contribution to economic progress and social inclusion worldwide.