In 2019, prior to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, LLDCs received 50.2 million international tourists generating USD 22.6 billion in exports. Tourism represented 10% of total exports and an estimated 4% direct GDP. LLDCs accounted for 3.5% of all international tourist arrivals but only 1.3% of revenues. In 2024, as international tourism recovered preliminary data indicates that the group of LLDCs has welcomed 50 million international tourist arrivals, around the same level as prior to the pandemic.
Tourism plays a significant role in the priority areas of the Awaza Programme of Action (APoA) for Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) for the Decade 2024–2034, specifically when it comes to structural transformation, private sector development, foreign direct investment, transit, transport, and connectivity.
The Side-Event will provide a set of recommendations on policies and initiatives to accelerate sustainable tourism development in LLDCs as an effective means for economic diversification and socio-economic inclusion through rural tourism as well as sharing of good practices among public and private sector and international organizations.