KATHMANDU: Tourism emerged as a central theme for economic transformation at the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3), where global experts underscored its potential to diversify economies, create jobs, and foster inclusion.

The side event, “Tourism: Driving Economic Diversification and Inclusion in LLDCs,” was hosted by UN Tourism and brought together government leaders, UN agencies, and development partners to explore sustainable and rural tourism opportunities for the world’s landlocked nations.

According to UN Tourism data, Landlocked Developing Countries welcomed 50 million international arrivals in 2024, representing 3.5% of global arrivals. However, they generated only 1.4% of international tourism export revenues, highlighting the need for resource mobilization, policy innovation, and higher value per visitor. On average, each tourist spent USD 445 in LLDCs — far below the USD 1,182 global average.

Tourism features prominently in the Awaza Programme of Action (APoA) 2024–2034, which calls for doubling the output of service sectors — including tourism — by 2034, while building stronger links between tourism, agriculture, creative industries, and cultural heritage.

“Landlocked Developing Countries are extremely rich in cultural and natural assets that the world is eager to experience,” said Zoritsa Urosevic, Executive Director of UN Tourism. “Tourism offers a unique opportunity to diversify economies, empower communities, and create sustainable livelihoods, particularly through rural development.”

The event concluded with a presentation on UN Tourism’s Tourism for Rural Development Programme, which supports Member States through initiatives like the Best Tourism Villages awards, a rural destination self-assessment tool, and a pilot small grants programme in Africa supported by the TUI Care Foundation.

Tourism in Landlocked Developing Countries — At a Glance

• 2024 International Arrivals: 50 million (3.5% of global total)
• Tourism Export Revenue Share: 1.4% of global total
• Average Income per Visitor: USD 445 (vs. USD 1,182 global average)
• Target under Awaza Programme of Action (2024–2034): Double service sector output, including tourism
• Key Sectors for Linkages: Agriculture, creative industries, cultural heritage, nature conservation

Strategic Recommendations:

• Promote rural, cultural, and nature-based tourism for jobs & inclusion.
• Build infrastructure, transport, and cross-border connectivity.
• Empower MSMEs and community-led initiatives with capacity-building.
• Develop responsible tourism products safeguarding heritage & nature.
• Expand financing tools, including small grants & PPPs.