United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres speaks at the United Nations Security Council meeting in New York, US, November 9, 2021. (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

In a video message sent to the 24th General Assembly of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), on Tuesday, Guterres emphasized that tourism must develop to be green, reduce emissions, especially in water and air transport, and must bring benefits to disadvantaged communities, contributing to gender equality and enhance cross-cultural understanding.

"It means sustainable tourism, which builds resilience, protects our planet and delivers on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development," said the secretary-general.

The UN chief also expressed his hope that the decisions taken at this UNWTO General Assembly will help restore confidence in tourism and “get the world moving safely,” thereby helping developing economies benefit from sustainable tourism.