On the national day of sustainable tourism celebrated on the 20th March in Rabat, Morocco declared joining the United Nations World Tourism Organization as a partner of the International year of sustainable tourism for development. Morocco's commitment will support the international year of sustainable tourism and contribute in the promotion of responsible tourism. «The commitment of the Empire of Morocco with the tourism field is remarkable, not only by becoming a member of now the International Year associated with Sustainable Tourism for Development, but additionally by other gestures done in earlier times such as partnering with the World Travel and leisure Organization in promoting more responsible methods and leading the process of adoption from the African Charter», declared UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai in an article published by the organization's website. Talking about sustainable tourism, the United Nations Tourism Organization is an agency that works on promoting an environment-friendly model of tourism. It holds the responsibility of encouraging nations to develop a responsible kind of tourism and contributes into minimizing the negative impacts that this field can bring. In this regard, 2017 as a year of sustainable tourism is occupied with the task of boosting the tourism sector in several areas such as employment, poverty, climate change and cultural heritage. As an active actor in the field of responsible tourism, Morocco offered back in November 2016 during the Cop22 held in Marrakech to contribute and engage in the programme. The kingdom will participate in preserving the environment and guarantee social and economic growth.
