Yearender: The world's top 10 tourism industry events in 2015

[Photo/China National Tourism Administration]

3. UN names 2017 Int'l Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development

The UN General Assembly passed a resolution on Dec 4 that 2017 would be the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development.

This decision was welcomed by UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai, who said the decision was a chance to "advance the contribution of the tourism sector to the three pillars of sustainability: economic, social, and environmental."

Rifai added it would also raise awareness of a part of the tourism industry that is often "undervalued," and said his organization would collaborate with "governments and relevant organizations," to ensure it was a success.