Sustainable tourism and sustainable development in Central Asia A/RES/74/214 Welcoming the ongoing efforts of the Central Asian countries to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals at the national and regional levels, Recognizing the importance of various international events held in Central Asia and other forums in further promoting the sustainable tourism industry in the region, Noting that the countries of Central Asia intend to attract more national and international financing and investment in their tourism sectors, Emphasizing that the passage of the Great Silk Road through Central Asia and the efforts of Central Asian countries to promote tourism on world markets are increasing the interest of foreign tourists in the region, 1. Notes the significant practical contribution of the Central Asian countries to strengthening regional stability and sustainable development, as well as their efforts in this regard; 2. Expresses its support for the regional efforts and initiatives aimed at strengthening economic cooperation in Central Asia; 3. Appreciates the contribution of international development assistance to the promotion of tourism in Central Asia; 4. Invites Member States, other stakeholders, and the World Tourism Organization, within its mandate and resources, to continue to support the Central Asian countries in their efforts to develop responsible and sustainable tourism in the region and to that end: (a) To participate in capacity-building activities to achieve the internationally agreed development goals, including the Sustainable Development Goals, 8 through facilitating access to tourism-related benefits to all sectors of society, in particular people in vulnerable situations; (b) To expand cooperation with Central Asian countries in the field of sustainable tourism according to their respective international commitments; (c) To help formulate the main directions of a consolidated and comprehensive policy for the sustainable development of tourism in the Central Asian region, taking into account the specifics and the level of economic development of each country of the region; (d) To support sustainable tourism activities and relevant capacity-building efforts that promote environmental awareness, conserve and protect the environment, respect wildlife, biodiversity, ecosystems and cultural diversity, as well as natural, historical and cultural heritage and increase tourist flow, and to promote the development of sustainable tourism and strategies that attract foreign touris ts to Central Asia and improve the welfare and livelihoods of local communities by supporting their local economies and the human and natural environment as a whole; (e) To join efforts to introduce the practice of creating and implementing innovation technologies to modernize the tourism industry; 5. Encourages the Central Asian countries: (a) To unite their efforts on the widespread introduction of active types of tourism, including mountain tourism, ecotourism, sport fishing and car and bicycle travel; __________________ 8 19-22428 See resolution 70/1. 3/4