22 May 2002: The World Ecotourism Summit, the key event of the International Year of Ecotourism, took place from 19–22 May 2002 in Québec, Canada.

Organized by UNEP, the World Tourism Organization and Environment Canada, the summit attracted 1,200 delegates and representatives of the tourism industry from 133 countries. The four main themes of the summit were: ecotourism policy and planning – the sustainability challenge; regulation of ecotourism – institutional responsibilities and frameworks; product development, marketing and promotion of ecotourism – fostering sustainable products and consumers; and monitoring costs and benefits of ecotourism – ensuring equitable distribution among all stakeholders. Participants also considered the cross-cutting themes of the sustainability of ecotourism from the environmental, economic and socio-cultural points of view and involvement and empowerment of local communities and indigenous people in the ecotourism development process. The summit produced a “Quebec Declaration” on Ecotourism, which will be officially tabled at the WSSD.

For more information visit: http://www.ecotourism2002.org