Putting health at the heart of tourism development in small countries of the WHO European Region: policy brief

Abstract

This policy brief is based on an evidence review, which summarizes for the first time what is known about the relationship between health and tourism as seen through a sustainability lens. It was developed for the 11 small countries in the WHO European region that participate in the Small Countries Initiative but may also be relevant to other countries. The brief focuses on how the COVID-19 pandemic has brought the importance of health in the development of tourism to the forefront. It proposes mechanisms for building back better that are beyond businessas usual, and emphasizes the need to strengthen cooperation and coordination at all levels towards placing health high on the tourism agenda.