The United Nations International Year of Sustainable Tourism
Development in 2017 is promoted by World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), which together
with Sanrio, appointed the lovable pop culture icon Hello Kitty as the special
ambassador of the International Year.
“Sanrio's best-known character, Hello Kitty will promote the
Year’s campaign ‘Travel. Enjoy. Respect’,” says UNWTO.
Hello Kitty will support UNWTO with its efforts in communicating
the messages of the International Year, and highlight the role of tourism in
achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with a global audience.
According
to UNWTO, being a sustainable traveller means honouring your hosts and
common heritage, protecting our planet, supporting the local economy, and being
a respectful and informed traveller.
“Travelling opens our minds and our hearts, and lets us see
how we are equal,” says Hello Kitty in the video, adding that travellers must
respect nature, cultures and their hosts.