About
Why Least Developed Countries?
Least developed countries (LDCs) are low-income countries confronting severe structural impediments to sustainable development. They are highly vulnerable to economic and environmental challenges and have low levels of human assets. There are currently 44 countries on this list, which is reviewed every three years by the Committee for Development Policy (CDP).
Least developed countries are considered a priority in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Countries classified as Least developed meet the following criteria
Income
Countries with an average per capita income of below USD1,088 (2024) for inclusion, and above USD1,306 (2024) for graduation.
Human Assets
Low score on the Human Assets Index, which measures aspects of health and education outcomes, like under-five mortality rate or material mortality.
Economic and Environmental Vulnerability
High score on the Economic and Environmental Vulnerability Index, which measures remoteness or dependence on agriculture.
Tourism and Least Developed Countries
According to the United Nations, sustainable tourism has the potential to be a key driver of development in many least developed countries. The sector, with its extensive linkages to a wide range of stakeholders and activities, can contribute to economic growth, community development, intercultural dialogue and environmental conservation.
Tourism is...
Tourism For Development Fund Projects
Least Developed Countries
TUI Care Foundation Projects in Least Developed Countries
Global Programmes:
Senegal
US$ 2,400 million contribution of tourism to GDP (7.5% of total); 372,100 million tourism jobs (7.1% of total)
Source: World Travel &Tourism Council 2024 Annual Research, Data for 2023 year
Running Projects:
The Gambia
US$ 334.8 million contribution of tourism to GDP (14.4% of total), 126.7 million tourism jobs (13.5% of total)
Source: World Travel &Tourism Council 2024 Annual Research, Data for 2023 year
Running Projects:
Zambia
US$ 1,700 million contribution of tourism to GDP (6.2% of total); 446,000 tourism jobs (6.7% of total)
Source: World Travel &Tourism Council 2024 Annual Research, Data for 2023 year
Running Projects:
Rwanda
US$ 1,400 million contribution of tourism to GDP (9.2% of total); 323,600 tourism jobs (7.8% of total)
Source: World Travel &Tourism Council 2024 Annual Research, Data for 2023 year
Running Projects:
Tanzania
US$ 7,800 million contribution of tourism to GDP (9.5% of total); 1.42 million tourism jobs (5.7% of total)
Source: World Travel &Tourism Council 2024 Annual Research, Data for 2023 year
Running Projects:
- TUI Academy Zanzibar
- TUI Futureshapers Zanzibar
- TUI Colourful Cultures Zanzibar
- Destination Zero Waste Zanzibar
- TUI Field to Fork Tanzania
- TUI Forest Zanzibar
- TUI Academy Kenya & Tanzania (coming soon)
Mozambique
US$ 1,200 million contribution of tourism to GDP (5.1% of total); 670,000 tourism jobs (4.7% of total)
Source: World Travel &Tourism Council 2024 Annual Research, Data for 2023 year
Running Projects:
Laos
US$ 1,200 million contribution of tourism to GDP (6.5% of total); 320,500 tourism jobs (16.5% of total)
Source: World Travel &Tourism Council 2024 Annual Research, Data for 2023 year
Running Projects:
Cambodia
US$ 5,400 million contribution of tourism to GDP (16.3% of total); 2.28 million tourism jobs (23.7% of total)
Source: World Travel &Tourism Council 2024 Annual Research, Data for 2023 year
Running Projects:
- TUI Colourful Cultures Battambang
- TUI Colourful Cultures Siem Reap
- TUI Wildlife Cambodia
- TUI Futureshapers Cambodia (coming soon)
Madagascar
US$ 1,600 million contribution of tourism to GDP (10.1 % of total); 0.83 million tourism jobs (5.3 % of total)
Source: World Travel &Tourism Council 2024 Annual Research, Data for 2023 year
Running Projects:
- TUI Forest Madagascar (coming soon)
About the TUI Care Foundation
Building on the potential of tourism as a force for good, the TUI Care Foundation supports and initiates projects, which create new opportunities and contribute to thriving communities in tourism destinations all over the world. Connecting holidaymakers to good causes, it supports education and training opportunities for young people; drives the protection of natural habitats and the marine environment; and helps local communities to thrive sustainably and benefit from tourism. The TUI Care Foundation builds on strong partnerships with local and international organisations to create meaningful and long-lasting impact. The independent charitable organisation was founded by TUI, one of the world’s leading tourism businesses, and is based in the Netherlands.
About UN Tourism
The World Tourism Organization ( UN Tourism ), a United Nations specialized agency, is the leading international organization with the decisive and central role in promoting the development of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism. It serves as a global forum for tourism policy issues and a practical source of tourism know-how. Its membership includes 160 countries, 6 territories, 2 permanent observers and over 500 Affiliate Members.