Steps towards a green economy: Which factors contribute to the social inclusion and economic development of the locals in the Brazilian tourism industry?

The Rio+20 conference highlighted the green economy as an important new approach to the traditional economic-centred view of dealings between people. The UNWTO (2012, p. 6) stated that ‘sustainable tourism can boost the sector’s contribution to economic growth, development and particularly job creation while also addressing major environmental challenges’. This creates a path where the tourism industry can be more inclusive and environmentally friendly, which is green economy based tourism (Sachs, 2009).