Thursday, February 29, 2024
UN Tourism Congress to explore health, wellness, and sustainability in mountain tourism, showcasing global best practices.
The upcoming conference will delve into crucial subjects such as health and wellness tourism, green practices, the enhancement of high-end tourism experiences in alpine regions, the introduction of innovative tourism offerings, and strategies for the development and hiring of skilled personnel.
This time, the UN Tourism will share insights from its latest study, “Understanding and Quantifying Mountain Tourism,” conducted in collaboration with the Mountain Partnership of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The event will also showcase the communities recognized as Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism, including Saas-Fee from Switzerland’s Valais, St. Anton am Arlberg from Austria, and Ordino from Andorra.
With an emphasis on “wellbeing,” the conference aims to mirror current tourist preferences, acknowledging the shift in travel habits and the imperative to evolve tourism services to meet modern demands. This shift is particularly relevant for mountain resorts facing the dual challenges of diversification and climate change impacts.
The Congress is being organized by Andorra’s Government and UN Tourism, in partnership with Encamp’s municipal government, and enjoys the backing of various Andorran municipalities. Andorra Telecom and Creand Crèdit Andorrà are the primary sponsors, providing technological and financial support, respectively.
Noteworthy discussions will include the exploration of “wellness tourism,” featuring insights from industry leaders like Lászlo Puczko, CEO of Health Tourism Worldwide, Joan Muro, head of the Andorra Health Destination, and Emma Haefeli from CHENOT GROUP.
“Spa tourism” will also be a focal point, aiming to expand this niche within mountain locales. Csilla Mezősi from the European Spas Association will contribute to this dialogue.
Sustainability is slated as a major agenda item, with Javier Corso unveiling National Geographic’s collaborative project with Andorra Turisme focused on environmental and societal sustainability, “Andorra al natural, el entorno en el que germinan las ideas.”
Educational initiatives and skill development will be thoroughly discussed, highlighting the sector’s future personnel needs. Esteemed speakers like Rui Zhou of the Bella Vista Institute of Higher Education and María Abellanett of CETT, Barcelona, will lead these conversations.
Sports, another key subject, will be addressed by David Astrié of Icònic Andorra, introducing a pioneering medical-sports residency aimed at setting new standards in high-altitude sports training. Contributions from representatives of Best of the Alps, Lech Zürs Tourism, and the Pyrenees and Pic du Midi Agency will also be featured, showcasing their successful strategies.
Saturday, April 27, 2024
Saturday, April 27, 2024
