Friday, January 26, 2024
Leading up to FITUR, the United Nations Tourism (formerly known as the World Tourism Organization or UNWTO) revealed its latest findings. The initial World Tourism Barometer of the year showcased the industry’s recovery, noting that international arrivals had reached 88% of pre-pandemic levels by the close of 2023. Anticipating full recovery in 2024, UN Tourism played a crucial role as a facilitator between public and private sector leaders, fostering collaboration for a more robust and sustainable future.
UN Tourism Welcomes Dignitaries
With the official introduction of the UN Tourism name and logo to its members just before FITUR, the organization hosted esteemed visitors at its headquarters in Madrid. The visit from the President of the Republic of Ecuador, His Excellency Daniel Noboa Azín, emphasized Ecuador’s dedication to tourism as a catalyst for growth and development. President Noboa Azín, recognized for his leadership, received an honorary UN Tourism plaque. Secretary-General Pololikashvili praised the commitment of President Noboa and Ecuador’s Minister of Tourism Niels Olsen Peet in highlighting the role tourism plays in fostering hope and understanding, even during challenging times.
During FITUR, Secretary-General Pololikashvili engaged in bilateral discussions with Tourism Ministers from countries such as Albania, Argentina, Colombia, Croatia, Cuba, Czechia, Dominican Republic, Gambia, Gabon, Haiti, Jamaica, Iran, Jordan, Palestine, Tanzania, Jordan, Serbia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Focus on Tourism Investments
Identifying investment as a pivotal focus for sector transformation, UN Tourism hosted “Invest in Zambia” during FITUR. This event brought together leaders from the public sector in Zambia and other African Member States, alongside prominent figures from the private sector and investors. Furthermore, UN Tourism expanded its collaboration with the Investment Bank for Latin America (CAF), jointly releasing “Tourism Doing Business” Investment Guidelines for Brazil, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, and Peru. The organization also relaunched revised guidelines for tourism investments in Ecuador.
Promoting an Ethical and Sustainable Sector
UN Tourism gathered signatories of the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism, reinforcing the shared commitment to addressing climate challenges across the tourism sector. The organization also welcomed Nuevo León (Mexico) and Petén (Guatemala) as new members of the International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO), expanding the global network to 44 members. In addition, the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism saw growth, with three new private sector signatories—Piñero, Kuoni, and Hotel Taimar—committing to principles aimed at maximizing benefits and minimizing negative impacts on the environment, cultural heritage, and societies worldwide.
Launch of Best Tourism Villages 2024
Continuing its efforts to position tourism as a pillar of rural development, UN Tourism initiated the application process for the 2024 edition of the “Best Tourism Villages” initiative. UN Tourism Member States are encouraged to submit up to eight candidate villages, with applications open until April 24, 2024, and the selected villages to be announced in the third quarter of the year.
Monday, April 29, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Monday, April 29, 2024
