UNWTO making communities central part of tourism’s future

Wednesday, February 16, 2022

UNWTO is supporting communities as they prepare to welcome visitors back and realize the potential of tourism to kickstart recovery and drive sustainable and inclusive growth.

As restrictions on travel continue to be steadily eased or lifted, UNWTO is shifting its focus from supporting its members as they mitigate the impacts of the historic crisis to rethinking tourism’s longer-term role in building resilience and providing opportunity.


Through Technical Assistance packages, UNWTO is on the ground in every global region.

On the ground in Greece

Illustrating UNWTO’s commitment to working with communities themselves to rethink and restart tourism, a new partnership with the Municipality of Skiathos is advancing people-first policies.


For decades, tourism has been a pillar of economic growth and opportunity for the residents of the island, one of Europe’s leading destinations.

Now, as the sector restarts and recovers from the impacts of the pandemic, UNWTO is working alongside local authorities on a package of technical advice and practical assistance.

In the immediate term, UNWTO experts will work with the Municipality to assess the marketing strategy of the island and recommend adaptations and necessary improvements, with a particular emphasis on the destination’s commitment to using tourism as a driver of sustainable development.


At the same time, and in order to ensure the sector works for everyone on Skiathos, UNWTO will also study local residents’ views on tourism and assess how they can be more involved in tourism planning and development.

This represents the first Technical Assistance package developed by UNWTO in Greece.







The Mayor of Skiathos Thodoris Tzoumas welcomed the initiative as a significant collaboration regarding tourism recovery in Skiathos following pandemic.

« Back to Page

• Albania Welcomes European Tourism Elites for Major Meeting in Tirana

• Arabian Travel Market Highlights India’s Outbound Tourism, 30% Travelers Visit Middle East Destinations

• UN Tourism calls for Best Villages 2024

• UNWTO workshop on Media and Tourism training in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

• UNWTO rebrands to UN Tourism: New vision for global travel