Tag Archives: UNWTO

Sierra Leone Hosts Women in Tourism Congress, Empowering African Women Through Education and Innovation

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(IN SHORT) The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs of Sierra Leone, in partnership with UN Tourism, hosted the Women in Tourism Regional Congress, gathering over 500 participants from across Africa to discuss gender-responsive policies, access to education, finance, and innovation in the tourism sector. The Congress featured panels, workshops, and cultural sessions, with leaders… Read the full press release

Global Tourism Nears Full Recovery, Reaching 96% of Pre-Pandemic Levels by Mid-2024

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(IN SHORT) Global tourism has rebounded to 96% of pre-pandemic levels, with around 790 million international tourists recorded from January to July 2024. Strong demand in Europe and the reopening of Asia-Pacific markets drove the recovery, despite economic and geopolitical challenges. The Middle East saw the highest growth, exceeding 2019 figures by 26%. Tourism receipts… Read the full press release

Montevideo Launches UN’s First Tourism Law Observatory for Latin America and the Caribbean, Enhancing Regional Tourism Regulation

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(IN SHORT) The United Nations Tourism Organization has inaugurated the Tourism Law Observatory for Latin America and the Caribbean in Montevideo, Uruguay. This is the first thematic office of the UN Tourism dedicated to legal issues in the region. The observatory, a collaborative effort with the Inter-American Development Bank, will feature a digital platform called… Read the full press release

UNWTO and FIA Expand Partnership to Promote Sustainable Sports Tourism Worldwide

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UN Tourism and the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), have partnered to advance Sports Tourism on a global scale. (IN SHORT) The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) have strengthened their partnership to promote sustainable sports tourism globally, signing a new Memorandum of Understanding during the Formula 1… Read the full press release

Niarra Travel Appoints Lindsey Walter as Managing Director

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Lindsey Walter, new Managing Director of Niarra Travel

London, United Kingdom, 2024-Jun-6 — /Travel PR News/ — London-based tour operator Niarra Travel has officially appointed Lindsey Walter as Managing Director, effective immediately. Walter has been serving as Acting Managing Director since October 2023, guiding the company through a crucial phase in its development. As a co-founder of Niarra, Lindsey has played a pivotal… Read the full press release

Record Number of Villages Apply for UN Tourism’s Best Tourism Villages 2024

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Over 260 villages from more than 60 countries representing the five regions of the world have put themselves forward for the 2024 edition of Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism 2024. This marks the highest volume of applications ever received in the past four editions. (IN SHORT) A record-breaking 260 villages from over 60 countries… Read the full press release

Global Travel Leaders Unite to Combat Biodiversity Loss

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WTTC, UN Tourism and the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance join forces to support Nature Positive Tourism (IN SHORT) On Earth Day 2024, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), and the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance unveiled “Nature Positive Travel & Tourism in Action,” a groundbreaking joint report aimed at halting and… Read the full press release

UN Tourism and European Committee of the Regions Unite to Boost Rural Development Through Tourism

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(IN SHORT) UN Tourism and the European Committee of the Regions have collaborated on a comprehensive study highlighting the transformative potential of rural tourism in fostering socio-economic development across Europe. The report emphasizes the resilience of rural tourism in the face of challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and its capacity to stimulate economic diversification, preserve… Read the full press release

UN Tourism Commission Unites European Authorities to Propel Post-Pandemic Tourism Recovery

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(IN SHORT) Europe’s national tourism authorities convened in Albania for the 70th meeting of the UN Tourism Commission for Europe, focusing on collaborative solutions to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities in the post-pandemic tourism landscape. UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili lauded Albania’s exemplary leadership in tourism recovery and discussed sustainable tourism development with… Read the full press release

Saudi Arabia Surpasses 100 Million Tourists: A Testament to Vision and Growth

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(IN SHORT) In a remarkable feat, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia celebrates surpassing 100 million tourists, seven years ahead of schedule, a milestone recognized by the World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism). With over 27 million international and 79 million domestic tourists contributing to a combined spend of USD 67 billion, Saudi Arabia’s emergence as a… Read the full press release

UN Tourism Focuses on Resilience Building in Jamaica

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(IN SHORT) During an official visit to Jamaica, UN Tourism led by Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili emphasized the importance of building a resilient tourism sector. With international arrivals nearing pre-pandemic levels, the focus has shifted to protecting the industry from future shocks. The visit coincided with the second Global Tourism Resilience Day, marked by high-level meetings… Read the full press release

UNWTO Workshop in Victoria Falls Promotes African Tourism Through Media and Communication

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(IN SHORT) The UNWTO, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA), organized the first Communication, Media, and Tourism Training Workshop in Victoria Falls from November 13 to 15, 2023. The event brought together tourism professionals, journalists, media, and communication specialists from 20 African countries…. Read the full press release

UN Tourism Invites Applications for 2024 Best Tourism Villages Initiative Promoting Rural Prosperity

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(IN SHORT) UN Tourism, formerly known as the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), has initiated the call for applications for the 2024 edition of its “Best Tourism Villages” program. This initiative aims to recognize rural destinations where tourism is harnessed as a tool for sustainable growth, cultural preservation, and economic development. Member states are encouraged to… Read the full press release

FITUR 2024: UNWTO Highlights Tourism Investment, Sustainability, and Collaboration

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(IN SHORT) The FITUR International Tourism Trade Fair, with Ecuador as the official partner country, is set to be a platform for tourism innovation and collaboration from January 23 to 26, 2024. The UNWTO will focus on fostering investment opportunities, strengthening international partnerships, and addressing sustainable development and climate action. Key highlights include investment forums,… Read the full press release

UNWTO Launches ‘TourismConnectsRural’ Digital Hub to Strengthen Rural Tourism Worldwide

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(IN SHORT) The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has introduced the ‘TourismConnectsRural’ platform, the world’s largest digital hub dedicated to rural tourism communities. This platform aims to facilitate collaboration among the Best Tourism Villages in the UNWTO Network, connecting approximately 200 rural destinations from across the globe. ‘TourismConnectsRural’ enables villages to share experiences, knowledge,… Read the full press release

UNWTO Concludes Gastronomy Tourism Project in Ubud, Indonesia, Aiming for Sustainable Culinary Excellence

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(IN SHORT) The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has successfully completed the Gastronomy Tourism Project in Ubud, Indonesia. This initiative, conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, seeks to establish Ubud as a global center for sustainable gastronomy tourism. The project, initiated in 2018 but paused during the pandemic, resumed… Read the full press release

UNWTO Startup Competition Seeks Innovators Shaping the Future of Hospitality and Business Models

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(IN SHORT) The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is collaborating with Infecar (Feria de Gran Canaria) to identify entrepreneurs and startups at the forefront of reshaping the hotel industry and new business models. The UNWTO Startup Competition for Tourism Technologies and Solutions in Hotels and New Business Models is open to global startups and entrepreneurs, focusing… Read the full press release

UNWTO Seminar Advances International Code for the Protection of Tourists, Promoting Legal Framework for Tourism Sector

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(IN SHORT) The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) hosted its inaugural legal seminar in Salamanca, Spain, focusing on the International Code for the Protection of Tourists. This landmark code, established in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, has garnered support from 22 countries and aims to provide legal certainty to the global tourism sector. During… Read the full press release

7th UNWTO Global Conference on Wine Tourism in La Rioja, Spain to Explore Sustainable Future and Innovation in Wine Tourism

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(IN SHORT) The 7th UNWTO Global Conference on Wine Tourism, set to take place in La Rioja, Spain, from November 22-24, 2023, will focus on the future of sustainable wine tourism. Co-organized by UNWTO, the Government of La Rioja, and the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism of Spain, the conference will address key themes… Read the full press release

UNWTO and PATA Collaborate to Promote Sustainable Tourism in Asia-Pacific Region

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(IN SHORT) The 17th edition of the UNWTO-PATA Forum, held in Guilin, China, from October 26 to 27, 2023, reaffirmed the partnership between the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) to guide the sustainable development of tourism in the Asia-Pacific region. The forum, organized with co-hosts including the… Read the full press release

UNWTO General Assembly Convenes in Samarkand, Uzbekistan to Chart Future Course for Global Tourism

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Madrid, Spain, 2023-Oct-21 — /Travel PR News/ — The General Assembly of the World Tourism Organization has met for the 25th time in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. As its own data indicates that global tourism is on track to reach up to 95% of pre-pandemic levels by the end of this year, the Assembly brought sector leaders… Read the full press release

UNWTO Executive Council Approves Vision and Workplan for Transforming Tourism Sector

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Madrid, Spain, 2023-Oct-21 — /Travel PR News/ — The Executive Council of the World Tourism Organization has analysed and approved its vision to transform the sector. Meeting for its 119th session, Members were also presented with the Organization’s Programme of Work for the past months, with a focus on core priorities as well as a… Read the full press release

UNWTO Global Investment Forum 2023: Charting the Path for Sustainable Tourism Investment

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Madrid, Spain, 2023-Oct-21 — /Travel PR News/ — The “where, why, how and how much?” of tourism investments were the focus of high-level dialogues within the framework of the UNWTO General Assembly in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. With UNWTO data analyses making clear the vital need for both increasing levels of traditional and non-traditional investments in the… Read the full press release

UNWTO Unveils Best Tourism Villages 2023 Recognizing Rural Excellence

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Madrid, Spain, 2023-Oct-21 — /Travel PR News/ — The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has announced its list of Best Tourism Villages 2023. The accolate recogonizes villages that are leading in nurturing rural areas and preserving landscapes, cultural diversity, local values, and culinary traditions. In this third edition 54 villages from all regions were selected from… Read the full press release

Global Leaders Praise UNWTO’s Role in Guiding Tourism: 25th General Assembly Set to Address Key Challenges

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Madrid, Spain, 2023-Oct-11 — /Travel PR News/ — With one week to go until the start of its 25th General Assembly, sector leaders have joined international organizations in commending UNWTO’s role in guiding tourism through crisis and into recovery and transformation. High-level delegates and Ministers from more than 150 countries are expected in Samarkand, Uzbekistan,… Read the full press release

Winston Duke Appointed UNWTO Ambassador for Responsible Tourism to Promote Global Philanthropy and Sustainable Travel

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Madrid, Spain, 2023-Oct-08 — /Travel PR News/ — The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has announced the appointment of acclaimed actor Winston Duke as its newest Ambassador for Responsible Tourism. Recognized for his exceptional talent and commitment to global philanthropic efforts, Duke will advocate for sustainable tourism practices and raise awareness about the transformative power of… Read the full press release

UNWTO Appoints Chef Ambassadors for Sustainable Tourism at 8th World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism

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Madrid, Spain, 2023-Oct-08 — /Travel PR News/ — The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has appointed Chef Fatmata Binta and world-renowned Basque Chefs Martín Berasategi and Pedro Subijana as Ambassadors for Sustainable Tourism, in the framework of the 8th UNWTO World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism co-organized with Basque Culinary Center (BCC). The UNWTO thus recognises their… Read the full press release

UNWTO Launches ‘Tourism Opens Minds’ Initiative to Promote Open-Minded Travel Choices

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Madrid, Spain, 2023-Sep-29 — /Travel PR News/ — UNWTO has launched a new global initiative designed to unite and encourage nations, tourism sector leaders and consumers to be more open-minded when choosing a travel destination. Announced during the World Tourism Day celebrations in Riyadh, “Tourism Opens Minds” will showcase the powerful role that tourism plays… Read the full press release

World Tourism Day 2023 Celebrates Tourism and Green Investments in Riyadh

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Madrid, Spain, 2023-Sep-26 — /Travel PR News/ — The stage is set for World Tourism Day 2023, with the global sector to come together around them theme of Tourism and Green Investments. In what is set to be the biggest celebration to date, the official celebrations will be held of 27 September in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia…. Read the full press release

International Tourism Reaches 84% of Pre-Pandemic Levels in 2023, Led by Middle East, Europe, and Africa

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Madrid, Spain, 2023-Sep-20 — /Travel PR News/ — International tourism has continued to recover from the worst crisis in its history as arrival numbers reached 84% of pre-pandemic levels between January and July 2023, according to the latest data from UNWTO. The Middle East, Europe and Africa lead the global sector’s rebound. Tourism on Track for Full… Read the full press release