(IN SHORT) From 16 to 18 July 2025, Kinshasa will stage the inaugural World Music and Tourism Festival under President Félix Tshisekedi’s High Patronage, with UN Tourism as a supporting partner. Branded “The Rumba Route for Peace,” the three-day Festival at CCAPAC spotlights Congolese Rumba—recognized by UNESCO in 2021—and its capacity to drive tourism, economic… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Travel Insights 2025: Focus on Europe, co-published by Amadeus and UN Tourism, reveals that emerging markets in Central and Eastern Europe—led by Azerbaijan’s 26 percent year-on-year growth in air bookings—are gaining traction among international travelers. While traditional leaders like Spain, the U.K., Italy, France, and Germany continue to dominate (accounting for 71 percent… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) UN Tourism and the World Tourism Alliance have released a joint report stressing the importance of inclusive tourism planning and governance in accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 10 on reducing inequalities. The report outlines how tourism can drive shared prosperity if policies prioritize social equity, community development, and reinvestment… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) UN Tourism’s leadership recently wrapped up a significant visit to China, during which Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili engaged with top government and industry figures to reinforce strategic partnerships and promote sustainable tourism initiatives. The visit highlighted China’s role in digital transformation and sustainable development within the tourism sector, while also supporting China’s Global Development… Read the full news article
NAYARIT, 2024-Dec-06 — /Travel PR News/ — Zurab Pololikashvili, current Secretary-General of UN Tourism, will run for re-election for a new term in the period 2026-2029. The UN Tourism Executive Council to select the candidates will be held between May 28 and 30, 2025. The Executive Council will then recommend to the General Assembly the… Read the full news article
UN Tourism is looking for start-ups and scale-ups that are revolutionizing the tourism sector through cutting-edge solutions. (IN SHORT) UN Tourism is launching the Global Artificial Intelligence Challenge, inviting innovative start-ups and scale-ups to submit solutions that enhance tourism, sustainability, and economic growth. The challenge encourages projects in areas such as smart destinations, digital transformation,… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) UN Tourism, in partnership with the TUI Care Foundation, has launched the “Colourful Cultures” small grants initiative to support rural artisans across several African countries, including Morocco, Mozambique, and South Africa. This program invites civil society organizations and NGOs to submit proposals for projects aimed at empowering local artists, especially women and youth,… Read the full news article
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 news article
(IN SHORT) UN Tourism has taken a significant step to enhance education and skills development in Africa by establishing the first collaborative Academies in the region. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed with the Ministry of Tourism of Zambia to create the ZITHS Mukuni International Academy for Tourism and Hospitality, aimed at equipping students and… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) UN Tourism hosted its first Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, with support from the Basque Culinary Center and the patronage of the First Lady of Zimbabwe, Dr. Auxillia C. Mnangagwa. The event gathered 200 delegates from 33 countries to discuss leveraging gastronomy for sustainable tourism. Key discussions… Read the full news article
UN Tourism has joined its Members in celebrating the establishment of 2027 as the International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism. (IN SHORT) UN Tourism has designated 2027 as the International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism. The announcement was celebrated at UN Tourism’s Madrid headquarters with ambassadors from 24 Member States, including the Ambassador of Uzbekistan, which… Read the full news article
(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 news article
(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 news article
(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 news article
(IN SHORT) Zurab Pololikashvili, the Secretary-General of UN Tourism, concluded a fruitful official visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran. Leading a high-level delegation, Pololikashvili participated in the inauguration of the Tehran International Tourism Exhibition and engaged in bilateral meetings aimed at advancing shared objectives in tourism resilience, diversity, and rural development. During the visit,… Read the full news article
(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 news article
(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 news article
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 news article
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 news article
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 news article
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 news article
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 news article
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 news article
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 news article
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 news article
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 news article
Madrid, Spain, 2023-Sep-13 — /Travel PR News/ — The World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism will return to Donostia-San Sebastian in Spain (5-7 October) to focus on how tourism can foster rural development, build economic resilience, and preserve cultural heritage. Held under the theme ‘Gastronomy Tourism: Back to the roots’, the Forum will put the spotlight… Read the full news article
Delhi, India, 2023-Sep-06 — /Travel PR News/ — UNWTO and India’s G20 Presidency, have joined hands to launch a new tool to advance the contribution of tourism policies and initiatives towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Ahead of the G20 Leaders’ Summit next 9-10 September, UNWTO has worked with the Presidency through India’s Ministry of… Read the full news article
Madrid, Spain, 2023-Aug-31 — /Travel PR News/ — UNWTO will work with the Municipality of Thassos in Greece to help the island rebuild its tourism sector in an inclusive way. The new joint project will focus on two core issues, namely tourism marketing and community involvement in tourism on Thassos. The work is part of… Read the full news article
Madrid, Spain, 2023-Jul-07 — /Travel PR News/ — UNWTO will work with Alpitour World as a strategic partner to advance innovation, education and sustainability across every part of the tourism sector. Reflecting UNWTO’s focus on harnessing the power of public-private partnerships, the newly-signed Memorandum of Understanding with Alpitour World, will see the two organizations work… Read the full news article