UN Tourism Council emphasizes to place tourism in global economic agenda
Travel Biz News —
Tourism leaders from across the world have met again to shape the sector’s future, emphasizing the sector’s vital economic importance while also placing it firmly on the political agenda.
The 121st session of the Executive Council of UN Tourism welcomed representatives of 47 countries, including 18 Ministers of Tourism, to advance the Organization’s vision for the sector as it achieves full recovery from the impacts of the pandemic.
Members adopted the Work Plan for the UN Tourism Agenda for Europe, including three projects focused on the future of winter travel destinations, the regulation of short-term rental platforms, and strategies to mitigate the effects of green investments on tourism SMEs.
According to UN Tourism data, around 285 million tourists travelled internationally in the first quarter of 2024, 20% more than the same period of last year, while international tourism receipts grew back to USD 1.5 trillion in 2023.
Opening the session, UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili, stressed the need to embrace innovation and grow and direct investment into the sector in order to drive its positive transformation.
Chairman of the Executive Council of UN Tourism and Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia, Ahmed Al-Khateeb said, ” This gathering underscored our collective vision for a dynamic and flourishing global tourism sector, fuelled by innovation, investment, growth, and strategic partnerships.”
In Barcelona, the Executive Council was updated on the planned Regional Office for Africa, to be opened in Marrakesh, and the Regional Office for the Americas, to be located in Rio de Janeiro. Keeping this momentum going, the UN Tourism leadership signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Tourism of Greece to establish a Research and Monitoring Centre for Coastal and Maritime Tourism in the Eastern Mediterranean Region.
The 122nd session will be held in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia. The 123rd will be hosted by Spain in the first semester of 2025, and the 124th session by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the second semester of 2025.
15 June 2024
