World Congress on Snow, Mountain and Wellness Tourism to focus on new travellers

 “Mountainlikers: Sustainability and wellbeing, the keys to mountain tourism” will be the theme of the 12th edition of the World Congress on Snow, Mountain and Wellness Tourism, which will take place on 20-22 March in Andorra within the framework of the United Nations’ “Five Years of Action for the Development of Mountain Regions”.

Resilience through diversity and investments the focus on UN Tourism visit to Jamaica

 

With the latest UN Tourism data showing international arrivals returning to 87% of pre-pandemic levels at the end of 2023, emphasis has now shifted to protecting the sector from future shocks. The official visit of the delegation led by Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili coincided with the second Global Tourism Resilience Day. A series of high-level meetings in Jamaica also advanced shared efforts around ethical, inclusive and sustainable tourism as well as the priorities of education and investment.

International Tourism to Reach Pre-Pandemic Levels in 2024

 Following a strong 2023, international tourism is well on track to return to pre-pandemic levels in 2024.

According to the first UNWTO World Tourism Barometer of the year, international tourism ended 2023 at 88% of pre-pandemic levels, with an estimated 1.3 billion international arrivals. 

UN Tourism Opens Calls for Best Tourism Villages 2024

 

UN Tourism has opened applications for the 2024 edition of its “Best Tourism Villages” initiative.

Over the past three editions, UN Tourism – the new name of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) - received almost 600 applications from nearly 100 countries.

UNWTO Becomes “UN Tourism” to Mark A New Era for Global Sector

 

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) enters a new era today with a new name and brand: UN Tourism. With this new brand, the Organization reaffirms its status as the United Nations specialized agency for tourism and the global leader of tourism for development, driving social and economic change to ensure that “people and planet” are always center stage.

UN Tourism opens calls for Best Tourism Villages 2024

 

LONDON, UK – UN Tourism has opened applications for the 2024 edition of its Best Tourism Villages initiative. Over the past three editions, UN Tourism – the new name of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) – received almost 600 applications from nearly 100 countries. Currently, the UN Tourism Best Tourism Villages Network brings together 186 members globally, comprising 129 recognized as Best Tourism Villages and 57 villages taking part in the Upgrade Programme. Together, they represent 55 countries across five world regions.

International tourism to reach pre-pandemic levels in 2024

 

Following a strong 2023, international tourism is well on track to return to pre-pandemic levels in 2024.

According to the first UNWTO World Tourism Barometer of the year, international tourism ended 2023 at 88% of pre-pandemic levels, with an estimated 1.3 billion international arrivals. The unleashing of remaining pent-up demand, increased air connectivity, and a stronger recovery of Asian markets and destinations, are expected to underpin a full recovery by the end of 2024.

NWTO launches new tool to promote collaboration among world’s Best Tourism Villages

 

UNWTO has launched the world’s biggest digital hub for communities focused on rural tourism. The ‘TourismConnectsRural’ platform will boost collaboration across the Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO Network, connecting around 200 rural destinations in every global region.

UNWTO in 2024 - Advancing Priorities and Moving Closer to Members

 

A new year brings new opportunities for global tourism. UNWTO has identified the priorities for the sector: investments, education, youth empowerment, and sustainability. In 2023, with the support of its Members, the Organization successfully laid the foundations for all these priorities to be advanced or realized over the year ahead.

UNWTO in Brazil to begin work on first Regional Office for the Americas

 

RIO DE JANEIRO – UNWTO has continued to scale up its support for its Members across the Americas, with plans for a first Regional Office for the region advanced during an official visit to Brazil.

Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili led the UNWTO delegation to Rio de Janeiro and Brasilia (13-17 December), recognizing Brazil’s strong support and commitment to tourism for development. In Brazil, Secretary-General Pololikashvili enjoyed bilateral meetings with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and with the country’s Minister of Tourism Celso Sabino.

UNWTO LEADS EXPERT SEMINAR ON INTERNATIONAL TOURISM LAW

 

UNWTO has laid the strong foundations needed for countries everywhere to provide greater legal certainty to all operators in the tourism sector. The first seminar on the International Code for the Protection of Tourists (Salamanca, Spain, 30 November – 1 December 2023) welcomed legal experts, academics and public and private sector representatives, to address the achievements of the Code in the two years since its launch as well as to assess the challenges in the years ahead.

INTERNATIONAL TOURISM TO END 2023 CLOSE TO 90% OF PRE-PANDEMIC LEVELS

 International tourism is on track to recover almost 90% of pre-pandemic levels by the end of this year. According to the latest data from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), an estimated 975 million tourists travelled internationally between January and September 2023, an increase of 38% on the same months of 2022.

UNWTO & Infecar launch global startup contest for hotel tech & business innovation

 The collaboration between the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and Infecar (Feria de Gran Canaria) aims to identify entrepreneurs who play a pivotal role in reshaping the landscapes of hotels and new business models.

International Tourism to End 2023 Close to 90% of Pre-Pandemic Levels

 

International tourism is on track to recover almost 90% of pre-pandemic levels by the end of this year. According to the latest data from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), an estimated 975 million tourists travelled internationally between January and September 2023, an increase of 38% on the same months of 2022.

UNWTO launches San Marino Action Agenda for accesible tourism for all

 

With 1.3 billion people globally estimated to have a significant disability, UNWTO has again joined with key partners to further make tourism more accessible to all.

UNWTO shakes up financing for tourism climate action with UN NetZero Facility

 

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND – The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), in joint collaboration with NOAH Regen, has taken a further step forward in rethinking tourism financing with the launch of the UN NetZero Facility and Re-PLANET Capital Fund Ecosystem. The launch took place on 14 November 2023 at the United Nations Headquarters, Geneva, marking a pivotal moment in the global campaign against climate change following the adoption of the Paris Agreement by 196 parties.

Almost half of all global destinations now offer Digital Nomad Visas

 

The number of destinations offering Digital Nomad Visas has risen significantly over recent years, with almost half now offering visas for at least one year.

UNWTO Ministers Summit in London: Transforming tourism through education and youth empowerment

 

UNWTO celebrated the biggest Ministers Summit on record as it brought tourism leaders together on the opening day of the World Travel Market in London to focus on education and skills development.

UNWTO Global Conference on Wine Tourism in La Rioja, Spain: Forging the future of sustainable wine tourism

 

Co-organized by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the Government of La Rioja and the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism of Spain, Global Conference on Wine Tourism will emphasize the pivotal role of this sector in promoting rural development, sustainable practices, and regional regeneration.

Saudi Arabia secures re-election as 2024 Chair of the UNWTO Executive Council

 

The Executive Council of the UNWTO has confirmed the extension of His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia, as Chairman for 2024. This decision was made during the 25th session of the General Assembly of the UNWTO, which is being held in the Uzbek city of Samarkand.