The global tourism sector has come together to show its unity and readiness to restart as soon as conditions allow. To celebrate the return of the FITUR International Tourism Fair, UNWTO united leaders from the public and private sectors to send out a strong message that tourism is ready to return. Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili welcomed distinguished guests to the Royal Theatre in Madrid, among them the newest UNWTO Ambassadors, including the manager of Atlético de Madrid football club Diego Simeone and model and entrepreneur, Valeria Mazza. Reflecting unprecedented levels of political support for tourism, joining UNWTO at the evening event were Reyes Maroto, Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism of Spain and the Mayor of Madrid, José Luis Martínez-Almeida. Furthermor...
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At FITUR- The International Spanish Tourism Trade Fair (Madrid, 19-23 May 2021), UNWTO will ensure sustainability, innovation and responsibility are a central part of the conversation. FITUR was the last global in-person trade fair to take place before the COVID-19 pandemic, and is the first one to return, sending a clear message of the resolve of the tourism sector for a safe and responsible restart. This year’s trade fair will continue the long-standing partnership between UNWTO and FITUR, with the United Nations specialized agency for tourism addressing the most pressing challenges currently facing the sector while also looking to the future and supporting the tourism talent of tomorrow. Sustainable development takes the lead The week kicks off with the 25 winners of the U...
Read MoreSpain’s San Fermin festival, which attracts tourists from all over the world for the running of the bulls through the streets of Pamplona, will be cancelled for the second year in a row because of COVID-19, the regional head said on Tuesday. But amid much disagreement and handwringing across Spain over how strict pandemic restrictions should be, Pamplona’s mayor was quick to say no decision had yet been made. FILE PHOTO: A countdown clock and traditional red scarves are seen on balconies along the 875-meter course of the running of the bulls from a corral to the bullring, at Estafeta street during the San Fermin festival which was cancelled due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Pamplona, Spain July 7, 2020. REUTERS/Jon Nazca “An international festival like San Fe...
Read MoreTwo people died in Spain and troops rescued drivers trapped by snow as Storm Filomena caused travel chaos across the country, with Madrid seeing the heaviest snowfall in decades. Heavy snowfall from Storm Filomena caused travel chaos across Spain and Madrid airport remained closed. The airport in Madrid was closed and skiers glided down Gran Via, normally one of the busiest streets in the capital. People walk after leaving their vehicles on an access road to the M-30 motorway during a heavy snowfall in Madrid, Spain January 8, 2021. REUTERS/Susana Vera “Owing to the forecast of snow and for security, Madrid Barajas airport will remain closed throughout Saturday,” Aena, which controls the country’s airports, said in a tweet. The airport was closed on Friday night after the rare...
Read MoreFaced with the prospect of closure amid the coronavirus pandemic, a cozy tapas bar in the centre of Madrid appealed to its clients in an emotional video in late October to help it stay afloat by paying for their food and drink in advance. Over the past five weeks, El miniBAR has received 40,000 euros ($48,592) from some 400 loyal customers who prepaid for food and drink they hope to return to the bar to enjoy later. Owner Nacho Bustos keeps a list and the customers just need to give their phone number so the amount is deducted from what they paid in advance. Owner Nacho Bustos stands inside El Minibar bar amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic in Madrid, Spain, December 2, 2020. REUTERS/Sergio Perez “El miniBAR is almost a second home to me, so I think it’s a great idea...
Read MoreThe Republic of Indonesia has become the first signatory of the Framework Convention on Tourism Ethics, the landmark instrument created to ensure global tourism is fair, inclusive, more transparent, and works for everyone. The ceremony, hosted by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in Madrid, is a significant step towards the ratification of the Convention, which was adopted during the 23rd meeting of the UNWTO General Assembly in September 2019. With the sector currently facing up to the biggest crisis in its history, today’s signing was a clear sign that Member States are looking to UNWTO for firm leadership and remain committed to its mission to use this pause as an opportunity to realign tourism. The Convention was hailed as a “big step forward” towards introducing a universa...
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