UN Tourism has recognized the Department of Culture and Tourism of Abu Dhabi (DCT-Abu Dhabi) for its excellence in destination management. Abu Dhabi becomes the sixth Destination Management Organization (DMO) in the world and the first in the Middle East region to receive the UN Tourism QUEST certification, testament to its ongoing dedication to excellence in governance and commitment to sustainability. DCT-Abu Dhabi scored exceptionally high in the three areas of assessment of the certification after receiving 120 hours of capacity building sessions delivered by UN Tourism Academy, which included courses on: Sustainable Tourism; Governance for Sustainable Tourism; Quality and Competitiveness; and Sustainable Tourism Practices for Destination Management. These courses were compl...
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UN Tourism Global Conference concludes in Vietnam UN Tourism joined with the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of Vietnam to host the First Conference on Tourism for Rural Development in the historic town of Hoi An. The event brought together government officials, international and regional financial institutions, development agencies, tourism professionals, rural community leaders, researchers and NGOs to explore policies and strategies to maximize the role of tourism in progressing development in rural areas. Empowering Communities Sessions spotlighted the power of tourism to create jobs, safeguard nature and cultural heritage, and promote social inclusion, with a focus on empowering local communities, women and youth. Key discussions included topics such as policy frame...
Read MoreUN Tourism barometer says, spending growing faster than arrivals Around 1.1 billion tourists travelled internationally in the first nine months of 2024, as the global tourism sector recovered 98% of pre-pandemic levels. According to the latest World Tourism Barometer by UN Tourism, a full recovery from the biggest crisis in the sector’s history is expected by the end of the year, despite economic, geopolitical and climate challenges. Four years after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought global tourism to a standstill, the Barometer reflects the sector’s remarkable recovery, with most regions already exceeding 2019 arrival numbers in the period January to September 2024. The report also shows outstanding results in terms of international tourism receipts, with most ...
Read MoreThe 3rd World Sports Tourism Congress (WSTC) will take place on 28-29 November at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid, Spain. Organized by UN Tourism in collaboration with the Government of the Region of Madrid, with the support of Visit Nayarit and Turkish Airlines, the event will bring together leading voices from the world of Sports Tourism for two days of insightful discussions, innovative strategies, and knowledge exchange. This year’s congress, held under the theme “Tourism and Sport Creating a Lasting Legacy for Destinations,” will transform Madrid into the global center of sports tourism. Attendees will include ministers, high-level officials, industry experts, key players and stakeholders as they explore the role of sports tourism in driving sustainabl...
Read MoreWith the latest UN Tourism Data showing that the sector is on track to reach 96% recovery of pre-pandemic numbers by the end of the year, the 122nd Session of the Executive Council looked to the future, with investments and innovation high on the agenda. The Session welcomed representatives of 47 countries, including 21 Ministers and Vice-Ministers of Tourism, alongside key strategic partners from the private sector, civil society and international finance. Opening the session, UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili welcomed the example set by Colombia in "betting on tourism" to provide a better future for the country, including for previously-marginalized groups. He said: "Colombia has chosen to invest in tourism, not in weapons or war, and as the only country to have hoste...
Read MoreDiscover the 55 new Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism where rural communities are shaping the future of sustainable travel Rural destinations consolidate their position as key players in sustainable tourism and community development as UN Tourism announces its Best Tourism Villages 2024. In this fourth edition, 55 villages from all regions received the recognition, chosen from over 260 applications from more than 60 UN Tourism Member States. Another 20 villages were chosen to join the Upgrade Programme. “Tourism is a vital tool for inclusion, empowering rural communities to protect and value their rich cultural heritage while driving sustainable development,” said UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili. “The Best Tourism Villages initiative not only recognizes the r...
Read MoreUN Tourism, UN-Habitat, and UNESCO came together at the World Urban Forum to host a side event under the theme Urban Tourism: Policies and Governance for More Sustainable, Inclusive, Creative, and Resilient Cities. From the interconnection of their mandates, this is the first time that three UN Agencies join forces at the World Urban Forum to stimulate dialogue and call for cooperation to help drive sustainable urban tourism. The event builds upon the innovative and successful partnership between UN-Habitat and UN Tourism. The agencies organized, with the support of the Basque Government, an Expert Group Meeting on Advancing Sustainable Urban Tourism: Tools for promoting good practices in cities and territories" (Bilbao, 21-22 March 2024) where UN agencies including ...
Read MoreUN Tourism, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of Vietnam, will convene global and local leaders, policy makers, and industry pioneers for the First Conference on Tourism for Rural Development (Hoi An, Vietnam 9-11 December). The Conference will bring together representatives from national and local governments, international organizations, and the private sector to showcase around a shared vision for tourism as a catalyst for rural upliftment and inclusive development. Centered on empowering local communities, it will showcase best practices and strategies designed to create enduring, positive change. Sessions will explore how equitable tourism can generate jobs, safeguard cultural and natural resources, and foster social inclusion, with particular em...
Read MoreCOP29 to feature thematic day on climate change and tourism for the first time
Tourism’s place in global climate action will be center stage on 20 November at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, as part of the COP29 Presidential Initiatives. This achievement was welcomed by the G20 Tourism Ministers Meeting in Belem, Brazil. For the first time, the UN Climate Change conference of the parties will welcome Tourism Ministers, placing the sector firmly within the COP29 Action Agenda and providing a high-level platform for dialogue – at the initiative and joint leadership of the State Tourism Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism). This achievement reflects the leading role played by UN Tourism in a shift for a science-based approach to guide the sector on tourism climate action, and builds on the efforts of the Glasgo...
Read MoreKick-off in Madrid: 3rd World Sports Tourism Congress set to unite global leaders
The third edition of the World Sports Tourism Congress (WSTC), organised by UN Tourism and the Government of the Region of Madrid, returns on 28 and 29 November at the famous Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. For two days, under the theme "Tourism and Sport Creating a Lasting Legacy for Destinations", the congress will bring together leading personalities from the worlds of sport and tourism to share innovative ideas, best practices, and knowledge on the subject, including its economic impact, its contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and strategies to effectively promote destinations through sport events and sponsorships. Sports Tourism has the potential to drive social, economic, and environmental initiatives, accelerate development, and create a lasting positive...
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