To focus on economic diversification and inclusion The 9th UN Tourism World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism will take place in Manama, Bahrain, on 18-19 November, with the theme “Gastronomy Tourism: A Driver of Economic Diversification and Inclusion.” This marks the first time the Forum will be held in the Middle East. Bringing together global leaders, policymakers, industry experts, and renowned chefs, the event will emphasize the transformative power of gastronomy tourism in advancing economic resilience, inclusivity, sustainability, and building a strong image for destinations. Top chefs join sector leaders Co-organized with the Basque Culinary Center (BCC) and hosted by the Kingdom of Bahrain, discussions will feature Ministers of Tourism from around ...
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UN Tourism and TUI Care foundation announce grants UN Tourism and the TUI Care Foundation launch 'Colourful Cultures', a call for proposals focused on supporting the creative talent of a continent. The initiative aims to empower local artists and artisans, particularly women and youth, in rural tourism destinations across selected African countries. These projects will enhance the benefits of tourism for local artists and artisans, progressing sustainable economic opportunities while safeguarding cultural heritage and enhancing community empowerment and engagement. UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili says: "Tourism has the potential to deliver significant socio-economic benefits in rural areas, preserving cultural heritage and creating jobs. We are proud to launch the ...
Read MoreThe World Committee on Tourism Ethics (WCTE), an impartial body reporting directly to the World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) General Assembly, met under interim chair and with a new composition. After deliberations, the Committee welcomed the decision of World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) to designate "Tourism and Peace" as the theme for World Tourism Day 2024. The theme is particularly timely in light of the current global climate of conflict and division. Recognizing tourism’s significant influence in fostering cross-cultural understanding as a foundation for peace and sustainable development, the Committee reaffirmed the vital role of tourism as a catalyst for peace, mutual understanding, and friendship among people worldwide. Acknowledging the statement of the U...
Read MoreAccelerating climate action in tourism is critical for the resilience of the sector and host communities The G20 economies must lead the way in ensuring tourism fulfils its huge potential to build a fairer and more sustainable future for people and planet. At a meeting of the Ministers of Tourism of the G20 economies in Belem, Brazil, UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili noted that the sector is on track to fully recover pre-pandemic levels by the end of this year. Given this, the focus must now shift to the future, with an emphasis on empowering and including local communities, fighting climate change, and progressing nature net positive and circularity. Secretary-General Pololikashvili said: “Tourism heavily depends on biodiversity, climate stability and natural ...
Read MoreUN Tourism joins G20 Presidency to discuss the future of tourism policies and governance
On the eve of the official meeting of the G20 Ministers of Tourism, the side event called for a new approach to tourism policy and governance that places a focus on people and planet. With the event held under the Brazilian Presidency of the G20, high-level representatives of Azerbaijan, Canada, Chile, India, Indonesia, Jamaica, Saudi Arabia, Spain and the USA as well as the InterAmerican Development Bank, recalled the positive importance and impact of tourism in the economy and society and its potential to contribute to the SDGs and to reduce inequalities within and among countries. Opening the event Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili applauded Brazil’s G20 Presidency focus on inclusion and sustainability and said “The challenges ahead of us are immense. As so are the opportu...
Read MoreInternational Tourist Arrivals hit 96% of pre-pandemic levels through July 2024
International tourism bounced back to 96% of pre-pandemic levels in the seven months through July 2024, driven by strong demand in Europe and the re-opening of markets in Asia and the Pacific. According to the latest World Tourism Barometer by UN Tourism, around 790 million tourists travelled internationally in the first seven months of 2024, about 11% more than in 2023 and only 4% less than in 2019. Data show a strong start to the year, followed by a more modest second quarter. Results are in line with UN Tourism’s projection of a full recovery in international arrivals in 2024 despite ongoing economic and geopolitical risks. Tourists queue to visit the interior of the 19th century Pena Palace in Sintra, Portugal, Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Ana Brigida) UN Touris...
Read MoreUN Tourism will bring together sector leaders to emphasise the importance of collaboration to unlock investment and growth potential across the region and to amplify the voice of “Brand Africa”. The second edition of the Regional Conference on Brand Africa (Livingstone, Zambia, 22 July) will further advance UN Tourism’s work supporting its Members from across the region in setting the direction of travel for the years ahead. Alongside Member States, the conference will also feature the participation of Affiliate Members from civil society and business, as well as other private sector leaders. Promoting ‘Brand Africa’ ‘Promoting Africa to Unlock Tourism Investments and the Sector’s Growth Potential’, emphasises the importance of collaboration and innovation throughout th...
Read MoreAsia and the Pacific’s growing status as a gastronomy tourism destination has been celebrated as key stakeholders look to a more inclusive and sustainable future. The first UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Asia and the Pacific built on the success of the global event to serve as a platform for public and private sector leaders to address the main challenges and opportunities in this fast-emerging part of global tourism. As with the World Forum, the event was co-organized by UN Tourism and the Basque Culinary Centre (BCC) and hosted by the Department of Tourism of the Philippines. Ministers map better policies for a more inclusive future Reflecting the strong commitment of its Member States to harnessing the economic and social benefits of gastronomy tour...
Read MoreAsia and the Pacific reopens to tourism China has recovered its position as top spender on international tourism in 2023 as Asia and the Pacific consolidates its recovery from the impacts of the pandemic. In 2022, the list of top spenders was headed by the United States. France, Spain and USA took the top spots for most-visited destinations. Top Tourism Spenders in 2023 Chinese expenditure on travel abroad reached USD 196.5 billion in 2023, ahead of the United States (USD 150 billion), Germany (USD 112 billion), the United Kingdom (USD 110 billion) and France (USD 49 billion). Making up the top ten spenders for 2023 are Canada, Italy, India, the Russian Federation and the Republic of Korea. India jumped to 8th place, from 14th in 2019, confirming the growing importance of the cou...
Read MoreWhile 95% of national tourism policies acknowledge nature as a primary asset for tourism, actual detailed plans for sustainable management practices are often lacking, a new report from UN Tourism reveals. Published on International Day of Biodiversity, the report "The Integration of Biodiversity in National Tourism Policies", explores the intricate relationship between the tourism sector and biodiversity, which encompasses the diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems. It assesses how 80 national tourism policies incorporate biodiversity values and aims to deepen the understanding of the references to biodiversity within these policies. The report comprises four detailed subsections that examine the integration of biodiversity within policy narratives, policy ...
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