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UNWTO to begin work on first regional office for the Americas in Brazil
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. First UNWTO Office for the Americas At the 25th UNWTO General Assembly (Samarkand, Uzbekistan, 16-20 October), Member States voted to establish a first Regional Office for the Americas in Rio de Janeiro. The office will further enhance UNWTO's global presence on the ground, adding to a Regional Office for the Middle East in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, a Regional Office in Nara, Japan, and its headquarters in Madrid, Spain. The UNWTO Regional Office for the Americas will help guide tourism development not only in Brazil but across the whole region Secretary-General Pololikashvili joined Minister of Tourism Celso Sabino and other high-level delegates to visit the location and oversee the first plans for the Regional Office.Building on the plans set out at the General Assembly, UNWTO and the Government of Brazil hosted a special ceremony to celebration the official agreement for the Regional Office. The start of the project has been heralded as a major opportunity to enhance Brazil's status as a tourism leader for the Americas as well as one of the leading global destinations. The Regional Office for the Americas will focus on strengthening the promotion of investments. One of the first key outputs will be guidelines aimed at boosting green investments, recognizing the importance of biodiversity for tourism in the Americas. The Rio office will also develop a strategy around technical training for youth, allowing them to gain the professional skills they need to grow the sector throughout the region. UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: "The UNWTO Regional Office for the Americas will help guide tourism development not only in Brazil but across the whole region. Rio de Janeiro will be a true hub of leadership and ideas, with a focus on growing and targeting investments into the sector and harnessing tourism's power for sustainable and inclusive growth." UNWTO talks tourism with President Lula Reflecting the recognition of UNWTO's mission at the very highest political level in Brazil, Secretary-General Pololikashvili was warmly welcomed by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Their bilateral talks focused on shared priorities, including growing investments in tourism in both Brazil and across the region, and making the sector a driver of growth and opportunity. In bilateral talks with Minister of Tourism Celso Sabino, UNWTO emphasized the enormous potential of tourism in the Americas… Celebrating Tourism Excellence in Brazil During the official visit, the UNWTO delegation joined in celebrations of the best tourism talent and leaders in Brazil. The National Tourism Awards ceremony (Brasilia, 16 December) recognized individuals and initiatives transforming the sector. UNWTO also joined the official opening of National Hall of Tourism.
Winners of 2022-2023 UNWTO Students’ League Grand Final announced
The 2022-2023 UNWTO Students’ League concluded with a celebration of young tourism talent. The Grand Final of the flagship event for supporting students in tourism bought together high School and undergraduate students from Switzerland and Bosnia & Herzegovina. Tourism for rural development challenge The 2022-2023 Students' League challenged students to create support rural development through tourism by creating Instagram accounts to promote a rural destination in their countries. For this Grand Final, the jury panel was made up of national and international experts from UNWTO, Academia and private sector stakeholders. In making their decision, the expert jury judged elements such as innovation, and feasibility of the idea as well as their potential to contribute to the fulfillment of the Sustainable Development Goals. The winning team in the High School category was Team Rose Brandis from Mješovita srednja škola Travnik in Bosnia & Herzegovina. In the Undergraduate category, the jury named Team VS-TIM, Visoka škola za turizam i menadžment Konjic from Bosnia & Herzegovina and Team SHL from Schweizerische Hotelfachschule Luzern in Switzerland as joint winners. Journey to the final After successfully passing through the initial phase on the National Final4 competitions in their countries during 2022 and 2023, three teams made it through to the Grand Final, Team Rose Brandis, representing Bosnia and Herzegovina - Team Rose Brandis from Mixed Secondary School Travnik and Team VS-TIM from Konjic College of Tourism and Management, and representing Switzerland – Team SHL from the Swiss Hotel Management School Lucerne. For this first Grand Final, UNWTO counted on the partnership of the Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Affiliate Member and part of the Affiliate Members Board. The Universidad Complutense de Madrid has been a true knowledge leader for almost 800 years and has a long and proud history of producing the best minds and developing the best young talent. The Ayuntamiento de Madrid also contributed by showing the teams the beauty and hidden gems of Madrid. Youth empowerment for tourism's future The UNWTO Students League provides students with a platform that empowers and motivates them, by giving them real-time knowledge on our sector and experience by working on creating innovative and sustainable solutions for the challenges that the sector is facing. This initiative not only brings Tourism closer to younger generations but, by bringing together these young people with government officials, representatives of tourism industry, experts and other major stakeholders, it also bridges the gap between the realities of the sector and students' education and training, enabling young people to enter the labour market in the future as highly qualified and skilled professionals.
Booking.com and UNWTO launch new online training series to support accommodations to become more sustainable
Booking.com has partnered with the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) of the United Nations to launch a new series of free online courses designed to support accommodations on their journey to operate more sustainably. Geared towards accommodation providers globally, but accessible to the general public as well, a pilot version of the first course, which is focused on community engagement, is now available on partner-courses.booking.com/sustainability. After this initial optimization period, all four courses will be rolled out and available via the Tourism Online Academy (TOA), managed by UNWTO and IE University. Providing practical knowledge around sustainability for accommodations, each course will focus on a different topic: local community engagement, energy usage & greenhouse gases, food management, and water management. The modules share actionable recommendations that accommodation providers can immediately start integrating into their practices, ranging from how to calculate a property’s energy consumption and reduce its emissions to best practices for community engagement. The series is led by respected subject-matter experts and academics, providing strong technical expertise, deep industry knowledge and a data-driven approach. Booking.com accommodation partners are also included in the modules as a way of sharing practical success stories from their own individual sustainability journeys. Experts and course voices include stakeholders from ERM (a global sustainability consultancy), Xavier Font from the University of Surrey, and accommodation partners from across the globe. “We are excited to expand our longstanding relationship with UNWTO and deliver this new educational series which responds to the desire of accommodation providers for resources on how to implement more sustainable practices,” said Danielle D’Silva, Head of Sustainability at Booking.com. “Supporting partners, and the wider industry, to integrate more sustainability practices into their operations is a core component of our mission to make it easier for everyone to experience the world. By increasing the supply of more sustainable accommodation options, we are also enabling travelers to make more mindful travel choices. This ultimately benefits the places we visit, the people who live there and the planet.” The development of these courses reaffirms Booking.com’s long-term commitment to enabling ongoing education for its accommodation partners and the advancement of the broader travel industry towards a more sustainable future. In fact, in the third European Accommodation Barometer, published by Booking.com and Statista, European hoteliers indicated better access to knowledge (27%) and additional training (25%) as key elements that would facilitate the adoption of a more sustainable operating model. “Education and skills development are the foundations for building a more sustainable tourism sector,” said UNWTO Executive Director Natalia Bayona. “UNWTO looks forward to working with Booking.com to enable accommodations everywhere to benefit from the wide range of resources available through the UNWTO Tourism Online Academy.” In 2021, Booking.com launched its Travel Sustainable program to support its accommodation partners in taking the next steps to become more sustainable. Since then, more than 1.4 million properties have shared sustainability related data with Booking.com. The four online courses announced today form part of a larger initiative to raise awareness for accommodations on why adopting more sustainable practices is beneficial for their business, guests, environment, and local community.
Salamanca to host the first UNWTO International Seminar on Tourism Law
On 30 November and 1 December, the First International Seminar on Tourism Law will be held, organized jointly by the University of Salamanca, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the Sorbonne University. During this first edition, the Seminar will analyse the two-year period since the entry into force of the InternationalCode for the Protection of Tourists (ICPT), an unprecedented legal instrument created under the leadership of the UNWTO during the pandemic. Since its inception, the Code has been promoted as a key instrument to restore confidence in international travel, by, on the one hand, providing a secure framework for travellers and protecting their rights as consumers, and, on the other hand, creating standards of action and response in the tourism sector in the event of any emergency, not only in pandemics. Thus, the Code is presented as a tool for governments, as well as public and private actors, to which 22 countries around the world have already adhered to date. The Seminar will bring together national and international experts from academia, international tourism institutions and the United Nations to delve deeply into the principles and recommendations for assisting international tourists. The event will feature discussions on the protection of travellers availing of digital tourism services and will present case studies from countries that have already adhered to the Code, such as Uruguay. Salamanca is hosting this first edition of the Seminar, which is intended to become an annual event to advance Tourism Law as an area of recent inclusion in international law.
UNWTO names its Best Tourism Villages 2023
The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has announced its list of Best Tourism Villages 2023. The accolade recognizes villages that are leading the way in nurturing rural areas and preserving landscapes, cultural diversity, local values, and culinary traditions. In this third edition, 54 villages from all regions were selected from almost 260 applications. A further 20 villages have joined the Upgrade Programme, and all 74 villages are now part of the UNWTO Best Tourism Villages Network. The villages were named during the UNWTO General Assembly, taking place this week in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. “Tourism can be a powerful force for inclusivity, empowering local communities and distributing benefits across regions," emphasizes UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili. “This initiative acknowledges villages that have harnessed tourism as a catalyst for their development and well-being.” A global network of local communities Launched in 2021, the Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO initiative is part of the UNWTO Tourism for Rural Development Programme. The Programme works to foster development and inclusion in rural areas, combat depopulation, advance innovation and value chain integration through tourism and encourage sustainable practices. As in previous editions, the villages are evaluated under nine key areas: Cultural and Natural Resources Promotion and Conservation of Cultural Resources Economic Sustainability Social Sustainability Environmental Sustainability Tourism Development and Value Chain Integration Governance and Prioritization of Tourism Infrastructure and Connectivity Health, Safety, and Security The initiative comprises three pillars: Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO: Recognizes outstanding rural tourism destinations with accredited cultural and natural assets, a commitment to preserving community-based values, and a clear commitment to innovation and sustainability across economic, social, and environmental dimensions. Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO Upgrade Programme: Supports villages on their journey to meet recognition criteria, helping in areas identified as gaps during evaluation. The Best Tourism Villages Network: a space for exchanging experiences and good practices, learning, and opportunities among its members, and it is open to contributions of experts and public and private sector partners engaged in the promotion of tourism as a driver for rural development. The Network enlarges every year and aims at becoming the largest global rural network: with the announcement today of these 74 new members, 190 villages are now part of this unique Network. Best Tourism Villages 2023 The list of Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO 2023 is as follows (by alphabetic order): Al Sela, Jordan Barrancas, Chile Biei, Japan Caleta Tortel, Chile Cantavieja, Spain Chacas, Peru Chavín de Huantar, Peru Dahshour, Egypt Dhordo, India Dongbaek, Republic of Korea Douma, Lebanon Ericeira, Portugal Filandia, Colombia Hakuba, Japan Higueras, Mexico Huangling, China Jalpa de Cánovas, Mexico Kandovan, Iran La Carolina, Argentina Lephis Village, Ethiopia Lerici, Italy Manteigas, Portugal Morcote, Switzerland Mosan, Republic of Korea Oku-Matsushima, Japan Omitlán de Juárez, Mexico Oñati, Spain Ordino, Andorra Oyacachi, Ecuador Paucartambo, Peru Penglipuran, Indonesia Pisco Elqui, Chile Pozuzo, Peru Saint-Ursanne, Switzerland Saty, Kazakhstan Schladming, Austria Sehwa, Republic of Korea Sentob, Uzbekistan Shirakawa, Japan Sigüenza, Spain Şirince, Türkiye Siwa, Egypt Slunj, Croatia Sortelha, Portugal St. Anton am Arlberg, Austria Tân Hoá, Viet Nam Taquile, Peru Tokaj, Hungary Văleni, Moldova Vila da Madalena, Portugal Xiajiang, China Zapatoca, Colombia Zhagana, China Zhujiawan, China The villages selected to participate in the Upgrade Programme this year are: Asuka, Japan Baños de Montemayor, Spain Bilebante, Indonesia Ciocănești, Romania Civita di Bagnoregio, Italy El Cisne, Ecuador Iza, Colombia Kale Üçağız, Türkiye Kemaliye, Türkiye Kfar Masaryk, Israel Madla, India Ounagha, Morocco Pela, Indonesia Puerto Octay, Chile Sabbioneta, Italy Saint Catherine, Egypt Sarhua, Peru Taro, Indonesia Vila de Frades, Portugal Yanque, Peru The call for submissions for the fourth edition will take place in the first months of 2024, opening a new opportunity for rural destinations to shine on the global stage.
Diriyah joins UNWTO with a ceremony held during the 25th summit in Uzbekistan
Diriyah Company has today joined the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) as an Affiliate Member in a significant move towards fostering global tourism collaboration and advancing Saudi Arabia's tourism sector. This development reaffirms Diriyah Company's dedication to promoting sustainable tourism practices and contributing to the growth of the global tourism industry. The Diriyah Project is a flagship initiative within Vision 2030 and is central to the Kingdom’s transformation agenda. It is a project with a USD 63.2 billion investment pipeline, adding around US$18.6 billion to the Kingdom’s GDP. It will create 178,000 direct jobs and aims to attract 50 million visits a year by 2030. Affiliate Members form an integral part of the UNWTO Membership, contributing to a more sustainable, innovative, and collaborative global sector – consistent with the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism. Their commitment to shaping the future of tourism aligns seamlessly with Diriyah Company's vision for creating a world-renowned cultural and historical destination. Under the guidance of His Royal Highness The Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, Diriyah is dedicated to achieving sustainable development, economic diversification, and social progress. The Diriyah giga-project is in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals, as it primarily focuses on urban regeneration and sustainable development in Diriyah. Being one of Saudi Arabia’s pioneering giga-projects Diriyah serves as one of the driving forces behind Vision 2030 - and plays a critical role in realizing the Vision's ambitious goal of increasing tourism's contribution to the Kingdom's GDP from 3.2% to 10% by the end of the decade. Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia and Chairman of Diriyah Gate Development Authority, said: “Tourism connects people, cultures, and economies. In our shared global future, tourism plays a crucial role in promoting sustainability, collaboration and economic prosperity. Because of this, I am absolutely delighted that Diriyah is an Affiliate Member of the UNWTO – marking a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia’s commitment to global tourism collaboration. Diriyah's importance cannot be overstated, not only for Saudi Arabia but for the world at large. It stands as a shining example of the transformative power of sustainable tourism, bridging heritage and modernity, and contributing to the growth of our global tourism community.” Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO of Diriyah Company, stated: “We are hugely proud to become an Affiliate Member of the UNWTO. It marks an incredible milestone in our journey to bring Diriyah’s heritage and culture to the world stage, as we share the City of Earth’s rich legacy with the global community. This partnership truly reflects our unwavering dedication to responsible and sustainable tourism. Together, we’ll create unforgettable experiences for travellers and make a positive impact on our world.” Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), commented: “Diriyah’s commitment to preserving its rich cultural heritage while promoting sustainable tourism aligns seamlessly with UNWTO's mission. This affiliation is a testament to the Kingdom's dedication to making tourism a force for positive change globally, and I look forward to the invaluable contributions Diriyah Company will bring to our international network. There is only one Diriyah”. As an Affiliate Member, Diriyah Company will actively engage with UNWTO and its global network to collaborate on initiatives, share insights, and support the organization's mission of making tourism a force for positive change around the world. This partnership is set to enhance the cultural exchange, heritage preservation, and sustainable tourism efforts undertaken by Diriyah Company. The collaboration will also facilitate discussions on sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity in the tourism sector, all of which are essential components of Diriyah Company's ongoing efforts to transform the historic city of Diriyah into a vibrant tourist destination. Diriyah Company's affiliation with the UNWTO is a testament to Saudi Arabia’s shared global commitment to advancing the tourism industry, promoting responsible travel, and preserving the world's cultural and historical heritage.
UNWTO announces 54 Best Tourism Villages in its 2023 edition, India’s Dhordo makes it to the list
The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has announced its list of Best Tourism Villages 2023. The accolade recognizes villages that are leading the way in nurturing rural areas and preserving landscapes, cultural diversity, local values, and culinary traditions. In this third edition 54 villages from all regions were selected from almost 260 applications. A further 20 villages have joined the Upgrade Programme, and all 74 villages are now part of the UNWTO Best Tourism Villages Network. The villages were named during the UNWTO General Assembly, taking place this week in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. 8distributing benefits across regions," emphasizes UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili. “This initiative acknowledges villages that have harnessed tourism as a catalyst for their development and well-being.” A global network of local communities Launched in 2021, the Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO initiative is part of the UNWTO Tourism for Rural Development Programme. The Programme works to foster development and inclusion in rural areas, combat depopulation, advance innovation and value chain integration through tourism and encourage sustainable practices. As in previous editions, the villages are evaluated under nine key areas: Cultural and Natural Resources Promotion and Conservation of Cultural Resources Economic Sustainability Social Sustainability Environmental Sustainability Tourism Development and Value Chain Integration Governance and Prioritization of Tourism Infrastructure and Connectivity Health, Safety, and Security The initiative comprises three pillars: Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO: Recognizes outstanding rural tourism destinations with accredited cultural and natural assets, a commitment to preserving community-based values, and a clear commitment to innovation and sustainability across economic, social, and environmental dimensions. Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO Upgrade Programme: Supports villages on their journey to meet recognition criteria, helping in areas identified as gaps during evaluation. The Best Tourism Villages Network: a space for exchanging experiences and good practices, learning, and opportunities among its members, and it is open to contributions of experts and public and private sector partners engaged in the promotion of tourism as a driver for rural development. The Network enlarges every year and aims at becoming the largest global rural network: with the announcement today of these 74 new members, 190 villages are now part of this unique Network. Best Tourism Villages 2023 List of Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO 2023 is as follows (by alphabetic order): Al Sela, Jordan Barrancas, Chile Biei, Japan Caleta Tortel, Chile Cantavieja, Spain Chacas, Peru Chavín de Huantar, Peru Dahshour, Egypt Dhordo, India Dongbaek, Republic of Korea Douma, Lebanon Ericeira, Portugal Filandia, Colombia Hakuba, Japan Higueras, Mexico Huangling, China Jalpa de Cánovas, Mexico Kandovan, Iran La Carolina, Argentina Lephis Village, Ethiopia Lerici, Italy Manteigas, Portugal Morcote, Switzerland Mosan, Republic of Korea Oku-Matsushima, Japan Omitlán de Juárez, Mexico Oñati, Spain Ordino, Andorra Oyacachi, Ecuador Paucartambo, Peru Penglipuran, Indonesia Pisco Elqui, Chile Pozuzo, Peru Saint-Ursanne, Switzerland Saty, Kazakhstan Schladming, Austria Sehwa, Republic of Korea Sentob, Uzbekistan Shirakawa, Japan Sigüenza, Spain Şirince, Türkiye Siwa, Egypt Slunj, Croatia Sortelha, Portugal St. Anton am Arlberg, Austria Tân Hoá, Viet Nam Taquile, Peru Tokaj, Hungary Văleni, Moldova Vila da Madalena, Portugal Xiajiang, China Zapatoca, Colombia Zhagana, China Zhujiawan, China The villages selected to participate in the Upgrade Programme this year are: Asuka, Japan Baños de Montemayor, Spain Bilebante, Indonesia Ciocănești, Romania Civita di Bagnoregio, Italy El Cisne, Ecuador Iza, Colombia Kale Üçağız, Türkiye Kemaliye, Türkiye Kfar Masaryk, Israel Madla, India Ounagha, Morocco Pela, Indonesia Puerto Octay, Chile Sabbioneta, Italy Saint Catherine, Egypt Sarhua, Peru Taro, Indonesia Vila de Frades, Portugal Yanque, Peru The call for submissions for the fourth edition will take place in the first months of 2024, opening a new opportunity to rural destinations to shine on the global stage.
UNWTO strengthens links between agriculture, gastronomy and tourism
UNWTO has held the 8th edition of its World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism co-organized with Basque Culinary Center (BCC), with a focus on the links between product, gastronomy and tourism. The promotion and preservation of local products, the contribution of tourism to sustainable development, innovation and food waste all took center stage as UNWTO and BCC, also welcomed more than 300 online participants from 50 countries. Opening the Forum, UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “Gastronomy Tourism can play a leading role in promoting responsible agricultural practices, protecting biodiversity and reducing the environmental footprint. It can also create new opportunities for communities to thrive and protect their heritage and traditions and become an engine of growth and diversification for destinations supporting our roadmap towards the Sustainable Development Goals.” Joxe Mari Aizega, General Director of Basque Culinary Center, added: "We are at a time to promote transformative dynamics and link gastronomy tourism with rural development. Territory, innovation and creativity are key to successfully moving towards a new scenario in which to promote a model of responsible gastronomy tourism focused on caring for people and the environment. It is essential to promote sustainable practices, harnessing the power of technology as an engine of growth and promoting the professional development of the sector, and to work to maintain the authenticity and diversity of the gastronomic offer." The opening ceremony also featured Rosana Morillo, Secretary of State for Tourism of Spain, Eneko Goia, Mayor of San Sebastian, Azahara Domínguez, Deputy for Mobility, Tourism and Territorial Planning, Provincial Council of Guipuzkoa, and Javier Hurtado, Regional Minister for Tourism, Trade and Consumer Affairs of the Basque Government. On the occasion, world-renowned chefs Martin Berasategui and Pedro Subijana, notorious for their contributions to Basque cuisine's international recognition, were designated UNWTO Ambassadors for Responsible Tourism. Tourism for Development and Growth The Forum put the spotlight on gastronomy tourism's role in the preservation of local territories and the promotion of sustainable practices. A high-level panel of tourism ministers – Bulgaria, Puerto Rico and Zimbabwe focused on policies that strengthen agriculture, gastronomy and tourism. Expert-led discussions also focused on the protection of culinary traditions, the value of geographical indications, advancing the sustainability and resilience of rural areas, enabling producers to thrive in an increasingly interconnected and technology-driven world. With gastronomy tourism one of the pillars of the UNWTO Agenda for Africa – Tourism for Inclusive Growth, the Forum also explored the sector's potential as a source of inclusive growth across the region. In a special address, the First Lady of Zimbabwe, Auxillia C. Mnangagwa, a committed promoter of African gastronomy highlighted that "gastronomy tourism globally has become an effective tool of attracting tourists, particularly those who are cognisant of the natural and nutritional value embedded in traditional foods. As nations we should be able to tap into our nutritional traditional cuisines to ensure a healthy living and socio-economic development of our nations. This is in line with our heritage-based philosophy for promoting tourism." Also on the occasion, UNWTO designated Chef Fatmata Binta as Ambassador for Responsible Tourism for her role in promoting African Gastronomy and community development. Chef Binta is a modern-day nomadic chef connected to the Fulani culture, customs, and cuisine of the biggest Nomadic group in West and Central Africa. Gastronomy Tourism Startup Competition In Donostia – San Sebastian, selected finalists from previous UNWTO Startup Competitions working on Gastronomy pitched their ideas. The solutions presented featured exceptional, personalized culinary experiences curated by renowned chefs (Searchef), streamlining waste management in hospitality (Eatinn), celebrating the flavours of Moroccan street food (Machi Mouchkil), establishing sustainability certifications and restaurant guidelines (Ecofoodies), and introducing a locally crafted, quality food delivery app (Oh les Chefs). Oh les Chefs emerged as the winner, primarily for its strong potential for international expansion. They will gain access to a dedicated workspace within the LABe- Digital Gastronomy Lab for six months. Additionally, the startup will actively engage in the Culinary Action!, gastronomy entrepreneurship programme by Basque Culinary Center and enjoy a six-month membership in the GOe Digital Community. To date, more than 700 startups from more than 100 countries have taken part in the competition. Applications are now open for the 4th Edition of the UNWTO Gastronomy Tourism Startup Competition in collaboration with the Basque Culinary Centre and powered by Alpitour World. A Roadmap for Food Waste Reduction in Tourism Drawing from the recommendations in the Global Roadmap for Food Waste Reduction in Tourism, released by UNWTO in collaboration with UN Environment Programme, the "Circular Solutions for Reducing Food Waste" session showcased diverse initiatives by hotels, restaurants and cruise lines. Solutions ranged from prevention measures, such as mindful procurement and menu design; redistribution of food surplus to vulnerable groups and biomaterial processing; to circular strategies like composting or energy recovery. The discussions also emphasized the significance of education, innovation, and supportive regulations and policies in accelerating change. Inaugural dinner offered by Chefs of Mahaia Kolektiboa The inaugural dinner of the Forum was hosted by Chefs of Mahaia Kolektiboa, a collective of chefs committed to the evolution of Basque cuisine. Aitor Arregi (Elkano), Jon Ayala (Laia Erretegia), Xabi Gorrotxategi (Casa Julián), Dani López (Kokotxa), Javi Rivero (AMA), Roberto Ruiz (HIKA), Gorka Txapartegi (Alameda) and Armintz Gorrotxategi (Rafa Gorrotxategi), all dedicated members of the Mahaia Kolektiboa, showcased the essence of Basque cuisine, a hallmark of Donostia – San Sebastian that draws visitors from around the world. UNWTO Announces the 2024 host of the World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism The 2024 Forum will take place in Manama, Bahrain, the first time it will be held in the Middle East. To conclude in an experiential way at the Forum, tomorrow, October 7, attendees will have the opportunity to choose from 6 different excursions to experience and savor local gastronomy. Similarly, the parallel event "Culinary Plaza", open to local citizens and organized by the Basque Culinary Center, in collaboration with the UNWTO, will highlight culinary specialties from destinations such as Zimbabwe, Saudi Arabia, Porto and Botswana. It will do so through a gastronomic fair in food market format where it will be possible to delve into the culinary culture of these corners of the world and taste their cuisine in a unique atmosphere. This year's Forum is organized by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the Basque Culinary Center (BCC), with the support of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism of Spain, Basque Government, and the Provincial Council of Guipuzkoa, the City Council of San Sebastián.
UNWTO Secretary General announces ‘Tourism Opens Minds’ campaign in a pledge to promote lesser-known destinations
On the occasion of World Tourism Day (WTD), the UNWTO revealed this week its global campaign, ‘Tourism Opens Minds’, in a universal pledge to address the challenges facing the tourism sector. This global initiative presents an opportunity to rediscover the way people travel and encourages tourists to venture into a wider range of destinations, to open their minds and hearts to places they haven’t previously imagined visiting. A YouGov survey released earlier this week showed that while 66% of travellers prefer familiar destinations over exploring new horizons, 83% report that the experience of traveling to new places, broadened their perspective and enabled them to develop a better understanding of other cultures. As a global call to invest in undiscovered destinations, Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of the UNWTO, launched the ‘Tourism Opens Minds’ initiative during the WTD conference taking place in Riyadh, in an announcement saying: “To ensure true global prosperity, we must work together to ensure that every country can harness the potential of a thriving tourism industry. The sector serves as a unifying force, fostering cultural understanding, strengthening bonds between societies, and championing environmental preservation. His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia, said: “Since embarking on our tourism journey, Saudi Arabia has been committed to enhancing the sector and generating an impact extends beyond borders. Our contributions including pivotal partnerships such as the establishment of the UNWTO Middle East office in Riyadh, the creation of the Riyadh School for Travel and Hospitality and hosting record-breaking editions of the WTTC Global Forum and UNWTO World Tourism Day, underscore the immense potential of the sector when people from across the globe are united and connected. The UNWTO ‘Tourism Opens Minds’ Initiative is another important milestone for the tourism sector, and its launch at World Tourism Day in Riyadh is a continuation of our many previous commitments to the global tourism sector.” The universal pledge aims to support and encourage tourists to explore new horizons, enrich their travel experiences and diversify the industry. This will eventually result in creating a positive economic and social impact on local communities as it unlocks the true essence that tourism plays in bridging cultures and creating a truly inclusive world. UNWTO member states, business leaders and tourism experts at the WTD conference hailed the announcement which was a testament to the industry’s commitment to connect people, cultures, businesses, and communities. Leaders from across the global tourism sector have convened in Riyadh for this year’s UNWTO WTD, which was celebrated from 27th - 28th September. Through a range of impactful events, global ministers, industry leaders and experts have highlighted the power of tourism and uncovered avenues for collaboration to foster growth of the sector, placing people, the planet and prosperity at the helm.
World Travel & Tourism Council & UNWTO sign historic MOU
In an historic first, the world’s two leading Travel & Tourism organisations representing the global public and private sectors agreed to work together across a number of key objectives. The Memorandum of Understanding, signed today by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and the World Tourism Organization of the United Nations (UNWTO) at the G20 Ministerial meeting (Goa, India), focused on advancing public-private sector cooperation at the global level whilst promoting job creation, talent development and business opportunities around the world. Together, WTTC and UNWTO will promote tourism in the global and national agendas while working to progress skills, innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment and the transition towards a more sustainable and resilient Travel & Tourism sector. The two parties will also foster community empowerment and inclusion, and collaborate around crisis preparedness, management, and recovery, building on the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO said “Through the signing of an historic new MOU, WTTC and UNWTO embark on a new chapter of collaboration together, uniting our expertise to pave the way for a prosperous future for the Travel & Tourism sector. “Together, we can create a powerful synergy that will shape the global landscape, opening doors to endless opportunities and benefiting travelers, businesses, and destinations alike." Zurab Pololikashvili, UNWTO Secretary-General, underscored that “We are only stronger if we work together to respond to the interconnected challenges facing our sector. Strong public-private partnerships are the foundation to transform tourism and build resilience, and consolidating our partnership with WTTC will achieve exactly what we need - joining efforts to build a better future through tourism.” The MOU was signed by WTTC President & CEO Julia Simpson and UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvil, alongside representatives of the public and private sectors.
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