UN Tourism

Adventure Tourism

Youth travel market expands as Gen Alpha gains influence over family bookings

In this feature, we look into how the sector has changed since the UN Tourism report issued in 2011 and what direction it may take moving forward.

Associations

FIA and UN Tourism unveil sustainable sports tourism winners

South Africa

UN Tourism partners with TUI Care Foundation

The “Colourful Cultures” initiative is designed to empower local actors to generate income, protect heritage and shape their own

Cultural Tourism

Philippines to host 2026 UN Tourism World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism

The Philippines will be hosting the United Nations Tourism World Forum on Gastronomy next year. This was announced through a

Associations

UN Tourism Confirms Shaikha Al Nowais as the New Secretary-General for 2026-2030

She will begin her term at the start of 2026, having gained significant experience in the private sector, most notably

Travel Trade Show

WTM London 2025 welcomes Stephanie Peacock

Stephanie Peacock, recently named as the new minister in charge of tourism, will-be on-site at Excel London for the opening

Israel

Kibbutz Neot Semadarin Israel Named One of the Best Tourism Villages in the World by UN Tourism

Led by the Ministry of Tourism, Kibbutz Neot Semadar in Israel’s Southern Arava selected for the prestigious Best Tourism Villages

Events

Saudi Arabia to Host 26th UN Tourism General Assembly in November Marking Agency’s 50th Year

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will host the 26th session of the UN Tourism General Assembly from 7 to 11 November.

Associations

UN Tourism Launches MOOCs for Rural Development

UN Tourism has launched its first-ever set of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) dedicated entirely to rural tourism. Developed under the

Festivals

Kinshasa to Host Inaugural World Music and Tourism Festival

Under the High Patronage of Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kinshasa will host

Czech Republic

Czechia successfully hosts the World Tourism Forum 2025

The Czech capital Prague successfully hosted global tourism leaders for the World Tourism Forum 2025, held on the 12th and 13th May at the Prague Congress Centre.

Associations

Shaikha Al Nowais Nominated as First Woman Secretary-General of UN Tourism for 2026 – 2029

Following protocol, the Council elected Shaikha Al Nowais as the next Secretary-General, to begin in January 2026. Her nomination will

Associations

Gloria Guevara Sets Out Bold Vision for First 100 Days, Heralding A New Era of Tourism

Guevara’s 100-day plan reflects her core message: it’s time to move beyond business as usual, tourism must adapt - not just to survive - but to lead in global recovery and sustainable development.

Adventure Tourism

Changing the game via rural tourism

Rural tourism has long fascinated travellers, particularly those from highly urbanised areas.

Global

International tourist arrivals grew 5% in Q1 2025: UN Tourism

Arrivals in Asia and the Pacific grew 12%, reaching 92% of pre-pandemic numbers. North-East Asia saw the strongest performance among world subregions with a 23% rebound in Q1 2025 to reach 91% of 2019 levels