Tourism Executive Council of the United Nations Aims for a Future Fueled by Innovation and Investment
UN Tourism Expands Best Tourism Villages Network and Advances Sustainable Development Goals
The 122nd Executive Council session of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) took place in Cartagena, Colombia, bringing together representatives from destinations, the private sector, civil society, and international finance. The session was marked by several significant announcements and advancements in the realm of tourism, investment, and education.
UNWTO announced 55 new additions to its Best Tourism Villages network for the 2024 edition. These rural destinations were recognised for their exceptional work in harnessing tourism for local opportunities and preserving cultural and natural heritage. The additions aim to promote sustainable tourism development and foster economic growth in these communities.
Colombia, the host nation, was praised for its investment in tourism rather than weapons or war. The country has been actively hosting UNWTO events, demonstrating its commitment to the organisation's mission.
The session also saw the announcement of winners for the Green Projects Challenge and the Community Tourism Challenge. These initiatives aim to promote sustainable tourism practices and empower local communities.
The UNWTO Secretary-General presented a report detailing progress in advancing the organisation's work. The report emphasised investments into tourism, education, and innovation as shared priorities.
UNWTO is planning to release 28 editions of Tourism Doing Business Guidelines, each focusing on investment opportunities in a specific destination. This initiative aims to provide valuable insights for potential investors and support sustainable tourism development.
In addition, UNWTO is promoting tourism education and training at every level. Initiatives such as the Education Toolkit, the UNWTO Online Academy, and the growing global network of International Academies in Association With UNWTO are helping to equip the next generation of tourism professionals with the skills they need to drive sustainable tourism growth.
The 122nd Session of the Executive Council was attended by representatives from 47 countries, including 21 Ministers and Vice-Ministers of Tourism. A networking session on Tourism of the Future: Moving Towards the Sustainable Development Goals was held during the session, further advancing UNWTO's work in building strategic partnerships.
The session concluded with the announcement of a Global Forum on Investment and Innovation to be held in Cartagena. This event is expected to provide a platform for further discussions on sustainable tourism investment and innovation.
With these advancements, the UNWTO sector is projected to reach 96% recovery of pre-pandemic numbers by the end of the year, signalling a positive outlook for the future of sustainable tourism.
