The UN Tourism Executive Council has met again for a milestone session to build on the legacy of the last eight years. Meeting for its 123rd session, the Council assessed progress made around the priorities of innovation, investments and education and looked ahead with the nomination of Shaikha Al Nowais as new Secretary-General from 2026. Upon confirmation by the UN Tourism General Assembly, Ms. Shaikha Al Nowais will become the woman to hold the position.

International tourist arrivals (overnight visitors) increased by 5% in the first quarter of 2025 though results were mixed among regions and sub-regions.

UN Tourism has named Dr. Larry Dwyer, Professor and Adjunct Fellow at the University of Technology Sydney, as the winner of the 2025 Ulysses Prize for Excellence in the Creation and Dissemination of Knowledge in Tourism.

Destinations are increasingly focusing on fashion to enhance the tourism experiences and empower local communities, especially among indigenous populations, as well as small-scale creators and businesses.

Tourism can be an effective driver of shared prosperity and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 10 on reducing inequalities. However, policymakers must focus more on inclusive planning, investment, and governance to harness tourism’s full potential for positive change.