UNWTO and CAF Boost Sustainable and Innovative Tourism in Latin America

• Americas
• 25 Nov 2021

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and CAF, the Development Bank of Latin America, have signed an MOU to strengthen their collaboration to accelerate tourism development through investments.

Data suggests that global foreign direct investments (FDI) into tourism plummeted by almost 74% in 2020, compared to 2019, putting an end to a period of record high volumes. With international arrivals to destinations in the Americas down by 68% in the first seven months of 2021 when compared to pre-pandemic levels, millions of direct tourism jobs have also been put at risk across the Americas, many of them in small and medium-sized enterprises which account for 80% of the tourism sector worldwide.

Innovation in the way investments are promoted is the key to reshaping the tourism model

The agreement will see the two organizations work together, with the aim of attracting, promoting and mobilizing investments in tourism across Latin America. It places special emphasis on enabling access to innovative financing mechanisms and also on promoting green investments that can accelerate tourism’s shift towards greater sustainability.  

UNWTO Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili, said: “Innovation in the way investments are promoted is the key to reshaping the tourism model. Working on strengthening the venture capital culture in countries, leading the growth of startups and boosting green investments through the UN Tourism Net Zero Fund together will help UNWTO and CAF Member States in the Americas to lead the shift towards sustainable economic development.” 

The Executive President of CAF, Sergio Díaz Granados said “With this initiative with the UNWTO, we will seek that the new tourism becomes the greatest ally of environmental sustainability. We also believe tourism can be a catalyst for regional economies in Latin America and the Caribbean, and we also believe that, in the current difficult context we live in given the economic crisis that the pandemic left us, it may be the main source of recovery for many countries.”

UNWTO has recognized the potential of investments to accelerate the green transition in the tourism sector. The Glasgow Declaration for Climate Action, launched by UNWTO and partners at the COP26 Climate Change Conference earlier this month, recognizes financing as an essential pillar of a sector-wide commitment to halve carbon emissions within the next decade and reach net-zero by 2050.

Related links:

• Download the news release in PDF
• Regional Department for Americas
• Tourism unites behind the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action at COP26
• UNWTO, Panama and NOAH Support Creation of UN Fund for the Climate Neutrality of Tourism

About CAF
CAF -Development Bank of Latin America- was created in 1970, is owned by 19 countries - 17 of Latin America and the Caribbean, Spain and Portugal- as well as 13 private banks in the region which aim is to promote sustainable development and regional integration, by providing multiple financial services to clients in the public and private sectors of its Shareholder Countries.

UNWTO, Panama and NOAH Support Creation of UN Fund for the Climate Neutrality of Tourism

• Americas
• 11 Nov 2021

Within the framework of the United Nations Conference on Climate Change COP26, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the Government of Panama and the business group NOAH agreed to work together for the implementation of the United Nations Fund for Climate Neutrality of Tourism. The Fund represents an innovative financing instrument promoted by UNWTO to respond to threats posed by the climate emergency.

In recognition of the existential threat posed by the climate emergency, UNWTO, the government of Panama and NOAH (Network of Ocean Ambassadors Headquarters) will support the creation of a Capital Fund that will make possible the UN Fund for the Climate Neutrality of Tourism and the creation of a Smart Carbon Exchange Market (MIIC). Led by NOAH together with UNWTO, this market aims to promote the exchange of carbon credits in the most efficient way.

Mobilizing resources

With this agreement, Panama ratifies its climate leadership and its efforts to conserve and regenerate nature and, at the same time, unleash economic growth through tourism that benefits local communities. Panama is one of only three carbon negative countries in the world - that is, it absorbs more greenhouse gases than it emits.

These projects reflect UNWTO's commitment to transform the tourism sector to accelerate the decarbonization of the sector

The Minister of Tourism of Panama, Iván Eskildsen, highlighted “the role of UNWTO in bringing together a leader in climate response like Panama, firmly committed to tourism as a pillar for the future of people and the planet, and NOAH that will contribute technological and financial solutions to mobilize the necessary resources for a sustainable future for the benefit of all.”

"These projects reflect UNWTO's commitment to transform the tourism sector to accelerate the decarbonization of the sector," said UNWTO Secretary General Zurab Pololikashvili. He stressed that this is an example of success based on cooperation between “the UN system, international organizations, UNWTO Member States and the private sector in general”.

Towards “Blue Carbon”

With Panama serving as a pilot country for these initiatives, NOAH will prepare a study in coordination with the Ministry of the Environment to estimate the “blue carbon” reserves in mangroves and seagrasses in protected areas of the country, as well as the reserves of carbon in wetlands.

For his part, the founder of NOAH, Frederic Degret, confirmed that “to articulate this great project, Panama will host the international headquarters of an Intelligent Carbon Exchange Market, as we have agreed in the Memorandum of Understanding signed between UNWTO and NOAH.”

The UNWTO, NOAH and Panama ensure the transition to a tourism sector with net zero emissions and focused on improving people’s lives.

Related links

• Download the news release in PDF
• Tourism unites behind the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action at COP26
• Climate Action

Grupo Xcaret in Mexico, tourism as a partner to sustainable development

• All Regions, Americas
• 14 Jul 2021

A new agreement between the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and Grupo Xcaret shows how public-private partnerships can promote destinations and rural environments through tourism.

Extension of the collaboration between UNWTO and the Grupo Xcaret has coincided with the opening of the new Hotal Xcaret Arte, an important investment that reveals the confidence of the Grupo Xcaret in the sustainable recovery of tourism. It is also taking shape in the context of the International Year of Creative Economy for Sustainable Development declared by the United Nations.

The agreement covers increased collaboration by UNWTO with one of its most active affiliate members in the promotion of sustainable tourism and of social responsibility in the private sector towards the conservation and promotion of natural and cultural heritage through tourism.

Shared goals

This agreement is an important step in the continued expansion of our collaboration for better, more sustainable and creative tourism

The agreement was confirmed in the framework of the recent first official visit by the UNWTO Secretary General, Zurab Pololikashvili, to Mexico, during which he met President Andrés Manuel López Obrador and the Secretary for Tourism, Miguel Torruco.

In addition to the meetings at the highest political level, UNWTO set up new collaboration with the State of Yucatan and expanded the existing collaboration with the Government of the State of Quintana Roo in the Mexican Caribbean.

Such shared goals mark the relationship between Grupo Xcaret and UNWTO since the group joined the Organisation as an Affiliate Member in 2004, the year after UNWTO became a specialized United Nations agency.

Public-private collaboration

Tourism in Quintana Roo has proved to be an example of efficient public-private collaboration in tourism, whose benefits reach beyond the tourism sector.

“This agreement is an important step in the continued expansion of our collaboration for better, more sustainable and creative tourism”, said Secretary General Pololikashvili, who stressed the support it will provide for the destination and its culture and the impetus it will bring to rural development.

“This agreement”,  according to architect Miguel Quintana, “reaffirms our commitment as a sustainable, 100% Mexican enterprise whose business model is based on ethics, respect for human dignity and a commitment to biodiversity and the creation of shared value in the communities in which we operate.”

The ceremony for the signing of the agreement by the Secretary General of UNWTO, Zurab Pololikashvili, and by architect Miguel Quintana Pali, President and Director General of Grupo XCaret, was held in the presence of witnesses of honour, the Mexican Secretary of Tourism Miguel Torruco and the Governor of the State of Quintana Roo, Carlos Joaquín González.

Related Links:

• Download the news release in PDF
• UNWTO in Mexico to Build on Historic Political Support for Tourism
• UNWTO Affiliate Members

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UNWTO in Mexico to Build on Historic Political Support for Tourism

• Americas
• 30 Jun 2021

The Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has embarked on a first official visit to Mexico. The visit of the high-level delegation further emphasises the unprecedented level of political support for tourism across the Americas as governments recognize the sector’s unique ability to drive economic and social recovery.

Meeting with President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili commended his leadership from the very start of the pandemic. This included ensuring that Mexico continued to welcome international flights, safely and responsibly, and providing practical assistance for businesses and workers across the broad tourism sector. President López Obrador was officially recognized by UNWTO for his support of tourism and for leading by example at this critical time.

The UNWTO delegation also met with Mexico’s Secretary for Tourism Miguel Torruco Marqués to discuss the restart of tourism both in Mexico and across the wider region. At the National Palace, Secretary-General Pololikashvili accepted the government’s invitation to the official opening of the new “General Felipe Ángeles” International Airport, currently scheduled for March 2022.

Mexico has led the way in supporting tourism, politically and practically, through an unprecedented crisis

Mr Pololikashvili says: “Mexico has led the way in supporting tourism, politically and practically, through an unprecedented crisis. Under the leadership of President López Obrador, it is ready to restart tourism and put into action the commitments of UNWTO’s Punta Cana Declaration for inclusive and sustainable tourism.”

Guiding regional recovery

The official visit to Mexico forms part of UNWTO’s wider support for its Member States in the Americas. Mexico was among the states to attend an extraordinary Ministerial meeting of the Americas. Here, with the signing of the Punta Cana Declaration, the region’s tourism leaders committed to placing inclusivity at the heart of tourism’s restart, ensuring that the sector delivers benefits and opportunities for all.

This shared commitment was also in evidence as UNWTO’s Regional Commission for the Americas met last week (24 June). Hosted by Jamaica, and chaired by the country’s Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett, the meeting highlighted the unprecedented political support now enjoyed by the sector, with 23 of the 24 regional Members represented, alongside six international and regional organizations. Discussions centred on the practical steps UNWTO is taking to guide the restart of tourism, and participants praised the tourism intelligence generated by UNWTO as “one of several laudable initiatives to assist Member States to navigate the choppy waters of pandemic and post-pandemic tourism slump and recovery”.

Elections and nominations

The meeting concluded with elections and nominations for positions within several UNWTO bodies, again showing a shared determination to move ahead even in challenging times.  Argentina, Brazil and the Dominican Republic were nominated to represent the Americas in the UNWTO Executive Council. Paraguay and Uruguay were nominated as Vice-Presidents of the General Assembly, and Guatemala and Jamaica were nominated to serve as members of the Credentials Committee. Paraguay was also nominated to serve as Chair of the UNWTO Commission for the Americas, while Uruguay and Barbados were nominated for its two Vice-Chair positions. Uruguay was elected to host the next UNWTO Commission for the Americas.

Related Links

• Download the news release in PDF
• UNWTO Regional Department for the Americas
• Declaration of Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

The World Tourism Organization Unites With Tourism Ministers in the Americas To Relaunch Tourism in the Region

• Americas
• 7 May 2021

Minister of Tourism David Collado along with 15 more ministers and vice ministers of tourism of the Americas established partnership agreements and procedures for relaunching tourism in the region in a meeting called by the World Tourism Organization and led in its inauguration by Luis Abinader, President of Dominican Republic.

Tourism leaders in the Americas committed to jointly addressing the reactivation of tourism, making the sector a priority and adopting international protocols. Additionally, they agreed to emphasize innovation and digital transformation, develop sustainable tourism and strengthen support mechanisms for workers and impacted companies.

At the beginning of the meeting, the Secretary General of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Zurab Pololikashvili commended the way Dominican Republic has handled the response to the COVID-19 pandemic and highlighted that “reestablishing trust in travel is a key first step towards tourism recovery, bringing hope to millions of people in the Americas and igniting the economic recuperation in general.”

In his welcome to the Tourism ministers and representatives from throughout the Americas, President Luis Abinader highlighted the role of UNWTO as a catalyst for innovation and synergies and called on those present to strengthen themselves as a shared destination and as a region through unity, determination, focus and joint vision.

Reestablishing trust in travel is a key first step towards tourism recovery, bringing hope to millions of people in the Americas and igniting the economic recuperation in general

Minister Collado stressed that the tourism sector generates employment opportunities for more than 500,000 families and contributes 15% of thecountry's Gross Domestic Product. Similarly, he endorsed the commitment "with the Dominicans, with sector partners and with the millions of tourists who are eagerly waiting to visit and know the beautiful destinations within Dominican Republic."

Among the main topics of discussion included re-establishing confidence in travel, protecting businesses and jobs, and ensuring that the benefits of the tourism revival are felt beyond the industry itself. The working sessions were attended in person by ministers and vice ministers of Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Puerto Rico, Uruguay and Venezuela, and virtually by government officials from Argentina, Barbados, Bolivia, Chile, Nicaragua, and Peru.

The meetings were developed with the coordination of the host country through the Ministry of Tourism of Dominican Republic,with the participation of representatives of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the International Civil AviationInternacional Organization (ICAO) and the Association of Hotels and Tourism of Dominican Republic, among other sector organizations.

The summit ended with attendees signing the Declaration of Punta Cana which sealed the commitment  of the regional leaders to make tourism a pillar of sustainable development and ensure an effective recovery plan post-COVID.

Related links

• Download the news release in PDF
• Declaration of Punta Cana, Dominican Republic: “Extraordinary Meeting of Ministers of Tourism of the Americas”
• Download the Punta Cana Declaration in PDF
• UNWTO: Regional Department for Americas
• Guiding tourism's recovery

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Ibero-American Leaders Urged to Embrace Tourism as Driver of Development

• Americas, Europe
• 21 Apr 2021

The unique power of tourism to drive sustainable development was made clear as UNWTO took part in the 27th Ibero-American Summit of Heads of State and Government in Andorra.

With a special focus on the role of innovation in sustainable development, the hybrid summit united leaders of the 22 Spanish and Portuguese-speaking countries of Latin America and Europe. Held against this backdrop, the Ibero-American Business Meeting brough together top executives from the region’s top companies, including from the banking and aviation sectors. Addressing this meeting, UNWTO highlighted its leading role in addressing the key challenges facing tourism. Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili noted the sector’s proven economic and social importance to all the participating countries and reiterated his strong call for clear leadership, coordination and joined-up action.

Coordinated restart and recovery

Coordinate the introduction of protocols for safe international travel to avoid adding uncertainty and undermining confidence

With tourism a pillar of development and employment in all Ibero-American economies, Mr Pololikashvili underscored “the opportunity for tourism to help us grow back better”. At the same time, he pointed to the pressing need to “coordinate the introduction of protocols for safe international travel to avoid adding uncertainty and undermining confidence”. The ‘Digital Green Pass’, which aims to restart tourism in the European Union by June or July, “should be an example for other global regions and countries to follow; the cost of more chaos is simply too high not to”, he added.

UNWTO outlined its new Destination Tracker, produced in partnership with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to address uncertainty and lack of confidence in travel. Participants were also informed of UNWTO’s enhanced partnerships with international finance organizations to ensure tourism jobs and businesses receive the support they need in this time of crisis. Looking ahead, UNWTO’s work with the Inter-American Development Bank and with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations will help ensure the restart of tourism delivers benefits for rural communities on both sides of the Atlantic.

Leaders united

The UNWTO Delegation joined His Majesty King Felipe VI of Spain, alongside the Head of Government of Andorra, Espot Zamora, the President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, the President of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, the President of the Dominican Republic, Luis Abinader, and the President de of Guatemala, Alejandro Giammattei, in Andorra for the biennial meeting. Leaders from across the other 17 Member States of the Ibero-American Community, as well as its Associate Observers and Consultative Observers from international organizations, joined in the proceedings virtually.

The Andorra summit followed on from high-level meetings between the UNWTO leadership and the Presidents of both the Dominican Republic and Guatemala. On the day before the start of the summit, President of the Dominican Republic, Luis Abinader, and the President de of Guatemala, Alejandro Giammattei both paid official visits to the UNWTO headquarters in Madrid.

In these meetings, UNWTO stressed the importance of cooperation in restarting tourism in a joined-up manner. The importance of tourism to both countries was also highlighted, including not just the sector’s economic importance but its contributions to rural development and the opportunities it creates for indigenous communities.

Related Links

• Download the news release in PDF
• UNWTO Regional Department for the Americas
• Advancing Harmonized Travel Protocols and Financing Tourism’s Survival

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