UN Tourism and TUI Care Foundation partner to support African artisans in rural areas

• All Regions
• 18 Jul 2024

UN Tourism and TUI Care Foundation have solidified their ongoing partnership by signing an agreement at the UN Tourism headquarters in Madrid. The agreement focuses on empowering artists and artisans, particularly women and youth, in rural tourism destinations in Africa. With this new agreement, TUI Care Foundation becomes the first partner to support the pilot phase of the Tourism for Rural Development Small Grants Programme by UN Tourism.

Empowering Rural Artists and Artisans 

With this collaboration, UN Tourism and TUI Care Foundation will launch ‘Colourful Cultures’ Call for Proposals to empower artists and artisans in rural destinations in Gambia, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, Zambia.  

Tourism has the power to transform lives and communities, especially in rural areas. By supporting artists and artisans, we are not only preserving cultural heritage but also creating sustainable income opportunities.

The call will allow non-profit organisations in these countries to develop innovative initiatives that benefit artisanal and artist communities to boost income opportunities, protect intangible cultural heritage, and promote rural tourism. 

UN Tourism and TUI Care Foundation have been collaborating to promote sustainable development through tourism. In 2023, both organisations launched the Tourism for Development Fund with EUR 10 million to support sustainable development in destinations in Least Developed Countries (LDCs). 

Empowering Rural Communities Through Tourism 

Speaking at the signing ceremony of the agreement, Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of UN Tourism said: “Tourism has the power to transform lives and communities, especially in rural areas. By supporting artists and artisans, we are not only preserving cultural heritage but also creating sustainable income opportunities. This collaboration with TUI Care Foundation exemplifies our commitment to inclusive and sustainable tourism for rural development.” 

Thomas Ellerbeck, Chairman of the TUI Care Foundation, echoed this sentiment, stating, “By supporting artists and artisans, we are preserving cultural heritage and promoting economic growth and social well-being in some of the world's most vulnerable tourism destinations. This change-making collaboration with UN Tourism, inspired by our global TUI Colourful Cultures programme, is an important cornerstone of our Foundation's strategy.” 

Driving Sustainable Tourism Development in rural communities in Africa 

Tourism serves as a lifeline for many rural communities and has a unique capacity to create new job opportunities, promote territorial cohesion, and protect natural and cultural resources. It also empowers women and youth.  

Rural areas face increasing challenges, such as depopulation, aging populations, lower income levels, and gaps in infrastructure, health, and financial services. Despite significant improvements in recent decades, disparities between urban and rural areas persist. This call for proposals aims to:  

• Increase the capacity of artists and artisans to engage in the tourism economy and enhance their income 
• Increase the visibility of artists and artisans in rural tourism destinations 
• Increase the availability of support services for artists and artisans in rural tourism 

The call is expected to open for applications in September.  

Contact: mpaul@unwto.org 

Related Links:

• Download News Release on PDF
• UN Tourism’s Rural Tourism page
• Best Tourism Villages page

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UN Tourism launches the Tourism Investment Guidelines for Peru

• All Regions
• 16 Jul 2024

UN Tourism’s launch of the 'Tourism Doing Business: Investing in Peru' focused on foreign investment trends in the tourism sector, highlighting Peru as a top destination for tourism investment.

During the launch, presented by the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism of Peru and the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF), recognition plaques were awarded to seven towns chosen as Peru's Best Tourism Villages in 2022 and 2023. 

Key takeaways from the 'Promoting Foreign Investment: Launch of the Tourism Doing Business Investment Guidelines-Investing in Peru and General Guidelines for the Development of Public Investment in Tourism’ include: 

Peru is making steady progress in post-pandemic visitor recovery, with 25.7% growth by 2023. In addition, its cultural and natural heritage position it as a highly attractive destination for investment.

• Between 2018 and 2023, Peru ranked among the top four countries in Latin America and the Caribbean in announcements for greenfield foreign direct investment (FDI) projects in the tourism sector.
• Since 2005, the public sector has allocated around USD 621.4 million to tourism activities and projects through the public investment budget. This support is set to continue, with an additional projection of USD 93.5 million by 2024.

UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili stated, “Peru is making steady progress in post-pandemic visitor recovery, with 25.7% growth by 2023. In addition, its cultural and natural heritage position it as a highly attractive destination for investment. The UN Tourism guidelines “Tourism Doing Business - Investing in Peru” is a fundamental tool highlighting the numerous business opportunities offered by the tourism sector of this wonderful country.” 

Sergio Diaz-Granados, CAF's Executive President, added, “CAF wants to contribute to the positioning of Peru for investment in tourism and to take advantage of the enormous potential offered by the sector. The country is an example in taking advantage of its unique attractions and is a destination characterised by its innovation and creativity. With the delivery of the Tourism Investment Guide, the alliance signed in January of this year between CAF, UN Tourism and the Peruvian government, represented by the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism, to support the development of this sector, which is key to generating employment and boosting the country's productivity, is materialized.” 

Elizabeth Galdo Marín, Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism of Peru, said, "Tourism is a key driver for the economic and social development of our country. With a rich cultural and natural diversity, Peru is positioned as a privileged destination for sustainable tourism. The collaboration with UN Tourism and CAF to include a special chapter on green investments and another on gastronomy in this guide underlines our commitment to responsible and sustainable tourism development.” 

Heritage and Gastronomy  

Peruvian gastronomy draws inspiration from the country's biodiversity and the fusion of Andean, Amazonian, European, Asian, and African food. This sector puts the spotlight on locally sourced regional dishes. 

Peru's archaeological, historical and cultural wealth and its biodiversity and natural heritage make it an excellent option for tourism investments. This diversity allows for various tourism offerings aligned with environmental preservation. 

Incentives For Foreign Direct Investment 

Peru offers several incentives for foreign direct investment. Non-fiscal incentives include: 

• Companies can be 100% foreign-owned. 
• Low minimum capital requirements to start a company. 
• The possibility of opening accounts in different currencies. 
• A streamlined business incorporation process. 

Specific incentives for foreign investment in tourism include: 

• Value Added Tax (VAT): MSMEs in restaurant, hotel and tourist accommodation activities are subject to 10% of the final sales price, in contrast to the general 18%. 
• Special Regime for the VAT Early Recovery: This mechanism has benefited more than 41 investors between 2007 and 2023, providing more than USD 700 million in liquidity. 
• Amazon Law: Offers special tax conditions, with an IR between 5% and 10%, to promote tourist activities. 

The ‘Tourism Doing Business Guide in Peru’ provides an overview of Peru’s investment landscape: 

• Between 2018 and 2023, 360 greenfield projects were announced in the tourism sector in Latin America and the Caribbean, with a total investment of USD 29,528 million and expectations of creating 115,815 jobs.  
• Currently, 6.8% of Peru's economically active population (1.2 million people) are employed directly or indirectly in the tourism sector. This figure is projected to increase to 1.3 million in 2024, 13.5% over 2023. 
• The contribution of tourism to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2023 was 2.5%, but forecasts indicate that it will be 2.9% in 2024.  
• Between 2005 and 2024, USD 621.4 million of public investments were allocated to the tourism sector, and the budget for 2024 alone is already USD 93.5 million. 

Peru’s Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism has decided to promote 10 investment projects in the guide, representing a portfolio of USD 650 million. These projects are only some of the tourism developments on the cards for Peru.  

Natalia Bayona, Executive Director of UN Tourism, added, “The outlook for tourism investment in Peru is very positive. Between 2018 and 2023, the country was among the top four countries in Latin America and the Caribbean in announcements of greenfield FDI investment in tourism. This data shows us that it is important to invest in tourism and that this may be an unbeatable time to do so.” 

Related Links

• Download News Release on PDF
• Tourism Doing Business Investing in Peru

G20 Tourism Working Group and Ministerial Meeting

• All Regions
• 30 Sep 2023

One Earth, One Family, One Future

A roadmap for people and planet

As the knowledge partner of India's G20 Presidency, UN Tourism delivered the Goa Roadmap for Tourism as a Vehicle for Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals at the meeting of the Ministers of Tourism of the world's leading economies.

Halfway between the 2015 launch of the 2030 Agenda and the deadline to accomplish it, UN Tourism called on G20 Tourism Ministers to lead the sector's contribution to accelerating progress towards achieving the 17 SDGs. The Goa Roadmap, developed with the Tourism Working Group, builds upon the five priority areas of India's G20 Presidency:

• Green Tourism: Recognizing the critical need to work towards climate action and environmental protection, including through greater international cooperation, the Goa Roadmap incorporates recommended actions and good practices from G20 economies and guest countries. These focus on issues such as financing, sustainable infrastructure and resource management, integrating circular approaches in the tourism value chain and engaging visitors as key actors in sustainability.
• Digitalization: The Roadmap makes clear the wide-ranging benefits of supporting businesses and destinations as they embrace digitalization, including enhanced productivity, improved infrastructure management and delivering a safer and more efficient visitor experience.
• Skills: Reflecting one of UN Tourism's core priorities for the sector, the Roadmap emphasizes the need to provide tourism workers, particularly youth and women, with the skills employers need, to future-proof tourism jobs and to make the sector a more attractive career path. 
• Tourism MSMEs: With Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) accounting for 80% of all tourism businesses worldwide, the Roadmap emphasizes the importance of public policies and public-private partnerships in addressing key challenges, including financing, marketing and skills gaps and market access to support MSMEs through the digital and sustainable transitions.
• Destination Management: The Roadmap presents a set of recommended actions to create a holistic approach to destination management that strengthens public-private-community partnerships and enhances a whole-of-government approach. It also shares further examples of innovative programmes among G20 and invited countries. 

The Goa Roadmap for Tourism as a Vehicle for Achieving the SDGs offers the G20 economies a proposed plan of action to lead the way forward towards a better future for all

UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili says: "As tourism bounces back close to pre-pandemic levels, we must ensure that recovery is sustainable, inclusive and resilient. The Goa Roadmap for Tourism as a Vehicle for Achieving the SDGs offers the G20 economies a proposed plan of action to lead the way forward towards a better future for all."

Shri G. Kishan Reddy, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Development of North Eastern Region, Government of India, added: "Tourism can be instrumental in addressing many of the challenges faced by our societies while transforming itself to address its socio-economic impacts. Working together on a common roadmap for recovery and long-term sustainability will unlock its immense potential to deliver on the SDGs."

G20 Tourism and SDGs Dashboard

UN Tourism and India’s G20 Presidency joined hands to launch a new tool to advance the contribution of tourism policies and initiatives towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Ahead of the G20 Leaders' Summit (9-10 September), UN Tourism worked with the Presidency through India's Ministry of Tourism on the G20 Tourism and SDGs Dashboard. This tool will help to promote the sector's contribution to accelerating progress towards achieving the 17 SDGs.

The Dashboard showcases the pillars of the Goa Roadmap for Tourism as a Vehicle for Achieving the SDGs around the five priority areas set for the Tourism Working Group, which are: 1. Green Tourism; 2. Digitalization; 3. Skills; 4. Tourism MSMEs and 5. Destination Management.

The UN Tourism-G20 Dashboard includes over 20 case studies under these five areas and will be updated on a regular basis over the coming years, providing a unique reference for tourism policies and initiatives in their contribution to the SDGs

The G20 Tourism and SDGs Dashboard is included in the UN Tourism-led Tourism for SDGs Platform.

UN Tourism, tourism and the G20

• The G20 economies represent around 85% of the global GDP, over 75% of the global trade, and about two-thirds of the world population.
• In 2022, the G20 welcomed 74% of all international tourists and accounted for 73% of tourism exports worldwide. In 2019, pre COVID-19 pandemic the Tourism Direct GDP reached 3.7% of the G20 economies.

Related links

• G20 Tourism Side Event Focuses on Rural Tourism for Community Empowerment
• Tourism for Development and Prosperity Highlighted in G20 Leaders’ Declaration
• G20 Welcomes Roadmap to Make Tourism Key Driver of Sustainable Development Goals
• UNWTO and G20 Launch Dashboard to Support Tourism in Advancing the SDGs
• Goa Roadmap for Tourism as a Vehicle for Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals
• G20 Tourism and SDGs Dashboard

Ambassadors Join UN Tourism to Look Ahead to 2027 Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism

• All Regions
• 20 Jun 2024

UN Tourism has joined its Members in celebrating the establishment of 2027 as the International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism.

At the Organization’s headquarters in Madrid, the UN Tourism leadership welcomed the Ambassadors to Spain of 24 Member States to look ahead to the seminal year. They included His Excellency Farrukh Tursunov, Ambassador of Uzbekistan, which sponsored the Resolution for the year ahead of its adoption by 86 Member States at the UN General Assembly in February. Rosario Sánchez Grau, Secretary of State for Tourism of Spain, host country of UN Tourism, was also present to mark the occasion.

The adoption of the Resolution to proclaim 2027 the International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism was a joint achievement. So it is only right we come together today to celebrate it

Welcoming the dignitaries, UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “The adoption of the Resolution to proclaim 2027 the International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism was a joint achievement. So it is only right we come together today to celebrate it. The year will allow us to make clear tourism’s unique ability to drive development and opportunity, while also stressing the need to ensure that the sector’s growth is sustainable in every way and resilient enough to weather future shocks and challenges.”

The UN General Assembly Resolution calls on “UN Tourism to facilitate the organization and implementation of the International Year, in collaboration with Governments, relevant organizations of the United Nations system, international and regional organizations and other relevant stakeholders."

Related links

• Download News Release on PDF
• Sustainable Tourism Development
• UN General Assembly Hosts Tourism for Sustainable Development Event

Education and diversification recognized as key to future of tourism in Asia and the Pacific

• All Regions
• 28 Jun 2024

Diversifying tourism across Asia and the Pacific, alongside promoting more and better education, will be key to building a more resilient and sustainable sector.

According to UN Tourism’s data, the sector is experiencing a rapid recovery in Asia and the Pacific, with arrivals reaching 82% of pre-pandemic levels in the first quarter of 2024, boosted by the re-opening of many destinations throughout 2023. Now, with full recovery on the horizon, the latest joint meeting of UN Tourism’s Commission for Asia and the Pacific (CAP) and its Commission of South Asia (CSA), focused on the challenges and opportunities for creating a positive and lasting transformation.

As our data shows, tourism’s recovery is close to complete here in Asia and Pacific. We worked together to face the crisis head on.

Guiding transformation and building resilience  

The 36th meeting of the CAP-CSA welcomed more than 130 delegates from 25 countries and territories. All Members were provided with a comprehensive overview of UN Tourism’s work and achievements since the last meeting, with key priorities then presented for the years ahead.

UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “As our data shows, tourism’s recovery is close to complete here in Asia and Pacific. We worked together to face the crisis head on. And now we must work together to focus on our priorities for the future. That means supporting education, driving investments into our sector and further strengthening the ties between public and private to build resilience and advance sustainability and inclusive growth.” 

Education the top-level tourism priority  

Reflecting the high-level support given to tourism and to UN Tourism’s mission to guide the sector forward, Commission host the Philippines was represented by President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr, at the meeting. In his opening remarks President Marcos commended UN Tourism’s focus on education and training for the sector and stressed his commitment to wider sustainability efforts. “Education is always going to make any industry better and certainly tourism is no different,” President Marcos said. “We need to raise the standards and practices in this crucial sector by investing in education, training, and skills upgrading of all the personnel who are working in this industry.” 

Emphasising his Government’s recognition of the importance of education, President Ferdinand Marcos expressed interest in opening a new Academy in Collaboration with UN Tourism in the Philippines. The institution would add to UN Tourism’s growing network of Academies, with education centres focusing on the specific needs of regions or on key skills needed for the future of tourism.  

Resilience via green transformation  

Within the framework of the joint Commission meeting, Member States in the region tabled a thematic discussion on product development emphasizing the need for green transformation to enhance the tourism sector’s competitiveness, while bolstering its resilience through the promotion of innovative and green solutions.  

Untapping Gastronomy Tourism’s Potential   

In Cebu, the spotlight was put on gastronomy tourism as one of the sure routes to progress product diversification to add value to the sector and accelerate  recovery in the region. Here, UN Tourism hosted its first Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Asia and the Pacific, connecting public and private sector leaders with top entrepreneurs and leading chefs from the region and beyond. Discussions concluded with the Cebu Call to Action on Gastronomy Tourism, urging public and private leaders to integrate gastronomy tourism into policy, foster cross-sector cooperation, namely with agriculture and creative industries, support small businesses, and promote sustainable practices. 

Secretary-General Polikashvili challenged tourism players to further capitalize on the region’s growing reputation as both a destination and leader in the field of gastronomy tourism. “My proposal is to leave a legacy… to create something an education center or gastronomic center here in Cebu,” he said.  

Looking ahead to Indonesia 

The meetings concluded with Members agreeing to accept Indonesia’s offer to host the 37th Joint Meeting of UN Tourism’s 2 Asian Commissions in 2025. The exact dates will be confirmed in due course. 

Related Links:

• Download News Release on PDF
• First Gastronomy Tourism Forum for Asia and Pacific Unites Governments, Businesses and Top Chefs
• 36th CAP-CSA and First UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Asia and the Pacific
• UN Tourism Academy

UN Tourism Commits to the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for Small Island Developing States (SIDS)

• All Regions
• 4 Jun 2024

UN Tourism has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the sector’s resilience and increasing its importance for inclusive development in Small Island Developing States. 

At the Fourth International Conference for SIDS (Antigua and Barbuda, 27-30 May), UN Tourism joined government leaders and fellow UN agencies to identify a shared pathway towards resilient prosperity. The conference concluded with the adoption of the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS), with tourism at its core.   

Tourism and SIDS: A vital economic pillar  

According to UN Tourism data, the SIDS received 36 million international tourist arrivals in 2023, representing 91% of pre-pandemic levels worldwide, meaning recovery rates outpaced the global figure of 89%. Although SIDS represent only 3% of all arrivals in the world, tourism is a life line in Small Islands Developing States SIDS where the sector accounts for 38% of all exports (excluding Singapore), going up to 85% in the cases of some countries.  

There is nevertheless a pressing need to transition into a sustainable and resilient tourism model that places people and planet at the core. Localizing the supply chain to reduce leakages, de-risking investments and protecting biodiversity are fundamental for resilience, as outlined in the ABAS.    

UN Tourism pledges support to SIDS 

Both at the Plenary discussions and during the Interactive Dialogue on Revitalising SIDS Economies, UN Tourism’s Executive Director Zoritsa Urosevic expressed its commitment to support SIDS through ongoing initiatives and programmes. A call was made to support productive sectors (manufacturing, agrifood, fisheries, creative industries); prioritise local, formal job creation; develop social protection mechanisms; integrate circularity as a core business model; protect and restore ecosystems; support climate action; and explore innovative finance in connection with blue carbon. 

Rethinking tourism policy and finance  

UN Tourism organized a side-event on “Regenerative Tourism: Policy, Practice and Finance”, in connection with the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism. The Ministers of Tourism of Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Sint Marteen, as well as the local Ministry of Saint Kitts, presented their policies and practices. The Pacific Tourism Organization and the Caribbean Tourism Organization and experts from Sustainable Travel International, TUI Care Foundation and NOAH ReGen also took part in the discussions, especially addressing the need for collaboration and finance. The Ministry of Tourism of Antigua and Barbuda and the destination of Saint Kitts became signatories of the Glasgow Declaration. 

In collaboration with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), International Monetary Fund (IMF), University of Oxford SDG Impact Lab, Catalytic Finance Foundation and Pegasus Capital Advisors, UN Tourism co-organized the virtual side-event "Better data for a better tourism in SIDS". The event highlighted the role of the Statistical Framework for Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism in providing guidance for more harmonized and meaningful metrics to measure tourism's impact, dependencies and growth ‘beyond GDP’ as well as the role of market intelligence on creating relevant knowledge for action, and the importance of measuring tourism projects and initiatives at all levels, by using tools such as Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals through Tourism – Toolkit of Indicators for Projects (TIPs) or STAR - Self-assessment Tool to Assist Rural Destinations. 

Discussions took also among UN Heads of Delegations regarding the implementation of ABAS and an inter-agency nexus dialogue on Tourism in SIDS  titled “Advancing Sustainable Development of SIDS through Tourism: Fostering Sustainable and Circular Consumption and Production” was organized within the framework of the One Planet network involving FAO, ILO, UNDP, UNEP, UNFCCC and UN Tourism. 

Related Links:

• Download News Release on PDF
• Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS) – a Renewed Declaration for Resilient Prosperity
• Glasgow Declaration - Regenerative tourism for resilience: Policy, practice and finance. | One Planet network
• “Better data for a better tourism in SIDS”
• Advancing Sustainable Development of SIDS through Tourism: Fostering Sustainable and Circular Consumption and Production | One Planet network

UN Tourism launches its first regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism in the Philippines

• All Regions
• 13 Jun 2024

The First UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Asia and the Pacific will take place in Cebu, The Philippines, on 26-27 June 2024. Organized in conjunction with the 36th Joint Meeting of the UN Tourism Commission for East Asia and the Pacific & the UN Tourism Commission for South Asia (36th CAP-CSA), it will mark the first time that the Gastronomy Forum is taken to the regional level.

First Regional Forum on Gastronomy Forum for Asia and the Pacific 

Following its global success, the Forum, annually organized by UN Tourism and its Affiliate Member, the Basque Culinary Center (BCC), is now set to make its regional debut. Hosted by the Government of the Philippines, this inaugural regional edition promises to serve as a meeting point for experts and member states dedicated to enhancing the role of gastronomy tourism in destination development. 

• The Forum will host a Ministerial dialogue to discuss policies to advance a roadmap on gastronomy tourism in the region. 
• Underscoring the significance of preserving local traditions and protecting the land and products for the development of sustainable gastronomy tourism, a panel debate will discuss innovative strategies with examples from Japan, the Philippines and Sri Lanka. The event will also welcome the participation of destinations and experts actively engaged in the advancement of gastronomy tourism as a tool for social inclusiveness, such as UN Tourism Ambassador  Chef Margarita Fores, as well as Chef Vicky Cheng from Hong Kong (China); Lionel Dabbadie, the FAO representative for the Philippines, along with representatives from JTB Corporation – the largest travel agency in Japan – and representatives from Jeju Tourism Organization (Republic of Korea), to present on two of the Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism, Sehwa and Dongbaek. 
• Additionally, as part of an ongoing effort to promote sustainability, participants will explore cost-effective and environmentally responsible strategies to maximize the use of local sourcing and minimize food waste through prevention, circularity, and initiatives to combat climate change within gastronomy tourism. 
• Set to welcome around 200 participants, this Forum will be also livestreamed. Registrations will be open until 16 June 2024.  

Related Links:

• Download News Release on PDF
• First UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Asia and the Pacific
• 36th Joint Meeting of the UN Tourism Commission for East Asia and the Pacific & the UN Tourism Commission for South Asia