UN Tourism Calls on G20 to Lead the Transformation of the Sector

• All Regions
• 23 Sep 2024

The G20 economies must lead the way in ensuring tourism fulfils its huge potential to build a fairer and more sustainable future for people and planet.

At a meeting of the Ministers of Tourism of the G20 economies in Belem, Brazil, UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili noted that the sector is on track to fully recover pre-pandemic levels by the end of this year. Given this, the focus must now shift to the future, with an emphasis on empowering and including local communities, fighting climate change, and progressing nature net positive and circularity.

Secretary-General Pololikashvili said: “Tourism heavily depends on biodiversity, climate stability and natural resources. Accelerating climate action in tourism is critical for the resilience of the sector and host communities.” In this context, he applauded Brazil’s G20 Presidency focus on inclusion and sustainability.

Accelerating climate action in tourism is critical for the resilience of the sector and host communities

Closing the the meeting, Minister of Tourism of Brazil, Celso Sabino said “the Belém Declaration affirms the collective commitment to promote a more sustainable, resilient and inclusive tourism in the world”.

Climate change, e-skills development and inclusion key to tourism’s future

At the G20 meeting, UN Tourism stressed the critical importance of education and skills for the future of the sector and its transformation. “ILO data shows that around 880,000 tourism jobs annually will require specialized training until 2030 and that 25% of tourism stakeholders report significant shortages in skilled employees, particularly in customer service and managerial roles,” Mr Pololikashvili noted.

The Secretary General also recalled the role tourism can have in development and welcomed the G20’s tourism focus on financing for development.

“For many developing countries, including Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States, tourism is a major source of employment, foreign exchange earnings and tax revenues. Yet, the sector continues to be overlooked as a tool for development, with the total Official Development Assistance disbursements for tourism remaining below 0.25% of total ODA.” he said.

Secretary-General thanked and commended the Belem Declaration adopted by the G20 Tourism Ministers which highlights the Statistical Framework for Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism (SF-MST) as a tool to produce credible, comparable, and integrated data on tourism's economic, social, and environmental impact as well as the G20 Tourism and SDGs Platform developed by the G20 Tourism in collaboration with UN Tourism.

G20 economies: Tourism powerhouses

The G20 economies represent over 70% of all international tourist arrivals and receipts generated worldwide and 82% of tourism’s global GDP. In 2023, the sector accounted directly for 3.1% of the GDP of the G20, 5% of all exports of the group and 23% of all its service exports. 

International tourism recovered 97% of its pre pandemic levels in the G20 economies in the seven months 2024. G20 tourism direct GDP value recovered fully already in 2023 at US$ 2.8 trillion.

Related Links

• Download News Prelease on PDF
• Belem Declaration – G20 Tourism Ministers Meeting
• G20 Tourism and SDGs Dashboard
• Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism (MST)
• Tourism and the G20 Economies
• G20

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UN Tourism joins G20 Presidency to discuss the future of tourism policies and governance

• All Regions
• 20 Sep 2024

UN Tourism has brought together Ministers from the G20 economies to advance tourism policies and transform governance across the sector.

On the eve of the official meeting of the G20 Ministers of Tourism, the side event called for a new approach to tourism policy and governance that places a focus on people and planet. With the event held under the Brazilian Presidency of the G20, high-level representatives of Azerbaijan, Canada, Chile, India, Indonesia, Jamaica, Saudi Arabia, Spain and the USA as well as the InterAmerican Development Bank, recalled the positive importance and impact of tourism in the economy and society and its potential to contribute to the SDGs and to reduce inequalities within and among countries.

Opening the event Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili applauded Brazil’s G20 Presidency focus on inclusion and sustainability and said “The challenges ahead of us are immense. As so are the opportunities offered by a sector that creates jobs and brings people together like no other. Yet, to really transform our sector, we need new policies and new governance models. We need to place communities and the environment at the centre of our polices and we need stronger coordination of all government agencies as well as among national and local stakeholders.”

We need to place communities and the environment at the centre of our polices and we need stronger coordination of all government agencies as well as among national and local stakeholders

Minister of Tourism of Brazil, Celso Sabino said “UN Tourism is bringing to Belem, an essential debate for the tourism sector but also for the world. Sustainability is a priority for the government of the President of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and tourism when developed in a responsible manner, protecting the environment, culture and history, is the most prosperous way for the development of nations. And Brazil is leading this so much needed and urgent debate. We are very happy to host the G20 Tourism here at the heart of the Amazon, the capital of Pará.”

G20 Ministers outline way ahead for tourism

At a time of multiple challenges facing the world, participants agreed that with the growth of the sector there are increasing multidimensional externalities which require rethinking tourism planning and management. Key takeaways included the urgent need for:

• A new governance build upon regular consultation and inclusion of residents, stronger coordination among all agencies in government and among national and local authorities as well as with the private sector.
• Targeted polices on gender, social inclusion, decent jobs, climate change, circularity, nature net positive and regional development across all areas of tourism.
• Improving the measurement of the impact of tourism in its three dimensions at national and local levels – economic, social and environmental. Participants welcomed the recent approval by the United Nations of the Statistical Framework for Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism.

Ministers represent top tourism economies

The G20 economies represent over 70% of all international tourist arrivals and receipts generated worldwide and 82% of tourism’s global GDP. In 2023, the sector accounted directly for 3.1% of the GDP of the G20 (USD 2.8 trillion), 5% of all exports of the group and 23% of all its service exports (USD 1.3 trillion). 

In 2023, the G20 economies received 900 million international tourist arrivals. In the first seven months of 2024, international tourist arrivals to the G20 reached 97% of pre-pandemic levels with countries such as Saudi Arabia (+73%), Türkiye (+15%), Spain (+11%), Japan (+7%) and Brazil (+1%) leading growth and already surpassing 2019 levels.

Speaking at the UN Tourism side event were Mr Kanan Gasimov, Head of Administration, State Tourism Agency of Azerbaijan, HE Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism of Canada, HE Verónica Pardo, Undersecretary of Tourism of Chile, HE Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister of Tourism of India, HE Martini M. Paham, Deputy Minister for Human Resources and Institutions, Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy of Indonesia, HE Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism of Jamaica, HE Sultan AlMusallam, Vice Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia, HE Jordi Hereu Boher, Minister of Industry and Tourism of Spain, HE Alex Lasry, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Travel & Tourism in the USA and Pedro Martel, Division Chief Environment, Rural Development, and Disaster Risk Management at Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

Related Links

• Download News Release on PDF
• A new policy agenda for tourism
• G20 Tourism and SDGs Dashboard
• Tourism and the G20 Economies
• G20

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International Tourist Arrivals hit 96% of pre-pandemic levels through July 2024

• All Regions
• 19 Sep 2024

International tourism bounced back to 96% of pre-pandemic levels in the seven months through July 2024, driven by strong demand in Europe and the re-opening of markets in Asia and the Pacific.

According to the latest World Tourism Barometer by UN Tourism, around 790 million tourists travelled internationally in the first seven months of 2024, about 11% more than in 2023 and only 4% less than in 2019. Data show a strong start to the year, followed by a more modest second quarter. Results are in line with UN Tourism’s projection of a full recovery in international arrivals in 2024 despite ongoing economic and geopolitical risks.

UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “International tourism is on track to consolidate its full recovery from the biggest crisis in the sector’s history. The ongoing rebound comes despite a range of economic and geopolitical challenges, highlighting the strong demand for international travel as well as the effectiveness of boosting air connections and easing visa restrictions. This recovery also highlights the growing need for tourism planning and managing to cater for its impacts on communities in a way that the immense socio-economic benefits are paired with inclusive and sustainable policies”.

Middle East continues to lead the recovery

The ongoing rebound comes despite a range of economic and geopolitical challenges, highlighting the strong demand for international travel as well as the effectiveness of boosting air connections and easing visa restrictions

With increased air connectivity and visa facilitation supporting the recovery in international travel, the data shows all world regions have recorded a strong year so far.

• The Middle East remained the strongest-growing region in relative terms, with international arrivals climbing 26% above 2019 levels in the first seven months of 2024.
• Africa welcomed 7% more tourists than in the same months of 2019.
• Europe and the Americas recovered 99% and 97% of their pre-pandemic arrivals respectively during these seven months.
• Asia and the Pacific recorded 82% of its pre-pandemic tourist numbers (-18% versus 2019) reaching 85% in June and 86% in July.

A total of 67 out of 120 destinations around the world had recovered 2019 arrival numbers in the first half of 2024, based on countries reporting monthly or quarterly data. Some of the strongest performers in January-July 2024 were Qatar (+147% versus 2019) where arrivals more than doubled, Albania (+93%), El Salvador (+81%), Saudi Arabia (+73%), the Republic of Moldova (+50% through June) and Tanzania (+49% through June).

Receipts and expenditure data shows even stronger results 

Regarding international tourism receipts, 47 out of 63 countries with available data had recovered pre-pandemic values in the first six months of 2024, many reporting strong double-digit growth compared to 2019 (in local currencies and current prices). Among the best performers through June or July 2024 were Albania (+128%) and Serbia (+126%) where receipts more than doubled (compared to the same period of 2019), followed by Tajikistan (+85%), Pakistan (+76%), Montenegro (+70%), North Macedonia (+60%) and Portugal (+57%). Strong results were also reported by Türkiye (+55%) and Colombia (+54%). Worth noting based on first quarter data, are Saudi Arabia (+207%) and El Salvador (+168%) which enjoyed extraordinary growth compared to Q1 2019.

Data on international tourism expenditure reveals strong demand for outbound travel in January-July 2024, especially from large source markets such as the United States (+32%), Germany (+38%), and the United Kingdom (+40% through March), compared to the same period of 2019. Strong outbound spending was also reported by Australia (+34%), Canada (+28%) and Italy (+26%), all through June 2024. Limited data for India shows an impressive surge in outbound spending, with 86% growth in Q1 2024 (versus Q1 2019).

Revised data for 2023 shows export revenues from international tourism reaching USD 1.8 trillion (including receipts and passenger transport), virtually the same as before the pandemic (-1% in real terms compared to 2019). Tourism direct GDP also recovered pre-pandemic levels in 2023, reaching an estimated USD 3.4 trillion, equivalent to 3% of global GDP. In 2019 tourism directly contributed to 4% of global GDP.

Positive finish to 2024 expected though challenges remain

The UN Tourism Confidence Index shows positive expectations for the last part of the year, at 120 points for September-December 2024, though below the prospects for May-August, which stood at 130 (on a scale of 0 to 200, where 100 reflects equal expected performance). Some 47% of the tourism experts participating in the Confidence survey expect better performance for the sector in the last four months of 2024, while 41% project similar performance and 11% worse. This reflects a gradual normalization of tourism performance after a strong 2023.

Experts pointed to inflation in travel and tourism, namely high transport and accommodation prices, as the main challenge the tourism sector is currently facing, as well as the global economic situation, staff shortages and extreme weather events.

Related links

• Download News Release on PDF
• World Tourism Barometer by UN Tourism | Volume 22 • Issue 3 • September 2024 (EXCERPT)
• World Tourism Barometer (PPT version)
• UN Tourism Barometer
• UN Tourism Data Dashboard

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Global Conference on Wine Tourism Celebrates Heritage and Innovation

• All Regions
• 13 Sep 2024

The importance of preserving heritage while also embracing innovation was highlighted as UN Tourism welcomed experts from all over the world to its Global Conference on Wine Tourism.

The 8^th edition of the Conference marked a milestone for both Armenia and global wine tourism. With over 300 participants from more than 25 countries, the conference emphasized key areas that are essential for advancing the contribution of wine tourism to development and territorial cohesion, highlighting its potential to serve as a catalyst for both cultural preservation, job creation and economic growth.

Welcoming delegates, UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “The Global Wine Tourism Conference is the leading event to share stories, customs, and rituals rooted in the history of winemaking. These stories are not just about wine—they are about the people, the land, and the cultures that have nurtured these traditions for generations. We must include these traditions in the wine tourism experience.”

The Global Wine Tourism Conference is the leading event to share stories, customs, and rituals rooted in the history of winemaking

Minister of Economy of the Republic of Armenia, Gevorg Papoyan, made clear the importance of wine tourism to the host country. In Armenia, the growing sector supports jobs and businesses, most notably in rural areas, while also protecting heritage that dates back more than 6,000 years.

Celebrating "Heritage in Every Bottle”.

Discussions highlighted a growing demand for experience-driven tourism, where visitors seek not only wine tastings but to connect with the people and places behind them. Participants analysed how to combine innovation and cultural heritage in sessions focused on storytelling, digitalization, the creation of wine routes, e-commerce and understanding changing consumers’ preferences and Generation Z.

The conference also emphasized the importance of education and training in wine tourism, focusing on the need to empower professionals with practical skills as well as on the collaboration among industry stakeholders as essential for creating a shared vision and maximizing the benefits of wine tourism destinations. Addressing climate change and adopting sustainable practices were key themes, with participants discussing the need for clear guidelines and skills to ensure the long-term viability of wine tourism destinations.

The conference showcased Armenia’s the important development in wine tourism in Armenia. Armenian winemakers showcased their unique wine tourism experiences, rooted in centuries-old traditions such as the 6000-year-old Areni-1 cave, and Armenia’s newest and most modern wineries.

Related links:

• Download New Release on PDF
• Gastronomy and Wine Tourism
• 8th UN Tourism Global Conference on Wine Tourism

UN Tourism’s Committee on Tourism and Sustainability Committee Meets to Spotlight Responsible, Nature-Positive Growth for Sector

• All Regions
• 12 Sep 2024

The Committee recessed for a full two-day meeting to review and discuss global challenges of tourism and the path towards more sustainable, desirable and resilient development.

The 19th meeting of the Committee (CTS) brought together the elected members of the Committee from Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Europe and the Americas. A total of 140 leading policymakers and experts reflected in-depth on pathways for balancing growth and prosperity with inclusiveness and sustainability. Over the course of two days, special Thematic Sessions focused on the key sustainability challenges posed as the sector continues to grow, with an expected 35 billion domestic, same-day and international visitors expected to travel annually by 2030.

UN Tourism Executive Director Zoritsa Urosevic emphasized the significance of the meeting, noting, "This is the first time that the committee has met for two days to reflect and deeply discuss strategic topics for a science based global tourism agenda, its sustainability, and future resilience."

William Rodríguez, Costa Rica's Minister of Tourism, added, "Costa Rica is honored to host the representatives of the UN Tourism's Committee on Tourism and Sustainability. We see it as a great challenge to lead discussions on issues that are so relevant to the environmental, social, and economic future of the member countries, always striving for tourism to follow a model of sustainable, inclusive, and innovative management, as promoted by our country."

Towards Collective and Consistent Actions

The Committee on Tourism and Sustainability put the spotlight on the key sustainability-related challenges facing tourism today, drawing on the expertise of the experts and committee members under the leadership of Costa Rica. Structured in five thematic sessions, the discussions focused on:

• The Future of Tourism: The Committee addressed the critical balance between growth and sustainability in the tourism sector, emphasizing the importance of fostering well-being and prosperity for local communities. Discussions centered on the pathways needed to ensure tourism drives economic growth and cultural enrichment while navigating the challenges of a rapidly evolving world.
• Climate Action and Circularity: Ahead of COP29, participants welcomed UN Tourism communication that tourism is included for the first time in the COP29 climate conference action agenda. Discussions also covered progress achieved implementing the Glasgow Declaration, including the measurement and mitigation of tourism's related  greenhouse gas emissions, adaptation to climate change impacts, and explored future actions.
• Nature-Positive Tourism: Reaffirming a shared commitment to nature-positive practices, including ecosystem restoration and protection, and centering nature in tourism policies. The session highlighted the opportunities presented by nature-positive tourism, particularly for emerging destinations, in line with the work of the Nature Positive Tourism Alliance.
• Green Claims and Certifications: The Committee discussed the current challenges and important political discussions related to certification systems, particularly in light of the European Commission's directives. The importance of consistent standards was highlighted, recognizing the unique contexts of individual destinations.

Taking Inspiration from Global Good Practice

In discussing the balance between destination development, resource use, biodiversity, and cultural heritage preservation, the CTS presented several examples of positive solutions from diverse destinations. Costa Rica's Social Progress Index (SPI) was included in discussions on ensuring tourism's growth aligns with nature-positive principles and inclusive prosperity. Fiji's process to transpose the Climate Change Act into tourism policies and operations was highlighted. Iceland was also presented as an example of smart tourism management, balancing growth with sustainable development and reducing the sector's ecological footprint.

A Call to Action: Join Us at COP16 and COP29

The Committee concluded with a strong call to action, urging all nations to join in taking these crucial discussions to the global stage. The upcoming COP16 of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and COP29 of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) will be pivotal moments for integrating tourism strategies into broader environmental and climate agendas. These conferences represent critical opportunities to align our sector's efforts with global sustainability goals.

The Committee invites countries to unite at these key forums, ensuring that tourism plays a central role in shaping a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future for our planet.

Related links:

• Download New Release on PDF
• UN Climate Change COP29 Thematic Day on Tourism
• Climate Action
• Committees

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UN Tourism Welcomes First Students to Sustainable Tourism Degree Course

• All Regions
• 10 Sep 2024

UN Tourism has welcomed the first students enrolled on its pioneering degree course in International Sustainable Tourism.

Developed in collaboration with the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU), the three-year Bachelor of Science in International Sustainable Tourism is designed to train graduates capable of leading the sector toward a more sustainable future.

For the first academic year, 30 students were welcomed to Madrid, representing six different countries (Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia, Georgia, and Switzerland). The Degree course is designed to equip students equipped with the skills to innovate, to drive change, and to make decisions that promote both economic growth and environmental stewardship.

UN Tourism Executive Director, Natalia Bayona says: "The tourism sector needs skilled people with diverse knowledge and innovative vision, and the Bachelor in International Sustainable Tourism was created to accompany tourism leaders on their journey into the future. With approximately 880,000 jobs in the tourism sector requiring specialised training annually by 2030, this degree programme is not just an educational initiative, but a transformative force. It is essential to cultivate the talent needed to drive the sector forward, ensuring sustainable growth and innovation."

UN Tourism: Prioritizing Education

Higher education is vital to building a sustainable tourism sector, a priority outlined in UN Tourism's educational roadmap. As one of the most dynamic and rapidly growing sectors, tourism holds a unique position as the largest employer of global youth, with over 50% of its workforce under the age of 25. However, despite this potential, young people face significant challenges. While youth make up 16% of the global population, more than one in five began this decade without being engaged in education, employment, or training. At the same time, the global tourism sector faces a shortage of skilled personnel, particularly in customer service and managerial roles.

This first undergraduate program from UN Tourism program represents a critical step towards bridging this gap. International diversity is achieved by targeting students from all over the world and with teaching taking place in Madrid Lucerne and online.  Spain and Switzerland are two countries ranked among the top ten in the World Economic Forum's tourism competitiveness index—Spain being second and Switzerland tenth globally.

The vision of HSLU and UN Tourism is to create a universally accessible programme that empowers the future-oriented transformation of the entire tourism sector.

Related links:

• Download the News Release on PDF
• UN Tourism Academy
• Bachelor of Science in International Sustainable Tourism

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