UN Tourism Hosts First Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa at Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

• All Regions
• 10 Jun 2024

UN Tourism is to host its first Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa, advancing its work to make gastronomy tourism a pillar for sustainable and inclusive growth across the region.

The Forum will be held in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, on 26-28 July 2024. Hosted under the patronage of the First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Her Excellency Dr. Auxillia C. Mnangagwa, and co-organized with Basque Culinary Center, it aims to harness the transformative power of gastronomy tourism for the benefit of local communities and territories in the African continent. 

Developing a strategy for African Gastronomy 

With gastronomy tourism as one of the pillars of the UN Tourism Agenda for Africa – Tourism for Inclusive Growth, the Forum aims to build towards a roadmap for a common agenda for African Gastronomy Tourism. African Tourism Ministers and the FAO Representative in Zimbabwe will take part in discussions on developing a strategy to propel African gastronomy onto the global stage, how to build adequate polices to enhance gastronomy tourism and enhance its role as a driver of development. In addition to forum discussions, the event will include organized technical visits to various locations throughout the region. 

Highlighting the importance of innovation, the Forum will include a pitch challenge where entrepreneurs will present scalable solutions to address regional challenges in the gastronomy and tourism value chains. Additionally, keynotes and panel discussions will emphasize sustainable practices in gastronomy tourism, exploring topics such as local sourcing and minimizing food waste.  

Supporting rural development and progressing skills and education 

At the Forum, Experts and chefs, including Chef Fatmata Binta, UN Tourism Ambassador for Responsible Tourism, representatives from the Ghana Food Movement, Chef Adenike Adefila from Nigeria, Chefs in Africa (Rwanda), and Chef Mounir El Arem from Tunisia, will present their initiatives and discuss their impact on local communities, emphasizing their role in fostering positive change and progressing education and skills. 

On the sidelines of the Forum, the UN Tourism Youth Photo Contest titled "A Journey through Zimbabwe´s Gastronomy" will offer Zimbabwean communities a unique opportunity to express their perspective and capture the essence of Zimbabwe's gastronomic heritage. The call for participation will open from 10 June to 1 July. 

Highest level support for tourism in Zimbabwe  

Zimbabwe’s engagement towards positioning gastronomy as a key pillar for the sustainable development of tourism in Africa has been showcased through the launch of several initiatives endorsed by Zimbabwe’s First Lady as the National Tourism Patron, such as the Regional Traditional Gastronomy Festival taking place every year since 2019. Zimbabwe has also been an active participant in previous editions of the World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism.  

Related links:

• Download News Release on PDF
• First UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa

UN Tourism Welcomes 39 New Affiliate Members

• All Regions
• 14 Jun 2024

UN Tourism announces the addition of 39 new entities from the private sector to its growing network of Affiliate Members.

The new members combine a wide range of profiles with diverse backgrounds and types of business: 3 Destination Management Organization (DMOs), 14 for-profit companies, 10 associations and NGOs, and 7 education and research institutes, and 5 others. In terms of geographical distribution, the newly admitted members come from all the regions: 6 from Africa, 10 from the Americas, 3 from Asia and the Pacific, 13 from Europe, and 7 from the Middle.
 
“The integration of these new leading entities reflects our ongoing efforts to strengthen the Affiliate Membership and create a diverse and inclusive network capable of significantly contributing to the UN Tourism mission. We remain committed to enhancing Affiliate Members' satisfaction and fostering a sense of belonging through effective, mutually beneficial, win-win engagement in the Organization's key activities and projects,” said UN Tourism Director of the Affiliate Members and Public-Private Collaboration Department, Ion Vilcu.

Governments and National Tourism Administrations are increasingly partnering with UN Tourism to promote Affiliate Membership in their own countries to further invigorate their local tourism sectors and to have their leading entities connected within the largest network of its kind in tourism, which currently includes a total of 500 entities.

The 39 new Affiliate Members are:

• Altezza Travelling Limited    (United Republic of Tanzania)
• Amsa Hospitality Company (Saudi Arabia)
• Asociación de Hoteles y Turismo de la República Dominicana, Inc. - ASONAHORES – (Dominican Republic)
• Asociación del Deporte Español (Spain)
• Banco de Reservas de la República Dominicana (Dominican Republic)
• Banco Popular Dominicano, S.A. Banco Múltiple (Dominican Republic)
• Batterjee Medical College (Saudi Arabia)
• Booking.com B.V. (Netherlands)
• Cámara de Comercio de Medellín para Antioquia (Colombia)
• Conseil québécois des ressources humaines en tourisme-CQRHT (Canada)
• Decanter Enterprises (Zimbabwe)
• Ethiopian Tour Operators Association – ETOA (Ethiopia)
• Federation of Trade in Goods, Services and Tourism Rio de Janeiro – FECOMÉRCIO-RJ    (Brazil)
• Focus Brand, S.L. (Spain)
• Forward Data, S.L. (Spain)
• Hoteliers Association of Uzbekistan (Uzbekistan)
• IFP Qatar (Qatar)
• Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism – IGCAT (Spain)
• Instituto Nacional de Formación Técnico Profesional – INFOTEP (Dominican Republic)
• Instituto Superior de Derecho y Economía, S.A. (Spain)
• International Tour Management Institute, Inc. (United States of America)
• Ishraq Hospitality (United Arab Emirates)
• JLL Americas Inc. (United States of America)
• Jordan Hotels Association    (Jordan)
• Jordan Restaurant Association (Jordan)
• Klook Travel Technology Pte. Ltd. (Singapore)
• MADCUP, S.L. (Spain)
• Namibia University of Science and Technology    (Namibia)
• New Perspective Media FZ LLC (United Arab Emirates)
• Pakistan Association of Tour Operators - PATO (Pakistan)
• Palacio de Ferias, Congresos y Exposiciones de Marbella S.L. (Spain)
• PT Indonesia WISE    (Indonesia)
• Radisson Hospitality Belgium, B.V. (Belgium)
• Rijeka Tourist Board (Croatia)
• Scientific Research Institute for Tourism Development -TDI (Uzbekistan)
• Viristar LLC (United States of America)
• Zagreb School of Economics and Management    (Croatia)
• Zambia Institute for Tourism & Hospitality Studies (Zambia)
• Zambia Tourism Agency (Zambia)

Under the current admission procedure, the candidatures were submitted for consideration and approval of the Executive Council after being previously reviewed and endorsed by the Committee on Matters related to Affiliate Membership (CMAM), during its 5th meeting that took place on 6 June. These candidatures are the results of the implementation of the expansion strategy of the Affiliate Membership, aiming at improving the quality and geographical balance of the Affiliates network.

The admission of these new members was endorsed during the 121st Session of the Executive Council, which took place in Barcelona, Spain, on June 10-11.

Related links

• Download News Release on PDF
• Affiliate Members
• Executive Council - 121st session

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UN Tourism Welcomed to German Bundestag and Strengthens Bilateral Relations

• All Regions
• 7 Jun 2024

UN Tourism and the German Federal Government have agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation, with a focus on gender equality, sustainability and greater safeguarding of tourists.

On an official visit to Berlin, UN Tourism Secretary General Zurab Pololikashvili met with the Federal Government Coordinator for Maritime Economy and Tourism, Mr. Dieter Janecek, and participated in a session of the Committee on Tourism of the German Bundestag. 

In the bilateral meeting with the Federal Coordinator, discussions focused on following priority areas: 

• Protection of Tourists: The Secretary General and the Federal Coordinator addressed the importance of safeguarding tourists in the context of global challenges. They emphasized the need for robust frameworks to ensure the safety, consumer protection and well-being of all travellers. 
• Sustainability: Both parties underscored their commitment to sustainable tourism practices. The Secretary-General invited Germany to use the organization’s platforms to in the field to share its extensive knowledge and expertise leading the global efforts to preserve natural resources and cultural heritage for future generations, including a strong focus on climate action.  
• Women empowerment: The Secretary-General reported on the success of the Centre Stage initiative, which was launched and piloted with the support of German authorities and in collaboration with UN Women. Empowering women across tourism sector and at all levels was identified as a common priority for future collaboration as the project is scaled up and implemented in other countries. 
• Rural Development: Both parties exchanged their experiences with the various initiatives that promote rural destinations as the vehicles of sustainable development. The Secretary General highlighted the potential of the Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism supporting rural destinations. 

Sharing UN Tourism achievements  

Following the bilateral meeting, the Secretary General attended a session of the Committee on Tourism of the German Bundestag. He provided a comprehensive report on the recent achievements of the organization, which included: 

• Post pandemic recovery: Detailing efforts to support the tourism sector’s recovery from the pandemic through the development of policy guidance, safety protocols and technical cooperation projects on the ground. 
• Strengthening organizational capacity: Consolidating stable and reliable financial contributions through the collection of membership fees and arrears as well as through voluntary contributions and partnerships with the private sector; 
• Advancements in sustainable and responsible tourism: Highlighting initiatives that promote environmental conservation, such as the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative, and inclusion in the tourism sector, highlighting the Centre Stage project and the San Marino Action Agenda for Accessible Tourism for All; 
• Multilateral cooperation: Strengthening the organization's role as a platform for exchange of knowledge and expertise, emphasizing Germany’s potential to contribute to the process. 

The Secretary-General expressed his gratitude for Germany’s active role in promoting sustainable and inclusive tourism. He highlighted the importance of continued collaboration to address the evolving challenges faced by the global tourism industry. 

German Bundestag and Strengthened Bilateral Relations

Berlin, Germany

German Bundestag and Strengthened Bilateral Relations

Berlin, Germany

German Bundestag and Strengthened Bilateral Relations

Berlin, Germany

German Bundestag and Strengthened Bilateral Relations

Berlin, Germany

Related Links:

• Download News Release on PDF
• German Bundestag: UN Secretary-General for Tourism visits the Bundestag
• Centre Stage initiative
• Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism
• Global Tourism Plastics Initiative
• San Marino Action Agenda for Accessible Tourism for All

UN Tourism Executive Council Meets to Place Tourism in Global Economic Agenda

• All Regions
• 12 Jun 2024

Tourism leaders from across the world have met again to shape the sector’s future, emphasizing the sector’s vital economic importance while also placing it firmly on the political agenda.

The 121st session of the Executive Council of UN Tourism welcomed representatives of 47 countries, including 18 Ministers of Tourism, to advance the Organization’s vision for the sector as it achieves full recovery from the impacts of the pandemic. According to UN Tourism data, around 285 million tourists travelled internationally in the first quarter of 2024, 20% more than the same period of last year, while international tourism receipts grew back to USD 1.5 trillion in 2023.   

At the same time, we must ensure tourism’s growth benefits people everywhere, above all by expanding access to education and job opportunities and harnessing the power of new technology.

Investments and education remain priorities for sector  

Opening the session, UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili, stressed the need to embrace innovation and grow and direct investment into the sector in order to drive its positive transformation. “With tourism having bounced back from the biggest crisis in its history, now is the time to channel our energy into building greater resilience against any future shocks,” he said. “At the same time, we must ensure tourism’s growth benefits people everywhere, above all by expanding access to education and job opportunities and harnessing the power of new technology.”  

The Secretary-General then presented his report to Members, summarising the Organization’s achievements since the Council last met, again with a special emphasis on the shared priorities of investments into tourism, education and accelerating innovation across the sector. Also, Members adopted the Work Plan for the UN Tourism Agenda for Europe, including three projects focused on the future of winter travel destinations, the regulation of short-term rental platforms, and strategies to mitigate the effects of green investments on tourism SMEs.  

Chairman of the Executive Council of UN Tourism and Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia, His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb said, "Chairing the UN Tourism 121st Executive Council Meeting was a monumental moment for us, uniting global leaders to tackle the pressing challenges in tourism and progress the industry forward. This gathering underscored our collective vision for a dynamic and flourishing global tourism sector, fuelled by innovation, investment, growth, and strategic partnerships." 

First Tourism Law Observatory Added to Growing Global Presence  

In Barcelona, the Executive Council took a significant step forward in UN Tourism’s commitment to creating a harmonized legal framework for the global sector in order to boost confidence in international travel. At the most recent meeting of the Organization’s Regional Commission for the Americas (Varadero, Cuba, 30 April 2024) Members supported the candidature of Uruguay to host the "Tourism Law Observatory for Latin America and  the Caribbean" in Montevideo. The Executive Council approved the decision for the groundbreaking legal hub, setting in motion work to add to UN Tourism’s growing portfolio of Regional and Thematic Offices as it continues to move closer to its Members on the Ground.  

In Barcelona, the Executive Council was updated on the planned Regional Office for Africa, to be opened in Marrakesh, and the Regional Office for the Americas, to be located in Rio de Janeiro. Keeping this momentum going, the UN Tourism leadership signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Tourism of Greece to establish a Research and Monitoring Centre for Coastal and Maritime Tourism in the Eastern Mediterranean Region.  

Urban tourism agenda  

Recognizing the management of urban tourism as one of the “pressing challenges” referenced by the Chair, UN Tourism commended Spain’s leadership in advancing sustainable tourism, and Barcelona for taking the lead in shaping responsible and inclusive urban tourism practices. Meeting with UN Tourism Secretary-General Pololikashvili and Spain’s Minister of Industry and Tourism Jordi Hereu, on the sidelines of the Executive Council, Mayor Collboni underscored the importance of tourism for Barcelona, while also outlining plans to manage the sector’s growth and potentially place limits on visitor numbers.  

Mayor Collboni also set out plans to organize a special forum for city leaders from across the world to meet to debate the key themes relating to urban tourism and the need to boost private sector involvement. Also Minister Hereu announced that the Government of Spain will present its 2030 Strategy for Sustainable Tourism at the next meeting of the Spanish Tourism Council, to be held in the coming weeks.  

Looking ahead to next Executive Council sessions  

To conclude, Members confirmed the hosts of the next meetings of the Executive Council. The 122nd session will be held in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia. The 123rd will be hosted by Spain in the first semester of 2025, and the 124th session by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the second semester of 2025.  

Related Links:

• Download News Release on PDF

China recovers its position as top spender in 2023 as Asia and the Pacific reopens to tourism

• All Regions
• 4 Jun 2024

China has recovered its position as top spender on international tourism in 2023 as Asia and the Pacific consolidates its recovery from the impacts of the pandemic. In 2022, the list of top spenders was headed by the United States. France, Spain and USA took the top spots for most-visited destinations.

Top Tourism Spenders in 2023 

Chinese expenditure on travel abroad reached USD 196.5 billion in 2023, ahead of the United States (USD 150 billion), Germany (USD 112 billion), the United Kingdom (USD 110 billion) and France (USD 49 billion). Completing the top ten spenders for 2023 are Canada, Italy, India, the Russian Federation and the Republic of Korea. India jumped to 8th place, from 14th in 2019, confirming the growing importance of the country as a source market, while Italy rose from 10th to 7th position. 

Top in arrivals and receipts: France, Spain and USA consolidate their positions 

France consolidated its position as the world’s most visited destination in 2023 with 100 million international tourist arrivals. Spain was second with 85 million, followed by the United States (66 million), Italy (57 million) and Türkiye, which closed the top five with 55 million international tourists.  

Completing the top ten most visited destinations in 2023 are Mexico, the United Kingdom, Germany, Greece and Austria. Compared to before the pandemic, Italy, Türkiye, Mexico, Germany and Austria all rose one position, while the United Kingdom rose from 10th to 7th and Greece from 13th to 9th. 

On the side on international tourism receipts, the ranking is led by the United States, earning USD 176 billion in 2023, followed by Spain (USD 92 billion), the United Kingdom (USD 74 billion), France (USD 69 billion) and Italy (USD 56 billion). 

Following the above, destinations earning the most from international tourism in 2023 include the United Arab Emirates, Türkiye, Australia, Canada, Japan, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Macao (China), India and Mexico which complete the top 15 list of tourism earners.  

Upward movements in the ranking among the top earners include the UK jumping to the 3rd position from 5th pre-pandemic, the United Arab Emirates from 13th to 6th, Türkiye from 12th to 7th, Canada from 15th to 9th, Saudi Arabia from 27th to 12th, and Mexico from 17th to 15th.  

Croatia (from 32nd to 25th), Morocco (from 41st to 31st) and the Dominican Republic (43rd to 34th) also moved up in the Top 50 ranking by receipts in 2023, as did Qatar (from 51st to 37th) and Colombia (50th to 44th). 

Looking ahead to a full recovery globally in 2024 

As per the latest World Tourism Barometer, in 2023 international tourist arrivals recovered 89% of 2019 levels and 97% in Q1 2024. UN Tourism’s projection for 2024 points to a full recovery of international tourism with arrivals growing 2% above 2019 levels, backed by strong demand, enhanced air connectivity and the continued recovery of China and other major Asian markets. 

Total export revenues from international tourism, including both receipts and passenger transport, reached an estimated USD 1.7 trillion in 2023, about 96% of pre-pandemic levels in real terms. Tourism direct GDP recovered pre-pandemic levels in 2023, reaching an estimated USD 3.3 trillion, equivalent to 3% of global GDP. 

Related links:

• Download News Release on PDF
• Tourism Barometer Data
• World Tourism Barometer PPT

UN Tourism Secretary-General Calls for a People-centered Transformation of Sector

• All Regions
• 21 May 2024

With six years to go for the deadline of the Global Goals, UN Tourism Secretary-General has called for a people-centered transformation of tourism.

The call came as UN Tourism again partnered with the World Economic Forum on the Travel and Tourism Development Index 2024. The report makes clear tourism's importance to both developed and developing economies everywhere, underscoring the sector's rapid recovery from the impacts of the pandemic. At the same time, the Index also echo  the rise of challenges including air connectivity, labor shortages and uneven adoption of technology and innovation. 

We have a responsibility to make tourism jobs valued and decent jobs and that we make tourism an opportunity for a better future for everyone, women and global youth especially

On the occasion of the launch, UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: "As we move forward, I renew my call to ensure that communities be put at the center of tourism development everywhere. We have a responsibility to make tourism jobs valued and decent jobs and that we make tourism an opportunity for a better future for everyone, women and global youth especially."

The launch of the Travel and Tourism Development Index comes as UN Tourism releases its latest World Tourism Barometer. The data shows that international tourism reached 97% of pre-pandemic levels in the first quarter of 2024. More than 285 million tourists travelled internationally in January-March, a 20% increase on the previous year, with the sector on track to grow by 2% above 2019 levels by the end of 2024.

Related links

• Download News Release on PDF
• WEF Agenda: “6 years to the Global Goals – here's how tourism can help get us there”
• Travel and Tourism Development Index 2024

New UN Tourism Report Focuses on Integration of Biodiversity in National Tourism Policies

• All Regions
• 22 May 2024

While 95% of national tourism policies acknowledge nature as a primary asset for tourism, actual detailed plans for sustainable management practices are often lacking, a new report from UN Tourism reveals.

Published on International Day of Biodiversity, the report "The Integration of Biodiversity in National Tourism Policies", explores the intricate relationship between the tourism sector and biodiversity, which encompasses the diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems. It assesses how 80 national tourism policies incorporate biodiversity values and aims to deepen the understanding of the references to biodiversity within these policies.

The report comprises four detailed subsections that examine the integration of biodiversity within policy narratives, policy statements, strategic programs, and commitments to monitoring. By providing insights into the breadth and depth of current integration efforts, it serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, stakeholders, and the global community, urging further action towards a sustainable future.

As custodians of the Earth's natural resources, it is crucial that we foster a harmonious relationship between tourism and the environment

UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili says: "As custodians of the Earth's natural resources, it is crucial that we foster a harmonious relationship between tourism and the environment. This publication not only highlights the interdependence of biodiversity and tourism but also underscores the essential role of well-integrated policies play in ensuring a sustainable future for everyone."

Tourism answering nature's call to action

"Be part of the Plan" is the theme of International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) 2024, serving as a call to action for all stakeholders to halt and reverse the loss of biodiversity. This involves supporting the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, also known as the Biodiversity Plan.

This new report comes as a part of the commitments set out at the UN Biodiversity Conference COP-15, held in Montreal in December 2022, where the historic Biodiversity Plan was adopted Furthermore, the report complements the recently launched publication "Nature Positive Travel & Tourism in Action" amplifying the momentum towards environmentally responsible practices within the tourism sector.

Related links

• Download News Release on PDF
• The Integration of Biodiversity in National Tourism Policies
• CBD: International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) Be part of the Plan