Representing Huttopia, the enterprise's Chief Executive Officer, Michel Durrieu signed the Private Sector Commitment To The Global Code Of Ethics For Tourism on 19 October 2023 within the framework of the 25th UNWTO General Assembly held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan with the presence of the UNWTO Secretary-General, Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili, as well as UNWTO Executive Director, Ms. Zoritsa Urosevic, and UNWTO Legal Counsel, Ms. Alicia Gomez.
Representing Spirit of Japan Travel, the enterprise's President, Masaru Takayama, signed the Private Sector Commitment To The Global Code Of Ethics For Tourism on 26 October 2023 within the framework of the Tourism EXPO Japan 2023 held in Osaka, Japan with the presence of the UNWTO Executive Director, Zoritsa Urosevic representing the UNWTO Secretary General, Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili.
Representing RIDAS Corporation, the enterprise's Chief Executive Officer, Hisashi Inoue signed the Private Sector Commitment To The Global Code Of Ethics For Tourism on 26 October 2023 within the framework of the Tourism EXPO Japan 2023 held in Osaka, Japan with the presence of the UNWTO Executive Director, Zoritsa Urosevic representing the UNWTO Secretary General, Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili.
Representing Kohaku Inc., the enterprise's president, Shigehiko Yamada signed the Private Sector Commitment To The Global Code Of Ethics For Tourism on 26 October 2023 within the framework of the Tourism EXPO Japan 2023 held in Osaka, Japan with the presence of the UNWTO Executive Director, Zoritsa Urosevic representing the UNWTO Secretary General, Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili.
Representing Kitahara Corporation (Ryokan Kohro), the enterprise's Chairman, Shigeki Kitahara signed the Private Sector Commitment To The Global Code Of Ethics For Tourism on 26 October 2023 within the framework of the Tourism EXPO Japan 2023 held in Osaka, Japan with the presence of the UNWTO Executive Director, Zoritsa Urosevic representing the UNWTO Secretary General, Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili.
Representing Discover Walks LLC, the enterprise's president, Junji Kametsu signed the Private Sector Commitment To The Global Code Of Ethics For Tourism on 26 October 2023 within the framework of the Tourism EXPO Japan 2023 held in Osaka, Japan with the presence of the UNWTO Executive Director, Zoritsa Urosevic representing the UNWTO Secretary General, Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili.
The collaboration agreement will run until 2026 and will focus on digital entrepreneurship, innovation, application of new technologies (big data, artificial intelligence, etc.) and talent development.
Telefónica and the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) have followed through on their commitment to cooperate by signing a new collaboration framework, valid until 2026, with the aim of promoting tourism development that is more digital, sustainable and inclusive.
The United Nations’ specialized agency for tourism and Telefónica will continue to work together at the global level and will focus on three strategic axes of digital transformation: nurturing global and regional innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems; boosting technological adoption in tourism; and promoting capacity building for a more digital, sustainable and competitive tourism sector that leaves no one behind.
In this regard, Telefónica Tech, the telecom operator's strategic digital business unit, and the UNWTO will promote the 'Digital Futures' programme, which seeks to accelerate the tourism sector’s economic recovery by scaling up small and medium-sized enterprises with the incorporation of new technologies such as big data, IoT, AI, blockchain, cybersecurity and cloud-based solutions. These digital tools have the ability to transform companies and make them more competitive, sustainable and resilient, as they help them make better business decisions based on exhaustively analysed data. Such technologies also allow them to offer more personalized and competitive products and services, optimize resources, and increase the profitability of the tourism sector.
As part of an effort to identify disruptive projects that help enhance the sustainability of the sector, Wayra Hispam, Telefónica’s open innovation area that connects the entrepreneurial ecosystem around the world, is collaborating in the development of the World Tourism Organization’s Community Tourism Innovation Challenge in Colombia, with the support of the Vice-Ministry of Tourism of Colombia. Its mentoring support generates connections with the business and venture capital ecosystem, which is essential for all entrepreneurs who are working to offer innovative solutions and promote development, taking into account local communities as well as natural and cultural heritage.
Furthermore, training processes (reskilling and upskilling) will be addressed so that employees can develop and take advantage of all the potential that digitalization brings to an industry that is so important to the economy of many countries.
To this end, training cycles will be carried out on the application of technologies to tourism. These will be offered by reference stakeholders that aim to help those who are beginning to take their first steps or wish to evolve their projects. For their part, Telefónica and UNWTO will collaborate in learning initiatives through accessible content as the Tourism, Gastronomy and Hospitality 4.0 Nanodegree developed by Fundación Telefónica and CEOE through the UNWTO Digital Futures programme, focused on accelerating the economic recovery of the tourism sector through the growth of innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Telefónica is one of the world's leading telecommunications service providers. The company offers fixed and mobile connectivity services, as well as a wide range of digital services for individuals and businesses. It is present in Europe and Latin America, where it has more than 383 million customers. Telefónica is a fully private company whose shares are listed on the continuous market of the Spanish stock exchanges and on the New York and Lima stock exchanges. www.telefonica.com
The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), in joint collaboration with NOAH Regen, has taken a further step forward in rethinking tourism financing with the launch of the UN NetZero Facility and Re-PLANET Capital Fund Ecosystem. The launch took place on 14 November 2023 at the United Nations Headquarters, Geneva, marking a pivotal moment in the global campaign against climate change following the adoption of the Paris Agreement by 196 parties.
The UN NetZero Facility and Re-PLANET Capital Fund Ecosystem aspire to foster a new era of global finance governance. This transformative initiative aims to unlock carbon value, incorporating concepts such as Blue Carbon and circular business models. The ecosystem is dedicated to catalysing positive change in the Blue and Green Economy sectors, transforming regeneration into not just an ecological necessity but also a profitable endeavour.
Tourism's transformation to low-carbon operations is our compass, let's make Net Zero our destination by 2050 - a journey for prosperity and a healthy Earth
Key highlights of the framework include:
The Director-General of the United Nations Office in Geneva (UNOG) Tatiana Valovaya said: “The UN NetZero Facility is designed to resonate with the 2030 Agenda which reflects the interconnectedness between human well-being and the health of the planet.”
UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili says: “Tourism's transformation to low-carbon operations is our compass, let's make Net Zero our destination by 2050 - a journey for prosperity and a healthy Earth."
Frederic Degret, CEO of Noah adds: “We stand at a pivotal moment. The Re’planet Capital Fund, in compliance with Article 9 of SFDR, is not just a fund; it’s a catalyst for change, empowering investors to drive sustainable growth.”
UNWTO's Multi-Partners Trust Fund, within the UN system, will offer advisory services and grants to accelerate global progress toward achieving net-zero carbon emissions. The Facility will operate on a blended finance model and is set to leverage investments to transition toward building a climate-conscious economy.
The UN NetZero Facility and Re-PLANET Capital Fund Ecosystem will address some of the most capital-intensive climate issues, such as carbon credit quality and integrity, regulatory and market dynamics, and the monetization of sovereign nature-based and carbon credits.
THANK YOU to all participants, Affiliate Members, speakers, authorities, and UNWTO personnel who attended and contributed to the 44th Affiliate Members Plenary Session in the framework of the 25th UNWTO General Assembly and for making it a resounding success.
We extend our deepest gratitude to the host city, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, for warmly welcoming us. Our sincere thanks go out to the UNWTO Secretary-General, Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili, for his persistent support and presence. A heartfelt thank you to the 150 participants from around 70 Affiliate Members who traveled to Samarkand to attend the most important meeting of the Affiliate Membership. Your presence and contributions greatly enriched our Plenary Session, highlighting our collective commitment to the UNWTO's mission. A special recognition also to the Chair of the Board of Affiliate Members, Ms. Mar de Miguel, for her continuous commitment, dedication, and guidance. Her contributions, along with those of every Affiliate Member and participant, were pivotal in ensuring the session's success.
The collaborations established and insights collected during this Plenary Session are invaluable, setting the tone for a brighter, collaborative future for global tourism.
Yours sincerely,
Ion Vilcu