The Angolan Government approves a Plan to Promote Tourism

• All Regions
• 30 Apr 2024

Following the measure that exempts tourist visas for 98 countries around the world, the Angolan Government recently approved a Plan to Promote Tourism – PLANATUR, which estimates a public investment of more than thirty-five million dollars for the requalification of the main tourist sites classified as priorities, professional training and promoting Angola as tourism destination. 

This Plan also foresees the creation of a credit line to boost the private sector. The global value of this financing is three hundred million dollars. 

PLANATUR’s main goal is to create infrastructure and public services in the priority tourist sites, ensure the training of staff and create conditions to ensure large-scale direct investment. 

This political measure fits into the Angolan Executive's strategy of transforming tourism as one of the pillars for the diversification of the national economy. 

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Mentorship for the African Villages in the Best Tourism Villages' Upgrade Programme

• All Regions
• 30 Apr 2024

As part of the Upgrade Programme of the Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism Initiative, the African villages that presented gaps in some Areas of Evaluation underwent a customised mentoring process led by international experts in different areas.  

This year Il Ngwesi in Kenya and Grande Baie in Mauritius are part of the mentorship programme. In January, an expert designated by UN Tourism, visited both villages and engaged in on-site sessions for mentoring purposes.  

The mentorship process not only provided valuable guidance but also facilitated the collection of on-the-ground feedback from village stakeholders and national authorities. This feedback played a crucial role in evaluating the effectiveness of the mentorship and identifying potential avenues for improvement.  

Following the mentorship, a Recommendations Report with robust and goal-specific actions and activities will be shared with the village. Villages can use it as a baseline document to adjust their strategies and implement the necessary actions for improvement, so they can access the fast-track process to become a Best Tourism Village by UN Tourism. 

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UN Tourism Celebrates Chef Binta's Role in Advancing Gastronomy Tourism in Africa

• All Regions
• 30 Apr 2024

Recognizing her dedication to preserving African culinary heritage while promoting sustainability and community empowerment, UN Tourism has appointed renowned chef Fatmata Binta as Ambassador for Responsible Tourism during the 8th UNWTO World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism.

This appointment not only acknowledges Chef Binta's commitment, but also underscores the pivotal role of gastronomy tourism in Africa's socio-economic development. 

Chef Binta's recent collaboration with the World Bank and FAO on the "Taste for Change" initiative underscores her commitment to showcasing African culinary heritage, including indigenous grains like fonio, while emphasizing her dedication to sustainable agriculture and food security in Africa. Chef Binta's advocacy for sustainable practices extends beyond the kitchen as she empowers Fulani women through her foundation, addressing rural socio-economic challenges. 

As a UN Tourism Ambassador, her work embodies the mission of UN Tourism to promote responsible and inclusive tourism practices, fostering cultural preservation, economic growth, and advocating for brand Africa globally. 

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UN Tourism´s Scoping Mission for Exploring Botswana´s Tourism Potential

• All Regions
• 30 Apr 2024

UN Tourism, in close collaboration with the Department of Tourism in Botswana, has launched a scoping mission to identify suitable tourism sites within Tourism Development Area 1, which includes Gaborone and its surrounding areas.

The area, known for its diverse landscapes, wildlife, and cultural heritage, holds significant potential for tourism growth.  

The scoping mission aims to identify untapped tourism sites, conceptualize potential project ideas, and engage stakeholders. It also aims to leverage Botswana's tourism assets for sustainable development. By developing innovative projects tailored to Botswana's unique strengths, the country can unlock new economic opportunities while preserving its natural and cultural treasures.  

As Botswana aims to become a premier tourism destination, such initiatives are crucial in guiding the country's journey towards becoming a premier destination. By identifying opportunities, fostering collaboration, and laying the groundwork for sustainable development, Botswana can unlock its full potential and attract visitors from around the world. 

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A United Vision for Nature - 'Nature Positive' Report Marks New Collaborative Era in Travel & Tourism

• All Regions
• 22 Apr 2024

WTTC, UN Tourism and the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance join forces to support Nature Positive Tourism

The leading players of Travel & Tourism globally have published a landmark joint report setting out their joint plan to help halt and reverse biodiversity loss.

Launched on Earth Day 2024, "Nature Positive Travel & Tourism in Action" is the creation of the high-level 'Nature Positive Tourism Partnership, made up of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) and the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (the Alliance).

For years, UN Tourism has been at the forefront of integrating tourism into the broader UN biodiversity agenda, including supporting the work of the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

Developed in collaboration with specialist consultancy ANIMONDIAL, the report is the sector's pledge to support the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), the UN's Biodiversity Plan.

It presents more than 30 case studies of inspiring and progressive actions from around the world involving large and small businesses, national and local government agencies, civil society groups, and inter-sectoral partnerships.

By offering actionable guidance and insights, this report not only highlights the intrinsic link between biodiversity and tourism's resilience, but also empowers businesses to become stewards of nature.

Historic partnership for nature

Ms. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: "This historic partnership with Travel & Tourism heavyweights is a significant step in our collective journey towards a more sustainable and responsible sector. This report is not merely a publication but a movement towards integrating environmental stewardship into the core of travel experiences. As we celebrate Earth Day, let us heed the call to nurture and protect our destinations. Our sector's reliance on nature, coupled with our expertise in creating inspiring and memorable experiences, means we are ideally placed to be guardians of nature."

Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of UN Tourism, said: "For years, UN Tourism has been at the forefront of integrating tourism into the broader UN biodiversity agenda, including supporting the work of the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). This pivotal new collaboration among key global players sets a robust framework for sustainable practices that not only drive significant impact but also exemplify the power of united efforts in conserving biodiversity. This report is a testimony to what we can achieve together for nature's preservation, inspiring a global movement towards more sustainable and resilient tourism."

Mr. Glenn Mandziuk, Sustainable Hotel Alliance CEO, said: "This report is a milestone for Travel and Tourism, representing our commitment as an industry to protect and conserve nature. The Alliance is proud to contribute to and collaborate on this insightful and action-orientated report which will bring tangible change to destinations around the world, supporting biodiversity.  Nature underpins our society, economies and indeed our very existence. The hospitality industry is today a leader amongst industries in its Nature Positive approach and this report signifies how much our industry understands the true value of nature."  

Expert-led coalition

Recognising that the sector has a critical role to play in protecting and conserving biodiversity, the Nature Positive Tourism approach is designed to be a touchstone for actionable change. It focuses on equipping the sector with the tools and insights needed to nurture and protect destinations upon which it depends.

The commitment of the Partnership to work towards "net positive for nature" draws on extensive consultation with experts from business, government, academia and civil society, including the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA).

The report, which follows the 2022 WTTC report "Nature Positive Travel & Tourism", includes practical frameworks and real-world examples that encourage both travel providers and travellers to embark on journeys that contribute to the conservation of our natural treasures.

Related links

• Download News Release on PDF
• Report “Nature Positive Travel & Tourism”
• UN Tourism Biodiversity
• WTTC
• Sustainable Hospitality Alliance

UN General Assembly Hosts Tourism for Sustainable Development Event

• All Regions
• 17 Apr 2024

The United Nations General Assembly has held a second thematic event focused on tourism and the sector’s critical role in critical role of tourism in advancing sustainable development and resilience.

Organized by the President of the General Assembly in collaboration with UN Tourism, the event was held at the UN Headquarters within the framework of Sustainability Week. The presence of Member States, Observers, civil society organizations, and UN agencies reflected a growing collective commitment to harnessing the transformative power of tourism for inclusive and sustainable development.

The growing significance of the tourism sector for our societies and our economies brings with it extra responsibility. We cannot allow the lifeline of tourism to be cut again. Resilience in the tourism is not just a matter of planning or reacting to crises.

Addressing the General Assembly, UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “The growing significance of the tourism sector for our societies and our economies brings with it extra responsibility. We cannot allow the lifeline of tourism to be cut again. Resilience in the tourism is not just a matter of planning or reacting to crises. It is also about proactively addressing the underlying factors of those crises. Unsustainable consumption is leading to biodiversity loss, climate change and the emergence of pandemics. It's vital that we adopt policies that accelerate transformative change.”

The President of the General Assembly, His Excellency Dennis Francis, said: "We need a global tourism sector that is sustainable – one with deep local value chains that expand demand for locally made products and services in ways that also directly and positively benefit local communities; a sector that serves as a positive force for biodiversity conservation, heritage protection and climate friendly livelihoods."

High-level platform for statistics-led strategy

The thematic event provided a platform for Member States to share best practices, strategies, and innovative approaches to promote sustainable and resilient tourism, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Key highlights included:

• Fireside Chat: The Future of Tourism - Leaders from the tourism industry, academia, and civil society engaged in a dynamic discussion on the future of tourism and the need for innovative solutions to address emerging challenges and opportunities.
• Ministerial Roundtables: Discussions were held on the launch of the Statistical Framework for Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism and strategies for fostering resilient tourism in the face of global challenges. Ministers and high-level officials shared insights and commitments to advance sustainable tourism practices and policies.

In closing, the President of the General Assembly reiterated the importance of collaboration and partnership to address the complex challenges facing the tourism sector and reaffirmed the UN's commitment to supporting sustainable tourism as a catalyst for positive change.

In February, the UN General Assembly adopted a Resolution to declare 2027 as the International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism. The resolution invites UN Tourism to work with Governments, UN agencies and international organizations to on the implementation of the themed year.

New York, U.S.A.

Credit UN Photo/Loey Felipe

New York, U.S.A.

Credit UN Photo/Loey Felipe

New York, U.S.A.

Credit UN Photo/Loey Felipe

New York, U.S.A.

Credit UN Photo/Loey Felipe

Related links:

• Download News Release on PDF
• Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism (MST)
• Sustainable tourism development
• Video: High-Level Thematic Event on Tourism - General Assembly
• Tourism 4SDGs