“People, Planet, Prosperity”: UNWTO Global Investment Forum Looks to the Future

• All Regions
• 18 Oct 2023

The "where, why, how and how much?” of tourism investments were the focus of high-level dialogues within the framework of the UNWTO General Assembly in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

With UNWTO data analyses making clear the vital need for both increasing levels of traditional and non-traditional investments in the sector and also ensuring that it is not solely focused on a minority of well-established destinations. The Investment Forum brought on stage Ministers (Albania, Colombia, Kingdom of Morocco, Maldives, Peru and Spain) leading private sector experts and representatives of the global investment community to reflect on key challenges and opportunities. In line with UNWTO's priorities for global tourism, the focus was firmly on the growing needs of investments along 'People (Education), Planet (Sustainability) and Prosperity (Innovation and Technology).

Investing for the Future

Opening the Forum, UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili emphasized the urgent need to re-imagine investments into our sector, in line with the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development and highlighted the key role of government support for investment in tourism and creating a supportive policy framework, commending the example of the host country, Uzbekistan' which set out its tourism investment strategy for growing the sector as a pillar of development and cultural heritage.

The high-level panelists highlighted the key priorities of governments in national investment policymaking in the coming years to support the growing and changing investment needs of the tourism sector, while recognizing the vital need for both traditional and non-traditional investments in order to build greater sustainability, secure long-term resilience of the sector and to foster positive change. Furthermore, it was agreed that by channelling venture capital investments and providing crucial support structures is one of the most effective ways to unlock the potential of startups and foster an innovative and entrepreneur mindset.

Presentation of Framework

UNWTO Executive Director, Natalia Bayona summarized the global FDI and tourism investment outlook and trends and emphasized the importance of diversifying tourism investments along People-Planet and Prosperity. She highlighted that during the period 2018-2022 almost 2,415 projects were announced representing a total capital investment of USD 175.5 billion and also the crucial role of capitals to accelerate innovation, and support startups as venture capital funding in travel and tourism reached USD 48 billion in the same period of time proving the sector resilience. The rapidly growing role of public provident funds and sovereign wealth funds, which invested around USD 20 billion in the hotel and leisure industry since 2016 was brought to the audience attention by the Executive Director.

UNWTO Guides Investments in Uzbekistan and Mauritius

Further building on its portfolio in the area, UNWTO presented the latest in its series of "Doing Business" guidelines, comprehensive publications aimed at attracting investors in specific destinations. In Samarkand, Secretary-General Pololikashvili presented first "Tourism Doing Business: Investing in Uzbekistan" and then "Tourism Doing Business: Investing in Mauritius". He then also named UNWTO Ambassador for Responsible Tourism, Mr Albert, in recognition of his private sector work and role in growing the sector in a sustainable way across his native Indonesia.

Startup Competition for Mega Events and MICE Tourism

The winners of the UNWTO Event Startup Competition took the stage to present their innovative solutions for Mega Events and MICE Tourism challenges. The solutions presented in the pitch session aim to digitize event management, foster sustainability, enhance inclusivity, amplify impact through strategic promotion, and ensure robust infrastructure management to optimize participant experiences.

Among the 164 applications from 69 countries, five startups were selected across four categories. Circular Unity, a Portugal based start-up, stood out in the category of Digitalization and Disruptiveness for Sustainable Event Management in Mega Events. The all-in-one solution for carbon footprint management and stakeholder engagement simplifies sustainability for events, entertainment, and hospitality. In the category of Inclusiveness and Accessibility, Touch2see, a French start-up dedicated to making games accessible to the visually impaired, demonstrated a remarkable solution.

For promotion and marketing of MICE Events the recognition was given to Atlaseek a solution based in the United Arab Emirates, that unites the best travel creators and offers unique travel stories, guides, and early released videos, together with Sentimantl form Israel, a state-of-the-art software platform that assists a broad variety of companies in service sectors to improve their operations and customer satisfaction.

The last category was awarded to Hello X-Lab, a Japanese based start-up selected from the category of technology for attendee engagement and infrastructure, a UX-driven experiential and product design shop made up of trailblazers and creative problem solvers, that creates immersive experiences, improves processes and explores new ways to connect, inform and delight.

Related Links

• Download the News Release on PDF
• UNWTO Tourism Doing Business: Investing in Mauritius
• UNWTO Tourism Doing Business: Investing in Uzbekistan
• UNWTO: Mega Events and MICE Tourism Competition

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UNWTO’s Affiliate Members Advance Public-Private Cooperation in Tourism

• All Regions
• 16 Oct 2023

The Affiliate Members of the World Tourism Organization, made up of businesses, destinations and civil society actors, have met to bolster public-private cooperation around shared goals.

The Affiliate Members Plenary Session, the most important statutory meeting of the Affiliate Members, met for the 44th time within the framework of the 25th UNWTO General Assembly, held this week in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

Expansion Strategy

Under the theme "Enhancing tourism through public-private cooperation" 150 participants, representing around 70 Affiliate Members met in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, to debate the state of the Affiliate Membership, the main results achieved since the previous Plenary Session, analyse the evolution and results of the ongoing expansion strategy for a quality oriented and geographically balanced Membership and share information and proposals for future projects and collaborations.

In this context, the Affiliate Members Department presented the UNWTO Programme of Work for the period 2024-2025. Among more than 50 different contributions received, selected Affiliate Members had the opportunity to take the stage and explain more in detail the projects and initiatives submitted and that will be implemented in the near future with the Affiliate Members Department and UNWTO's support.

Recognizing Long-Term Allies

The session also featured a special Award Ceremony in recognition of long-standing Affiliate Members, for their valuable contributions to the successful fulfillment of the mission of the Organization during over 30 years of Membership. Among the awardees, 12 Affiliate Members have been recognized in the bronze category (more than 30 years of Affiliate Membership), 14 in the silver category (more than 40 years of Affiliate Membership) and 1 for the gold category (50 years of Affiliate Membership).

On this occasion, Affiliate Members have also been introduced to the new modernized platform that the Affiliate Members Department will launch in the following weeks, which will provide a more interactive and dynamic management of the network while enhancing networking and collaboration within the Affiliate Members' network.

The Plenary Session offered the perfect stage to highlight some of the opportunities for Affiliate Members to further engage with UNWTO in two of the main priority topics of the Organization, namely education and the protection of tourists. This is a crucial effort to ensure a better integration of the Affiliate Membership in the UNWTO agenda.

Related Links

• Download the News Release on PDF
• Affiliate Members
• 44th Affiliate Members Plenary Session

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UNWTO Gears Up to Host World’s Top Tourism Authorities at Crucial General Assembly

• All Regions
• 10 Oct 2023

With one week to go until the start of its 25th General Assembly, sector leaders have joined international organizations in commending UNWTO’s role in guiding tourism through crisis and into recovery and transformation.

High-level delegates and Ministers from more than 150 countries are expected in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, for the 25th session of the General Assembly (18-19 October). Held every two years, the supreme governing body of UNWTO will once again bring Member States from every global region together to debate and advance the Organization's Programme of Work and address the biggest challenges facing tourism right now.

Leaders Welcome the Assembly

Ahead of the event, key figures from leading international organizations, including from across the United Nations, have expressed their recognition of UNWTO's role and affirmed their interest in the upcoming General Assembly.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres, says: "Tourism brings progress. As one of the biggest sectors in the global economy, it has great power to bridge cultures, generate new opportunities and promote sustainable development. But tourism is also impacted by interlinked global challenges. I know that we can count on the UN World Tourism Organization to carry this vision forward and together, build a better future, for people and planet."

Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), said: "The significance of tourism as a tool for economic development cannot be overstated… The Member States of UNWTO are admirably working to transform tourism and build a more resilient and sustainable sector. (UNCTAD) will continue to work closely with UNWTO around our shared goals and vision."

Juan Carlos Salazar, Secretary-General of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) says: "Thanks to new technologies and our shared commitments to innovation, collaboration and entrepreneurship, UNWTO and ICAO will continue to leverage the full potential of global tourism growth to empower young people with high-value jobs and to lead other industry sectors by example, focused on people, planet and prosperity."

European Commission Vice-President Margaritis Schinas, says: "Tourism in Europe and around the world has rebounded strongly from the devastating effects of COVID-19. However, amidst this discovery we must not forget the lessons of the pandemic nor ignore the global challenges our economies and societies continue to face… there is no better place to do so than the uniquely diverse gathering of global tourism leaders across the public, private, non-profit, and academic sectors, that personify the UNWTO General Assembly."

Advancing UNWTO Programme of Work

The General Assembly will see Member States discuss debate and approve the UNWTO Programme of Work. UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili will also present his Report to all Members, highlighting how core priorities have been advanced over the past two years, with a special focus on tourism investments, education and innovation.  

Within the framework of the General Assembly, UNWTO will also convene several of its key statutory bodies and bring together sector leaders for thematic events focused on its main priorities for the sector right now:

• The UNWTO Executive Council will meet for its 119th (17 October) and 120th (20 October) sessions. The Council's task is to take all necessary measures, in consultation with the Secretary-General, for the implementation of its own decisions and recommendations of the Assembly and report thereon to the Assembly.
• The UNWTO Regional Commission for Europe (16 October) will welcome Member States from the world's top regional destination by international arrival numbers, placing the focus on innovation, jobs and youth empowerment.
• The Plenary of Affiliate Members (16 October) will bring together representatives from the private sector, civil society and academia.
• The Investment Forum (17 October) and Education Forum (19 October) will feature high-level dialogue around key UNWTO priorities, strengthening public-private partnerships around shared goals.
• UNWTO's Best Tourism Villages 2023 will be named in Samarkand, highlighting the best examples of tourism for rural development.

Related links:

• Download the News Release on PDF
• 25th Session of the UNWTO General Assembly

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UNWTO Strengthens Links Between Agriculture, Gastronomy and Tourism

• All Regions
• 6 Oct 2023

UNWTO has held the 8th edition of its World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism co-organized with Basque Culinary Center (BCC), with a focus on the links between product, gastronomy and tourism.

The promotion and preservation of local products, the contribution of tourism to sustainable development, innovation and food waste all took center stage as UNWTO and BCC, also welcomed more than 300 online participants from 50 countries.

Opening the Forum, UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “Gastronomy Tourism can play a leading role in promoting responsible agricultural practices, protecting biodiversity and reducing the environmental footprint. It can also create new opportunities for communities to thrive and protect their heritage and traditions and become an engine of growth and diversification for destinations supporting our roadmap towards the Sustainable Development Goals.”

Gastronomy Tourism can play a leading role in promoting responsible agricultural practices, protecting biodiversity and reducing the environmental footprint

Joxe Mari Aizega, General Director of Basque Culinary Center, added: "We are at a time to promote transformative dynamics and link gastronomy tourism with rural development. Territory, innovation and creativity are key to successfully moving towards a new scenario in which to promote a model of responsible gastronomy tourism focused on caring for people and the environment. It is essential to promote sustainable practices, harnessing the power of technology as an engine of growth and promoting the professional development of the sector, and to work to maintain the authenticity and diversity of the gastronomic offer."

The opening ceremony also featured Rosana Morillo, Secretary of State for Tourism of Spain, Eneko Goia, Mayor of San Sebastian, Azahara Domínguez, Deputy for Mobility, Tourism and Territorial Planning, Provincial Council of Guipuzkoa, and Javier Hurtado, Regional Minister for Tourism, Trade and Consumer Affairs of the Basque Government.

On the occasion, world-renowned chefs Martin Berasategui and Pedro Subijana, notorious for their contributions to Basque cuisine's international recognition, were designated UNWTO Ambassadors for Responsible Tourism.

Tourism for Development and Growth

The Forum put the spotlight on gastronomy tourism's role in the preservation of local territories and the promotion of sustainable practices. A high-level panel of tourism ministers – Bulgaria, Puerto Rico and Zimbabwe focused on policies that strengthen agriculture, gastronomy and tourism. Expert-led discussions also focused on the protection of culinary traditions, the value of geographical indications, advancing the sustainability and resilience of rural areas, enabling producers to thrive in an increasingly interconnected and technology-driven world.

With gastronomy tourism one of the pillars of the UNWTO Agenda for Africa – Tourism for Inclusive Growth, the Forum also explored the sector's potential as a source of inclusive growth across the region. In a special address, the First Lady of Zimbabwe, Auxillia C. Mnangagwa, a committed promoter of African gastronomy highlighted that "gastronomy tourism globally has become an effective tool of attracting tourists, particularly those who are cognisant of the natural and nutritional value embedded in traditional foods. As nations we should be able to tap into our nutritional traditional cuisines to ensure a healthy living and socio-economic development of our nations. This is in line with our heritage-based philosophy for promoting tourism."

Also on the occasion, UNWTO designated Chef Fatmata Binta as Ambassador for Responsible Tourism for her role in promoting African Gastronomy and community development. Chef Binta is a modern-day nomadic chef connected to the Fulani culture, customs, and cuisine of the biggest Nomadic group in West and Central Africa.

Gastronomy Tourism Startup Competition

In Donostia – San Sebastian, selected finalists from previous UNWTO Startup Competitions working on Gastronomy pitched their ideas. The solutions presented featured exceptional, personalized culinary experiences curated by renowned chefs (Searchef), streamlining waste management in hospitality (Eatinn), celebrating the flavours of Moroccan street food (Machi Mouchkil), establishing sustainability certifications and restaurant guidelines (Ecofoodies), and introducing a locally crafted, quality food delivery app (Oh les Chefs).

Oh les Chefs emerged as the winner, primarily for its strong potential for international expansion. They will gain access to a dedicated workspace within the LABe- Digital Gastronomy Lab for six months. Additionally, the startup will actively engage in the Culinary Action!, gastronomy entrepreneurship programme by Basque Culinary Center and enjoy a six-month membership in the GOe Digital Community.

To date, more than 700 startups from more than 100 countries have taken part in the competition. Applications are now open for the 4th Edition of the UNWTO Gastronomy Tourism Startup Competition in collaboration with the Basque Culinary Centre and powered by Alpitour World.

A Roadmap for Food Waste Reduction in Tourism

Drawing from the recommendations in the Global Roadmap for Food Waste Reduction in Tourism, released by UNWTO in collaboration with UN Environment Programme, the "Circular Solutions for Reducing Food Waste" session showcased diverse initiatives by hotels, restaurants and cruise lines.

Solutions ranged from prevention measures, such as mindful procurement and menu design; redistribution of food surplus to vulnerable groups and biomaterial processing; to circular strategies like composting or energy recovery. The discussions also emphasized the significance of education, innovation, and supportive regulations and policies in accelerating change.

Inaugural dinner offered by Chefs of Mahaia Kolektiboa

The inaugural dinner of the Forum was hosted by Chefs of Mahaia Kolektiboa, a collective of chefs committed to the evolution of Basque cuisine.

Aitor Arregi (Elkano), Jon Ayala (Laia Erretegia), Xabi Gorrotxategi (Casa Julián), Dani López (Kokotxa), Javi Rivero (AMA), Roberto Ruiz (HIKA), Gorka Txapartegi (Alameda) and Armintz Gorrotxategi (Rafa Gorrotxategi), all dedicated members of the Mahaia Kolektiboa, showcased the essence of Basque cuisine, a hallmark of Donostia – San Sebastian that draws visitors from around the world.

UNWTO Announces the 2024 host of the World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism

The 2024 Forum will take place in Manama, Bahrain, the first time it will be held in the Middle East.

To conclude in an experiential way at the Forum, tomorrow, October 7, attendees will have the opportunity to choose from 6 different excursions to experience and savor local gastronomy.

Similarly, the parallel event "Culinary Plaza", open to local citizens and organized by the Basque Culinary Center, in collaboration with the UNWTO, will highlight culinary specialties from destinations such as Zimbabwe, Saudi Arabia, Porto and Botswana. It will do so through a gastronomic fair in food market format where it will be possible to delve into the culinary culture of these corners of the world and taste their cuisine in a unique atmosphere.

This year's Forum is organized by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the Basque Culinary Center (BCC), with the support of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism of Spain, Basque Government, and the Provincial Council of Guipuzkoa, the City Council of San Sebastián.

Related links:

• 231006-unwto-strengthens-links-between-agriculture-gastronomy-and-tourism-en.pdf?VersionId=YHuBA70Wb1B12xXP83v6iUwjFcK6SCWv
• UNWTO Gastronomy Tourism
• 8th UNWTO World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism
• 4th Global Gastronomy Tourism Startup Competition
• Global Roadmap on Food Waste Reduction in the Tourism Sector
• Basque Culinary Center