Tourism Grows Amidst Uncertainty | UN Tourism News #41
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UNWTO Invites Applications for Best Tourism Villages 2022
The Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO initiative will return for a second year as it establishes itself as the world’s leading network focused on tourism for rural development.
Launched in 2021, Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO promotes and enhances the role of tourism in safeguarding rural villages, along with their landscapes, natural and cultural diversity, knowledge systems, and local values and activities, including gastronomy. At the same time, the initiative also promotes transformative approaches to the development of tourism in rural destinations that contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Member States invited to present candidates
I look forward to seeing examples of villages working to realize tourism’s unique potential to foster sustainability and create opportunities for all
Following on from the success of pilot project in 2021, UNWTO has announced the return of Best Tourism Villages for 2022. In 2021 over 40 villages from more than 30 countries across the five world regions (from over 170 applications) were recognized as Best Tourism Villages and a further 20 villages were selected to participate in the Upgrade Programme. Now, UNWTO Members States are invited once again to present candidacies through their National Tourism Administrations (NTAs) . Applications will be open until 28 June 2022 and the chosen villages will be announced at the end of the year.
The initiative has three components:
- The ‘Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO’ recognizes outstanding examples of rural tourism destinations with recognized cultural and natural assets, that preserve and promote rural and community-based values, products and lifestyle and have a clear committed to innovation and sustainability in all its aspects – economic, social and environmental. The recognition is based on an evaluation of their resources and initiatives in nine areas covering the three pillars of sustainable development.
- The ‘Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO’ Upgrade Programme assists a select number of villages among those that do not fully meet the criteria to obtain the recognition. The villages receive support from UNWTO and Partners in improving elements of the areas identified as gaps in the evaluation process.
- The ‘Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO’ Network provides a space for exchanging experiences and good practices. It includes representatives of the villages recognized as ‘Best Tourism Village by UNWTO’ as well as those participating in the Upgrade Programme and it will benefit from the contributions of experts, public and private sector partners engaged in the promotion of tourism for rural development. The Network also contributes to the work of UNWTO in identifying good practices, developing guidelines and policy recommendations as well as insights and knowledge.
Applications will be evaluated by an external independent Advisory Board consisting of experts in the different fields based on the nine evaluation areas covering natural and cultural resources as well as initiatives in the three pillars of sustainability – economic, social and environmental.
Tourism for rural development
Announcing the launch of the second edition on the occasion of its 48th Commission meeting for the Middle East in Cairo, UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “Tourism brings immense opportunities to communities around the world to build new businesses, promote and protect their culture. I look forward to seeing examples of villages working to realize tourism’s unique potential to foster sustainability and create opportunities for all.”
In parallel to the announcement, the kick-off meeting of the BTV Network will be held online on 30 March 2022 with more than 60 current members to take part in shaping its identity, objectives and approach. The calendar of activities within the Network (training, webinars, masterclasses, etc.) will also be expanded from April to December 2022. The Network will be enlarged with new members of Best Tourism Villages 2022 and forthcoming editions with the aim of becoming the largest international network focusing on tourism for rural development.
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Tourism Enjoys Strong Start to 2022 while Facing New Uncertainties
International tourism continued its recovery in January 2022, with a much better performance compared to the weak start to 2021. However, the Russian invasion of Ukraine adds pressure to existing economic uncertainties, coupled with many Covid-related travel restrictions still in place. Overall confidence could be affected and hamper the recovery of tourism.
Based on the latest available data, global international tourist arrivals more than doubled (+130%) in January 2022 compared to 2021 - the 18 million more visitors recorded worldwide in the first month of this year equals the total increase for the whole of 2021.
While these figures confirm the positive trend already underway last year, the pace of recovery in January was impacted by the emergences of the Omicron variant and the re-introduction of travel restrictions in several destinations. Following the 71% decline of 2021, international arrivals in January 2022 remained 67% below pre-pandemic levels.
Europe and Americas perform strongest
All regions enjoyed a significant rebound in January 2022, though from low levels recorded at the start of 2021. Europe (+199%) and the Americas (+97%) continued to post the strongest results, with international arrivals still around half pre-pandemic levels (-53% and -52%, respectively).
The Middle East (+89%) and Africa (+51%) also saw growth in January 2022 over 2021, but these regions saw a drop of 63% and 69% respectively compared to 2019. While Asia and the Pacific recorded a 44% year-on-year increase, several destinations remained closed to non-essential travel resulting in the largest decrease in international arrivals over 2019 (-93%).
By subregions, the best results were recorded by Western Europe, registering four times more arrivals in January 2022 than in 2021, but 58% less than in 2019. Additionally, the Caribbean (-38%) and Southern and Mediterranean Europe (-41%) have shown the fastest rates of recovery towards 2019 levels. Indeed, several islands in the Caribbean and Asia and the Pacific, together with some small European and Central American destinations recorded the best results compared to 2019: Seychelles (-27%), Bulgaria and Curaçao (both -20%), El Salvador (-19%), Serbia and Maldives (both -13%), Dominican Republic (-11%), Albania (-7%) and Andorra (-3%). Bosnia and Herzegovina (+2%) even exceeded pre-pandemic levels. Among major destinations Turkey and Mexico saw declines of 16% and 24% respectively as compared to 2019.
Prospects for recovery
After the unprecedented drop of 2020 and 2021, international tourism is expected to continue its gradual recovery in 2022. As of 24 March, 12 destinations had no COVID-19 related restrictions in place and an increasing number of destinations were easing or lifting travel restrictions, which contributes to unleashing pent-up demand.
The war in Ukraine poses new challenges to the global economic environment and risks hampering the return of confidence in global travel. The US and the Asian source markets, which have started to open up, could be particularly impacted especially regarding travel to Europe, as these markets are historically more risk averse.
The shutdown of Ukrainian and Russian airspace, as well as the ban on Russian carriers by many European countries is affecting intra-European travel. It is also causing detours in long-haul flights between Europe and East Asia, which translates into longer flights and higher costs. Russia and Ukraine accounted for a combined 3% of global spending on international tourism in 2020 and at least US$ 14 billion in global tourism receipts could be lost if the conflict is prolonged. The importance of both markets is significant for neighbouring countries, but also for European sun and sea destinations. The Russian market also gained significant weight during the pandemic for long haul destinations such as Maldives, Seychelles or Sri Lanka. As destinations Russia and Ukraine accounted for 4% of all international arrivals in Europe but only 1% of Europe’s international tourism receipts in 2020.
Economic uncertainty and pressures
Even though it is too early to assess the impact, air travel searches and bookings across various channels showed a slowdown the week after the invasion but started to rebound in early March.
It is certain that the offensive will add further pressure to already challenging economic conditions, undermining consumer confidence and raising investment uncertainty. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) estimates global economic growth could be more than 1% lower this year than previously projected, while inflation, already high at the start of the year, could be at least a further 2.5% higher. The recent spike in oil prices (Brent reached its highest levels in 10 years), and rising inflation are making accommodation and transport services more expensive, adding extra pressure on businesses, consumer purchasing power and savings, UNWTO notes.
This forecast is in line with the analysis on the potential consequences of the conflict on global economic recovery and growth by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), which has also downgraded its projection for world economic growth in 2022 from 3.6% to 2.6% and warned that developing countries will be most vulnerable to the slowdown.
Related links:
- Download the news release in PDF
- World Tourism Barometer | Volume 20 • Issue 2 • March 2022 Excerpt
- UNWTO Tourism Data Dashboard
- UNWTO and WHO: Travel Measures Should be Based on Risk Assessment
- “Work Together and Make Tourism a Pillar of Peace”: UNWTO Addresses EU Ministers
- The impact of the Russian offensive on Ukraine on international Tourism
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Mountain and Snow Tourism Summit Looks to Sustainable Future
The 11th World Congress on Snow and Mountain Tourism has concluded with a shared commitment to centre innovation and promote investment in green infrastructure and low-impact travel experiences.
Held as part of the UN Year of Sustainable Mountains, the Congress focused on the recovery of tourism and on an approach to the future based on understanding the tourist’s needs while also preserving natural and cultural resources. Also on the agenda was ensuring the well-being of mountain communities and addressing issues such as innovation, sustainability and digital transformation.
Tourism as a beacon of hope
We can show the world that tourism stands united, that our sector can offer answers and generate the trust that we all need in such difficult times
During his official visit to Andorra, UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili met with Prime Minister Xavier Espot Zamora and the Minister of Foreign Affairs Ms. Maria Ubach Font, discussing their existing partnership and identifying possibilities for further collaboration in the future. At the Congress, Mr Pololikashvili highlighted the sector’s unique ability to provide hope in difficult times. “We can show the world that tourism stands united, that our sector can offer answers and generate the trust that we all need in such difficult times,” he said.
Prime Minister Xavier Espot Zamora said: “The World Congress on Snow and Mountain Tourism, which is held biannually in Andorra, is an excellent forum for debate on the sustainable development of tourism. Our country works intensely with projects to improve the quality of tourist services, diversify the offers and maximize the experience of tourists.”
High-level participation
Over 400 participants from 23 countries gathered in Andorra, which has organized the bi-annual event in partnership with UNWTO since its inception. Among this year’s participants were private and public sector as well as the Ambassadors to Andorra or Spain of Cabo Verde, Bulgaria, France, Guinea-Bissau, Kazakhstan, Spain and Saudi Arabia, a show of the importance and opportunities for cooperation in this area. More than 200 participants also joined online. Speakers included, among others, the Atout France, Andorran Michelin Start Chef Jordi Grau, Slow Food Travel, the Basque Culinary Centre (BCC), the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), Huttopia, Intrepid Travel, Tourism Declares a Climate Emergency, Cluster Montagne in France and a series of startups.
Minister of Tourism of Andorra, Jordi Torres Falcó concluded: “As we have seen over these two days, only together and building synergies, can we make tourism recovery solid as the future of tourism sustainable in its three pillars – environmental, social and economic.”
A high-level panel on policies for mountain tourism, made up of Jordi Torres Falcó, Minister of Tourism and Telecommunications of Andorra; Dauren Abayev, Minister of Culture and Sports of Kazakhstan; Simon Zajc, Secretary of State, Ministry of Economic Development and Technology of Slovenia; Fernando Valdés; Secretary of State for Tourism of Spain, Sofia Zacharaki, Viceminister of Tourism of Greece and Massimo Garavaglia, Minister of Tourism of Italy (stressed the importance of creating a strong adequate governance that brings together different levels of government and the private sector, addressing climate change and invest in infrastructure.
Alongside this, promoting and growing gastronomy and wellness emerged as key priorities for the future of mountain tourism. Further recommendations from the Congress included the need to monitor tourism in mountains and its impact to better manage resources and waste produced, respecting destinations’ carrying capacity and empower mountain communities.
Tourism for rural development
The Summit provided an opportunity for the UNWTO leadership visit Ordino, recently included in the UNWTO Best Tourism Villages Upgrade Programme. Here, Secretary-General Pololikashvili recalled how tourism can be a driver of rural development, promoting the promotion and preservation of local culture and values.
Mountain and Snow Tourism Summit
Tourism for rural development
Mountain and Snow Tourism Summit
Tourism for rural development
Mountain and Snow Tourism Summit
Tourism for rural development
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AM NEWS VOL. 39 MAR 2022
The bulletin of UNWTO’s Affiliate Members from the tourism sector
Dear Affiliate Members,
I would like to start by updating you on the outcome of the Emergency Session of the UNWTO Executive Council, held in Madrid on March 8 at the request of several Member States to address the suspension of the membership of the Russian Federation. The members agreed to convene the first ever Extraordinary UNWTO General Assembly in the coming days to decide on this critical matter.
Focusing now on this edition of the AM Newsletter, this includes some of the most recent activities carried out by the Department and others which will be implemented in the next weeks. In particular, I am pleased to inform you that the new affiliation procedure is now available in the UNWTO webpage. Among the main changes, there is the introduction of a more rigorous and demanding procedure for the admission of new Affiliate Members, which will allow us to foster a more quality-oriented expansion of our network. This is part of our efforts towards the implementation of the provisions of the Legal Reform of the Affiliate Membership, which was approved at the 24th UNWTO General Assembly.
Also, to meet a specific request raised by the Board of Affiliate Members at its last meeting, we have held an informative session on the Affiliate Members’ Legal Framework for its members to learn more on the main changes introduced by the reform and the functioning of UNWTO Governance. We counted on the participation of the Chair of the Board, Ms. Mar de Miguel and the UNWTO Legal Counsel, Ms. Alicia Gomez.
I would also like to talk about a new product developed by our Department called “UNWTO Briefing for Affiliate Members”. This is a format dedicated exclusively to the Affiliate Members offering them first-hand insights on upcoming major events and initiatives. The first one, to be organized on 21st March, will focus on the upcoming Global Youth Tourism Summit (GYTS), that will be celebrated in Sorrento, Italy on 27 June – 3 July. I strongly encourage you to participate as you will have the opportunity to get to know more about the specific content of the event and opportunities for you to engage. You will receive all the information through the platform AMConnected.
Lastly, I am glad to say that we are already working with our Affiliate Members on the implementation of some of the initiatives that were included in our Programme of Work 2022 and please do not hesitate to reach us out and explore future collaboration with us!
As always, I am at your disposal and look forward to hearing any comments you might have.
Yours sincerely,
Ion Vilcu
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TSS-Touristik Service System GMBH
On behalf of TSS-Touristik Service System GMBH, the enterprise’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Manuel Molina Lozano signed the Private Sector Commitment to the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism on 23 January 2020 within the framework of FITUR 2020 held in Madrid in the presence of the UNWTO Secretary-General, Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili.
See also:
Private Sector Commitment to the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism
List of Signatory Companies and Associations
Global Code of Ethics for Tourism
Carrusel Representaciones S.A.C.
On behalf of Carrusel Representaciones S.A.C., the enterprise’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. José Carlos Plaza Bernal signed the Private Sector Commitment to the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism on 23 January 2020 within the framework of FITUR 2020 held in Madrid in the presence of the UNWTO Secretary-General, Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili.
See also:
Private Sector Commitment to the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism
List of Signatory Companies and Associations
Global Code of Ethics for Tourism