UN Tourism World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism debuts in the Middle East hosted by Bahrain

• All Regions
• 19 Nov 2024

The Middle East played host to the World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for the first time, with Bahrain welcoming policymakers, industry experts, and renowned chefs to focus on sustainability and community empowerment.

The 9th edition of the UN Tourism World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism (Manama, 18-19 November) was held under the theme of “Gastronomy Tourism: A Driver of Economic Diversification and Inclusion”. Co-organized by the Basque Culinary Center and hosted by the Ministry of Tourism of Bahrain, the Forum welcomed 500 delegates from 50 countries, marking a milestone in showcasing the region's unique culinary traditions.

On the occasion, Her Excellency Ms. Fatima bint Jaffar Al Sairafi, Minister of Tourism of the Kingdom of Bahrain, stated: “It is with great pride that we welcome the 9th UN Tourism World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism to the Kingdom of Bahrain, a landmark event that underscores our dedication to becoming a leading hub for gastronomy tourism in the Middle East. This forum presents a unique opportunity to engage with international experts and thought leaders, allowing us to share insights and best practices that drive sustainable growth within the gastronomy sector. As we explore innovative approaches to enhance our culinary offerings, we remain committed to fostering economic diversification, environmental sustainability, and community engagement. Together, let us seize this opportunity to innovate, collaborate, and shape the future of gastronomy tourism for the benefit of all.”

Gastronomy tourism is a powerful tool for economic diversification and community empowerment, especially in regions like the Middle East, where culinary traditions are a unique strength.

UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili underscored gastronomy tourism’s transformative potential in his opening address: “Gastronomy tourism is a powerful tool for economic diversification and community empowerment, especially in regions like the Middle East, where culinary traditions are a unique strength. By advancing policies that promote inclusivity and sustainability, we can unlock its full potential.”
Basque Culinary Center’s Director General, Joxe Mari Aizega, stated: "In this edition of the World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism, held for the first time in the Middle East, we have a unique opportunity to highlight how gastronomy tourism can be a powerful catalyst for economic diversification and social inclusion. In an increasingly globalized world, respecting local culinary authenticity and diversity becomes a key driver in creating sustainable destinations. Now is time to promote initiatives that support economic growth and strengthen the social structure, regional cohesion, and commitment to environmental sustainability, turning gastronomy into a bridge that connects cultures and fosters equitable development.”

A Ministerial Dialogue featured high-level representatives from across the globe, including H.E. Ms. Fatima J. Al Sairafi, Minister of Tourism of Bahrain; H.E. Ms. Christina Garcia Frasco, Tourism Secretary of the Republic of the Philippines; and H.E. Mr. Sultan AlMusallam, Deputy Minister of International Affairs of the Ministry of Tourism of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Discussions emphasized policies that ensure the benefits of gastronomy tourism reach local communities while contributing to economic diversification and the competitiveness of the destination.

A panel on "Positioning Arab Gastronomy in the World" explored how Arab cuisine can serve as a cultural diplomacy tool. Representatives from Jordan, Kuwait, and Qatar shared strategies for leveraging Arab culinary traditions to strengthen cultural connections and elevate global recognition of the region's rich heritage. Another panel discussion on culinary identity explored how gastronomy can shape global perceptions and strengthen destination branding.

Top chefs lead the conversation

The Forum featured presentations and discussions by globally renowned chefs, including Chef Sergio Torres from Spain’s 3-Michelin-starred restaurant Cocina Hermanos Torres, Chef Deepanker Khosla (Thailand) - winner of the Sustainable Restaurant Award at Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024, Chef Alejandra Espinoza from Ecuador, and Bahraini chefs Nader Qannati and Abdel Hameed. Tim Brooke-Webb, Managing Director of The World’s 50 Best, also joined the Forum to share insights on how gastronomy rankings influence tourism and drive culinary innovation globally.

The event celebrated the appointment of new UN Ambassadors for Gastronomy Tourism, including 2-Michelin-starred Chef Diego Guerrero (Spain), 1-Michelin-starred Chef Rudolf Štefan (Croatia), and Chef Tala Bashmi (Bahrain).

Celebrating innovation and sustainability

Sustainability was also at the center of discussion at the forum, with sessions and masterclasses addressing food waste reduction, circular economy, and local sourcing. Discussions highlighted how adopting sustainable practices in gastronomy tourism not only reduces environmental impact but also drives inclusive growth and enhances destination resilience.

Innovation was another of the key focus, with Meta presenting future trends in gastronomy tourism and hosting a masterclass on how social media and technology are reshaping the sector.

The Final Pitch Challenge of the 4th UN Tourism Gastronomy Tourism Startup Competition spotlighted the creative potential of inspiring entrepreneurs. Startups presented transformative ideas to shape policy, improve practices, and engage communities through sustainable and scalable initiatives. The jury selected Agrojusto (Argentina) as the winner, recognizing its significant contribution to the future of gastronomy tourism.

In a special announcement, the Basque Culinary Center, in collaboration with UN Tourism, launched three scholarships for its Online Course in Gastronomy Tourism Experience Design, starting in March 2025. These scholarships aim to enhance access to specialized training for professionals in the gastronomy tourism sector. Applications are open until 19 December 2024.

Related links

• Download the News Release on PDF
• 9th UN Tourism World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism
• Scholarships for the Online Course in Gastronomy Tourism Experience Design (BCC)
• Global Roadmap for Food Waste Reduction in the Tourism Sector

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UN Tourism Executive Council Looks to Innovation and Investment-Driven Future

• All Regions
• 18 Nov 2024

UN Tourism’s Executive Council has met again to jointly advance the transformation of the sector.

With the latest UN Tourism Data showing that the sector is on track to reach 96% recovery of pre-pandemic numbers by the end of the year, the 122nd Session of the Executive Council looked to the future, with investments and innovation high on the agenda. The Session welcomed representatives of 47 countries, including 21 Ministers and Vice-Ministers of Tourism, alongside key strategic partners from the private sector, civil society and international finance.

Opening the session, UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili welcomed the example set by Colombia in "betting on tourism" to provide a better future for the country, including for previously-marginalized groups. He said: "Colombia has chosen to invest in tourism, not in weapons or war, and as the only country to have hosted every major UN Tourism event, including two General Assemblies, it is a testament to the power of tourism as a force for change."

The Secretary-General then presented his report to Members. The report sets out the progress made in advancing the Organization's work 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. 

Colombia has chosen to invest in tourism, not in weapons or war, and as the only country to have hosted every major UN Tourism event, including two General Assemblies, it is a testament to the power of tourism as a force for change

Advancing shared goals

In Cartagena, the Members of the Executive Council advanced plans to build a more inclusive, resilient and forward-looking sector, with a focus on:

• Innovation: UN Tourism is the global leader in innovation in the sector. Executive Council Members were given an overview of key achievements in this area, including the continued success of its Challenges and Competitions, designed to identify and support the best new ideas and talent. In Cartagena, the winners of two new competitions, the Green Projects Challenge and the Community Tourism Challenge, were formally announced.
• Investment: In Cartagena, UN Tourism will present its Tourism Doing Business Guidelines: Investing in Colombia. The publication series continues to grow, with a further 28 editions, each focusing on investment opportunities in a specific destination, now planned. Also in Cartagena, UN Tourism will host a landmark Global Forum on Investment and Innovation to conclude the Executive Council meeting.
• Education: Executive Council Members were brought up-to-date with UN Tourism's leading work in promoting tourism education and training at every level. Key advances include the continued rolling out of the Education Toolkit, designed to help Member States introduce tourism as a subject in high schools, as well as the ongoing success of the UN Tourism Online Academy and the growing global network of International Academies in Association With UN Tourism.

Strengthening strategic partnerships

Within the framework of the 122nd Executive Council, UN Tourism further advanced its work building strong partnerships around shared goals. A special networking session of the UN Tourism Affiliate Members focused on Tourism of the Future: Moving Towards the Sustainable Development Goals, bringing together destinations, private sector leaders and civil society stakeholders.

Best Tourism Villages 2024 announced

During the Executive Council, UN Tourism announced the latest additions to its growing Best Tourism Villages network. For the 2024 edition, a further 55 rural destinations were awarded the title, recognizing their leading work in harnessing the power of tourism to create local opportunities as well as preserving and celebrating natural and cultural heritage.

Related links

• Download the News Release on PDF
• Executive Council - 122nd session
• UN Tourism awards the most innovative community projects in Colombia
• UN Tourism Announces Best Tourism Villages 2024

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UN Tourism Welcomes New Affiliate Members, Surpassing 500 Entities Globally

• All Regions
• 20 Nov 2024

UN Tourism has welcomed 27 new entities to its growing network of Affiliate Members.

The new Members combine a wide range of profiles with diverse backgrounds and types of business: Destination Management Organizations (DMOs), for-profit companies, associations and NGOs, universities and other profiles. In terms of geographical distribution, they come from 16 different countries, representing all the regions: 5 from Africa, 8 from the Americas, 2 from Asia and the Pacific, 6 from Europe, and 6 from the Middle East.
 
“The incorporation of such a valuable and solid group of new Affiliate Members reflects our commitment to amplifying and fostering a high-quality and geographically diverse global network of affiliated entities within the global tourism ecosystem, now comprising 505 entities. Strengthening connections across both public and private sectors is essential for building a more inclusive and responsible tourism sector.” said UN Tourism Director of the Affiliate Members and Public-Private Collaboration Department, Ion Vilcu.

The 27 new Affiliate Members are:

1. ABAV - Brazilian Association of Travel Agencies
2. Association of travel & tourism agents in Iraq
3. Association Régionale de l'Industrie Hôtelière Marrakech-Safi
4. Buró de Congresos y Visitantes de Aguascalientes
5. China Tourism Group Corporation Limited
6. Consejo Federal de Inversiones
7. Corporación Turismo Cartagena de Indias
8. Enjoytravel Corporate SL
9. Escuela Universitaria de Hotelería y Turismo de Sant Pol de Mar (Barcelona)
10. Fideicomiso de Promoción Turística del Estado de Nayarit
11. Fujairah Tourism and Antiquities Department
12. Gambia Tourism and Hospitality Institute
13. Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe
14. ICL Tours and Travels LLC
15. International Masters Games Association
16. Kuoni Global Travel Services (Schweiz) AG
17. Levantur S.A.
18. Navarra Impulsa Cultura, Deporte y Ocio S.L.
19. Observatoire du Tourisme du Maroc
20. Rocket DMC International - FZCO
21. Royal Jordanian RJ
22. Saudi Tourism Authority
23. TORNUS Agencia Creativa de Turismo
24. Universidad Ean
25. University of South Florida School of Hospitality and Tourism Management
26. World Tourism Alliance
27. Zanzibar Association of Tourism Investors Ltd.

Under the current admission procedure, the candidatures were submitted for consideration and approval of the Executive Council. 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 122nd Session of the Executive Council, which took place in (Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, 14 November)

Related links

• Download the Nes Release on PDF
• Affiliate Members
• Executive Council – 122nd session

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Global greenfield Investment in tourism Reflects Resilience and Shift Toward Sustainability in 2024

• All Regions
• 19 Nov 2024

Greenfield investments into the tourism sector continue to rise, with a growing interest in projects related to sustainability and innovation.

The latest fDi Tourism Investment Report 2024 ("Global greenfield investment trends in tourism"), released by the Financial Times in collaboration with UN Tourism and with the support of the Diriyah Gate Company, offers an in-depth look at global greenfield investment trends in tourism, emphasizing recovery from the pandemic and outlining current developments.

According to the report, the tourism sector (international tourist arrivals and receipts) showed strong growth in 2023, with international tourism receipts already +3% up compared with the level of 2019 (a record high for the sector).

More and better-targeted investment will be key to transforming the tourism sector, creating jobs, and driving inclusive and sustainable growth

Foreign investors announced a total of 1,943 FDI projects in the tourism cluster between 2019 and2023 according to fDi Markets, the greenfield investment monitor of the Financial Times. These projects garnered an estimated $106.7bn in capital investment and created an estimated 259,800 jobs. Even though tourism investments have not fully returned to pre-pandemic levels, the future of the sector looks positive.

Regional Highlights and Trends

The fDi Tourism Investment Report underscores the regional differences in FDI recovery within the tourism sector:

• Europe: Leading in global tourism FDI projects, Europe attracted 867 projects between 2019 and 2023, accounting for 44.6% of total global investment, highlighting its resilience in a cautious investment climate.
• Asia-Pacific: The number of tourism FDI projects in the region grew by 59.5% between 2022 and 2023, from 42 to 67, with capital investment rising by 125.3%, a positive sign taking into account that the Asia and the Pacific Region has just received 65.4% of the international tourist arrivals registered in 2019.
• Latin America and the Caribbean attracted 221 tourism FDI projects between 2019 and 2023. This resulted in $20.5bn in capital investment and approximately 73,400 jobs. As the region has already surpassed 2019 international tourist arrives levels, this gives a positive investor confidence in the region's tourism sector's long term profitability
• Middle East and Africa: Between 2019 and 2023, the Middle East and Africa recorded 314 tourism FDI projects, totalling an estimated $18.1bn in capital investment and creating approximately 40,700 jobs. The number of tourism FDI projects in the region increased by 16.1%between 2022 and 2023, from 62 to 72, with capital investment growing by 12.2%.

Sustainability and Innovation in Focus

The report identifies an increasing focus on sustainable tourism investments, as destinations leverage innovation and technology, including AI and blockchain, to reduce environmental impact while enhancing visitor experiences, and the growing involvement and appetite of sovereign wealth funds, as they believe that the long term future of the tourism sector looks positive and profitable.

A Call for Sustainable Growth

In light of the industry's complex recovery, the fDi Tourism Investment Report 2024 advocates for quality over quantity in tourism. It suggests that diversification of destinations, implementation of eco-friendly policies, and advancements in sustainable infrastructure are essential for ensuring long-term growth in global tourism.

Jacopo Dettoni, Editor-in-Chief at fDi Intelligence, emphasized the significance of sustainable tourism, noting, "The world we live in has changed, and so must our approach to tourism. Climate change and resource management are reshaping how and where people travel, which calls for a responsible shift toward sustainable investments."

UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: "The rise of new technologies and the need for greater sustainability are constantly impacting the tourism sector, presenting both opportunities and challenges that call for innovative approaches. More and better-targeted investment will be key to transforming the tourism sector, creating jobs, and driving inclusive and sustainable growth."

UN Tourism Executive Director Natalia Bayona adds: "This report offers a comprehensive, data-backed perspective on the state of play in greenfield tourism investments, enabling policymakers and industry leaders to make sound, future-oriented decisions for sustainable growth. Investing in people, particularly younger generations, is key as the tourism industry employs more than 50% of the global workforce under the age of 25. As we move forward, our focus on innovation and strategic investments will adapt to the evolving needs of travellers, support community wellbeing, and ensure the sustainability of the sector and our planet."

Related Links

• Donwload th News Release on PDF
• fDi Tourism Investment Report 2024 (“Global greenfield investment trends in tourism”)
• UN Tourism: Investment Guidelines

Innovation and Investments: Global Forum Links Key Pillars for Tourism’s Future

• All Regions
• 19 Nov 2024

The heightened importance of boosting investments and innovation was underscored as public and private sector leaders met to shape the future of the global tourism sector.

Further advancing UN Tourism’s leading role in these two key pillars of change, the Global Investment and Innovation Forum welcomed Ministers of Tourism, alongside key players from global finance and business. Alongside UN Tourism, the Forum was supported by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism of Colombia, ProColombia, Invest in Cartagena and CAF (the Investment Bank for Latin America and the Caribbean). Underscoring the high-level discussions was a recognition of the vital need to increase investment into the sector while at the same time injecting it with new ideas and energy through promoting innovation at every level.

Opening the Forum, UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “There is both an urgency and an opportunity to build sustainable and inclusive destinations that support local economies, empower communities, and preserve their invaluable cultural heritage. This Forum makes clear the vital importance of connections: both between public and private sector players and also between countries, to increase and better direct investments into tourism, and to accelerate its digital transformation, with innovation at the heart of everything we do.”

This Forum makes clear the vital importance of connections: both between public and private sector players and also between countries, to increase and better direct investments into tourism, and to accelerate its digital transformation, with innovation at the heart of everything we do

In a show of high-level political support for UN Tourism’s work, Colombian President Gustavo Petro addressed the Forum. President Petro made clear the important role the sector is playing in diversifying the country’s economy while also advancing goals around sustainability. To further advance this potential, he said, “We not only need money, we need innovation and a lot of it. And innovation has to focus on the decarbonization of tourism activities, integrally. Colombia can replace its coal and oil currencies in large part with tourism, and we would move forward.”

The Minister of Trade, Industry and Tourism of Colombia, Luis Carlos Reyes, said: “This 122nd Session of the Executive Council of UN Tourism was proof that as a country, we have the capacity to work together to carry out events of great magnitude. It has also been a very productive three days, in which we have shown the world our commitment to strengthening community-based, sustainable and environmentally responsible tourism. Tourism can be the central axis for the protection of nature, and we are pleased that the countries that are part of this Council share this purpose.”

UN Tourism Executive Director Natalia Bayona said: “More investments and greater innovation are essential to take tourism to the next level. They can unlock many new opportunities, for businesses, jobs and building more resilience and inclusivity. Colombia shines as a top example of how investment in tourism really delivers, not least for rural communities, for women, youth and post-conflict societies.”

Partnerships the key

UN Tourism serves as the bridge, connecting governments and destinations with investors of all sizes. In Cartagena, the Forum put the spotlight on such collaboration, with a Leaders’ Dialogue emphasizing the role partnerships can play in driving growth and transforming tourism. Joining Ministers and Deputy Ministers of Tourism of Bahrain, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Zambia,

The Forum also provided a platform for enhanced cooperation between global regions. High-level conversations focused on investment strategies for tourism, including the growing relevance of free zones, financial instruments and reformed governance as a means of increasing levels of foreign direct investment (FDI) into tourism, both in the Americas and globally.

Investing in Colombia, “Land of Beauty”

The hosts of the Forum, Colombia, stands out as a leading destination for tourism investments. Between 2018 and 2023, 1 billion US dollars were invested in tourism projects in Colombia. That has made Colombia the second-largest destination for tourism investments in the whole of the Latin American and Caribbean region. Furthermore, this strong level of investment has helped to created more than 4,700 jobs in the sector over the same period.

To better showcase the country’s significant potential on the global stage, UN Tourism officially presented its updated guidelines, "Tourism Doing Business: Investing in Colombia". They provide a comprehensive overview of investment infrastructure and systems in the country, outlining opportunities for growth as well as potential challenges and solutions for overcoming them. UN Tourism Executive Director Natalia Bayona said: “Colombia, the “Country of Beauty” is also a land of opportunity for investors. Its tourism sector is one of the strongest in the whole region, with new projects set to create many thousands more jobs and drive further economic growth.”

Also in Cartagena, the "Tourism Investment 2024: Global Greenfield Investment Trends in Tourism" report was launched, a joint collaboration between the FT and UN Tourism, which provides an unrivalled global picture of where the sector is going, including new areas of growth and opportunity for investors.

Innovation for the future of tourism

Alongside the huge importance of investments, the Forum made clear the key role that innovation will play in shaping the future of tourism, including through offering more inclusive and resilient growth. Highlighting the huge pool of talent across the Americas, UN Tourism celebrated the finalists of its Innovation in Green Projects Challenge, organized with CAF. The Challenge attracted ideas from more than 500 young entrepreneurs more than 20 countries from across Latin America and the Caribbean. Of them, more than 180 are based in Colombia. Natoure, from Mexico, which promotes innovation for nature conservation, was named as the winner.

Also looking to the future, a concluding panel on Innovation and Leadership, focused on the part future generations will play in transforming tourism, emphasizing the need to nurture young talent today through education, training and funding and networking opportunities.

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UN Tourism Announces Best Tourism Villages 2024: 55 Rural Communities Shaping the Future of Sustainable Travel

• All Regions
• 15 Nov 2024

From Caviahue-Copahue in Argentina to Tra Que Vegetable Village in Viet Nam, discover the 55 new Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism.

Rural destinations consolidate their position as key players in sustainable tourism and community development as UN Tourism announces its Best Tourism Villages 2024.

In this fourth edition, 55 villages from all regions received the recognition, chosen from over 260 applications from more than 60 UN Tourism Member States. Another 20 villages were chosen to join the Upgrade Programme.

The Best Tourism Villages initiative not only recognizes the remarkable achievements of these villages but also highlights the transformative power of tourism

“Tourism is a vital tool for inclusion, empowering rural communities to protect and value their rich cultural heritage while driving sustainable development,” said UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili. “The Best Tourism Villages initiative not only recognizes the remarkable achievements of these villages but also highlights the transformative power of tourism. By leveraging their unique assets, these communities can foster economic growth, promote local traditions, and enhance the quality of life for their residents. We celebrate the villages that have embraced tourism as a pathway to empowerment and community well-being, demonstrating that sustainable practices can lead to a brighter future for all.”

The Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism initiative was launched in 2021 to advance tourism’s role in rural areas, preserving landscapes, cultural diversity, local values, and culinary traditions. The Best Tourism Villages (BTV) Network grows every year, and with the announcement of its 75 new members, 254 villages are now part of the largest community of rural destinations in the world.

Uniting Rural Destinations for Sustainable Development

The Best Tourism Villages initiative is part of the UN Tourism for Rural Development Programme. The Programme works to foster development and inclusion in rural areas, combat depopulation, advance innovation and value chain integration through tourism, and encourage sustainable practices.

As in previous editions, the villages were evaluated under nine key areas:

1. Cultural and Natural Resources
2. Promotion and Conservation of Cultural Resources
3. Economic Sustainability
4. Social Sustainability
5. Environmental Sustainability
6. Tourism Development and Value Chain Integration
7. Governance and Prioritization of Tourism
8. Infrastructure and Connectivity
9. Health, Safety, and Security

The initiative comprises three pillars:

• Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism: Recognizes outstanding rural tourism destinations with accredited cultural and natural assets, a commitment to preserving community-based values, and a clear commitment to innovation and sustainability across economic, social, and environmental dimensions.
• Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism Upgrade Programme: Supports villages on their journey to meet recognition criteria, helping them improve in areas identified as weakness during evaluation.
• The Best Tourism Villages Network: A space for exchanging experiences and good practices, learning, and opportunities among its members, and it is open to contributions from experts and public and private sector partners engaged in the promotion of tourism as a driver for rural development.

The 55 Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism 2024 are (in alphabetical order):

From Fast Track to Recognition

This year seven villages from the Best Tourism Villages Upgrade Programme have achieved recognition as Best Tourism Villages. Through the Upgrade Programme villages received mentorship to improve their lowest-scored areas of evaluation and were able to apply through a fast-track process and qualify for Best Tourism Village recognition.

These outstanding villages include Capulálpam de Méndez (Mexico), Grand Baie (Mauritius), Kalopanagiotis (Cyprus), Pissouri (Cyprus), Ruboni (Uganda), Bo Suak (Thailand), and Trevelin (Argentina).

The 20 villages selected to participate in the Upgrade Programme this year are:

The call for submissions for the fifth edition will take place in early 2025, opening a new opportunity for rural destinations to share their inspiring initiatives and get global recognition as rural development champions.

Related links:

• Download the News Release on PDF
• Best Tourism Villages 2024 Edition: Recognized Villages Booklet
• Best Tourism Villages website
• Rural Tourism

Three UN Agencies United to Advance Sustainable Urban Tourism

• All Regions
• 13 Nov 2024

UN Tourism, UN-Habitat, and UNESCO came together at the World Urban Forum to host a side event under the theme Urban Tourism: Policies and Governance for More Sustainable, Inclusive, Creative, and Resilient Cities.

From the interconnection of their mandates, this is the first time that three UN Agencies join forces at the World Urban Forum to stimulate dialogue and call for cooperation to help drive sustainable urban tourism.

The event builds upon the innovative and successful partnership between UN-Habitat and UN Tourism. The agencies organized, with the support of the Basque Government,  an  Expert Group Meeting on Advancing Sustainable Urban Tourism: Tools for promoting good practices in cities and territories" (Bilbao, 21-22 March 2024) where UN agencies including UNESCO, representatives of national, regional, and local governments, academy, private sector and civil society, debated how to build better policies and governance for urban tourism in a way that benefits all. The final conclusions of this meeting were presented at the event, which served a baseline for further action.

Tourism, Culture, and Creativity: Catalysts for Urban Regeneration

Mayors from Granada (Spain), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (Spain), Madrid (Spain), Porto (Portugal) and the Councillor Member of the Mayoral Committee – Human Settlements of Buffalo City (South Africa) shared their vision of how tourism drives economic and social development in their respective cities. They emphasized tourism's role in advancing urban infrastructure, accessibility, preserving and promoting cultural and natural assets, stimulating creative industries and regenerating neglected areas, eventually transforming their cities into better places.

Yet, they also stressed that to reach its full potential, tourism must be developed sustainably across economic, sociocultural, and environmental dimensions and emphasized that this requires a holistic, multisectoral governance and approach that embeds tourism and culture within the urban and territorial planning addressing the diverse needs of all stakeholders, namely local communities.

Culture-driven Urban Solutions

As part of this strategic partnership, a series of Urban Solutions: Culture-Driven Sustainable Urban Tourism will be launched in the following weeks. Developed by UNESCO, in collaboration with UN Tourism and UN-Habitat, these solutions aim to place culture at the heart of sustainable urban tourism policies and strategies, blending cultural heritage, creativity, and local traditions, to foster inclusive growth. These solutions will help transform tourism into a powerful catalyst for positive change.

The three UN agencies will continue exploring ways of collaboration, from the tourism, territory and culture, intersection towards creating more sustainable, resilient, creative, and inclusive cities and territories, accelerating the localization of the SDGs and implementation of the New Urban Agenda.

Related links

• Download the News Release on PDF
• World Urban Forum
• Report: Advancing Sustainable Urban Tourism

UN Tourism to host First Global Conference on Tourism for Rural Development in Vietnam

• All Regions
• 12 Nov 2024

UN Tourism, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of Vietnam, will convene global and local leaders, policy makers, and industry pioneers for the First Conference on Tourism for Rural Development (Hoi An, Viet Nam 9-11 December).

The Conference will bring together representatives from national and local governments, international organizations, and the private sector to showcase around a shared vision for tourism as a catalyst for rural upliftment and inclusive development. Centered on empowering local communities, it will showcase best practices and strategies designed to create enduring, positive change. Sessions will explore how equitable tourism can generate jobs, safeguard cultural and natural resources, and foster social inclusion, with particular emphasis on supporting women and youth. Topics under discussion include adequate policy framework, financing, market access, product development, the links with agriculture and governance.

Inclusive Community Empowerment at the Forefront

One of the conference’s main themes will be the role of communities in sustainable tourism development in rural areas. By encouraging local participation in tourism planning and development, the event aims to help rural communities harness tourism in ways that are economically beneficial and culturally and environmentally respectful. Special attention will be given to involving local communities in governance and decision-making processes to achieve equitable tourism benefits.

Milestone Gathering for the Best Tourism Villages Network

On the occasion of the conference, the Second Annual Meeting of the Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism Network will take place. This gathering will offer members of the Best Tourism Villages Network the chance to share experiences and discuss the progress of the Network and how this unique and most global hub of local destinations can enhance their work.

Fostering Partnerships and Building a Sustainable Future

With participation from rural tourism stakeholders worldwide, including UN agencies, financial institutions, community leaders, and businesses, the conference aims to strengthen partnerships for rural tourism. It will offer a forum for exchanging knowledge and best practices, with the goal of ensuring that tourism not only drives economic development but also safeguards the cultural and environmental heritage that defines rural destinations.

The three-day event will feature a series of high-impact panels, keynote addresses, and fireside chats, culminating in a technical tour of Hoi An’s own community-led tourism initiatives, highlighting how the town has successfully integrated tourism with local agricultural and cultural practices.

Related links

• Downlod the News Release on PDF
• First UN Tourism Conference on Tourism for Rural Development and Second Annual Meeting of the Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism Network
• Registration form

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COP29 to Feature Thematic Day on Climate Change and Tourism for the First Time

• All Regions
• 11 Nov 2024

Tourism’s place in global climate action will be center stage on 20 November at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, as part of the COP29 Presidential Initiatives. This achievement was welcomed by the G20 Tourism Ministers Meeting in Belem, Brazil.

For the first time, the UN Climate Change conference of the parties will welcome Tourism Ministers, placing the sector firmly within the COP29 Action Agenda and providing a high-level platform for dialogue – at the initiative and joint leadership  of the State Tourism Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism). 

This achievement reflects the leading role played by UN Tourism in a shift for a science-based approach to guide the sector on tourism climate action, and builds on the efforts of the Glasgow Declaration Initiative, which is implemented within the framework of the One Planet Sustainable Tourism Programme. The collaboration of committed Member States and tourism stakeholders, and the support provided by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), have been instrumental in achieving this landmark momentum for the tourism sector at COP29.

Scheduled for 20th November, the First Ministerial Meeting on Climate Action in Tourism will be followed by three high-level thematic roundtables on measurement and decarbonization, regeneration (adaptation) and finance and innovative solutions, building towards a bold tourism climate agenda for good.

Access the Programme of Events here.

Baku Declaration: Tourism steps up its ambitions

The COP29 Presidency, will lead the launch of the Baku Declaration on Enhanced Climate Action in Tourism. The Declaration is a call to action in response to the need to develop more economy-wide Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to the Paris Agreement, as called for by UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, UNFCCC's Executive Secretary, Simon Stiell and UN Tourism Secretary – General, Zurab Pololikashvili. In Baku, government representatives will be encouraged to endorse the Declaration and set out their plans to connect tourism policies and efforts with national climate goals and the UN Climate Change Agenda. UN Tourism and the State Tourism Agency of Azerbaijan will be releasing for public consultation a Position Paper on Exploring Opportunities to Integrate Tourism in NDCs, in a nationally determined manner.

To endorse the Baku Declaration, please send an official written communication (letter, note verbale, etc.) to the COP29 Presidency or email to tourism@cop29.az The full text of the Baku Declaration is available here (see Annex 9 on page 20).

Boosting Engagement and Accountability

Two of UN Tourism's flagship sustainability initiatives will also feature in the Thematic Day, with stakeholders urged to take action.

The Glasgow Declaration Initiative on Climate Action in Tourism, is a voluntary commitment launched at COP26, implemented within the framework of the One Planet Sustainable Tourism Programme, and recognized as a Global Climate Action initiative by UNFCCC. At COP29, the Glasgow Declaration Initiative is to be given fresh impetus to include additional signatories, especially focusing on its positioning as a tool to support the implementation of national climate policies through tourism climate action structured around five strategic pathways: measurement, decarbonization, regeneration/adaptation, collaboration and finance.

To join the Glasgow Declaration Initiative and become part of a multi-stakeholder network of over 900 organizations collectively working on climate action, please visit Glasgow Declaration Initiative page.

Also in Baku, the Statistical Framework for Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism (MST), adopted by the UN Statistical Commission in February 2024, will be formally acknowledged as the tool to measure the sector's climate action impacts. The MST Framework is a living example of moving beyond GDP to also include environmental data, such as GHG emissions and energy use. In recognition of this, MST will be positioned in its capacity to drive the production of more trustworthy, country-owned and internationally comparable data on the impact of tourism on climate change, laying the necessary foundation for progress in the mitigation of tourism-related GHG emissions and energy efficiency.

Click here to find out more about the Statistical Framework on Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism

A COP29 Legacy for Enhanced Climate Action

As part of the plans to continue accelerating climate action in tourism, COP29 delegates will be discussing a coordination mechanism and partnership envisaged, led by UN Tourism with the UN System, multilateral partners, the industry, academia and other key stakeholders to ensure coherence and alignment to advance a science-based agenda for positive impact.   

Related links

• Download News Release on PDF
• UN Climate Change COP29 Thematic Day on Tourism
• COP29 Declarations and Pledges Letter
• The Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism
• Statistical Framework on Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism

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