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Advancing an International Code for Protection of Tourists

Advancing an International Code for Protection of Tourists

The Committee for the Development of an International Code for the Protection of Tourists has met for a second time, bringing the establishment of the landmark legal framework a step closer to being realized.

UNWTO hosted the consultative virtual meeting which counted on the participation of 92 Member States, as well as one Associate Member. Joining them to inform the discussions were legal experts from several global regions, all of them members of the special Consultative Group as well as introducing the Observers, international organizations both governmental and non-governmental that will join forces with UNWTO in the development of the Code and guarantee that the result is a well representative and balanced set of standards

The diverse range of observers reflected the strong interest in an International Code designed to offer tourists greater protection as consumers and to spread the responsibility of assisting tourists affected by emergency situations across the whole of the sector. The European Commission's Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs, which is responsible for the EU’s tourism policies highlighted its interest in following this project in view of the potential commonalities with the Commission´s work. ,

Joining them were the representative from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD, the International Civil Aviation Authority (ICAO) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Additionally, and highlighting strong interest from the private sector in the work of the Committee, a number of business organizations and member groups took part as observers, among them the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Hotrec, which represents the European hospitality sector.

Participants of the Committee also elected a Chair (Brazil) and Vice-Chair (Greece).

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SPECIAL 42nd UNWTO AFFILIATE MEMBERS PLENARY SESSION

SPECIAL 42nd UNWTO AFFILIATE MEMBERS PLENARY SESSION

Dear Affiliate Members

I would like to convey my most sincere appreciation for your valuable participation in the 42nd UNWTO Affiliate Members Plenary Session, which took place on 5-6 November 2020 in Madrid, Spain, under the theme “Recovering Tourism. Rebuilding Trust. Reinforcing Partnerships”.

The event, which was celebrated in a hybrid format combining in-person participation at the Four Seasons Hotel in Madrid, and a very consistent virtual involvement, counted with the participation of high-level political authorities and over 200 representatives of our Affiliate Members from all over the world.

I am proud that we could organize a highly valuable hybrid event, despite the current difficult circumstances. Our goal was to make it possible for our network of more than 500 Affiliate Members to attend, either in person or virtually.

I am convinced that the most important annual meeting of the private sector affiliated to the UNWTO, our Plenary Session, provided us with an excellent opportunity to send to the sector a clear and strong message on the importance of the public-private partnership, along with the perfect platform to give visibility to the projects and good practices of our Affiliate Members.

The topics discussed during both the Plenary Session and the Thematic Sessions covered a wide thematic range and enabled us to develop a fruitful exchange of information to strengthen the public-private partnership within the tourism sector.

The feedback and comments received from all the participants – Affiliate Members, authorities, and UNWTO – was very positive and encouraging, this representing a very significant message to continue reinforcing our membership and the value of the brand “Affiliate Members”.

I was really honored to have such committed and active members presenting and sharing their work and experiences with a view to support tourism recovery, and to prepare our Programme of Work 2021. I would like to inform you that in the following days we will send you the updated draft of the PoW 2021, where we included the most consistent proposals provided by our Affiliate Members.

The COVID-19 crisis has showed us that we need to learn from each other and that we need to work together. The good news is that the means, the strategies and the knowledge are already available. We just have to learn from them, share our knowledge and strengthen our coordination to implement them. Our 42nd Plenary Session has proven to be a very important forum for this and we must carry on with the work done. I am looking forward to continue discussing and sharing with you projects and initiatives for our common goal of jointly rebuilding a stronger tourism sector.

I am looking forward to continuing the dialogue and further sharing with you projects and initiatives for our common goal of jointly rebuilding a stronger tourism sector.

Sincerely,
Ion Vilcu

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Global Tourism Plastics Initiative Welcomes 26 New Signatories

Global Tourism Plastics Initiative Welcomes 26 New Signatories

The Global Tourism Plastics Initiative has welcomed 26 new signatories, including businesses and organizations from every part of the global tourism value chain. Led by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in collaboration with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, the Initiative unites the tourism sector behind a common goal of addressing the root causes of plastic pollution.

The new signatories include Booking.com, G Adventures, The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Inkaterra, TUI Care Foundation, deSter part of gategroup, and International Aviation Waste Management Association, among others. They feature suppliers of guest amenities, on-the-go packaging and waste-management platforms, as well as accommodation providers (both large groups and SMEs), leading online tourism platforms, tour operators, and associations working at the destination level.

The Global Tourism Plastics Initiative was launched in January 2020 and now counts on 46 signatories, illustrating how reducing plastics pollution in tourism remains a priority despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The diversity of the signatories highlights the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative’s potential to promote systemic solutions that can be implemented locally and scaled up globally.

Tackling plastic pollution remains a priority for sector

The Global Tourism Plastics Initiative can lead to the reduction of pollution and waste across all parts of the tourism sector and support a responsible recovery from COVID-19 that leads to more sustainability and resilience

Within the current context of the COVID-19 pandemic, a circular approach to the management of plastic items and packaging can avoid any increase in the use of single-use plastics for hygiene purposes. It can also relieve pressure on waste management infrastructures and foster a more sustainable supply chain. In this sense, a circular economy for plastics is critical for the tourism sector to preserve and protect destinations and to recover responsibly from the current crisis.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “Moving towards the circular economy is a strategic approach for the tourism sector. The Global Tourism Plastics Initiative can lead to the reduction of pollution and waste across all parts of the tourism sector and support a responsible recovery from COVID-19 that leads to more sustainability and resilience.”

Elisa Tonda, Head of the consumption and production unit of UNEP, adds: “The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the need for urgent action on the climate, nature and pollution and waste crises which are driven by unsustainable consumption and production, but has also provided with a window of opportunity to prioritize sustainability as part of a green recovery. This new group of signatories of the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative reflects the continued commitment of the tourism value chain to increase circularity in the plastic system and maintain their ambition to tackle plastic pollution, moving forward in a post-COVID world.”

Recommendations informing recovery plans

Earlier this year, a series of recommendations for the tourism sector to continue taking action on plastic pollution throughout the pandemic were released. These serve as a basis to develop COVID-19 recovery plans, revise standard operating procedures, and define plastic management strategies. The recommendations are now available in English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese and Russian.

Gerald Naber, Programme Manager, New Plastics Economy Global Commitment, Ellen MacArthur Foundation, adds: “The signatories of the Global Commitment are making encouraging initial progress on delivering their targets towards a circular economy, but a substantial acceleration of progress will be needed to achieve the 2025 targets.”

The Global Tourism Plastics Initiative forms part of the larger framework of the New Plastics Economy Global Commitment. Specifically, the Initiative acts as sectoral interface to the New Plastics Economy Global Commitment, which recently released its Progress Report for 2020.

About the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative

The Global Tourism Plastics Initiative unites the tourism sector behind a common vision to address the root causes of plastic pollution. Developed within the framework of the Sustainable Tourism Programme of the One Planet network, the Initiative is led by the United Nations Environment Programme and the World Tourism Organization, in collaboration with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.

About the One Planet network Sustainable Tourism Programme

The One Planet Sustainable Tourism Programme enhances the sustainable development impacts of the tourism sector by 2030, with a special focus on sustainable consumption and production practices. The Sustainable Tourism Programme is part of the One Planet network, a multi-stakeholder partnership to implement SDG 12 on Sustainable Consumption and Production.

About the UN Environment Programme

The UN Environment Programme is the leading global voice on the environment. It provides leadership and encourages partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations.

About the World Tourism Organization

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is the United Nations agency responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism. As the leading international organization in the field of tourism, UNWTO promotes tourism as a driver of economic growth, inclusive development and environmental sustainability and offers leadership and support to the sector in advancing knowledge and tourism policies worldwide.

About the Ellen MacArthur Foundation

The Ellen MacArthur Foundation was launched in 2010 with the aim of accelerating the transition to the circular economy. Since its creation, the charity has emerged as a global thought leader, putting the circular economy on the agenda of decision-makers around the world. The charity’s work focuses on seven key areas: insight and analysis; business; institutions, governments, and cities; systemic initiatives; circular design; learning; and communications.

About the New Plastics Economy Global Commitment

The New Plastics Economy Global Commitment unites businesses, governments, and other organizations behind a common vision and targets to address plastic waste and pollution at its source. Signatories include companies representing 20% of all plastic packaging produced globally, as well as governments, NGOs, universities, industry associations, investors, and other organisations. The New Plastics Economy Global Commitment is led by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, in collaboration with the UN Environment Programme.

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The Hospitality Challenge: Supporting the Hospitality Talents of Tomorrow

The Hospitality Challenge: Supporting the Hospitality Talents of Tomorrow

In June 2020, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and Sommet Education launched the Hospitality Challenge. This was designed to identify ideas and individuals capable of accelerating the recovery of the tourism sector in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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The initiative has received almost 600 applications from all around the world. The 30 top finalists will be granted a full-board scholarship for Bachelor or Master’s degree-level courses at 30 different hospitality programs. All of them are hosted by Sommet’s internationally renowned institutions specialized in Hospitality and Culinary Arts: Glion Institute of Higher Education, Les Roches, and École Ducasse.

The scholarships are dedicated to accelerating the personal development of talented individuals who will build the Hospitality of Tomorrow. Bringing the submitted projects to life and increasing their chances of impacting the tourism sector has been the driving force of this challenge. The three most entrepreneurial projects among the 30 winners will receive seed money from Eurazeo, the leading global investment group to which Sommet Education belongs.

Out of the 600 applications, 39% were submitted from the Americas, followed by Europe (28%), Africa and the Middle East (both 18%), and Asia and the Pacific (15%).

It shows how innovators from around the world can keep tourism, hospitality and travel at the very forefront of sustainable development and positive change for all

Putting People and Planet First

The Hospitality Challenge focused on four categories. The Hotels and Hotel-Related Operations category was the most popular, receiving 41% of all applications, followed by the Luxury Travels, Goods and Services category (34%), then the Food and Beverage category (17%), and finally the Smart Real Estate category (8%). The breakdown of the different categories demonstrates a strong interest in improving the operational side of hotels through its social impact, with many projects aiming to reduce unemployment and the better management of hotel staff.

Among the four categories, four eminent trends have emerged: waste reduction and sustainability, jobs and education, safety and travel experience, as well as revenue and productivity. Almost 50% of the projects address Sustainable Development Goal 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth. Many projects also offer new perspectives on the COVID-19 response.

A large number of the high-quality projects promoting inclusivity and sustainability to reinvent the Hospitality of Tomorrow, also provides fresh ideasfor the tourism sector. These will allow tourism to keep on contributing to overall socio-economic recovery.

Winners Announced in March 2021

UNWTO and Sommet Education would like to thank all the participants, innovators and entrepreneurs for their enthusiasm and contributions to the Hospitality Challenge, and to congratulate the 30 selected finalists.

UNWTO Secretary General, Zurab Pololikashvili said: “The tourism of tomorrow must embrace new ideas, new voices and the full diversity the sector has to offer. This competition highlights the best global tourism and hospitality has to offer. It shows how innovators from around the world can keep tourism, hospitality and travel at the very forefront of sustainable development and positive change for all.”

Benoît-Etienne Domenget, Sommet Education CEO adds “we are thrilled to welcome so many diversified talents in our institutions next year. The variety of backgrounds and profiles will source of creativity and bring fresh perspectives to all.”

Out of the following 30 selected finalists, the three winning projects will be announced in March 2021:

  • “Chartok” – Hotel Collaboration Software
  • “Coliving Hotels” - Medium and long-term shared housing rentals
  • “Digital Butler” – Personalized guest assistance
  • “Digital Concierge” - Digitalized guest experience
  • “FirstClasset” – Asset model and payment process
  • “Food safety and organic food production”
  • “GauVendi” – Retail system
  • “Go-Travel direct hotel booking club” – Data driven direct booking club
  • “Hogaru” – Cleaning and facility management provider
  • “Hosbot” – Digital Hospitality assistant
  • “Hospitality Onlearning” – Online Hospitality learning platform
  • “HUTS” – HR management support
  • “Join F&B” – Recruitment of disabled people service
  • “Komodore” – Guest management automation
  • “Lemonade Social” – Experience driven e-commerce
  • “Little Big Travel” – Experience travel provider
  • “Luxury Origin” – Immersive customizable luxury experience
  • “Mes Petites Feuilles” – Urban SmartFarming
  • “Olappa Linens” – Sustainable linen
  • “Recotrak” – Certification process for food donation
  • “Searchef” – Food & Beverage sharing platform
  • “Service Club Delivery” – Recruitment solution
  • “SiliconBali” – Youth employability
  • “Travel Seeds” – Sustainable on-line booking platform
  • “TrekSecure” - Covid contagion response application
  • “Tiptrip” – On-line guest comment management
  • “Viridescent” – Eco-friendly on-line booking platform
  • “Virtual Hospitality Research Platform” - Research Hospitality platform
  • “Woof Together” – Standards in pet-friendly hospitality
  • “Young Hotelier Network”- Social impact community integration
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UNWTO Brings Tourism Sector Together to Plan for the Future

UNWTO Brings Tourism Sector Together to Plan for the Future

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has once again brought leaders from across the sector together for high-level talks aimed at strengthening cooperation between the public and private sectors. The 42nd Plenary Session of the United Nations specialized agency’s Affiliate Members focused both on immediate priorities for tourism’s vital restart and on the longer-term task of ensuring the sector continues to be a key pillar of sustainable development.

The event provided a unique, high-level platform to allow Members to share their best practices and proposals for recovery. With the theme “Recovering Tourism. Rebuilding Trust. Reinforcing Partnerships,” the Session echoed the wider priorities of UNWTO, above all restoring confidence in international travel and promoting collaboration at every level. Participants were encouraged to make use of the new Affiliate Members Virtual Corner, launched to coincide with the Plenary Session.

United behind the UNWTO Programme of Work

Tourism needs the support of governments and international organizations to grow back and grow back stronger and more resilient, benefitting many millions of people and businesses worldwide

The Plenary Session focused on laying the foundations for UNWTO’s Programme of Work for 2021. This roadmap includes continuing to make tourism a key pillar of the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and further enhancing sustainability and inclusivity across the whole of the sector. UNWTO’s Affiliate Members, who include businesses, academia and civil society actors, will play an important role in the United Nations specialized agency’s work in the challenging months ahead.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “The engaged participation of every part of our sector will be needed to restart tourism and drive recovery. From the start of this crisis, tourism has led the way in adapting to the new reality and putting public health concerns first. Now, tourism needs the support of governments and international organizations to grow back and grow back stronger and more resilient, benefitting many millions of people and businesses worldwide.”

Making good on UNWTO’s pledge to lead by example, this hybrid meeting again demonstrated that international travel is safe and that tourism is proactively adapting to the new post-COVID reality. In all, more than 200 delegates took part in the Plenary Session, either in-person or virtually, with the diversity of tourism on full display

Celebrating tourism at its best

Against the backdrop of Plenary Session, the UNWTO Affiliate Members Distinction Awards show how tourism is living up to its status as the ultimate people-first sector. The event celebrates those stakeholders that best embodied the spirit of solidarity and determination that underlined the sector’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. IFEMA, was recognized for its response to the crisis, in particular for allowing its exhibition spaces to be repurposed for healthcare. At the same time, CNN was recognized for its inspirational communication campaigns, including its work bringing the UNWTO #TravelTomorrow campaign to a global audience of millions.

Other Affiliate Members recognized at the 2020 Awards include Chameleon Strategies for its work in Asia, and both Facility Concept and the Africa Tourism Partners Company for advancing UNWTO’s work in Africa. The Xcaret Group was recognized for its work restarting attractions and theme parks, while IATA was commended for its work in support of the global air transport sector. Alongside these, CaixaBank was recognized for its contribution and support to tourism companies through its specialized business line "CaixaBank Hotels & Tourism", with the Ayuntamiento de Madrid leading by example in fostering public-private partnerships for response and recovery.

The ceremony also highlights tourism’s wider contribution and the role Affiliate Members are playing in advancing this. EGEDA was recognized for its work promoting the Sustainable Development Goals, the Seoul Tourism Organization, was commended for its work promoting tourism as a tool for peace and reconciliation, while the Royal Commission for Al Ula was singled out for its promotion of inclusive community development through tourism.

The UNWTO Affiliate Members Distinction Awards ceremony can be watched live online from 20:00 on Friday 6 November. Access the live stream here.

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UNWTO and IMO Issue Call Join to Support Safe Resumption of Cruise Ship Operations

A Lifeline for Small Island States: UNWTO Joins IMO to Highlight Importance of Cruise Tourism

In a joint statement issued today, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) highlight the importance of the cruise sector for the world economy.

According to industry data, the cruise sector supports 1.2 million jobs and contributes US$150 billion to the global economy every year. Tourism is vitally important for Small Islands States, where it sustains millions of livelihoods and brings substantial socio-economic benefits. 

The two UN agencies also recognise the efforts made by the industry, countries and international organizations to protect the safety, health and well-being of passengers and crew, as well as the health of the population of destination port States of cruise ships. Since cruise operations were suspended worldwide due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the industry has been reviewing and enhancing its protocols to identify ways to go further in protecting the health of passengers, crew and the general public.  

The joint statement invites governments to use the Guidance on the gradual and safe resumption of operations of cruise ships in the European Union in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic (shared by IMO in Circular Letter No 4204/Add.26) to facilitate the recovery of the sector under safe conditions, as well as three framework documents (operator framework, passenger framework and seafarer framework) developed by the United Kingdom’s Chamber of Shipping together with CLIA. 

IMO and UNWTO emphasise that the resumption of cruise ship operations will also benefit the wider maritime community, since passenger ships participate in the automated mutual-assistance vessel rescue (AMVER) and are often requested by Rescue Coordination Centres to offer assistance to ships in distress at sea. 

IMO and UNWTO reiterate their call to Governments to designate all seafarers and marine personnel as key workers and remove any barriers to crew changes. 

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Webinar 3: Green Investment Mechanisms for a Sustainable Tourism Recovery Post COVID-19

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UN Tourism News - #17

UN Tourism News - #17 - 75 years on, this mission is more relevant than ever

UN Tourism News

UN Tourism News #17 - 2 November 2020
 

75 Years of the United Nations: Cooperation and Trust as Important as Ever


75 Years of the United Nations: Cooperation and Trust as Important as Ever

The United Nations, of which UNWTO is proud to be a part, was established to promote peace among nations and allow us to work together to build a better future for all.

75 years on, this mission is more relevant than ever.

The ideals that lie at the heart of the United Nations system: solidarity, cooperation and the drive for equality are the same ideals needed to ensure our recovery from the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

G20 Tourism Leaders Commit to Intensify Efforts towards a Sustainable Recovery


Global Tourism Crisis Committee Meets Again: Coordination, Vital Ingredient for Recovery

Consistent and harmonized travel protocols, enhanced safety measures and the protection of jobs and livelihoods are the main ingredients needed for the restart of tourism. The Sixth meeting of the UNWTO Global Tourism Crisis Committee reminded participants of the need to work together as the only means of advancing the sustainable recovery of the sector. The meeting produced a commitment to create a new UNWTO Committee on Common Safety Protocols to increase confidence in international travel, as well as firm plans for enhanced consumer protection for consumers and measures to protect jobs.

 

International Tourism Down 70% as Travel Restrictions Impact All Regions


International Tourism Down 70% as Travel Restrictions Impact All Regions

Restrictions on travel introduced in response to the COVID-19 pandemic continue to hit global tourism hard, with the latest data from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) showing a 70% fall in international arrivals for the first eight months of 2020.

 

New International Code to Provide Greater Legal Protection for Tourists


New International Code to Provide Greater Legal Protection for Tourists

Tourists are to be given greater legal protection as consumers under new plans being advanced by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). With restoring confidence a key priority for the sector, the International Code for the Protection of Tourists advanced by UNWTO with the support of almost 100 Member States so far, will make the support available to tourists affected by emergency situations clearer and more consistent globally.

 

G20 Tourism Leaders Commit to Intensify Efforts towards a Sustainable Recovery


G20 Tourism Leaders Commit to Intensify Efforts towards a Sustainable Recovery

Tourism Ministers of the G20 nations have committed to stepping up their efforts to place sustainability and inclusion at the heart of tourism recovery and future growth. The implementation of the World Tourism Organization AlUla Framework for Inclusive Community Development Through Tourism, presented on the occasion of the Ministerial Meeting, was welcomed by the G20 Tourism Ministers as a tool for achieving a fairer and more inclusive sector.

 

Delegation in Brussels for Talks with European Institution Leaders


UNWTO Delegation in Brussels for Talks with European Institution Leaders

The Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has led a high-level delegation to Brussels for a series of meetings aimed at ensuring tourism remains at the top of the political agenda of the European Institutions.

 

Indonesia Becomes First Signatory of UNWTO Tourism Ethics Convention


Indonesia Becomes First Signatory of UNWTO Tourism Ethics Convention

The Republic of Indonesia has become the first signatory of the Framework Convention on Tourism Ethics, the landmark instrument created to ensure global tourism is fair, inclusive, more transparent, and works for everyone.

 

Indonesia Becomes First Signatory of UNWTO Tourism Ethics Convention


Canary Islands Joins Observatory Network as Members Unite to Provide Data for Tourism’s Recovery

The Canary Islands has been confirmed as the latest member of the growing International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO), overseeing the responsible development of tourism worldwide. The announcement came as INSTO, an initiative of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) held its annual meeting, bringing together key stakeholders from both the public and private sectors.

 

 

Partnerships:

UNWTO and FAO to Work Together on Developing Tourism for Rural Development


UNWTO and FAO to Work Together on Developing Tourism for Rural Development

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will see the two agencies work together to advance shared goals relating to the sustainable and responsible growth of rural tourism.

 

Stepping up support and coordination for a safe and sustainable recovery of tourism


Stepping up support and coordination for a safe and sustainable recovery of tourism

Millions of jobs are at risk.

Tourism is a major driver of the world economy, accounting for 7% of international trade. Globally, tourism generates directly or indirectly one in every ten jobs. The COVID-19 crisis has devastated the tourism economy, with unprecedented effects on jobs and businesses.

 

UNWTO Highlights Potential of Domestic Tourism


UNWTO and IATA Sign Agreement to Restore Confidence in International Aviation

Ahead of the G20 summit of the world’s largest economies, which includes a dedicated tourism segment, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the International Air Transport Association (IATA), as the two parties work together to restart global tourism.

 

UNWTO & Google Acceleration Programme


UNWTO to Harness the Power of A.I to Link Tourism Workers with Jobs

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is to work with California-based Eightfold.ai to help connect tourism jobseekers with employers and so drive the global recovery of the sector.

 

UNWTO and Expedia Group to Share Data and Insights to Guide Tourism Recovery


UNWTO and Expedia Group to Share Data and Insights to Guide Tourism Recovery

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) will work alongside the Expedia Group to strengthen ties between the public and private sectors and drive tourism’s recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The two parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will see them collaborate on a range of topics, with the common goal of driving recovery and making the sector more resilient and sustainable.

 

 

Startups making an impact in safe travel

New initiatives facilitating safe travel by storing health data securely for safer, more seamless travel

 

ICC Aok Pass: Privacy, security, and portability' are the three core principles of this app. The AOKpass allows users to retain complete control over their medical records by storing them exclusively on their mobile device, without being shared or recorded externally, using blockchain technology. Access to the results can be provided without revealing sensitive medical records via a QR Code displayed by the AOKpass app.
Developed by the ICC and International SOS.  
Site: https://www.aokpass.com/
Contact: contact@aokpass.com

Common Pass:  The CommonPass acknowledges the challenges that come with non-homogeneous protocols regarding border restrictions and migratory controls to contain the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. For this reason, the CommonPass will launch a shared global framework to allow travellers to document their COVID-19 status electronically and present it for access to planes or crossing migratory borders.  
Developed by The Commons Project and the World Economic Forum.
Site: https://thecommonsproject.org/commonpass
Contact: info@thecommonsproject.org

Hi+card: It is an International Health Identification Card, which works as an app. Users can travel in a much safer way, as they have their medical information accessible in case of emergency. Any National Health Authority or approved health entities can upload to the system certificates of vaccines, tests, PCR, etc. The user is the owner and has full control of his or her data (access, sharing and deletion). The combination of a Blockchain platform, high level encryption codes and a double authorisation ensures the total protection of the user's data according to the EU (GDPR).
Developed by TDDS and the Air Institute
Site: https://hicard.travel/
Contact: contact@tourismdds.com or https://hicard.travel/contact-info

Travizory: It's a platform that dotes local authorities with the most advanced biometric features: Travel Authorization and eVisa. These tools support the gathering of necessary health information at migratory borders. The app also deploys Advance Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Records (PNR) to expedite the traveler's control process; and 'Seamless Corridors' for temperature and facial verification at strategic security points. 
Developed by Atlantic Labs.
Site: https://www.travizory.com/
Contact: info@travizory.com

WTID: The World Tourist Identification (WTID) app, has been developed by to meet the new demands of both tourists and destination, contributing towards a seamless travel journey. The traveler can use the app to store main documents as passports, ID's, health information and records, while being sure that the app design reduces the risk of fraud. WTID also provides personalized travel experience for the user, thanks to the information gathered and stored carefully with Bigdata technology; in addition, it can be used as a safe payment method, and a tool to find commercial and relevant touristic services. 
Developed by Wanderlust Passport SL
Site: https://www.wanderlust-world.com/
Contact: info@wanderlust-world.com

 

 

UNWTO media highlights:
UN Tourism Can Help Lead the World to Recovery
Euronews How to sustainably rebuild tourism in the wake of COVID-19 Joint op-ed on Arab News by the UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili and HE Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb: "we must rebuild tourism stronger & with a global commitment toward a more sustainable, inclusive and resilient future."
arabnews We must work together for the recovery of global tourism
FTN News EBRD and UNWTO are joining forces to promote sustainable tourism
The Guardian UNWTO, Google host first tourism acceleration programme in sub-saharan Africa
TTG UNWTO tracks travel recovery
Wipo Green Sustainable Tourism after COVID-19 with inputs from Dirk Glaesser
Telegraph In numbers: How 2020 became the worst year for tourism in modern history
Development Aid FAO teams up with UNWTO to boost sustainable rural tourism to help strengthen rural economies and conserve ecosystems

Most Popular On Social Media:
UNWTO Under the leadership of the #G20 Saudi Presidency we develop the AlUla Framework for Inclusive Community Development through Tourism. Boosting education and innovation to transform the livelihoods of millions, preserve our environment and #RestartTourism.
UNWTO Together for an inclusive recovery of tourism. The four pillars of the AlUla Framework for Inclusive Community Development Through Tourism lay the foundations for tourism to advance its potential as an effective means for achieving inclusive community development and #SDGs.
UNWTO Under the leadership of the #G20 Saudi Presidency we develop the AlUla Framework for Inclusive Community Development through Tourism.
Boosting education, investment, innovation and technology to transform the livelihoods of millions, preserve our environment and #RestartTourism.
UNWTO Under the leadership of the #G20 Saudi Presidency we develop the AlUla Framework for Inclusive Community Development through Tourism.
Boosting education and innovation to transform the livelihoods of millions, preserve our environment and #RestartTourism.
UNWTO The #G20SaudiArabia is a unique occasion to lead the recovery of global tourism. Coordination at the highest level is crucial to get our sector back on track. For people, planet and prosperity #RestartTourism!.
UNWTO Together for an inclusive recovery of tourism. The #G20SaudiArabia is a unique occasion to lead the recovery of global tourism. Coordination at the highest level is crucial to get our sector back on track. For people, planet and prosperity #RestartTourism!
UNWTO The #G20SaudiArabia is a unique occasion to lead the recovery of global tourism.
Coordination at the highest level is crucial to get our sector back on track. For people, planet and prosperity #RestartTourism!
UNWTO UNWTO SG Zurab Pololikashvili:
Willingness alone is not enough to #RestartTourism. We are glad to provide concrete initiatives to put #tourism recovery at the front of economic & social #G20 agenda across the globe.
Thank you HE Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb & #G20 Tourism Ministers for your vision & leadership.
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New International Code to Provide Greater Legal Protection for Tourists

New International Code to Provide Greater Legal Protection for Tourists

Tourists are to be given greater legal protection as consumers under new plans being advanced by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). With restoring confidence a key priority for the sector, the International Code for the Protection of Tourists advanced by UNWTO with the support of almost 100 Member States so far, will make the support available to tourists affected by emergency situations clearer and more consistent globally.

In its first meeting, the Committee for the Development of an International Code for the Protection of Tourists has featured the active participation of 92 UNWTO Member States. Together, they adopted a concrete plan of action to restore tourists’ confidence through a common and harmonized framework. Within the next weeks, international organizations, the European Commission as well as private stakeholders will be called upon to join this unprecedented initiative to achieve a more fair and balanced share of responsibilities among all tourism stakeholders in the post COVID-19 world.

Helping tourists in trouble

Ahead of today’s meeting, UNWTO published the Recommendations for the Assistance to International Tourists in Emergency Situations, laying the ground for the International Code for the Protection of Tourists.

Establishing a standard set of minimum consumer protection standards for tourists will help make people feel safer and more confident in international travel

These Recommendations are addressed at States and are designed to ensure that responsibility for tourists in emergency situations is shared fairly across the whole of the tourism value chain, including:

  • Preventing possible disruptions by drawing up contingency plans and coordination protocols and training tourism stakeholders to assist tourists in emergency situations
  • Providing real-time information for tourists
  • Addressing cross-border cooperation between governments and tourism service providers
  • Fostering close collaboration between governments and travel and accommodation providers
  • Addressing the effective repatriation of tourists.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “Uncertainty and a lack of trust in travel are among the biggest challenges we face as we work to restart tourism. An International Code for the Protection of Tourists will be a landmark step towards addressing this. Establishing a standard set of minimum consumer protection standards for tourists will help make people feel safer and more confident in international travel. And it will also ensure that the responsibility of managing the disruptions caused by this pandemic is shared fairly across the whole of our sector.”

It is anticipated a progress report on the development of the International Code for the Protection of Tourists will be presented at the next UNWTO General Assembly (end of 2021 in Marrakech, Morocco) for approval by Member States.

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