UN Tourism Launches Tourism Investment Guidelines for Albania

• Europe
• 9 Apr 2024

UN Tourism has again placed the focus on tourism investments, bringing together public and private sector leaders in Tirana.

The “Tourism Investments and Economic Development in Europe” conference, jointly organized with Ministry of Tourism and Environment of Albania, was held within the framework of the UN Tourism Regional Commission for Europe. High-level delegates included investors from the hospitality, aviation and real estate industries, alongside  private sector stakeholders and various heads of various international organizations.  

Participants discussed and explored avenues how to revitalize Europe’s tourism sector through strategic investments, with a focus on long-term resilience and growth in line with the wider Agenda 2030 and Sustainable Development Goals.  

“Tourism Doing Business in Albania” 

During the conference, UN Tourism launched the latest in its series of “Tourism Doing Business” guidelines, with a new publication focused on Albania. The guidelines provide potential investors with an overview of Albania’s business landscape, its economic resilience and growth potential. 

• In 2023 Albania was ranked 4th globally for the largest percentage increase in international tourist arrivals, recording growth of 56% on 2019.   
• Albania welcomed 7.5 million international arrivals in 2022, and 10.1 million in 2023. 
• The strong robust rebound in tourism contributed to economic growth of nearly 5% growth in 2022. As of 2023, the GDP at current prices reached USD 23 billion compared to USD 12.3 billion in 2012. 
• International tourism in Albania constitutes 46% of total exports and 65% of exports in the services sector. 

UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili says: “Albania presents multifaceted investment opportunities within its tourism sector. With its strategic geographic location, developing infrastructure, and a government dedicated to enhancing foreign direct investment, Albania emerges as an attractive destination for investors. These factors have been instrumental in driving Albania's growth and ongoing development”. 

Natalia Bayona, UN Tourism Executive Director says: “The tourism sector in Albania stands as a dynamic and promising landscape, offering a compelling blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and strategic initiatives shaping its trajectory towards sustainable growth and success. With a surge in greenfield FDI announcements totaling USD 135 million within the tourism cluster, Albania solidifies its position as an attractive investment destination, heralding a promising future ahead”. 

Investments and tourism employment growing 

The guidelines offer a comprehensive overview of the investment landscape in Albania. Key takeaways include: 

• Over the past five years, Albania has consistently attracted foreign direct investment (FDI) at levels surpassing the preceding ten-year average OF EUR 1,004 million. In 2022, the country received EUR 1.372 billion, and between January and September 2023, it received around EUR 1.089 billion. 
• As of 2023, Albania registered more than 154 startups in different sectors including financial services, tourism, technology, and innovation.  
• The ‘Startup Law’ supports the creation and development of high-growth potential startups in the technology and innovation sector.  

Value and Investments strategy 

Between 2018 and 2023, four greenfield projects were announced in the tourism cluster for a total of USD 135 million (according to fDi Intelligence Financial Times). Through that Strategic Investment Law, the country has promoted around 21 strategic investment projects related to tourism between 2016 and 2023. These projects, which have either been completed or initiated implementation, represent a total investment of EUR 3.09 billion, generating around 16,900 new jobs. 

UN Tourism Launches Tourism Investment Guidelines for Albania

Tirana, Albania

UN Tourism Launches Tourism Investment Guidelines for Albania

Tirana, Albania

UN Tourism Launches Tourism Investment Guidelines for Albania

Tirana, Albania

UN Tourism Launches Tourism Investment Guidelines for Albania

Tirana, Albania

UN Tourism Launches Tourism Investment Guidelines for Albania

Tirana, Albania

Related Links:

• Download News Release on PDF
• “Tourism Doing Business: Investing in Albania”
• UN Tourism: 70th Regional Commission for Europe
• “Tourism Investments and Economic Development in Europe” conference

UN Tourism Members Advance Agenda for Europe as Region Leads Global Recovery

• Europe
• 8 Apr 2024

Europe’s national tourism authorities have met to advance shared solutions to the biggest challenges facing tourism as well as the opportunities offered by the sector’s post-pandemic return.

The 70th meeting of the UN Tourism Commission for Europe brought together 40 high-level representatives in the Albanian capital. With the participation of nearly all UN Tourism’s Members in the region, the meeting served as a platform for dialogue and collaboration, providing a ground for exchanging knowledge, sharing best practices, and addressing the challenges and opportunities facing the tourism sector. 

Albania leads Europe’s tourism rebound 

Prior to the meeting, UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili met with the Prime Minister of Albania Edi Rama to discuss shared priorities and future collaboration. The Secretary General has commended Albania’s leadership in tourism recovery after the pandemic – the country has been one of the best performing destinations in 2023, showing 53% increase over the international tourism arrivals registered in 2019. 

The Secretary-General and the Prime Minister also discussed the importance of sustainable tourism development and opportunities to further enhance the tourism sector in Albania. They exchanged views on key strategies to promote responsible tourism practices, harness digital innovation, and further contribute to economic growth through tourism education. They underscored the value of fostering a resilient and inclusive tourism industry that benefits local communities and preserves cultural heritage. 

Legal framework for the Agenda for Europe 

High-level delegations representing 40 Members were informed about the work and activities realized by UN Tourism since the Commission met in Bulgaria in June 2023, as well as strategic objectives and priorities, with a focus on: 

• Political outlook and the situation Europe 
• The rebranding of World Tourism Organization 
• Latest data on tourism arrivals and receipts 
• Events and initiatives 

In Tirana, Members adopted the Rules of Procedure of the Working Group, the Selection Criteria and Key Performance Indicators for the evaluation for the projects supported through the Agenda for Europe and agreed on the priorities for the elaboration of the workplan of the Agenda for 2024. The Agenda for Europe is the manifestation of the priorities of the members in the region of Europe, the world's leading destination and a pioneer in tourism innovation. It aims to ensure a regional focus that will benefit and address the specific needs of the members at a regional and subregional level. 

This document is the result of a consultative process among the members in the region, initiated during the 66th meeting of the Commission for Europe in 2021, to advance the adaptability of the European tourism ecosystem to the new trends and reality that emerged in the post-pandemic era. 

Moving forward 

The Commission Members were updated about the preparations for World Tourism Day 2024 by Georgia and accepted the invitation of Azerbaijan to host the Commission meeting in 2025. 

Subregional focus

The second meeting of the Working Group for Southeast Europe was held on the sidelines of the 70th meeting of the Commission for Europe, by the initiative of the host, Albania, and UN Tourism. The purpose of the meeting was to foster an in-depth discussions on the specific challenges facing the tourism sector in Southeast Europe. Representatives from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, and Slovenia shared their ideas, insights, and opinions, with a special focus on short-term rentals and regional investments. 

Tomorrow, a traditional side conference will be held about “Tourism Investments and Economic Development in Europe”. During this event, a guideline “Tourism Doing Business: Investing in Albania”, developed by UN Tourism, will be presented. The speakers, experts, and other participants of the event will discuss the global tourism investments trends and opportunities, identify avenues for accelerating tourism investments for positive change and for the benefit for all and share success stories and future prospects of tourism investments in Albania. 

UN Tourism Commission for Europe

Tirana, Albania

UN Tourism Commission for Europe

Tirana, Albania

UN Tourism Commission for Europe

Tirana, Albania

UN Tourism Commission for Europe

Tirana, Albania

UN Tourism Commission for Europe

Tirana, Albania

UN Tourism Commission for Europe

Tirana, Albania

UN Tourism Commission for Europe

Region Leads Global Recovery

UN Tourism Commission for Europe

Tirana, Albania

UN Tourism Commission for Europe

Tirana, Albania

UN Tourism Commission for Europe

Tirana, Albania

UN Tourism Commission for Europe

Tirana, Albania

UN Tourism Commission for Europe

Tirana, Albania

UN Tourism Commission for Europe

Tirana, Albania

UN Tourism Commission for Europe

Tirana, Albania

UN Tourism Commission for Europe

Tirana, Albania

Related Links:

• Download News Release on PDF
• Regional department for Europe
• 70th meeting of the Commission for Europe (CEU)

UN Tourism and Moldova Launch Joint Project for Female Leadership in Tourism

• Europe
• 1 Mar 2024

UN Tourism will work with the Ministry of Culture of Moldova to advance female leadership in tourism and boost the sector’s contribution to gender equality.

The "Empowering Young Women: sustainable livelihoods through tourism" initiative aims to support women at every stage of their careers in the sector, while also  advancing several of the Sustainable Development Goals, including those related to gender equality, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all. The project will also count on the support of Invest Moldova Agency, and the Moldova State University, with funding from the Estonian Development Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Estonia.

Training the Trainers for a ripple effect

To kick off the initiative, a pilot tourism skills training session, led by nine pioneering female trainers and five rural women entrepreneurs was held in Puhoi (26-27 February). Covering a diverse curriculum from Tourist Safety and Security to Digital Literacy, this session marks the first of many, with plans to extend training to approximately 200 rural women across Moldova in April 2024.

UN Tourism's experts then worked with women identified as potential trainers in tourism skills and in advancing gender equality. The support focused on the significance of gender equality in tourism, global challenges women face in the sector, and reviewed best practices for women's empowerment. This strategy aims to cultivate a self-sustaining cycle of mentorship and growth among female trainers in Moldova, paving the way for enduring professional development.

Championing Gender Equality through expertise

Natalia Bayona, Executive Director of UN Tourism says: "Women are crucial to the tourism sector, accounting for 54% of the global workforce. Nevertheless, gender inequality is still a real challenge, with 42% of women working in the informal economy versus 32% of men, women were paid 14.7% less on average than men. Education and capacity building programmes are key to transforming both the sector and women's future.”

Andrei Chistol, State Secretary, Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Moldova: "Rural tourism is one of the priorities for the Ministry of Culture in Moldova. Training the capacities of 200 women in the field of tourism will contribute substantially to the development and consolidation of rural communities, the creation of new jobs, and promote new tourist destinations that will enhance the potential of the Republic of Moldova as a destination."

"The pilot program, led by pioneering female trainers, exemplifies the immediate impact of this initiative, providing hands-on training to rural women entrepreneurs and paving the way for further expansion across the country. Moreover, the focus on championing gender equality within the tourism sector underscores the initiative's commitment to fostering inclusivity and diversity and this project showcasing the transformative potential of collaboration and concerted efforts," said Otilia Dandara, First Deputy Rector of Moldova State University.

Related links

• Download the News Release on PDF
• UN Tourism #IWD24 Webinar Series: Invest in Women, Accelerate Progress
• Women's empowerment and tourism

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Twistic and WeavAIR startups win the UN Tourism Hospitality Challenge

• Europe
• 20 Feb 2024

The second edition of the UN Tourism Tech Adventures, along with Infecar is focused on Tourism Technologies and Solutions for Hotels and New Business Models

More than 120 entrepreneurs from nearly 70 countries around the World have presented their projects in the competition for startups focused on technologies and solutions in tourism for hotels and new business models created by UN Tourism and promoted by Infecar. The challenge, which serves to identify entrepreneurs in the sector, has culminated its edition with the election of ten finalists from around the world and two winners, the startups Twistic and WeavAIR.

All of them took part in the UN Tourism Tech Adventures on 19 and 20 February, within the framework of DigiON, the Canary Islands Business Digitalization Show, a meeting in which innovation was the protagonist against the backdrop of the island of Gran Canaria, in the Canary Islands (Spain). The startups, which presented their projects in pitch format, shared the stage with leading industry professionals, including the Social Hub, Amadeus, Kerten Hospitality, the Hague School of Hospitality, Atlantis Tecnología y Sistemas, Minor Hoteles, the TUI Group and Federación de Empresarios de Hostelería y Turismo of the Canary Islands.

Through this challenge, UN Tourism and Infecar aimed to drive a revolution within the tourism sector, with sustainability and innovation as the drivers of change. Therefore, from the outset, the competition has aimed to focus on solutions that help redefine the hotel landscape and identify new business models. All of this in a sector that generated US$1.4 trillion in international tourism revenue last year alone, when there were an estimated 1286 million international tourists.

For Natalia Bayona, Executive Director of UN Tourism: "From a pool of 120 startups from over 70 countries, the competition received technological and AI-driven solutions that are aimed at revolutionizing hotels and forging new sustainable business models. I would like to congratulate the 10 entrepreneurs that were selected as finalists and will be accompanied for further opportunities via our UN Tourism Innovation Network. They are vital within the ever-evolving hospitality sector, redefining the tourism landscape with their disruptive approaches!"

In addition to personalized support for the startups, they have received mentoring from UN Tourism and its partners as well as the possibility to be part of the Innovation Network of the UN specialized agency for the tourism sector. Likewise, given UN Tourism's commitment to education, the finalists have had the opportunity to benefit from scholarships to study at the Tourism Online Academy. The platform, which already has more than 25,000 students from over 150 countries, is a leading online learning center to meet the needs of those who work in or want to enter the tourism sector.

Meet the winning startups

The winner in the category of Innovations in Digital Hospitality and New Business Models was Twistic, a Spanish company that seeks to change the user experience through mobile applications, digital signature or electronic tags. It was joined as finalists by Czech startup Schulering, which has created a professional platform that connects hospitality through learning. The American startup Everhost, which works to make visitors feel like locals when they arrive at a destination. Also the Emirati Sparkle Haze and its commitment to big data and the use of Artificial Intelligence applied to user experience and guest security and the Tunisian startup Ostel Flow that offers new generation solutions based on the cloud.

In the Sustainability Impact category, the work of the Canadian company WeavAIR, which is dedicated to business intelligence solutions and remote auditing based on satellite networks and IOT, stood out and the finalists were Senange Eco, a sustainability consultancy dedicated to helping companies on their way to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals; the Dutch company Hotels for Trees, which is committed to planting a tree every time a guest decides to skip the daily cleaning of the room; the Spanish company Effiwaste, which works to eliminate organic waste from the HORECA channel by measuring via SAAS; and Purple Elephant ventures is a venture firm based in Nairobi, Kenya. They design smart travel technology start-ups from scratch with a focus on innovation in sustainable tourism.

UN Tourism Hospitality Challenge

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

UN Tourism Hospitality Challenge

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

UN Tourism Hospitality Challenge

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

UN Tourism Hospitality Challenge

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

UN Tourism Hospitality Challenge

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Related links

• Download News Release on PDF
• UNWTO Startup Competition for Tourism Technologies and Solutions in Hotels and New Business Models

UNWTO Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili, meets with the Minister Jordi Hereu

• Europe
• 12 Jan 2024

The recovery of the global tourism sector in 2023 and the good prospects for 2024 were the focus of the meeting held today between the Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization, Zurab Pololikashvili, and the Minister of Industry and Tourism of the Kingdom of Spain, Jordi Hereu.

During the meeting, the priorities of the sector for this year were also analyzed, identifying challenges shared by both entities, including, among others; innovation, education, as well as social and environmental sustainability. In short, tourism for development focused on people, the planet and prosperity.

At the meeting, the Spanish Minister also informed Secretary-General Pololikashvili of the progress of the construction of the future UNWTO headquarters, at the Palacio de Congresos y Exposiciones in Madrid. The new building, which will replace the headquarters that have homed UNWTO for 50 years, will have an exhibition hall and three floors that will house the offices and other services.

This meeting comes just days before FITUR, a major meeting point, especially for the Spanish and Latin American tourism sector. This year's FITUR brings together representatives from 160 countries.

Zurab Pololikashvili and Jordi Hereu

Madrid, Spain

Zurab Pololikashvili and Jordi Hereu

Madrid, Spain

Zurab Pololikashvili and Jordi Hereu

Madrid, Spain

Zurab Pololikashvili and Jordi Hereu

Madrid, Spain

• Download the News Release on PDF

UNWTO and Infecar Launch Startup Competition for Technologies and Solutions in Hotels and New Business Models

• Europe
• 4 Dec 2023

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is joining with Infecar (Feria de Gran Canaria) to identify entrepreneurs playing a key role in reshaping the hotel and new business model landscapes.

The UNWTO Startup Competition for Tourism Technologies and Solutions in Hotels and New Business Models is open to any startup or entrepreneur worldwide. The competition will award 10 finalists with the best solutions in the categories of Innovations in Digital Hospitality and Business Models, and Sustainability Impact.

Innovation and technology in the hospitality industry redefine the very essence of the guest experience, transforming hotels into hubs of seamless, personalized services. With his competition, we are sourcing startups on a global level that are pioneering solutions that elevate the standards of guest satisfaction, operational efficiency, and sustainability for hotels and new business models. Ms. Natalia Bayona, Executive Director, World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

Hosting the UNWTO Startup Competition for the second consecutive year at Infecar, with a dedicated focus on technologies and solutions in tourism for hotels, underscores our steadfast dedication to fostering sustainability and innovation within this pivotal industry. Ms. Natalia Santana, Director General of Infecar, Feria de Gran Canaria.

The finalists will pitch their ideas at the Tourism Tech Adventures Canarias on 20 February 2024 in Las Palmas de Gran Canaría, followed by mentorships from international partners. The winning startups will receive tailored support, become a member of the UNWTO Innovation Network with access to venture capital and the private sector, will receive scholarship opportunities from the Tourism Online Academy, and potential implementation of their projects.

Related links:

• Download the News Release on PDF
• Applications are now open and close on 29 January 2024
• UNWTO Startup Competitions

About the UNWTO Startup Competitions:
UNWTO, through its Department of Innovation, Education, and Investments, has developed 14 global entrepreneurship competitions ("UNWTO Tourism Startup Competitions"), and 11 specific challenges that have generated an Innovation Network of over 7000 Members. The UNWTO startup competitions ignite a revolution in the tourism sector, steering it toward higher levels of intelligence, sustainability, and innovation. The competition seeks to identify and support pioneering startups that can contribute to the transformation of the industry.

About Infecar:
Infecar, Feria de Gran Canaria, stands as a prominent exhibition and conference center situated in Gran Canaria, Spain. Committed to advancing economic growth, it actively fosters innovation and collaboration across diverse industries through events and initiatives.

Contact Information:
For more details about the startup competition, or innovation initiatives, please contact iei@unwto.org

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UNWTO Launches San Marino Action Agenda for Accessible Tourism for All

• Europe
• 17 Nov 2023

With 1.3 billion people globally estimated to have a significant disability, UNWTO has again joined with key partners to further make tourism more accessible to all.

The UNWTO Conference on Accessible Tourism was held for a second time in San Marino  (16-17 November 2023). The Government of San Marino, represented by its Ministry of Tourism,  partnered with the Ministry of Tourism of Italy, on this occasion. The 2023 event was also held in collaboration with AccessibleEU, a flagship initiative of the European Commission. Out of it came the San Marino Agenda, a clean action plan for disability inclusion in every part of the tourism sector.

Advancing accessibility for destinations, companies and people

Since San Marino first hosted the conference in 2014, many destinations and companies have made great strides to improve accessibility, bringing tourism closer towards Tourism for All.

At this year's two-day event, over 200 delegates discussed policy advances such as the international standard ISO 21902, which caters both to host communities and visitors, and covers the entire tourism value chain. The event featured a Ministerial Roundtable, bringing together San Marino, Italy, Republic of Korea, Uzbekistan, Czechia and Israel, to discuss governments' role in advancing accessibility through policies, strategies and standards.

Innovation in accessible tourism was one of thekey themes, with speakers presenting new solutions in access to transportation, leisure, MICE and tourism services. These includedSEATRAC helpingwheelchair users to bathe inGreece, city-wide Braille touchpoints and the firstcertified blind tour guides in Cape Town,and the fully accessible waterfront in Rimini.

The conference has strengthened international networks and showcased San Marino as an inclusive destination, a point of reference for accessible tourism and the only UNWTO Member State to have hosted two International Conferences on Accessible Tourism.

Untapped opportunities

However, accessibility is still not seen as a game changer by all destinations despite a market of 1.3 billion people with significant disability in 2023, and 1 in 6 persons expected to reach the age of 65 by 2050. In Europe alone, "baby boomers" already account for over one third of the EU population and 70% of the EU citizens with disability have financial means to travel.

Experts in the field discussed how best to cater to this growing market and offer tourism experiences in the spirit of the Universal Design, so they can be enjoyed by all people, with or without disabilities. Debates also centred on the importance of social inclusivity and accessibility for sustainable tourism and the huge economic benefits the sector can reap by putting better access measures in place.

San Marino Action Agenda 2030

The Action Agenda is seen as a game changer for disability inclusion and tourism's contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals, with a commitment from it's those attending the conference to achieving concrete results.

It includes measures to advance training, develop measurement systems and increase industry awareness of the advantages of a diverse workplace.

Stakeholders will align their marketing and commercial strategies and use digital solutions to help accessible experiences reach all customers and mainstream accessibility in their product development and decision-making processes.

As part of the conference's legacy, a Compendium of Best Practices showcased in San Marino will be published by UNWTO in 2024, in collaboration with AccessibleEU and ENAT.

Further research on accessibility in culture and nature-based tourism, digital solutions and other good practices will also be completed over the coming years.

Related links:

• Download the News Release on PDF
• San Marino Action Agenda 2023
• UNWTO International Conference on Accessible Tourism 2023
• ISO 21902 International Standard
• UNWTO & Accessibility