PR No.: PR15052

Mr. Rifai’s visit followed an invitation from the Minister for Regional Development, Karla Šlechtová, with whom he met to discuss how to further strengthen the working relationship between the Czech Republic and UNWTO. Also present during the meeting were Klára Dostálová, First Deputy Minister, Section of Regional Development, Ministry of Regional Development; Jitka Mattyašovská, Director of Tourism, Ministry of Regional Development; Monika Palatková, General Director, CzechTourism; and Kateřina Fialková, Department of Multilateral Economic Relations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“The cooperation with UNWTO is very important for us and I am very glad that the Secretary-General has accepted my invitation to visit the Czech Republic. It is his first official visit to this country. During our meeting we have discussed many topics that can enhance the good cooperation between UNWTO, the Czech Republic and the Ministry of Regional Development in the field of tourism, including the competitiveness of the Czech tourism sector and capacity building. In this regard, we have discussed possible internships at UNWTO for the staff of the Ministry of Regional Development. Subsequently, their knowledge can be used in the Czech Republic. At the same time, we have agreed to collaborate on issues related to the European Union and the Chinese market. According to UNWTO the Asian market is increasingly important and the Czech Republic will obviously continue in this direction. I am very glad that I have had the opportunity to meet Dr Rifai in person,” said Ms. Šlechtová.

“Tourism is one of the strong pillars of the Czech economy, a clear result of robust political support. I would especially like to commend the Czech government for its commitment to facilitate visa procedures and improve competitiveness and quality of the sector at both national and regional levels, which will help boost Czech tourism and further advance its ability to deliver positive impacts across the country”, said Mr. Rifai. “I would also like to highlight the decision of the Visegrad 4 group, currently presided by the Czech government, to promote the region as one tourist destination. This collaborative effort has resulted in a significant growth of international visitors to the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia, and sets an excellent example for successful multilateral tourism cooperation“.

The meeting resulted in the signing of a Cooperation Plan between UNWTO and the Czech Republic , mapping out several areas of collaboration for the forthcoming two years. Among them, advancing institutional know-how in tourism in the form of analyses, studies and compilation of tourism statistics.

In addition, Mr. Rifai met with the Mayor of Prague, Adriana Krnáčová, to discuss the growing importance of city tourism and the rapidly evolving MICE industry in the Czech capital, which has been benefiting greatly from such tourism segments in recent years. Mr. Rifai also visited Karlovy Vary, one of the most important spa towns of the Czech Republic, to meet the Lord Mayor, Petr Kulhánek.

On the occasion of the visit, the Private Sector Commitment to the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism was signed by four Czech tourism entities: The Association of Tour Operators and Travel Agents, Czech Confederation of Commerce and Tourism, The Association of Czech Travel Agents and the Royal Spa, Kur & Medical Spa Hotels.

Note to editors:

According to UNWTO data, international tourist arrivals in the Czech Republic reached 10.6 million (+3%), contributing over 6 billion euro in tourism receipts to the economy in 2014. The results for first quarter of 2015 show a growth of international tourist arrivals and tourism receipts with 7% and 3% respectively, compared to the same period in 2014.

 

Useful links:

UNWTO Regional Programme for Europe

Private Sector Commitment to the UNWTO Global Code of Ethics for Tourism

 

Contacts:

UNWTO Communications & Publications Programme

Tel: (+34) 91 567 8100 / Fax: +34 91 567 8218

PR No.: PR12047

The Global Code of Ethics for Tourism is UNWTO’s core policy document and serves as a roadmap for the development of responsible and sustainable tourism. Adopted by the UNWTO General Assembly in 1999 and endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2001, it contains a set of principles designed to maximize the socio-economic benefits of the tourism sector while mitigating any negative impacts.

CEHAT consists of 64 regional associations, representing hotel chains, boutique hotels and tourist apartments across Spain. By signing the commitment, CEHAT commits to promote and implement the values championed by the Code, with a special focus on social, cultural and economic issues, as well as report their implementation to the World Committee on Tourism Ethics. 

The signing took place at UNWTO’s Madrid headquarters, and was attended by the Secretary of State for Tourism of Spain, Isabel Borrego, UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai, and CEHAT President, Juan Molas Marcelles.

On the occasion, Mrs. Borrego highlighted the commitment of the Spanish tourism sector to improve social welfare and public awareness of tourism’s ability to contribute to such objectives. In this regard, she recalled tourism’s importance to Spain, where it has played a key role in economic recovery and the creation of wealth and jobs.

Mr. Rifai underscored the private sector’s key role in advancing responsible tourism: “It is with great pleasure that UNWTO welcomes CEHAT as a signatory of the Private Sector Commitment to the Global Code of Ethics. Without the private sector committing to economic, social and ethical responsibility, tourism cannot fulfill its potential as a vehicle for sustainable and inclusive development around the world, and we applaud you for taking a stand for a more ethical tourism sector”.

“It is a pleasure and a great responsibility for CEHAT to commit to the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism promoted by UNWTO. We will certainly engage all our associate members, through their large network of hotels, in the promotion and implementation of the Code”, said Mr. Molas Marcelles.

In signing the Commitment, CEHAT joins 417 companies and associations from 57 countries which have signed the Private Sector Commitment to the Code of Ethics to date. 

 

Useful links:

Private Sector Commitment to the UNWTO Global Code of Ethics for Tourism

World Committee on Tourism Ethics:

The Spanish Confederation of Hotels and Tourist Accommodations (CEHAT)

Contacts:

UNWTO Communications & Publications Programme

Tel: (+34) 91 567 8100 / Fax: +34 91 567 8218 /

PR No.: 15046

UNWTO and Amadeus, a UNWTO Affiliate Member since 2007, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to consolidate their partnership in several areas. This includes the development of a UNWTO Prototype on multi-modality – the door-to-door planning and ticketing of trips involving all possible transport options – to further integrate different means of transport between destinations around the world.

“Innovative technological solutions are fundamental for the tourism sector’s competitiveness and ability to create jobs and inclusive development worldwide. UNWTO is looking forward to working even closer with Amadeus, a highly valued Affiliate Member and key player in this field, to strengthen the ties between tourism and technology”, said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai.

”It gives me great satisfaction to strengthen our relationship and build upon our respective areas of expertise: technology and tourism. Amadeus is committed to strengthening the sustainability of the travel and tourism sector and already has many initiatives in two of the key agreed priorities, tourism education and innovation in technology.  We look forward to amplifying these through the network of UNWTO affiliates and its events to shape the future of travel”, commented Tomás López Fernebrand, Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary of Amadeus IT Group.

UNWTO and Amadeus will also collaborate on issues of sustainability, Corporate Social Responsibility and education through the participation of Amadeus in the UNWTO Talent Development in Tourism pilot project and in various UNWTO capacity building initiatives.

Useful links:

UNWTO Affiliate Members
Amadeus Corporate Social Responsibility
Amadeus video on multi-modality 

 

Contacts:

UNWTO
UNWTO Communications & Publications Programme
Tel: (+34) 91 567 8100 / Fax: +34 91 567 8218

AMADEUS
Roman Townsend, Global Corporate Communication Manager
Tel: (+34) 616 318 037

 

ABOUT UNWTO

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), a United Nations specialized agency, is the leading international organization with the decisive and central role in promoting the development of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism. It serves as a global forum for tourism policy issues and a practical source of tourism know-how. Its membership includes 156 countries, 6 territories, 2 permanent observers and over 450 Affiliate Members. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Vimeo and Flickr.

 

ABOUT AMADEUS

Amadeus is a leading provider of advanced technology solutions for the global travel industry. Customer groups include travel providers (e.g. airlines, hotels, rail and ferry operators, etc.), travel sellers (travel agencies and websites), and travel buyers (corporations and travel management companies).

The Amadeus group employs around 13,000 people worldwide, across central sites in Madrid (corporate headquarters), Nice (development) and Erding (operations), as well as 71 local Amadeus Commercial Organisations globally.

The group operates a transaction-based business model.

Amadeus is listed on the Spanish Stock Exchange under the symbol "AMS.MC" and is a component of the IBEX 35 index.

To find out more about Amadeus please visit www.amadeus.com,and www.amadeus.com/blog for more on the travel industry.

PR No.: PR 15042

The MoU will enhance the cooperation between UNWTO and the Turkic Council in areas such as cultural tourism, including the development of the Silk Road, as a means to increase the competitiveness and diversification of the sector in the Member States of both Organizations.

The agreement was signed by UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai and the Secretary-General of the Cooperation Council of Turkic Speaking States, Ambassador Mr. Ramil Hasanov, at the UNWTO Headquarters in Madrid, in the presence of the representatives of the Embassies of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Turkey to Spain.

“This MoU comes to reinforce the strong relationship we have with the Turkic Council”, said Mr. Rifai on the occasion. ”The Turkic Council Member States are valued Members of UNWTO, and I am confident that by joining forces we will be better able to harness tourism’s full potential as a key driver of jobs and inclusive development in our Member States”.

Ambassador Hasanov noted that “with the signing of the MoU between the two organizations, a joint and staunch step has been taken to contribute to developing the tourism sector along the traditional Silk Road, and that the Turkic Council is ready to organize joint events with the UNWTO to further this cooperation”. He added that “the Turkic Council is working hard to finalize the Turkic Council-Modern Silk Road Joint Tour Package which will provide a unique opportunity for curious travellers.”

The Cooperation Council of Turkic Speaking States (Turkic Council) is an intergovernmental organization established in 2009 with the signing of Nakhchivan Agreement by the Heads of States of its Member States: Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkey. As a new regional cooperation mechanism, it involves a wide range of areas from economy to transport, from sustainable development to education and from media to tourism with a view to accelerating cooperation, not only among its Member States, but also in the region. After the Fourth Turkic Council Summit at the level of Heads of State, hosted by Turkey on 5 June 2014 in Bodrum, on the theme of cooperation in tourism, the Council has increased its efforts to promote the tourism potential of its Member States while boosting regional collaboration in the tourism sector.

 

Useful links:

UNWTO Regional Programme for Europe

UNWTO Silk Road Programme

The Cooperation Council of Turkic Speaking States

Photos of the signing of the MoU

 

Contacts:

UNWTO Communications & Publications Programme

Tel: (+34) 91 567 8100 / Fax: +34 91 567 8218

Turkic Council

Tel: +90 212 283 16 44 (pbx)/ Fax: +90 212 283 16 86

PR No.: 15040

On the occasion of the visit, UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai, met with the President of Bulgaria, Rosen Plevneliev, to discuss the cooperation between UNWTO and the country and how to strengthen Bulgaria’s tourism sector. During the meeting, Mr. Rifai commended the Bulgarian Government for setting up a Ministry dedicated to tourism.

“High-level political support has been key to the outstanding progress of the Bulgarian tourism sector in recent years. In 2014, more than 7 million international tourists visited Bulgaria, a new record, and a clear result of the political will to place tourism as a priority in the socio-economic development strategies of Bulgaria“ said Mr. Rifai.

The visit also included the signing of a Letter of Commitment between UNWTO and the coordinator countries of the priority area 3 on “promoting culture, tourism, people-to-people contacts” of the European Union Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR), representing 14 Member States, to establish a Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories under the auspices of UNWTO.

The Observatories will measure tourism’s social, economic and environmental impact along the Danube River and help define adequate sustainable tourism policies in the region. The Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories in the Danube will join the eight Observatories currently operating in China (seven) and the Aegean Islands of Greece. The agreement was signed by Nikolina Angelkova, Minister of Tourism of Bulgaria, joint coordinator country of EUSDR priority area 3, and Mr. Rifai, on the sidelines of the Meeting of the Danube Region - Sustainable tourism through cooperation with European funds and investments.

“The unique cultural and natural assets of the Danube region offer excellent opportunities for sustainable tourism development. I highly commend the Danube countries for taking a leadership role in launching this initiative with UNWTO”, said Mr.Rifai. ”With this network of observatories, the Danube Region is setting an example in Europe and beyond on how regional cooperation can advance sustainable development through tourism”, he added.

 “Tourism is a main pillar in the economies of the countries from the Danube region. In the past year the Danube countries have been visited by over 120 million tourists, which generated revenues of over 70 billion euro. It is very important to focus our efforts on establishing the Danube brand as such and on becoming more recognizable worldwide, reaching distant markets in particular. I hope that together with our neighboring countries we will manage to efficiently use the available cross-border funding. Romania and Bulgaria can avail of 260 million euro; also, we have a joint project with Serbia which amounts to 34 million euro. A great part of these funds are targeted at tourism”, said Ms. Angelkova.

Mr. Rifai also met with the Mayor of Sofia, Yordanka Fandakova, and prominent members of the Bulgarian private sector.

Note to editors:

The International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO), formerly known as Global Observatories on Sustainable Tourism (GOST), supports policy makers to implement evidence-based tourism policies by systematically monitoring tourism’s environmental, social and economic impacts. Set up collectively with local stakeholders, the Observatories aim to ensure sustainable and resilient tourism growth while disseminating good practices and supporting capacity building in sustainability among tourism stakeholders.

The priority area 3 of the EUSDR brings together 14 countries "To promote culture and tourism, people to people contacts". Coordinated by Bulgaria and Romania, the other Member States are: Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Moldova, Montenegro, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia and Ukraine.

UNWTO has been supporting the Danube countries’ joint tourism development since 2011. UNWTO is an Observer of the EUSDR Steering Committee of the priority area 3, a regional initiative aiming to increase tourism competitiveness of Danube destinations and strengthen regional cohesion through sustainable tourism.

The Danube countries receive over 125 million visitors each year, or 11% of the world´s total.

Useful links:

International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO)
UNWTO Regional Programme for Europe
Danube Region Strategy priority area 3: Culture and Tourism

Contacts:

UNWTO Communications & Publications Programme
Tel: (+34) 91 567 8100 / Fax: +34 91 567 8218 

PR No.: 15037

Tourism for business and professional reasons is one of the fastest growing segments in the tourism sector and the second main purpose for travel after leisure, recreation and holidays. The meetings industry is gaining significant recognition among countries and cities alike as it poses a significant opportunity to spur revenue growth for tourism destinations.  Competition is becoming fierce as new destinations enter the market, and the European tourism sector is thus called to understand meeting planners’ needs and expectations.

At this two-day ETC-UNWTO international seminar, leading meeting industry experts including Martin Sirk, CEO of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), and Tom Hulton, Director of International Relations of the IMEX Group, will unveil the key criteria that influence meeting organiser’s  choice of a destination and address the economic and social impacts of meetings and events. Bruce Redor from Gaining Edge will provide a strategic overview of the meeting industry and outline trends and detailed findings from the forthcoming ETC-UNWTO study on the Decision-Making Process of Meetings, Congresses, Conventions and Incentives Organisers. The seminar will also provide tourism professionals and destination managers with a unique platform for exchanging best-practice examples of a successful MCCI destination.

Note to editors:

The European Travel Commission is an association of National Tourism Organisations (NTOs). It was created in 1948 to promote Europe as a tourist destination to the long-haul markets outside of Europe, originally in the USA and later in Canada, Latin America and Asia. It currently has 33 member NTOs, including 8 from outside the European Union. 

Europe is the world's no. 1 tourist destination with 588 million international arrivals in 2014 and more than 50% of the market share of worldwide tourism

Useful links:

Further details on the seminar programme and registrations
Download the UNWTO Global Report on the Meetings Industry
ETC’s corporate website
ETC’s consumer portal

Contacts:

ETC Executive Unit
Tel: (+32) 2 548 9000 / Fax: +32 2 514 1843  

UNWTO Communications & Publications Programme
Tel: (+34) 91 567 8100 / Fax: +34 91 567 8218