UN Tourism News #16

UN Tourism News #16

UN Tourism News

UN Tourism News #16 - 22 September 2020

"Work together to build a tourism sector that works for everyone, where sustainability and innovation are part of everything we do"

Read the 112 Executive council special edition

Strong and Rapid

Strong and Rapid


ANTÓNIO GUTERRES: VIDEO MESSAGE TO THE 112 EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

Tourism can be a force for good in our world, playing a part in protecting our planet and its biodiversity, and celebrating what makes us human: from discovering new places and cultures to connecting with new people and experiences. This Executive Council is an important platform for collaboration, to explore the way forward, and to support the future of tourism, on which millions of people’s livelihoods depend.”


UNWTO EXECUTIVE COUNCIL BACKS STRONG, UNITED PLAN FOR GLOBAL TOURISM

The Executive Council of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has met in-person and virtually for its 112th session. This was the first major in-person event involving tourism and the United Nations held since the COVID-19 was declared a pandemic. The Executive Council was able to gather 170 delegates from 24 countries, who all agreed to support the Tbilisi Declaration with its commitment to making international travel safe again.

 

World Tourism Day 2020

World Tourism Day 2020 - Tourism and Rural Development

Tourism and Rural Development” celebrates the sector’s unique ability to drive economic development and provide opportunities outside of big cities, including in those communities that would otherwise be left behind. World Tourism Day 2020 also highlights the important role tourism plays in preserving and promoting cultural and heritage all around the world.

It is imperative that we rebuild the tourism sector in a safe, equitable and climate friendly manner

UN Secretary-General: “It is imperative that we rebuild the tourism sector in a safe, equitable and climate friendly manner”

As part of the wider UN response to COVID-19, the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres released today a thematic brief on the impact the pandemic has had on tourism. Drawing on the latest data from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the lead author of the publication, it warns that as many as 100 million direct tourism jobs are at risk, and the massive drop in export revenues from tourism could reduce global GDP by as much as 2.8%. The brief stresses that tourism is an essential pillar of the SDGs and the most vulnerable workers and nations are at greatest risk.

It is imperative that we rebuild the tourism sector in a safe, equitable and climate friendly manner

More than 50%of Global Destinations are Easing Travel Restrictions - but Caution Remains

A majority of destinations around the world (53%) have now started easing travel restrictions introduced in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Though many remain cautious in view of the development of the pandemic, the seventh edition of the UNWTO “COVID-19 Related Travel Restrictions: A Global Review for Tourism” confirms the ongoing trend towards the gradual restart of tourism.

International Tourist Numbers Down 65% in First Half of 2020, UNWTO Reports

International Tourist Numbers Down 65% in First Half of 2020, UNWTO Reports

International tourist arrivals plunged 93% in June when compared to 2019, with the latest data from the World Tourism Organization showing the severe impact COVID-19 has had on the sector. According to the new issue of the World Tourism Barometer from the United Nations specialized agency, international tourist arrivals dropped by 65% during the first half of the year. This represents an unprecedented decrease, as countries around the world closed their borders and introduced travel restrictions in response to the pandemic.

UNWTO Highlights Potential of Domestic Tourism

UNWTO Highlights Potential of Domestic Tourism to Help Drive Economic Recovery in Destinations Worldwide

As restrictions on travel begin to ease globally, destinations around the world are focusing on growing domestic tourism, with many offering incentives to encourage people to explore their own countries. According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), with domestic tourism set to return faster than international travel, this represents an opportunity for both developed and developing countries to recover from the social and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.


Covid-19 and Transforming Tourism

Covid-19 and Transforming Tourism

If tourism brings us together, then travel restrictions keep us apart.

More importantly, restrictions on travel also prevent tourism from delivering on its potential to build a better future for all.

Zurab Pololikashvili
Secretary-General, World Tourism Organization

 


UNWTO & Google Acceleration Programme

UNWTO & Google Acceleration Programme

The Covid-19 pandemic has made clear that online tools can be a lifeline to find information and stay connected. Digital skills are now more critical than ever and they will be vital in helping countries recover more quickly and more sustainably.

That is why The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and Google have partnered on an online Accelerator Program designed for our Member States' tourism ministers, their teams, top travel associations, tourism boards and Destination Marketing Organizations to foster innovation and digital transformation for better tourism planning.

No Time for Timid Leadership - The Safe Restart of Tourism is Possible

No Time for Timid Leadership - The Safe Restart of Tourism is Possible

The cost of the restrictions on travel introduced in response to the COVID-19 pandemic is there for all to see.

Between January and May, the sudden and rapid fall in tourist arrivals cost an estimated $320 billion. That’s three times greater than the impact of the Great Recession of 2007-2009 on our sector – and this is just for the first five months of the year.

Innovation Initiatives:

Supporting Startups for Tourism Tomorrow

Strong and Rapid

Startups from all over the world and all economic sectors, with the potential to scale-up whilstdriving sustainability, are invited to jointhe largest innovation competition to accelerate the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Apply now!

Deadline: 10 October 2020

   
Strong and Rapid


In collaboration with Athletic Club and BEAZ from the Provincial Council of Bizkaia, the Smart Solutions for Smart Destinations Challenge is our commitment to innovation and the promotion of entrepreneurship in tourism in sports tourism destinations.

Apply now!

Deadline: 15 October 2020

On our radar:

Strong and Rapid

UN75 Online Photo Exhibition: “Shaping Our Future Together”

Online exhibition of photographs of UN staff members around the world in celebration of the UN 75th Anniversary and the UNSRC Photographic Society 50th Anniversary

Strong and Rapid

#LearningNeverStops campaign

UNESCO's Global Education Coalition is launching a new #LearningNeverStops campaign to ensure that every girl is able to learn while schools are closed and return to the classroom when schools safely reopen. We need your support to speak out for the 130 million girls who were already out of school before the pandemic and safeguard their right to education.

NATIONS UNITED - SDG GLOBAL BROADCAST

NATIONS UNITED - SDG GLOBAL BROADCAST

On the occasion of the opening of the 75th session of the UN General Assembly – and on the 5th anniversary of the Sustainable Development Goals – a 30-minute film titled “Nations United”


 

UNWTO media highlights:

arabnews Saudi Arabia to host first Mideast regional office of UN’s global tourism body

forbes Global Travel Bans: 115 Worldwide Destinations Easing Covid Restrictions Says U.N, What To Know

Xinhua News Global tourism industry lost $460 BILLION due to COVID pandemic, UN says

dailymail International travel fell 65% in H1, could take four years to recover, U.N. tourism body says

Xinhua News UN chief calls for sustainable recovery of tourism from COVID-19

Global Citizen Rebuilding Tourism Sector Is Key to Supporting Global Goals: UN Chief

Forbes Tourism Industry Faces $1 Trillion Loss, 100 Million Jobs At Risk From Covid-19, UN Reports

Modern Diplomacy Covid-19 and Transforming Tourism by Zurab Pololikashvili

Tehran Times If tourism bring

News Africa Now Egypt is ready to receive tourists, says WTO Secretary-General

Hindustan Times Covid-19: A plan for tourism to survive, revive, thrive

World Economic Forum Travel and tourism recovery: a perspective for South Asia and lessons for other regions in the age of COVID-19

Travel Extra Harry Wang, UNWTO, talks to Travel Extral

new york post Global tourism loses $320bn in five months, 120mln plus lose jobs – Sandra Carvao

traveldailynews UNWTO and Sommet Education “Hospitality Challenge” searches for future tourism leaders

Most Popular On Social Media:

 
UNWTO The restart of tourism is crucial
The landmark @UN Policy Brief on Covid-19 and Transforming Tourism highlights the role of our sector in advancing the #SDGs for a better recovery.

UNWTO Thank you President of Egypt @AlsisiOfficial for such a fruitful meeting and for your commitment to #RestartTourism so our sector can keep better bringing opportunities.
You have all our support to boost Egypt's great potential to build a more innovative and sustainable tourism!

UNWTO The restart of tourism in Saudi Arabia means the restart of the Kingdom's plan to make the sector a pillar of job creation and economic diversification. Thank you for welcoming SG @Pololikashvili to show how Saudi Arabia is ready to welcome the world!

UNWTO As the tourism sector restarts in a safe and responsible way, it is essential that we all do so on the basis of accurate and clear information.

UNWTO Join #UNWTO #SDGs Global Startup Competition to:
Scale up your startup
Connect to the UNWTO Innovation Network
Boost sustainable development
As we just entered the #DecadeOfAction your innovative ideas are now more important than ever!

UNWTO The restart of tourism is crucial
The landmark @UN Policy Brief on Covid-19 and Transforming Tourism highlights the role of our sector in advancing the #SDGs for a better recovery.

UNWTO International tourist arrivals 65% in first half of 2020.
Despite the cautious lifting of travel restrictions, this represents an unprecedented decrease.
More than ever, the tourism sector needs governments to act coordinated and ACT NOW.

UNWTO What can you do to mitigate the impact of Covid-19 on tourism and contribute to the achievement of the #SDGs by 2030?
Tell us! We all have a role to play building a smarter, more competitive, inclusive and #sustainable tourism sector.

UNWTO Join #UNWTO Inspiration Africa Branding Challenge!
Branding and marketing experts, this is your chance to drive real change for Africa!
Join us and share the campaign that positions Africa as a top destination for travelers from all over the world.

UNWTO Accelerate tourism recovery!
#UNWTO and Google Acceleration Programme brings you the digital skills and data insights so you too can build a more resilient tourism.

UNWTO Pin it on your calendars: 27 September
Join World Tourism Day 2020Tourism and Rural Development” to celebrate the sector’s unique ability to provide opportunities outside of big cities.
Tourism for a more inclusive, resilient and sustainable future
You too can participate in #WTD2020!

UNWTO #UNWTO latest travel restrictions report shows:
115 destinations have eased COVID-19 related travel restrictions for international tourism.
93 destinations keep their borders completely closed for international tourism.

UNWTO Today, #UNWTO SG @zurabpololikashvili met with President @alsisiofficial to welcome Egypt's measures to #RestartTourism responsibly putting people's safety first. We are glad to see more countries harnessing the power of the sector to drive recovery and better growth

UNWTO The restart of tourism in Saudi Arabia means the restart of the Kingdom's plan to make the sector a pillar of job creation and economic diversification. Thank you for welcoming SG @zurabpololikashvili to show how Saudi Arabia is ready to welcome the world.

UNWTO Today, #UNWTO SG @zurabpololikashvili met with President @alsisiofficial to welcome Egypt's measures to #RestartTourism responsibly putting people's safety first. We are glad to see more countries harnessing the power of the sector to drive recovery and better growth

UNWTO The restart of tourism in Saudi Arabia means the restart of the Kingdom's plan to make the sector a pillar of job creation and economic diversification. Thank you for welcoming SG @zurabpololikashvili to show how Saudi Arabia is ready to welcome the world.

UNWTO UNWTO is a trusted data source for other international organizations to assess and help countries recover.
International Monetary Fund Chart of the Week shows #UNWTO data and prospective scenarios to estimate the impact of #Covid19 on current account balances.

UNWTO The restart of tourism is crucial!
The landmark United Nations Policy Brief on Covid-19 and Transforming Tourism highlights the role of our sector in advancing the #SDGs for a better recovery.

UNWTO As restrictions on travel begin to ease globally, is domestic tourism leading the way to #RestartTourism?
For many countries encouraging people to explore their own countries, this represents an opportunity to recover earlier and faster from the socioeconomic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

UNWTO
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