UNWTO News
Riyadh Hosts the World: UN Tourism General Assembly Marks 50 Years of Global Cooperation
As the United Nations Tourism Organization celebrates its 50th anniversary, all eyes turn to Riyadh, the host city of the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly (UNTGA 2025). Taking place from 7–11 November 2025 at the Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah Hotel, this landmark event will unite ministers, policymakers, and industry leaders from more than 160 member states—making it the largest gathering in the organization’s history.
Kinshasa to Host First World Music & Tourism Festival
Under the High Patronage of His Excellency Mr. Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kinshasa will host the first-ever World Music and Tourism Festival. UN Tourism joins the event as a supporting partner, reinforcing the shared value of culture and tourism for sustainable development and for building mutual understanding and peace.
Regional Pacific Workshop Strengthens Link Between Agriculture and Tourism
UN Tourism, the Mountain Partnership Secretariat at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO), concluded a successful three-day Regional Workshop on Sustainable Gastronomy Tourism. The event brought together over 70 stakeholders from across the Pacific to co-create gastronomy tourism experiences and itineraries that deepen the connection between agrifood systems and the tourism sector.
Tourism and Culture Take Center Stage at Executive Training Programme in Mongolia
UN Tourism welcomed senior tourism officials from across the Asia-Pacific region to put the spotlight on the vital link between tourism and culture in building resilient and inclusive destinations.
UN Tourism Launches the “Safe Destinations Challenge” to Strengthen Tourism Resilience
UN Tourism has launched the Safe Destinations Challenge to identify innovative solutions that position the sector as a driver of resilience, safety, and sustainability. The initiative focuses initially on Europe, which welcomed 747 million international tourists in 2024, representing around 58% of the global figures.
UN Tourism and Slow Food partner to strengthen tourism and agriculture
UN Tourism and Slow Food will work together to promote gastronomy tourism as a tool for socio-economic development of people and communities.
Tourism Rises to the Ocean Challenge at UNOC3: A Unified Call for a Blue Transformation All Regions
At the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), tourism emerged as a major actor in shaping a sustainable and resilient ocean economy. With oceans under unprecedented pressure from climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss, stakeholders from across the tourism sector met to launch new partnerships, align financing mechanisms, and scale up initiatives and action to regenerate marine ecosystems and support coastal communities.
UN Tourism and European Committee of the Regions Unite to Boost Rural Development Through Tourism
UN Tourism and the European Committee of the Regions have collaborated on a comprehensive study highlighting the transformative potential of rural tourism in fostering socio-economic development across Europe.
Amadeus data reveals positive trend for Americas air travel and hospitality in early 2024
Released today in collaboration with the United Nations World Tourism Organisation, a report draws on Amadeus’ global travel data to provide a comprehensive overview of forward-looking travel industry insights.
UNWTO Shares Top Destinations to Visit in 2024 Before Peak Season
The new year brings with it opportunities for new adventures. To help satisfy your wanderlust and inspire your next getaway, the UNWTO shares its list of top off-the-beaten-path destinations to visit in 2024 before peak season hits this summer. Escape the ordinary and explore the world’s undiscovered rural treasures offering unique experiences at these charming lesser-known destinations, promising unforgettable memories.
UNWTO Launches ‘TourismConnectsRural’ Digital Hub to Strengthen Rural Tourism Worldwide
The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has introduced the ‘TourismConnectsRural’ platform, the world’s largest digital hub dedicated to rural tourism communities. This platform aims to facilitate collaboration among the Best Tourism Villages in the UNWTO Network, connecting approximately 200 rural destinations from across the globe.
UNWTO Concludes Gastronomy Tourism Project in Indonesia, Aiming for Sustainable Culinary Excellence
The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has successfully completed the Gastronomy Tourism Project in Ubud, Indonesia. This initiative, conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, seeks to establish Ubud as a global center for sustainable gastronomy tourism.