Unwto News
UNWTO: International tourist arrivals continue to boom
International tourist arrivals worldwide grew by six per cent in January-April of 2017 compared to the same period last year, with business confidence reaching its highest levels in a decade. Sustained growth in most major destinations and a steady rebound in others drove results. Prospects for May-August 2017 remain high.
Pololikashvili in line as next UNWTO secretary general
The United Nations World Tourism Organisation executive council has recommended Zurab Pololikashvili for the role of secretary general. If confirmed later this year, he will take up the role in January 2018, serving until 2021.
Rifai praises outgoing WTTC chief Scowsill
UNWTO secretary general, Taleb Rifai, has expressed his sincere appreciation to David Scowsill, president of the World Travel & Tourism Council, for the strong partnership between both organisations as he announced his departure after six years at the helm.
UNWTO: Half a billion tourists visited Europe in 2016
International tourist arrivals to the European Union increased by four per cent in 2016, reaching almost 500 million - 40 per cent the world’s total. This preliminary result is included in the first release of the ‘European Union Short-Term Tourism Trends’, a regular monitoring of EU tourism by the World Tourism Organisation.
Shortlist finalised for next UNWTO chief
The secretariat of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation has confirmed the final candidates for the post of secretary general of the body. Former Seychelles tourism minister Alain St. Ange is an early favourite, with his bid backed by the government of Seychelles.
Middle Eastern tourism under spotlight at ATM ministerial forum
Visitors to the MENA region will total 195 million by 2030, growing at a rate higher than the world average, according to figures by the World Tourism Organisation. The rapid development of the sector will form part of the discussion at the UNWTO & ATM ministerial forum at the Arabian Travel Market this year.
ITB Berlin 2017: UNWTO fosters Silk Route cooperation
The seventh UNWTO Silk Road Ministers Meeting was held earlier at ITB Berlin, focusing on how to foster sustainable tourism development along the ancient route.
ITB Berlin 2017: Rifai calls for tolerance through tourism
Tourism can transform our world and build better understanding in a world living a deficit of tolerance said UNWTO secretary general, Taleb Rifai, at ITB Berlin. “In a world that seems increasingly short of tolerance and generosity, we should cherish tourism as a precious pillar of peace among communities and nations,” he told an industry audience.
UNWTO raises deep concern over US travel ban
Days after the event, the World Tourism Organisation has moved to express its “deep concern” and “strong condemnation” over the recently announced travel ban by the United States of America. The ban announced on Friday, effectively bars nationals of seven countries - Iraq, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia and Yemen – from entering the US.
UNWTO endorses Belarus visa-free travel initiative
The United Nations World Tourism Organisation has expressed its full support to the decision of the government of Belarus to launch the five-day visa-free policy that will be applicable to travellers from 80 countries.
Japan signs on for UNWTO sustainability agenda
The United Nations World Tourism Organisation and the Japan International Cooperation Agency have signed a memorandum of cooperation aimed at providing a framework for joint action in the area of sustainable tourism.
UNWTO: Tourism demand remains strong despite challenges
Demand for international tourism remained robust in 2016 despite challenges. International tourist arrivals grew by 3.9 per cent to reach a total of 1,235 million, according to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer.