UNWTO News Page 24
UNWTO endorses tourism growth in Sudan
UNWTO secretary general, Taleb Rifai, has expressed the commitment of the World Tourism Organisation to support Sudan’s tourism development during his recent official visit to Sudan. The visit coincided with a three-day regional executive training on crisis communication in tourism organised by UNWTO and the UNWTO Themis Foundation.
Amadeus partners with UNWTO for Kenya tourism programme
Amadeus, the United Nations World Tourism Organisation, and the ministry of tourism of Kenya have agreed to work together to help young people and women in underprivileged communities access employment and entrepreneurship opportunities in the travel and tourism industries. The pilot programme is scheduled for launch in Kenya before the end of 2017.
World Travel Market 2016: UNWTO launches Phoenicians tourism route
An integral component of Mediterranean trade and culture, the Phoenicians’ Route links 18 countries with a common heritage. With the aim of revitalising this itinerary as a tourism route, the World Tourism Organisation, ministry of tourism of Lebanon and Council of Europe launched the Phoenicians’ Route Cultural Tourism Programme, which integrates public and private sector, at World Travel Market in London.
World Travel Market 2016: UNWTO predicts near one billion tourists by September 2016
Destinations around the world welcomed 956 million international tourists between January and September 2016, according to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer. This is 34 million more than in the same period of 2015, a four per cent increase. Demand for international tourism remained robust in the first nine months of 2016, though growing at a somewhat more moderate pace.
Egypt welcomes UNWTO executive council to Luxor
The city of Luxor in Egypt is hosting the 104th meeting of the executive council of the World Tourism Organisation today. The meeting will discuss the three priorities of the organisation for 2016-2017: safe, secure and seamless travel; the impact of technology in the tourism sector; and sustainability.
Egyptian Tourist Authority to welcome UNWTO to Luxor
The ministry of tourism and Egyptian Tourist Authority have announced their sponsorship of the 104th session of the World Tourism Organisation Executive Council in Luxor. The event will be held from October 30-31st, 2016. Luxor is also hosting the fifth UNWTO Global Summit on City Tourism, attended by representatives and participants from many different countries all over the world.
UNWTO: International tourism continues upward trend in early 2016
International tourist arrivals worldwide grew by four per cent between January and June 2016 compared to the same period last year. Destinations worldwide received 561 million international tourists (overnight visitors), 21 million more than in 2015, according to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer.
UNWTO: Global body issues commitment to accessible tourism
Some 500 delegates from 60 countries have convened in Bangkok, Thailand, to take part in the official celebrations for the World Tourism Day. The event is this year dedicated to the theme ‘Tourism for all: Promoting Universal Accessibility.’ Policy frameworks, capacity building, business strategies and awareness raising have been some of the areas tackled during the week of events that commenced with a ‘Tourism and the Media’ Session.
PATA redevelops website to offer universal accessibility
On the occasion of World Tourism Day 2016, under the theme of ‘Tourism for All – Promoting Universal Accessibility’, the Pacific Asia Travel Association has announced the relaunch of its official website. PATA.com has be redesigned for universal accessibility.
Africa nominates Mzembi to head UNWTO
African nations have nominated a Zimbabwean, Walter Mzembi, as their candidate to become the new head of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation. Should Mzembi get the post, it will be the first time in the organisation’s 43-year history that an African would head the organisation.
UNWTO praises Indonesia visa free travel initiative
The United Nations World Tourism Organisation has expressed its full support to the decision of the government of Indonesia to grant free visa to citizens from 169 countries. The measure looks for attracting international tourism to the country by simplifying travel procedures and follows research by UNWTO and WTTC that shows that visa facilitation in the ASEAN economies could create between 333,000 to 654,000 new jobs in a period of three years.
Airbnb joins the United Nations World Tourism Organisation
Airbnb has officially joined the World Tourism Organization as an affiliate member. In doing so, Airbnb joins the most influential community of leaders within the travel and tourism sector, including the UNWTO’s 157 member states and over 480 affiliate members from the private sector, educational institutions, tourism associations and local tourism authorities.