Unwto News
Kenya joins UNWTO Executive Council
Kenya has been elected to the highest decision making body of the United Nation World Tourism Organisation Executive Council. The announcement was confirmed at the 21st UNWTO General Assembly, held in Medellin, Colombia. Kenya’s appointment provides a significant endorsement to the country’s tourism sector as it means that Kenya will now, for the next two years, have a leading role on the UN affiliate body responsible for the coordination of global tourism issues and programmes.
UNWTO calls for greater tourism role in development
Despite its wide-reaching socio-economic impacts, tourism still receives limited attention as a tool for development, argues the UNWTO. During the third International Conference on Financing for Development, the organisation called for higher support for tourism in international financing for development flows to maximise the sector’s contribution to sustainable development across the globe.
UNWTO: International tourism continued rapid growth in early 2015
International tourism demand continued to be robust between January and April 2015 with tourist arrivals increasing four per cent worldwide according to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer. Almost all regions enjoyed strong growth. Prospects for the May-August period remain upbeat, with close to 500 million tourists expected to travel abroad during these four months.
Amadeus expands affiliation with UNWTO to explore technological innovation
Amadeus and UNWTO have said they will join forces to advance the use of technology in tourism in areas such as education and multi-modality. Amadeus has been a UNWTO Affiliate Member since 2007, with the new memorandum of understanding set to consolidate their partnership in several areas.
Maldives launches year long advertising campaign
Maldives Marketing & PR Corporation has launched its new marketing campaign ‘Visit Maldives Year 2016’ during the 27th UNWTO conference at the Bandos Island Resort, Maldives. The official VMY 2016 campaign logo was revealed by president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom during the opening of the conference.
UNWTO praises global visa openness
Visa facilitation has experienced strong progress in recent years, particularly through the implementation of visa on arrival policies according to UNWTO’s latest Visa Openness Report. This largely reflects an increased awareness among policymakers of the positive impacts of visa facilitation on tourism and economic growth.
UNWTO: International tourism arrivals reach new peak
International tourist arrivals reached a total of 1,138 million in 2014, a 4.7 per cent increase over the previous year, according to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer. For 2015, UNWTO forecasts international tourism to grow by three to four per cent, further contributing to the global economic recovery.
UNWTO and UNESCO to organise first World Conference on Tourism & Culture
Officials at the UNWTO and UNESCO have announced the first World Conference on Tourism & Culture. The event will bring together, for the first time, ministers of tourism and ministers of culture from around the world, experts and stakeholders from both sectors to explore new models of partnership. The event will take place in Siem Reap, Cambodia, from February 4th-6th next year.
WYSE Travel Confederation signs Memorandum of Understanding with UNWTO
The World Youth Student and Educational (WYSE) Travel Confederation and the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) have formed a strategic partnership to further support and advance the youth, student and educational travel market, worth USD 182 billion in 2013.
UNWTO calls for support to Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Croatia
UNWTO is deeply saddened by the news of the devastating floods currently affecting Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Croatia. On behalf of the international tourism community, UNWTO conveys its heartfelt sympathy to the affected communities and to the Governments of the three countries.
UNWTO and World Vision join forces to fight child exploitation in tourism
As tourism continues to grow globally, particularly in South East Asia, it is becoming increasingly urgent to consider its impact on local communities, particular where this relates to child exploitation. This is why UNWTO and World Vision East Asia Regional Office have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, forging a partnership aimed at fighting the exploitation of children in the tourism sector (17 April 2014).
Alain St.Ange to attend the UNWTO 56th Commission Meeting
The Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture, Alain St.Ange, at the kind invitation of the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the government of Angola, will represent Seychelles at the UNWTO 56th Commission Meeting for Africa (CAF), and the Regional Seminar on Tourism and Air Connectivity in Africa, to be held from April 28-30, 2014 in Angola.