The Global Tourism Plastics Initiative is officially announced today by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), in collaboration with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. This initiative unites the tourism sector behind a common vision to tackle the root causes of plastic pollution, enabling businesses and governments to take joint action.

His Majesty King Felipe VI of Spain joined the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) for a special gala dinner in Madrid last night, further strengthening the support and commitment of Spain to sustainable tourism development. Held to mark the 40th anniversary of FITUR, one of the world’s leading tourism trade fair and the first one to be held every year, the dinner also saw Ministers from around the world join public and private sector leaders to celebrate tourism’s status as a key pillar of the global sustainable development agenda. 

Eight companies have received an award in their respective categories The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), in association with Turismo de Portugal and Globalia, the leading tourism group in Spain and Latin America, have named the eight winners of the 2nd Tourism Startup Competition. Launched in 2018, this initiative works to identify and reward the new companies that will lead the transformation of the global tourism sector within the framework of innovation and sustainability. The final event took place in Wakalua, the tourism innovation hub promoted by Globalia in collaboration with UNWTO.

Partner event of ITB in the heart of Berlin reveals details for visitors In a few weeks time the Berlin Travel Festival will be opening its doors for the third time – and visitors are eagerly awaiting both the event and the line-up. From 6 to 8 March 2020 at Arena Berlin, travel enthusiasts can exchange views with representatives of destinations, brands and like-minded adventurers and explorers.

TheTaubertal region of Franconia has details for visitors to its stand about its range of attractions for hikers So-called meditative hiking is a new and contemporary form of rambling in the “Lovely Taubertal”. There are nine routes, between eight and 18 kilometres in length, leading to sacred buildings and other places. Visitors can spend some time in contemplation at the churches, chapels or wayside shrines. The meditative hiking circuits are intended to assist with relaxation and reflection.

A delegation from UNWTO visited Kunming to deliver a training seminar on implementing the International Tourism Marketing Strategy designed for the Yunnan Province of China.  The strategy was designed by UNWTO experts in partnership with the Yunnan Provincial Tourism Department. Now, with the province working to grow its tourism sector, including through expanding its French source market, UNWTO hosted a special training seminar for stakeholders from both the public and private sectors. 

The international tourism community, led by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), has shown their solidarity with Albania as the country works to recover from the November 2019 earthquake.  The earthquake of 26 November resulted in a large number of victims and caused unprecedented damage to buildings, infrastructure and livelihoods. In response, UNWTO joined the Ministry of Tourism of Albania for a special ‘Summit on Tourism for Solidarity and Sustainability’ this week.

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) will place innovation and sustainability at the top of the agenda as it returns to the International Tourism Fair in Madrid (FITUR). At the 40th edition of the leading trade fair, the United Nations specialized agency will emphasizes the global tourism sector’s enduring resilience and status as a beacon of stability in times of political, economic and social uncertainty. 

Finalists announced for 2nd UNWTO Global Tourism Startup Competition in partnership with Globalia  Final phase to be held on 20 January, on the eve of FITUR  Entries from 150 countries received 

Madrid, Spain, The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), in collaboration with the UNWTO Affiliate Members Working Group on SDGs Support has launched a major new survey to assess how the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been incorporated into tourism, practices, plans and strategies in destinations across the world. As the United Nations specialized agency responsible for promoting tourism as a tool for sustainable development, UNWTO is supporting the tourism sector to become an effective contributor to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).