UN Tourism

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Feb. 5, 2025 – UN Tourism has officially opened applications for the 2025 edition of its prestigious Best Tourism Villages initiative. This global program underscores UN Tourism's ongoing commitment to promoting rural tourism as a vital driver of sustainable development and inclusivity. It also aims to celebrate the diverse tapestry of cultural and natural heritage, community values, and sustainable practices that distinguish these unique destinations.

A Legacy of Success and Global Impact

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Jan. 29, 2025 – UN Tourism has strengthened its partnership with the Kingdom of Morocco, a key ally in its mission to drive innovation and boost investments in Africa's tourism sector.

Morocco Leads Africa in Tourism Growth

Morocco welcomed 17.4 million international tourists in 2024, a 20% increase from 2023, solidifying its position as Africa's most-visited country. This achievement underscores the country's successful strategy of making tourism a pillar of economic diversification and sustainable growth.

SHERIDAN, WYOMING Jan. 26, 2025 –  The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) marked a significant presence at the FITUR international trade fair in Madrid, emphasizing the importance of accessibility and investment in driving the tourism sector forward.1 The event, which ran from January 22-26, 2025, saw UNWTO celebrate its 50th anniversary and reaffirm its commitment to making tourism a catalyst for peace and understanding.2

FITUR 2025: A Platform for Collaboration and Innovation

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Jan. 23, 2025 – UN Tourism and the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF) have formalized a partnership to bolster sustainable tourism and enhance the visibility of the region's unique brand.

A Shared Vision for Sustainable Tourism Growth

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Dec. 12, 2024 – The First Conference on Tourism for Rural Development, co-hosted by UN Tourism and the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of Vietnam, recently concluded in Hoi An. This landmark event brought together key stakeholders from around the world to explore the power of tourism to drive sustainable development and empower rural communities.

Empowering Communities Through Tourism

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Dec. 5, 2024 – The global tourism industry is poised for a remarkable comeback, with international tourist arrivals expected to reach pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2024. According to the latest World Tourism Barometer by UN Tourism, the sector has already recovered 98% of its pre-pandemic levels, demonstrating resilience in the face of economic, geopolitical, and climate challenges.

Tourism Spending Shows Strong Growth

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Dec. 5, 2024 – In a world where accessibility is increasingly recognized as a fundamental right, UN Tourism has highlighted the transformative power of accessible travel for destinations and businesses worldwide. With over 1.3 billion people experiencing significant disabilities and a growing aging population, the demand for accessible tourism is on the rise.

The Benefits of Accessible Tourism

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Dec. 5, 2024 – The UN World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) and China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism have reinforced their commitment to collaborate on key initiatives aimed at advancing global tourism. This strengthened partnership seeks to leverage tourism's potential as a driver of economic growth, sustainable development, and international cooperation.

High-Level Meeting in Beijing

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – November 30, 2024 - The city of Córdoba, Argentina, recently hosted the 2nd International Seminar on Tourism Law, a collaborative effort between UN Tourism, Universidad Siglo 21, and Agencia Córdoba Turismo. Held on November 26th and 27th, 2024, the seminar brought together leading experts to discuss the crucial role of law in promoting sustainable, inclusive, and accessible tourism for all.

Tourism: An Engine for Growth and Sustainability

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – November 29, 2024 - The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) has announced a Global Artificial Intelligence (AI) Challenge, calling on startups and scale-ups to showcase innovative solutions that can transform the tourism sector. This exciting initiative seeks to harness the power of AI to enhance the travel experience, promote sustainability, and drive economic growth.

AI: The Future of Tourism

The challenge focuses on leveraging AI across various aspects of the tourism industry, including: