UN Tourism

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – NOVEMBER 19, 2024 – The UN Tourism Executive Council convened in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, for its 122nd session, bringing together representatives from 47 countries and key stakeholders to shape the future of the tourism sector. With global tourism nearing a full recovery to pre-pandemic levels, the council focused on strategies to drive innovation and investment in the industry.

UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili commended Colombia's commitment to tourism development, highlighting its role in fostering positive change.

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – November 15, 2024 – The World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) has revealed its list of 55 rural destinations designated as "Best Tourism Villages" for 2024. This initiative recognizes villages that are harnessing tourism to preserve their unique cultures, traditions, and natural beauty while promoting sustainable development.

A Global Showcase of Rural Tourism

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – November 15, 2024 – UN Tourism has recognized the most innovative community-based tourism projects in Colombia, highlighting the country's leadership in promoting sustainable and inclusive tourism development.

The "Innovation Challenge: Community Tourism: Colombia"

The Innovation Challenge, organized in collaboration with Colombia's Vice Ministry of Tourism and the National Tourism Fund (FONTUR), sought to identify and celebrate initiatives that are shaping the future of community-based tourism in the region.

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – November 15, 2024 - The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs of Sierra Leone, in collaboration with UN Tourism, successfully hosted a three-day Women in Tourism Regional Congress themed "Beyond empowerment to Education, Innovation, and Finance Access".

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – November 15, 2024 – In a landmark collaboration, three United Nations agencies – UN Tourism, UN-Habitat, and UNESCO – joined forces at the World Urban Forum in Cairo, Egypt, to champion sustainable urban tourism practices. This initiative marks the first time these agencies have collaborated at the World Urban Forum, underscoring their shared commitment to promoting tourism that benefits both cities and their residents.

Building on Successful Partnerships

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – November 15, 2024 – The UN Tourism is set to host the First Global Conference on Tourism for Rural Development in Hoi An, Vietnam, from December 9th to 11th. This groundbreaking event, organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of Vietnam, will bring together global and local leaders, policymakers, and industry pioneers to explore the transformative potential of tourism for rural communities.

Empowering Rural Communities Through Tourism

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – November 15, 2024 – In a landmark decision, the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP29) will feature a dedicated Thematic Day focused on climate change and tourism. This marks the first time tourism ministers will participate in the conference, placing the sector firmly within the COP29 Action Agenda.

Tourism's Role in Global Climate Action

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – November 15, 2024 – The World Sports Tourism Congress (WSTC) is back for its third edition, taking place on November 28th and 29th at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid, Spain. Organized by UN Tourism and the Government of the Region of Madrid, the congress will unite prominent figures from the worlds of sports and tourism under the theme "Tourism and Sport Creating a Lasting Legacy for Destinations."

A Global Gathering of Sports and Tourism Leaders

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – November 15, 2024 – The World Travel Market Ministers Summit, held in London in collaboration with UN Tourism and the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), highlighted the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the tourism sector. The summit brought together tourism ministers from over 20 countries and private sector leaders from renowned companies like Expedia, HBX Group, JTB Corp, and SITA to discuss the opportunities and challenges presented by AI.

UN Tourism's Vision for AI in Tourism

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – November 15, 2024 – The UN Tourism recently held its 18th Asia-Pacific Executive Training Programme on Tourism Policy and Strategy in Kuching, Malaysia, focusing on the evolving landscape of luxury tourism. The program welcomed high-level officials from 20 countries in the region to discuss and explore strategies for growing the luxury travel sector.

Redefining Luxury Travel