Travel & Tourism

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – December 5, 2024 – 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

UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili recently met with China's Minister of Culture and Tourism, Sun Yeli, in Beijing to discuss shared priorities and advance the global tourism agenda. The meeting focused on key areas such as:

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – November 30, 2024 – SHERIDAN, WYOMING – November 30, 2024 - As the festive season approaches, embrace the spirit of Christmas with an unforgettable getaway to one of Germany's most enchanting destinations. AKZENT Hotels invites you to escape the holiday hustle and bustle and immerse yourself in the magic of Christmas markets, cozy accommodations, and delicious culinary experiences.

New Addition to the AKZENT Family: Hotel Restaurant Hirsch

Nestled in the picturesque Swabian Alb, the newly added ***S AKZENT Hotel Restaurant Hirsch welcomes you with warm hospitality and Swabian charm. Run by the Heinle family since 1997, this idyllic hotel offers 40 lovingly furnished rooms, providing a tranquil retreat amidst stunning natural surroundings.

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – November 30, 2024 – 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

The seminar emphasized the importance of tourism as a driver of economic growth and sustainable development. It highlighted the need for legal frameworks that support responsible tourism practices and ensure the long-term health of the industry and the destinations it serves.

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – November 30, 2024 – 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:

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – November 30, 2024 – SHERIDAN, WYOMING – November 29, 2024 - Madrid, Spain, is set to become the global epicenter of sports tourism as it hosts the 3rd World Sports Tourism Congress (WSTC) on November 28-29, 2024. Held at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, this prestigious event, organized by UN Tourism in collaboration with the Government of the Region of Madrid, will bring together leading figures in sports tourism to discuss the future of this dynamic sector.

Creating a Lasting Legacy

The congress, themed "Tourism and Sport Creating a Lasting Legacy for Destinations," will explore the role of sports tourism in fostering sustainable growth and development. Attendees will include government officials, industry experts, and celebrated athletes, all gathering to share insights and strategies for maximizing the positive impact of sports tourism.

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – November 26, 2024 – SHERIDAN, WYOMING – November 26, 2024 - In a historic moment for the tourism industry, more than 50 countries have endorsed a landmark declaration for enhanced climate action in tourism at COP29, the UN Climate Change Conference. This unprecedented commitment signifies a turning point in recognizing the crucial role of the tourism sector in addressing climate change.

Tourism Day at COP29

For the first time in the history of the summit, COP29 featured a dedicated Tourism Day, culminating in a Ministerial Meeting focused on aligning tourism policies with national climate goals. Over 700 stakeholders participated in the day's events, which highlighted the significant impact of climate change on tourism and the sector's potential to contribute to climate solutions.

Governments Unite for Climate Action

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – November 26, 2024 – SHERIDAN, WYOMING – November 26, 2024 - UN Tourism has significantly expanded its global network with the addition of 27 new Affiliate Members, representing a diverse range of organizations from 16 countries across all regions. This brings the total number of Affiliate Members to 505, solidifying UN Tourism's commitment to fostering collaboration and promoting responsible tourism practices worldwide.

A Diverse and Growing Network

The new Affiliate Members represent a wide array of profiles, including destination management organizations (DMOs), private sector companies, associations, NGOs, universities, and more. This diverse membership base strengthens UN Tourism's ability to address the multifaceted challenges and opportunities facing the global tourism industry.

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – November 26, 2024 – SHERIDAN, WYOMING – November 26, 2024 - Despite the challenges faced in recent years, the tourism sector is demonstrating resilience and a renewed focus on sustainability, as revealed in the latest fDi Tourism Investment Report 2024. Released by the Financial Times in collaboration with UN Tourism, the report highlights a growing trend of greenfield investments in tourism, with a particular emphasis on projects that prioritize sustainability and innovation.

Tourism Sector Shows Strong Growth

The report indicates that the tourism sector experienced robust growth in 2023, with international tourism receipts exceeding 2019 levels by 3%. This positive trend signals a strong recovery from the pandemic and renewed confidence in the future of tourism.

Greenfield Investment on the Rise

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.

"Colombia has chosen to invest in tourism, not in weapons or war, and as the only country to have hosted every major UN Tourism event, including two General Assemblies, it is a testament to the power of tourism as a force for change."

Key Priorities for a Thriving Tourism Sector

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – November 15, 2024 – 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

The Best Tourism Villages initiative, launched in 2021, aims to showcase the potential of tourism to drive economic and social development in rural areas. The program emphasizes the importance of preserving cultural and natural heritage, empowering communities, and promoting sustainable practices.

Celebrating Excellence in Rural Tourism