Berlin, Germany – June 7, 2024 – The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the German Federal Government have reaffirmed their commitment to collaboration in the tourism sector, focusing on key areas such as gender equality, sustainability, and tourist safety.
During an official visit to Berlin, UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili met with Dieter Janecek, Federal Government Coordinator for Maritime Economy and Tourism, and participated in a session of the German Bundestag's Committee on Tourism.
Key Priorities for Collaboration:
- Protection of Tourists: Both parties emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of travelers in the face of global challenges.
- Sustainability: The UNWTO and Germany reaffirmed their commitment to sustainable tourism practices, with Germany invited to share its expertise on preserving natural resources and cultural heritage.
- Women's Empowerment: The successful "Centre Stage" initiative, launched with German support, will be expanded to empower women in the tourism sector worldwide.
- Rural Development: Both parties exchanged insights on promoting rural tourism as a driver of sustainable development.
UNWTO's Recent Achievements:
Secretary-General Pololikashvili presented a report on the UNWTO's recent accomplishments, including:
- Post-Pandemic Recovery: Supporting the tourism sector's rebound through policy guidance, safety protocols, and technical cooperation.
- Strengthening Organizational Capacity: Securing stable financial contributions and fostering partnerships with the private sector.
- Sustainable and Responsible Tourism: Promoting initiatives like the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative and the San Marino Action Agenda for Accessible Tourism.
- Multilateral Cooperation: Enhancing the UNWTO's role as a platform for knowledge exchange and expertise sharing.
The Secretary-General expressed gratitude for Germany's active role in promoting sustainable and inclusive tourism and emphasized the importance of continued collaboration to address the evolving challenges facing the global tourism industry.