Transformation of Tourism at the Ministerial Summit
“Our job is to create jobs,” UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili told tourism leaders at the World Travel Market Ministerial Summit, where education, sustainability and governance played a key role.
This consolidated platform for public and private sector leaders addresses tourism’s most pressing challenges and sets the agenda for years to come. Organized around a themeRethinking tourismMinisters and high-level representatives from 19 countries, as well as business leaders gathered at the 16th summit. increased the importance of tourism for economic and social welfare, this year’s edition was the most successful to date.
Secretary General Pololikashvili, who opened the event with an introductory speech, emphasized the unique opportunity for the transformation of the sector. However, with UNWTO data showing that global tourism is now around 70% of pre-pandemic levels, “the window of opportunity will not remain open forever. We need to rethink tourism: as a job provider, as an economic pillar and as a solution to the climate emergency in the context of COP27”.
Education and jobs are key to the future of tourism
We need to rethink tourism: as a job provider, an economic pillar and a solution to the climate emergency in light of COP27
General Secretary Pololikashvili presented an overview of UNWTO’s work on the transformation of tourism. investing in sustainable infrastructure and people; especially through quality education and decent jobs. Juliette Losardo, Exhibition Director of World Travel Markets, echoed the UNWTO’s position, stating that “the post-pandemic world has revealed exciting opportunities and given us a unique opportunity to rethink tourism and ask ourselves how we can rebuild and better prepare for the future”. Julia Simpson, president and CEO of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), which co-hosted the summit with the UNWTO, highlighted the “talent, speed and capital” of the private sector.
Global experience for common problems
The round table brought together tourism ministers from all regions of the world. Everyone has it He shone a unique light on his country. At the opening, the Minister of Tourism of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khatib, emphasized the importance of his country to innovation and youth, and insisted on the need to “put sustainability above all else.” Maldives Tourism Minister Abdulla Mausum, Portuguese Minister Rita Marques and Egyptian Minister Ahmed Isa spoke and emphasized the importance of diversifying national tourism sectors, especially through domestic and rural tourism, and creating new products.
Nikolina Brnjac, Croatia’s Minister of Tourism, took the theme of “Rethinking Tourism” and noted that this requires an “evolution” towards measuring success through greater sustainability. Mauritius’ Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism Ivan Collendavello emphasized tourism’s ability to promote peace, adding: “We need to look beyond tourism to rebuild it.” Ministers from Bahrain, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Ghana, Jordan, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Montenegro, Nicaragua, Philippines and Sri Lanka also took part in the discussions.
representing extensive and large private tourism sectorExpedia and Radisson Hotel Group showcased their proactive work towards greater sustainability, highlighting the industry’s opportunities. to ensure decent work and advancement lifelong career for people all over the world.
Unprecedented political relevance of tourism
While the summit promoted a diversity of ideas, backgrounds and experiences, the common theme was an emphasis on the unique power of tourism as a driver of sustainability and a promoter of peace and understanding. Senior participants emphasized that now is the time for the tourism sector to focus on cooperation rather than competition. Ministers also UNWTO Secretary General Mr. Pololikashvili integration of tourism into the political agenda and increasing cooperation between ministries of tourism and ministries of economy, business and environment.
While the summit encouraged a diversity of thought, background and experience, a focus on the unique power of tourism as a driver of resilience and a promoter of peace and understanding proved a common theme. Senior participants emphasized that now is the time for the tourism sector to focus on cooperation rather than competition. Ministers also accepted UNWTO Secretary General Pololikashvili’s invitation. inclusion of tourism in the political agenda and for greater cooperation between ministries of tourism and ministries of economy, business and environment.
Reliable data to inform discussions
Reliable data from the UNWTO provided context for the discussions. Building on the organization’s status as a leading provider of global tourism information, the World Travel Market will also host new tourism launches. tourism trends 2023Produced by UNWTO in collaboration with major broadcaster Euronews.
Transformation of Tourism at the Ministerial Summit
OMT, WTM, WTTC
Transformation of Tourism at the Ministerial Summit
OMT, WTM, WTTC
Transformation of Tourism at the Ministerial Summit
OMT, WTM, WTTC
Transformation of Tourism at the Ministerial Summit
OMT, WTM, WTTC
