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Nov 25, 2021

Spain to become center of world tourism for three days

FA News Desk
UNWTO

More than 500 delegates from around the world, including Ministers of Tourism of UNWTO Member States, international organizations, as well as leaders from the private sector and civil society, will participate in the meeting of the supreme governing body of this specialized agency of the United Nations.

Madrid will host the 24th General Assembly of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) from December 1 to 3 where the future of a strategic sector for many countries after the pandemic will be analysed, bearing in mind the commitment to a more inclusive and sustainable tourism.

In line with the UNWTO’s core priorities, the General Assembly will focus on building for the future through innovation, education and tourism for rural development.

In Madrid, the official headquarters of the UNWTO, the organization will launch its new initiative “Digital Futures Programme for SMEs”, designed to help small tourism businesses take advantage of the benefits of innovation.

In the UNWTO’s host city, Madrid, world tourism will come together to chart a future in which our sector can develop its unique potential as a pillar of growth, inclusive and opportunities for all

Likewise, the winners of the first edition of the UNWTO initiative “Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO” will be announced, recognizing the best examples of rural destinations that embrace tourism as a pillar of growth and opportunity, while the UNWTO 2021 Students’ League will celebrate the future of the sector.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili will present his report to the Members, outlining how the Organization has led the global tourism response to the unprecedented crisis caused by COVID-19, in particular by providing vital support for jobs and businesses and ensuring harmonized standards and protocols to restore confidence in travel.

The report will also set out plans for a more inclusive and resilient future, including the revision of the UNWTO 2030 Agenda for Africa and the first International Code for the Protection of Tourists, also designed to restore confidence in travel.

The Secretary-General thanked the Spanish Government for offering to host the event, after the Kingdom of Morocco was forced to relinquish hosting it due to public health considerations.

“In difficult circumstances, Spain has stepped forward to host this important General Assembly.

 In the UNWTO’s host city, Madrid, world tourism will come together to chart a future in which our sector can develop its unique potential as a pillar of growth, inclusive and opportunities for all” said the Secretary-General Pololikashvili.

On the eve of the 24th session of the General Assembly, the UNWTO’s plenary session will be held.

At the The 24th General Assembly, the Members will also be asked to confirm the appointment of Secretary-General Pololikashvili for a second term, following the recommendation of the UNWTO Executive Council held earlier in the year.

Likewise, the Members will also vote to decide on the themes of the 2022 and 2023 World Tourism Day celebrations, and the host country of the 25th General Assembly in 2023.