<![CDATA[Tourism Directory]]> MemHT Portal <![CDATA[Tourism]]> <![CDATA[UNWTO Activities at ITB 2010: Challenges for the Tourism Sector in a Year of Transformation ]]>
UNWTO Activities at ITB 2010: Challenges for the Tourism Sector in a Year of Transformation
Madrid, Spain 4 March 2010

2010 is expected to be a year of transformation. The challenges facing the tourism sector in a post-crisis scenario set the framework for the activities and events organized by UNWTO during this year’s ITB Travel Trade Show (Berlin, Germany, 10-14 March 2010).

]]> <![CDATA[Tourism and Mega-Events joining Forces to Stimulate Growth- Inaugural Summit held in South Africa]]>
Tourism and Mega-Events joining Forces to Stimulate Growth- Inaugural Summit held in South Africa -
Madrid, Spain / 1 March 2010

South Africa as host of the 2010 FIFA World Cup set the ideal stage for UNWTO/South Africa inaugural Summit on Tourism, Sport and Mega Events (Johannesburg, 24-26 February). The summit, attended by some 450 delegates, from 35 countries, provided a first-of-its-kind platform for best practice and knowledge sharing towards mega-events excellence.

 
]]> <![CDATA[UNWTO expresses Solidarity to Chile after the Earthquake ]]>
UNWTO expresses Solidarity to Chile after the Earthquake
Madrid, Spain 1 March 2010

In a letter to the Chilean tourism authorities, the UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai, conveyed the Organization’s “solidarity with the people of Chile” after the earthquake that hit Chile on 27 February.

]]> <![CDATA[Statement on the Events of Autonomous Region of Madeira, Portugal ]]>
Statement on the Events of Autonomous Region of Madeira, Portugal
Madrid, Spain, 24 February 2010
 

 “We are deeply saddened by the tragic events that struck Madeira Island last Saturday 20th February and have already expressed our full support ,as well as our commitment to help in any way considered, to the government of Portugal and to the regional government of Madeira.

]]> <![CDATA[UNWTO welcomes the Outcome of the First T.20 Ministers’ Meeting in South Africa ]]>
UNWTO welcomes the Outcome of the First T.20 Ministers’ Meeting in South Africa
Johannesburg, South Africa / Madrid, Spain, 24 February 2010

UNWTO welcomes the outcome of the First T.20 Ministers’ Meeting held in Johannesburg, South Africa (22-24 February) to debate the contribution of tourism to the global agenda, in particular to the ongoing process of supporting economic recovery and the transformation towards a greener and more sustainable economy.

]]> <![CDATA[Tourism's Contribution to the Global Agenda - UNWTO Address to the T20 Ministers of Tourism ]]>
Tourism's Contribution to the Global Agenda - UNWTO Address to the T20 Ministers of Tourism
Johannesburg, South Africa / Madrid, Spain, 23 February 2010

“Global challenges such as the recent economic crisis and the climate imperatives can only be addressed in a global cooperative manner and in fora such as the UN or the G-20”, said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai, in his opening remarks at the Tourism Ministers’ Meeting (T20) “Travel and tourism: stimuli for the global economy” (22-24 February, Johannesburg).

]]> <![CDATA[ International Tourism on Track for a Rebound after an Exceptionally Challenging 2009 Madrid]]>
International Tourism on Track for a Rebound after an Exceptionally Challenging 2009
Madrid, Spain 18 January 2010

Growth returned to international tourism in the last quarter of 2009contributing to better than expected full-year results, according tothe latest edition of the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer. Internationaltourist arrivals fell by an estimated 4% in 2009. Prospects have alsoimproved with arrivals now forecast to grow between 3% and 4% in 2010.This outlook is confirmed by the remarkable rise of the UNWTO Panel ofExperts’ Confidence Index.
]]> <![CDATA[The United Nations System is committed to “Delivering as One” on Climate Change ]]>
 
Copenhagen, Denmark, 17 December 2009
UNWTO has joined all the other United Nations agencies assembled in Copenhagen to send a clear message that the UN is both “working and delivering as one” on climate change. The commitment, which is being respected by all agencies in a highly coordinated manner, was stressed by the UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, at the UN high-level interactive debate on the role of the UN system in addressing climate change.  UNWTO Secretary-General elect, Taleb Rifai, represented the travel and tourism industry at the session, which took place on Wednesday 16 December.
]]> <![CDATA[From Davos to Copenhagen and Beyond: Advancing Tourism’s Response to Climate Change ]]>
From Davos to Copenhagen and Beyond: Advancing Tourism’s Response to Climate Change
Madrid, Spain/Copenhagen, Denmark, 16 December 2009

UNWTO has been working to raise awareness on climate change issues in the tourism sector for many years and much has been achieved. The time is right for all those involved to forge ahead. Any further delay in action will result in consequences for the tourism industry and the people who depend upon the sector.

]]> <![CDATA[The Travel & Tourism Industry sets the Standard on Climate Change ]]>
Madrid, Spain / Copenhagen, Denmark, London, UK, 16 December 2009
Travel & Tourism is one of the largest industries in the world providing a strong impetus to global economic development. In 2009, the Travel & Tourism Economy is expected to account for 9.3% of global GDP and to generate over 210 million jobs, or 7.4% of global employment. In 2008, 922 million international tourist arrivals were recorded, contributing US$944 billion in international tourism receipts. The industry has often acted ahead of regulation to adopt and disseminate standards and best practices on greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation and adaptation.
]]> <![CDATA[5th Exceltur tourism leadership forum presented as prime opportunity to debate new keys for tourism’s future ]]>
5th Exceltur tourism leadership forum presented as prime opportunity to debate new keys for tourism’s future
Madrid, 2 December 2009
]]> <![CDATA["Live the Deal” - New Travel & Tourism Climate Initiative launched in Copenhagen ]]>
 
Copenhagen, Denmark/ Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates/Madrid, Spain 16 December

"Live the Deal", an innovative, global campaign to help travel companies and destinations respond to Climate Change, reduce their carbon footprint and move to the Green Economy, was launched this week during the Copenhagen Climate Summit.

]]> <![CDATA[The King of Spain meets with UNWTO Secretary-General at the Zarzuela Palace ]]>  

Madrid, Spain 10 December 2009 - His Majesty, King Juan Carlos I, received UNWTO Secretary-General ad interim, Taleb Rifai in the first ever official visit of the head of UNWTO to the Royal Palace.

]]> <![CDATA[UNWTO and CNN International join forces - Alliance aims to strengthen travel and tourism industry through content sharing, cross promotion and collaboration on key industry initiatives ]]> UNWTO and CNN International are moving ahead with their strategic partnership signed last month between the Organization and the CNN Tourism, Advertising Solutions and Knowledge (TASK). The partnership sees UNWTO and TASK collaborate on industry events to ensure the best breed of knowledge and latest data is imparted to sector professionals. UNWTO and the TASK Group will share content, join forces on industry newsletters and cross promote services across each other’s respective platforms.]]> <![CDATA[ 5th Exceltur tourism leadership forum presented as prime opportunity to debate new keys for tourism’s future Madrid]]> Ministers from 9 major tourism generating and receiving countries, government officials, the heads of the two principal worldwide tourism organizations, and the presidents and/or CEOs of 8 of the biggest tourism groups and companies in the world will participate as speakers, along with prominent Spanish businessmen of the sector, leading figures in finance and renowned economists.]]> <![CDATA[UNWTO: Increasing Confidence in 2010 Recovery for the Tourism Sector ]]> The conditions of the tourism market are starting to indicate stronger prospects for a recovery in 2010. These include macroeconomic upward revisions from the IMF together with preliminary international tourism figures until August this year. This suggests some moderation in the declining results of the first half of this year. In addition, the UNWTO Panel of Experts Confidence Index reflects stronger confidence in market conditions. International arrivals declined by 4% in July this year, a relative improvement when compared to decreases of 10% in May and 7% in June. Many destinations show a similar pattern of a gradual change for the better, particularly in Asia, Europe and the Middle East.]]> <![CDATA[UNWTO General Assembly expresses Solidarity with Nations affected by Natural Disasters ]]> Tourism ministers and professionals heard with sadness the shocking news of the earthquake and the ensuing tsunami that struck several Pacific islands of Samoa, Tonga and also Indonesia as well as the typhoon that swept through Southeast Asia including the Philippines, Vietnam and Thailand. “We would like to express our deepest condolences to the peoples of these affected nations for their loss of lives and properties” said Taleb Rifai, UNWTO Secretary-Genera ad interim.]]> <![CDATA[Gearing up for the UNWTO General Assembly ]]> In the midst of economic, climate, social and health challenges, the 18th session of the UNWTO General Assembly will convene in Astana, Kazakhstan from 5-8 October. UNWTO itself is also undergoing significant changes with the election of a new Secretary-General to take place at the Assembly.]]> <![CDATA[International Conference to Call for Information to Support Tourism Enterprises at the Regional Level ]]> Understanding the economic contribution of tourism at the regional level is essential for more efficient destination management and the effective positioning of tourism. The 1st International Conference on the Measurement and Economic Analysis of Regional Tourism (San Sebastian, Spain, 27-28 October), aims to further the study of tourism’s impact at the regional level.]]> <![CDATA[Travel & Tourism: Unity through Diversity in the Age of Globalization ]]> Tourism’s role in preserving diversity and fostering international understanding were at the centre of this year’s World Tourism Day Think Tank debates around the 2009 theme “Tourism – Celebrating Diversity”. The Think Tank was the climax of the official World Tourism Day celebrations held in Accra, Ghana, and brought together leading international experts, tourism policy makers and specialized media. The Think Tank was chaired by Hon. Mrs. Juliana Azumah Mensah (M.P.), Minister of Tourism of Ghana and Mr. Taleb Rifai, UNWTO Secretary-General ad interim.]]> <![CDATA[Travel & Tourism’s Support for UN’s Climate Change Thrust ]]>

Participating at the UN Leadership Forum on Climate Change at the UN General Assembly this week, Secretary-General ad interim Taleb Rifai reinforced the potential of sustainable travel and tourism, particularly for the world’s poorest countries. The sector’s proven catalytic effect as a job, trade and development provider turns it into one of the pillars of the Green Economy.

]]> <![CDATA[Travel and Tourism in a Low Carbon Economy ]]> The World Economic Forum on behalf of its Travel and Tourism Community presented its report ‘Towards a Low Carbon Travel and Tourism Sector’ to Yvo de Boer, Director General of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), as a contribution to the Copenhagen Climate process. The report is part of a longstanding action by the travel and tourism sector to respond to climate change and prepare for the shift towards the Green Economy.]]> <![CDATA[UNWTO to Support Revitalization of Zimbabwe Tourism: 2010 a Unique Opportunity ]]>
UNWTO to Support Revitalization of Zimbabwe Tourism: 2010 a Unique Opportunity
Madrid, Spain/Harare, Zimbabwe, 9 September 2009

UNWTO will support Zimbabwe in its goal to re-emerge as a major African tourism destination. On a recent trip to the country, UNWTO Assistant Secretary-General, Geoffrey Lipman, and Helder Tomas  from the  Regional Representation for Africa, noted the country’s potential and opportunity to revive its tourism sector and contribute to economic growth, jobs and poverty reduction.

]]> <![CDATA[UNWTO preparing for the challenges ahead]]> UNWTO preparing for the challenges ahead
Madrid, Spain, 2 September 2009

In view of the current influenza A(H1N1) pandemic, UNWTO held a two-day review and preparation exercise on ‘Travel and Tourism under Pandemic Conditions’ in Madrid 26-27 August. The workshop was convened to anticipate the challenges the virus will bring over the next few months and ensure that the travel and tourism sector is fully prepared for the evolving pandemic.]]> <![CDATA[ Greening the Global Economy through Sustainable Tourism (Joint release by UNWTO, Visit Sweden and ETC)]]>
With climate change and the global recession driving the current international political agenda, both politicians and businesses are increasingly drawn towards the idea of a global green economy.

The tourism sector is at the frontline of these key issues, yet is unlikely to receive the attention it deserves in the current high-level discussions concerning the replacement of the Kyoto protocol to be finalised in Copenhagen this December.]]> <![CDATA[ Jakarta is Recovering Rapidly from the Bomb Attacks]]>
Jakarta is Recovering Rapidly from the Bomb Attacks
Jakarta, Indonesia / Madrid, Spain, 23 July 2009

The tragic bomb attacks that took place on 17 July 2009 have undeniably shocked Jakarta and the entire country. However, the latest UNWTO mission, carried out by Xu Jing, Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific from 21-22 July 2009, indicates that the city is recovering rapidly from the sudden shock.]]> <![CDATA[UNWTO Solidarity with Indonesia and Confidence in its Tourism Sector ]]> UNWTO expressed its solidarity with the people of Indonesia in the face of the recent events in Jakarta, targeting some of its tourism facilities.]]> <![CDATA[ 2009 Ministers’ Summit: Roadmap for Recovery - Sustainable Tourism in Challenging Times]]> The 3rd annual Ministers’ Summit will be held on 10 November 2009 in London by UNWTO and the World Travel Market (WTM). This key gathering of travel & tourism stakeholders will serve to assess the effects of the economic crisis on the industry and provide new solutions to overcome current challenges.]]> <![CDATA[1st meeting of the UNWTO Tourism Resilience Committee - Tourism can play a key role in stimulus programmes ]]>
1st meeting of the UNWTO Tourism Resilience Committee - Tourism can play a key role in stimulus programmes
Madrid, 28 January 2009
  • Tourism, alongside other economic sectors, is feeling the impacts of the deterioration of the global economy.
  • First meeting of the UNWTO Tourism Resilience Committee held in Madrid.
  • A unique opportunity to assess the volatile economic situation and its impact on tourism, and discuss response and policy recommendations.
  • Tourism may play a chief role in stimulus programmes, including infrastructure programmes, due to its immense capacity to create jobs and its recovery potential.
]]> <![CDATA[International Tourism Challenged by Deteriorating World Economy ]]>
International Tourism Challenged by Deteriorating World Economy
Madrid, 27 January 2009
  • In 2008, international tourist arrivals reached 924 million, up 16 million over 2007, representing a growth of 2%.
  • Tourism demand slowed significantly through the year under the influence of an extremely volatile world economy (financial crisis, commodity and oil price rises, sharp exchange rate fluctuations), undermining both consumer and business confidence and resulting in the current global economic recession.
  • The second half of 2008 saw growth come to a standstill with the number of international arrivals declining slightly – a trend which is expected to continue in 2009.
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