UNWTO chooses to headquarter its America’s office in Brazil
UNWTO has elected to locate the headquarters of its Americas office in Brazil and the decision was made at the UNWTO’s 24th General Assembly held last month
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United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)
Technology for pandemic protection and preparedness can save leisure and tourism
“Looking ahead, it is essential to understand how we can invest in technology that supports pandemic protection and preparedness, not just for healthcare provision.”
International travel largely on hold despite an uptick in May
Despite a small uptick in May, the emergence of COVID-19 variants and the continued imposition of restrictions are weighing on the recovery of international travel.
Bali suffers without Australian and Chinese tourists
For almost a year now, local businesses in the island of Bali are struggling to survive due to the sharp drop of international arrivals. Australian and Chinese tourists are top foreign…
Bali reopening may happen soon as island gets nod from UN
If you will ask United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), it thinks that the world-renowned island Bali is ready to welcome international tourists before Christmas.
UNWTO report reveals further reduction in travel restrictions
The number of destinations closed to international tourism has continued to fall.
Sighting the opportunity for travel in the COVID crisis
Following a lack of a unified approach to health protocols and rapid testing, Rifai acknowledges that the private sector is under tremendous pressure and calls for governments to think out…
WTTC unveils Safe Travels protocols for adventure travel to rebuild confidence
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has unveiled the latest set of measures designed to rebuild global consumer confidence, reduce risk and encourage the return of safe travel.
APAC tourism records fastest growth in international tourist arrivals
UNWTO and GTERC have presented its Asia Tourism Trends Report at the Global Tourism Economy Forum in Macao, China.
International tourism surges strongly in 2017
International tourism continued to strengthen in the first quarter of 2017, as travellers shrugged off security and economic concerns to cross borders in increasing numbers.
According…
Tourism leaders discuss cutting carbon emissions
The UNWTO has held an event in Kazakhstan to discuss ways the tourism industry can help combat climate change by reducing carbon emissions.
Industry leaders and policy-makers convened…
India’s UN tourism ranking boosted by non-resident arrivals
India's international tourism ranking has risen sharply, following a change in the way the country records its visitor arrivals.
When it compiles its data for international visitor…
Indian tourism soars in April
India's tourism industry continues to flourish, with the country registering a sharp increase in terms of international arrivals in April 2017.
According to the latest data from…
Alain St Ange vows sustainable future for tourism
The global tourism industry will soon have a new leader, with seven candidates bidding to become the next Secretary-General of the UN World Tourism Organization.
Talking to Travel…
Chinese overseas tourism spending surges
Spending by Chinese tourists in international destinations continued to rise sharply in 2016, as the world's most valuable outbound tourism market further strengthened its position.…
UNWTO applauds Japan’s tourism focus
The secretary-general of the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Taleb Rifai, met with Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe recently, to discuss the country's tourism development…
Korean woman stands for UNWTO top job
South Korea's Young-shim Dho is one of seven candidates in line to become the UN World Tourism Organization’s new secretary-general.
Ms Dho is currently the chair of the UNWTO's…
UNWTO creates new standards for accessible tourism
The United Nations has started the process of drawing up a new set of global standards for accessible tourism.
In partnership with the ONCE Foundation and Spanish Association for…
One million new seats on international direct flights to Mexico in 2017
Since 2013, Mexico’s international tourism has grown at an annual average of 10%, double the global industry average.
This performance, which includes growing from 24 million…
Tourism bodies denounce US travel restrictions
Several major tourism bodies, including the UNWTO, have expressed their concern over the travel restrictions recently implemented by the US government.
The Trump Administration has…
Asian growth pushes global tourism beyond 1.2bn arrivals
The world's destinations welcomed a combined total of 1.235 billion international overnight visitors in 2016, driven by the strength of the Asian market.
According to the full-year…
World enters “Year of Sustainable Tourism”
2017 has been designated the "International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development" by the United Nations.
First unveiled by the UN General Assembly, the initiative aims to drive…
Asia drives global tourism growth in 2016
The world welcomed 561 million international travellers in the first half of 2016, up 4% from the same period last year.
According to the latest data from the UN’s World Tourism…
JATA’s T-EXPO opens in Tokyo
The ribbon was cut in Tokyo on Thursday to mark the opening of the Japan Association of Travel Agents' (JATA) T-Expo.
Dignitaries from all over the world came together for the opening…
Indonesia opens first UN tourism observatories
Indonesia has joined the UNWTO International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO).
The move follows the launch of the country's first three "sustainable tourism…
UNWTO to host first wine tourism conference
Wine and tourism experts from around the world will gather in Georgia next month for the inaugural UNWTO Global Conference on Wine Tourism.
The event, which is being organised in…
UNWTO commends Indonesia on tourist visa policy
The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has welcomed the Indonesian government's decision to offer visa-free travel to the citizens of 169 countries.
The policy is valid for a maximum…
Airbnb joins tourism community with UNWTO membership
Airbnb has embraced the mainstream tourism industry, by becoming a member of the UN World Tourism Organization.
The membership represents a significant step for both the accommodation…
World spends US$1.4 trillion on international travel
The international travel and tourism industry is now worth a staggering US$1.4 trillion, the UN has revealed.
According to the latest data from the UN's World Tourism Organization…
Silk Road countries meet in Iran to advance tourism
Fourteen Silk Road countries met in Iran recently to discuss the development of tourism along the ancient trade route.
The sixth UNWTO Silk Road Task Force Meeting was hosted in Urmia, a…
UNWTO urges countries not to restrict travel due to Zika virus
The UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has called on governments not to imposed travel restrictions following the outbreak of the Zika virus.
Another UN body, the World Health…
World welcomed 1.2bn international travellers in 2015
Global visitor arrivals increased 4.4% in 2015 to reach a total of 1.18 billion, according to the latest data from the UNWTO.
The result means that the world's destinations welcomed an…
World breaks down visa barriers
The countries of the world are gradually easing visa restrictions and removing barriers to travel, a new study has found.
In its latest Visa Openness Report, the UNWTO revealed that…
UN declares 2017 ‘International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development’
The United Nations has approved plans to make 2017 the 'International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development'.
The resolution, adopted by the UN General Assembly on 4 December,…
Strong summer season boosts global tourism
The total number of global tourist arrivals increased 4.3% in the first eight months of 2015, according to the latest data from the UNWTO.
In its World Tourism Barometer, the UNWTO…
Tourism industry commits to UN’s new Sustainable Development Goals
The UN World Tourism Organization has said it welcomes the adoption of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are aimed at alleviating global poverty and protecting the…
Tourism and aviation sectors to align policies
A new global agreement has been reached aimed at aligning the policies and goals of the tourism and aviation sectors.
The new joint statement on "Tourism and Air Transport for…
World welcomes 21m more international travellers
The global number of international tourists increased 4% in the first half of 2015, to 538 million travellers.
According to the latest data from UNWTO, this means that 21m more people…
UNWTO backs Thailand’s tourism recovery
The UNWTO has pledged its support to Thailand's tourism industry, following the recent bombing in Bangkok.
At an event held at Bangkok’s Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel this week, Carlos…
UNWTO praises Chinese tourism reforms
The UN World Tourism Organization says it welcomes the recent tourism reforms outlined by the Chinese government.
The country has committed to developing tourism in rural areas,…
UN urges tourism financing for developing countries
The UN has called for greater investment in tourism projects in developing countries.
Speaking at the Third International Conference on Financing for Development, which was held in…
Global tourist arrivals keep climbing in 2015
Global tourism arrivals continued to increase between January and April 2015, rising 4% to 332 million overnight visitors.
According to the UNWTO, this marks a 16m increase in…
Amadeus, UNWTO team up for seamless travel
Travel technology company Amadeus has joined forces with the UNWTO to advance the development of global travel planning.
The two parties have signed a memorandum of understanding…
Mekong Tourism Forum adds new marketing workshop
This year's Mekong Tourism Forum will feature a new marketing workshop series.
Taking place on 15 June at the start of the event in Danang, the Mekong Tourism Marketing Workshop has…
World generated US$1.5 trillion from travel in 2014
The global travel and tourism industry was worth US$1.5 trillion in 2014, according to new figures released by the UNWTO.
International tourism receipts reached a record US$1.25…
UNWTO inks MoU with Aviareps
The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and Aviareps recently inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The agreement will see both organisations join forces to…
UN urges Silk Road countries to ease visa regulations
Countries along the ancient Silk Road should improve visa processes if they are to maximise their combined tourism potential, the UN has urged.
At the Silk Road Ministers’ Meeting, which…
Power of technology drives greater responsibility – UNWTO
The advance of new technology is driving a need for greater responsibility and accountability among travel and tourism companies, the UNWTO has warned.
In his opening address at the…
UNWTO aims to clarify hotel star ratings
The UNWTO has released a new report designed to formally establish the criteria for four- and five-star hotels.
At present, different countries have their own classification criteria…
Global visa restrictions eased as world welcomes more tourists
Global travellers are less restricted by visa regulations now than in previous years, a new study has found.
According to the UNWTO's latest 'Visa Openness Report', 62% of the world’s…
World welcomes 1.14 billion tourists in 2014
International tourist arrivals reached 1.14 billion in 2014, according to the latest figures from the UNWTO.
This marks an increase of 51 million travellers, or +4.7%, compared to…
UN reaches “milestone resolution” on sustainable tourism
The UNWTO has hailed a "milestone resolution" on sustainable tourism by the UN General Assembly.
The resolution, which was reached in New York, "recognises the contribution of…
Mekong Tourism Forum to arrive in Danang
This year's Mekong Tourism Forum will take place in the city of Danang, central Vietnam.
Running from 16-19 June 2015, under the theme 'Unlocking the Potential of the Mekong Region via…
QTA completes phase 1 of MENA capacity-building programme
In a bid to bring in more professionalism into the tourism industry, the Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) has completed the first phase of its capacity building programme.
The programme…
Strong summer boosts global tourism
The global tourism industry remains on track for another record-breaking year, following a rise in international visitor numbers during the key summer months.
The three northern…
International tourism climbs 5% in 2014
International tourist arrivals increased almost 5% in the first half of 2014.
According to the latest data from the UNWTO, destinations worldwide welcomed 517 million overseas tourists…
France world’s most popular country
France is the world’s most visited country and was the only one to receive more than 80 million tourists in 2013, according to new statistics.
Data from the UN World Tourism…
UNWTO puts climate change at “heart” of Asian tourism agenda
Climate change needs to be at the "heart of the tourism agenda" in Southeast Asia, the UNWTO has said.
The organisation recently hosted a major event in the Philippines that outlined…
UNWTO teams up with World Vision to fight child exploitation
The UNWTO has formed a new partnership with World Vision aimed at combating child exploitation in the tourism industry in Asia.
A new memorandum of understanding (MoU) with World…
International tourism earns US$1.4trn in 2013
The international tourism industry's total export earnings totalled US$1.4 trillion in 2013, or US$3.8 billion per day.
According to the latest data from the UNWTO, revenues earned by…
UNWTO helps fight climate change in Indonesia
The UNWTO has hailed the success of a project in Indonesia designed to support tourism and fight climate change.
The 'Sustainable Tourism through Energy Efficiency with Adaptation…
Grand Hyatt Doha, OTA ink pact
Grand Hyatt Doha recently signed an agreement with Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA). The partnership was for launch of the second phase of QTA's co-operation agreement with the United…
UNWTO, Routes seal partnership
The UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has formed a new global partnership with UBM's aviation event, Routes.
Starting at this year's Routes Africa event, which takes place in…
International tourism exceeds 2013 expectation
An additional 52 million international tourists travelled in 2013, exceeding the prediction for the year set by the UNWTO.
International tourist arrivals increased 5% last year with…
97m Chinese travelled overseas in 2013
A total of 97 million Chinese citizens travelled abroad in 2013, it has been revealed.
According to data from the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA), reported by Xinhua, the…
UNWTO calls for removal of travel barriers
The UNWTO has urged countries to remove restrictions on travel, to enable the tourism industry to reach its full potential.
Addressing the Royal Aeronautical Society at the…
Global tourism arrivals rise 5%
International cross-border tourism arrivals increased 5% in the first nine months of the year.
According to the latest data from the UNWTO, 845 million international trips were taking…
Call for higher policy coordination between tourism and aviation sectors
Improving air connectivity through a closer coordination of tourism and aviation policies to ensure the sustained growth
of the tourism sector and of air transport was the commitment…
Sharjah Delegation visits UN headquarters
A delegation from Sharjah, headed by HE Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qassimi, chairman of Sharjah Media Centre and Sharjah Media Corporation, was welcomed at the United Nations (UN)…
UN highlights methods of protecting waterways
The important relationship between recreational travel and the world’s water resources is the focus of this years’ United Nations observance of World Tourism Day. The aim is to raise…
UNWTO approves accessible recommendations
The United Nations World Tourism Organisation’s recommendations for accessible tourism have been approved by the general council.
The issues, which were published in its ‘Accessible…
Malaysia turns focus on Middle East
The Malaysian tourist board is targetting Middle Eastern travellers, after research found they were the highest spending inbound region.
On average, tourists from the Middle East will…
Taleb Rifai re-elected UNWTO secretary-general
The head of the United Nations World Tourism Organization, Jordanian national Taleb Rifai, has been re-elected for a second term as secretary-general of the body.
The announcement was…
UN predicts Africa tourism to triple by 2030
The United Nations tourism body, the UN World Tourism Organization, (UNWTO) has predicted that the number of tourists going to Africa will triple by 2030.
The number, which currently…
UNWTO General Assembly gets underway
The 20th General Assembly of the UNWTO got underway at Victoria Fall, Zambia/Zimbabwe. The event addressed the global tourism community aiming to advance tourism´s sustainable growth. Key…
Seychelles Tourism at the helm in UNWTO
The 20th General Assembly of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has seen Seychelles Tourism come into the spotlight.
The current event being held in Zambia and…
Turkey continues inbound growth
Turkey has ranked sixth in the World Tourism Organizations (UNWTO) list of the top destinations in the world, based on the number of inbound tourists the country saw in 2012.
Overall…
Silk Road to develop tourism “corridors”
Tourism and cultural authorities from countries along the Silk Road have committed to the creation of 'Heritage Corridors' along the ancient trading route.
Following the 3rd Silk Road…
Global tourism to climb again in 2013 – UNWTO
International tourism arrivals are expected to climb again this year, following the record-breaking one billion global tourists registered in 2012.
According to the latest figures from the…
Asia Pacific most open for visas – UNWTO
Asia Pacific and the Americas are the most "open" regions in terms of tourist visa requirements, a new UNWTO study has found.
Based on a global evaluation of visa requirements, including…
UNWTO outlines strategies at COP18 Doha
In its on-going effort to cut global tourism emissions, UNWTO charted out strategies to help reduce tourism's contribution to global warming in Qatar.
Experts from United Nations agencies…
Tourism’s record year continues
International tourist arrivals grew by 4% in the first eight months of 2012, as the record year for the world's tourism industry continues.
According to the latest data from the UNWTO, a…
Global tourism “set to grow 2-4%”
International tourism is expected to see positive growth next year between 2-4% with the BRIC economies leading the way, UNWTO and consultancy IPK International has said.
The growing middle…
Adventure travel given UNWTO support
The UNWTO has shown support for the growth of the adventure travel sector in a new initiative with the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA).
The two signed a memorandum of…
Tourism ministers to debate visa regulations
The issue of visas will be top of the agenda this month when the world's tourism ministers gather at the World Travel Market (WTM) in London.
Following the G20 Leaders’ declaration earlier…
UNWTO opens Sustainable Tourism Observatories in China
The UNWTO has opened two more Sustainable Tourism Observatories in China.
The new centres, located at the Kanas Lake Nature Reserve in the northwest region of Xinjiang, and the city of…
World tourism arrivals on track to hit one billion
International tourism arrivals remain on track to reach the one billion mark by the end of year, according to the UNWTO.
According to its half-year results, a record 467m tourists travelled…
UNWTO, STB to debate Asian tourism at ITB
Messe Berlin (Singapore), organiser of ITB Asia, has announced a panel debate for the upcoming conference in October entitled “Looking into Tourism in Asia in 2030”.
The panel will consist…
Japan visitor numbers back to pre-disaster levels
The number of visitors to Japan has rebounded to a level higher than before the 11 March 2011 earthquake and tsunami.
According to data from the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO),…
Eco-travel news round-up
Environmental and sustainability news from the travel industry.
Tourism can help protect world’s wetlands – UNWTO
Tourism is providing income for the conservation of the world’s…
Japan, Egypt and Tunisia tourism bounce back
Tourism in Japan, Egypt and Tunisia has bounced back since natural disasters and political disruption in the countries last year, according to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer.
New…
Tourism can help protect world’s wetlands – UNWTO
Tourism is providing income for the conservation of the world’s wetlands, according to a new publication by the UNWTO.
The 'Destination Wetlands: Supporting Sustainable Tourism'…
Global tourism arrivals continue upward trend
International tourist arrivals increased 5% to 285 million in the first four months of 2012, according to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer.
Between January and April 2012, 15m more…
UNWTO urges sustainability
As the UNWTO prepares for World Tourism Day (WTD), the body has called on all tourism stakeholders to “play their part in reaching the United Nations goal of achieving sustainable energy for…
G20 recognises importance of tourism
The G20 world leaders have recognised the importance of travel and tourism for the first time and pledged to work towards easing visa regulations.
The Leaders’ Declaration from the annual…
G20 recognises importance of tourism
The G20 world leaders have recognised the importance of travel and tourism for the first time and pledged to work towards easing visa regulations.
The Leaders’ Declaration from the annual…
Ease visa restrictions, UNWTO urges G20
Ahead of the G20 world leaders’ meeting in Mexico this week, the UNWTO and World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) have called on the world leaders to ease visa restrictions and use…
KHBTCC highlights advancement of tourism development
A two-day conference addressing ‘seizing tourism market opportunities in times of rapid change’ was recently concluded at the King Hussein Bin Talal Convention Centre managed by Hilton…
UNWTO launches biodiversity project
Marking World Environment Day, the UNWTO has launched a new biodiversity project in Georgia.
The project will aim to develop tourism products in mountain and freshwater ecosystems in four…
UNWTO welcomes decision to streamline visa processes
The UNWTO has said it welcomes the decision by the world's most developed countries to put visa processes at the top of their tourism agenda.
A declaration by the Tourism Ministers…
Saudi’s tourism’s contribution to GDP 7.2%
Chairman of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) Prince Sultan bin Salman has asked ministers and officials in charge of tourism in the G20 to take immediate and serious…
UNWTO urges G20 countries to ease visa process
The UNWTO has told G20 countries that easing visa processes could play a major role in stimulating economic growth and creating new jobs.
According to research by the UNWTO and the World…
Myanmar to rejoin UNWTO
Myanmar has announced plan to rejoin the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
The country's President, U Thein Sein, announced the move during an official visit to Myanmar by the UNWTO's…
International tourism off to strong start in 2012
Global international tourist arrivals increased 5.7% in the first two months of 2012.
According to the latest results from the UNWTO, a total of 131 million international trips were taken…
International tourism receipts surpass US$1 trillion
International tourism receipts exceeded US$1 trillion (£619bn) for the first time in 2011, up from £575bn in the previous year.
According to the latest UNWTO Tourism Barometer, receipts…
International tourism receipts surpass US$1 trillion
In 2011, international tourism receipts exceeded US$1 trillion for the first time, up from US$928 billion in 2010.
According to the latest UNWTO Tourism Barometer, receipts grew 3.8% last…
UNWTO International Conference kicks off
As a sign of the Egyptian tourism industry's continuous recovery; the Second World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) International Conference on Tourism and Media kicked off on April 26th, 2012…
Kurdistan likely to become member of UNWTO
The Kurdistan Region is expected to become a member of the Madrid-based United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in fewer than two months, as reported by A K News. A delegation from…
