UN Tourism News #28

The biggest crisis in the history of tourism continues into a second year. Between January and May, international tourist arrivals were 85% below 2019 levels (or a 65% drop on 2020), UNWTO data shows. 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.

UN Tourism News #27

The crash in international tourism due to the coronavirus pandemic could cause a loss of more than $4 trillion to the global GDP for the years 2020 and 2021, according to an UNCTAD report published on 30 June. The report, jointly presented with the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), says international tourism and its closely linked sectors suffered an estimated loss of $2.4 trillion in 2020.

UN Tourism News #26

International tourist arrivals were down 83% in the first quarter of 2021 as widespread travel restrictions remained in place. However, the UNWTO Confidence Index shows signs of a slow uptick in confidence.

UN TOURISM NEWS #25 | FITUR EDITION

The decision to host FITUR is the kind of boldness we need if we are to restart tourism and so kickstart wider recovery

Reestablishing trust in travel is a key first step towards tourism recovery

Tourism leaders in the Americas committed to jointly addressing the reactivation of tourism, making the sector a priority and adopting international protocols. Additionally, they agreed to emphasize innovation and digital transformation, develop sustainable tourism and strengthen support mechanisms for workers and impacted companies.

UN Tourism News #23 | #RestartTourism

Now more than ever, tourism needs strong political support and joined-up action. Harmonized travel and health rules are essential to restore confidence and restart tourism

One year ago today: WHO defined the COVID-19 outbreak as a pandemic

It has been a year like no other. The COVID-19 pandemic brought global tourism to a near-complete standstill. From the very start, UNWTO united a sector in crisis, provided guidance in times of uncertainty, and offered expert support to Member States in every global region. Now, as the pandemic enters a second year, we look back at key events and developments, from being tourism's first responder to leading the shift towards recovery and the restart of tourism.

This crisis is an opportunity to rethink the tourism sector #RestartTourism

Tourism is adapting to the new reality and we face the future with optimism and with the backing of our Members

Exploring safe travel in the age of vaccines

The rollout of vaccines is a step in the right direction, but the restart of tourism cannot wait. Vaccines must be part of a wider, coordinated approach that includes certificates and passes for safe cross-border travel. In the longer-term, we also need to restore confidence in tourism. The United for Travel campaign will help us achieve this, providing a clear and strong message that safe tourism is now possible.

UNWTO and CNN #RestartTourism

Millions of people missed chances to explore different places and embrace different cultures and customs. And the world lost out on opportunities for tourism to create jobs, support businesses, kick-start development, and to protect and preserve the very things we leave our homes to see.

UN Tourism News - #18

UNWTO has guided the tourism sector since the beginning of the Covid-19 crisis and we will keep calling on the global tourism community to mitigate the economic and social cost of the pandemic with safety and responsibility for millions across the world.

75 years on, this mission is more relevant than ever

The United Nations, of which UNWTO is proud to be a part, was established to promote peace among nations and allow us to work together to build a better future for all.

75 years on, this mission is more relevant than ever.

Work together to build a tourism sector that works for everyone,

Work together to build a tourism sector that works for everyone, where sustainability and innovation are part of everything we do.

Executive Council Special Edition

Tourism can be a force for good in our world, playing a part in protecting our planet and its biodiversity, and celebrating what makes us human: from discovering new places and cultures to connecting with new people and experiences.

COVID-19 Responses Must Not Undermine Solidarity and Confidence

This goes hand-in-hand with a responsibility to preserve the spirit of international solidarity that has characterized our response to this shared crisis, a response that has included international institutions, the civil society at large and individual citizens.

As Tourism Restarts, Our Responsibilities Remain

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has welcomed Spain’s readiness to lead the way in restarting tourism. The head of the United Nations specialized agency attended a meeting with Spanish President Pedro Sánchez in Madrid today to learn about his government’s work to ease restrictions on travel introduced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

RESTARTING TOURISM

“Tourism can be a platform for overcoming the pandemic. By bringing people together, tourism can promote solidarity and trust”: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres

UN TOURISM NEWS - #12

UNWTO Secretary-General calls for tourism as a key role in spreading trust more widely, with benefits traveling far beyond tourism itself.

UN Tourism News: Words Alone Will Not Save Jobs

Who is doing what and where? To help the global tourism sector monitor a rapidly-evolving situation and make the right decisions at the right time, UNWTO has launched an interactive map of local and international policy responses to the challenge of COVID-19.

#TravelTomorrow

Staying home today means traveling tomorrow: UNWTO’s key message, emphasizing our shared responsibility to put people first, to be patient and to prepare for the time when tourism can lead recovery efforts, has resonated around the world.

Responsibility and Coordination!

UNWTO and WHO Joint Statement on COVID-19

As the current outbreak of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) continues to develop, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) are committed to working together in guiding the travel and tourism sectors’ response to COVID-19.

FITUR 2020 Edition

We are at the beginning of the United Nations “Decade of Action”. With just 10 years remaining to fulfill the 2030 Agenda and its Global Goals, UNWTO is making sure tourism is at the heart of the conversation. 

2020 Happy New Year

Highlights: General Assembly, Chimelong and World Tourism Day.
Key Reports: Women in Tourism, CO₂ and Tourism and Indigenous Tourism.
Key Data: Tourism Growth, Tourism Across the World and Tourism Data Dashboard.
And more... 

Tourism’s Carbon Emissions Measured in Landmark Report Launched At COP25

World leaders met in Madrid for the UN Climate Summit, COP25, and UNWTO was there representing the transformative power of tourism. At a special official side event, UNWTO released a landmark new report analysing the carbon emissions of the different modes of transport in the tourism sector. 

54% Female: How tourism is leading the way in gender equality

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), in collaboration with UN Women, The German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ), World Bank Group and Amadeus, has launched the long-awaited second edition of the Global Report on Women in Tourism.

General Assembly a Great Success as Members Welcome Palau and Look to the Future

UNWTO’s Member States unanimously welcomed Palau as a full Member at the General Assembly. The Pacific nation is made up of 240 islands and is committed to growing its tourism sector in a responsible and sustainable manner.

General Assembly Adopts Global Convention on Tourism Ethics.

In St Petersburg yesterday, the UNWTO General Assembly officially adopted the International Convention on Tourism Ethics. This is a big step forward as UNWTO works to make the global tourism sector fairer, more ethical and more transparent.

UNWTO Awards Celebrate the Best in Accessible and Sustainable Tourism

Cities making big strides forward in sustainability and accessible tourism were the big winners in St Petersburg last night

Welcome to UN Tourism News

This new online publication from UNWTO will bring you the latest news and insights relating to tourism and development around the globe.