UN Tourism

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Dec. 5, 2024 – The global tourism industry is poised for a remarkable comeback, with international tourist arrivals expected to reach pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2024. According to the latest World Tourism Barometer by UN Tourism, the sector has already recovered 98% of its pre-pandemic levels, demonstrating resilience in the face of economic, geopolitical, and climate challenges.

Tourism Spending Shows Strong Growth

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Dec. 5, 2024 – In a world where accessibility is increasingly recognized as a fundamental right, UN Tourism has highlighted the transformative power of accessible travel for destinations and businesses worldwide. With over 1.3 billion people experiencing significant disabilities and a growing aging population, the demand for accessible tourism is on the rise.

The Benefits of Accessible Tourism

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Dec. 5, 2024 – The UN World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) and China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism have reinforced their commitment to collaborate on key initiatives aimed at advancing global tourism. This strengthened partnership seeks to leverage tourism's potential as a driver of economic growth, sustainable development, and international cooperation.

High-Level Meeting in Beijing

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – November 30, 2024 - The city of Córdoba, Argentina, recently hosted the 2nd International Seminar on Tourism Law, a collaborative effort between UN Tourism, Universidad Siglo 21, and Agencia Córdoba Turismo. Held on November 26th and 27th, 2024, the seminar brought together leading experts to discuss the crucial role of law in promoting sustainable, inclusive, and accessible tourism for all.

Tourism: An Engine for Growth and Sustainability

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – November 29, 2024 - The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) has announced a Global Artificial Intelligence (AI) Challenge, calling on startups and scale-ups to showcase innovative solutions that can transform the tourism sector. This exciting initiative seeks to harness the power of AI to enhance the travel experience, promote sustainability, and drive economic growth.

AI: The Future of Tourism

The challenge focuses on leveraging AI across various aspects of the tourism industry, including:

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – November 29, 2024 - Madrid, Spain, is set to become the global epicenter of sports tourism as it hosts the 3rd World Sports Tourism Congress (WSTC) on November 28-29, 2024. Held at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, this prestigious event, organized by UN Tourism in collaboration with the Government of the Region of Madrid, will bring together leading figures in sports tourism to discuss the future of this dynamic sector.

Creating a Lasting Legacy

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – November 26, 2024 - In a historic moment for the tourism industry, more than 50 countries have endorsed a landmark declaration for enhanced climate action in tourism at COP29, the UN Climate Change Conference. This unprecedented commitment signifies a turning point in recognizing the crucial role of the tourism sector in addressing climate change.

Tourism Day at COP29

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – November 26, 2024 - UN Tourism has significantly expanded its global network with the addition of 27 new Affiliate Members, representing a diverse range of organizations from 16 countries across all regions. This brings the total number of Affiliate Members to 505, solidifying UN Tourism's commitment to fostering collaboration and promoting responsible tourism practices worldwide.

A Diverse and Growing Network

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – November 26, 2024 - Despite the challenges faced in recent years, the tourism sector is demonstrating resilience and a renewed focus on sustainability, as revealed in the latest fDi Tourism Investment Report 2024. Released by the Financial Times in collaboration with UN Tourism, the report highlights a growing trend of greenfield investments in tourism, with a particular emphasis on projects that prioritize sustainability and innovation.

Tourism Sector Shows Strong Growth

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – NOVEMBER 19, 2024 – The UN Tourism Executive Council convened in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, for its 122nd session, bringing together representatives from 47 countries and key stakeholders to shape the future of the tourism sector. With global tourism nearing a full recovery to pre-pandemic levels, the council focused on strategies to drive innovation and investment in the industry.

UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili commended Colombia's commitment to tourism development, highlighting its role in fostering positive change.