UNWTO: Win a trip across the world

MADRID, 29 September 2017: UNWTO launched a travellers’ competition to promote responsible travel on World Tourism Day, Wednesday.

The initiative is part of the ‘Travel.Enjoy.Respect’ campaign taking place within the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development 2017.

A one-month trip across the world visiting sustainable tourism initiatives is the prize that will be awarded to the winner. Read more

Awards for being sustainable

SINGAPORE, 8 June 2017: Tourism operators in Southeast Asia who claim they are sustainable can prove it by entering the new ASEAN Sustainable Tourism Awards (ASTA), launched under the ASEAN’s Tourism Strategic Plan 2016 to 2025.

Twenty sustainable tourism winners – two from each ASEAN member state – will receive a package of benefits that will raise their business profile.

Winners will be highlighted on their national tourist office website and stand to gain exposure through NTO press conferences at trade shows such as ATF, TRAVEX, ITB and WTM. Read more

Support for sustainability year

LONDON, 9 February 2017: Travel-related associations worldwide have endorsed UNWTO’s initiative to designate 2017, International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development.

Global Travel Association Coalition, which brings together the major global travel associations and organisations, said in a statement Wednesday it was an opportunity to underline the immense socio-economic opportunities, and encourage understanding, peace and sustainable development, worldwide.

GTAC consists of the major associations in the global travel and tourism sector, namely ACI, CLIA, IATA, ICAO, PATA, UNWTO WEF, and WTTC. Read more

UNWTO inks MoC with Japanese

MADRID, 18 January 2017: The World Tourism Organisation and Japan International Cooperation Agency have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to promote sustainable tourism.

The agreement, undersigned by UNWTO secretary-general, Taleb Rifai, and JICA executive senior vice president, Kazuhiko Koshikawa, taps JICA’s status as one of the largest global donors supporting sustainable tourism projects.

A key element of the agreement will focus on assisting developing countries to reduce poverty through tourism as well as to improve public policies and business practices. Read more

UNWTO backs sustainable tourism

MADRID, 4 January 2016: UNWTO has declared 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development according to secretary-general, Taleb Rifai.

He confirmed the 2017 theme in a New Year letter to stakeholders released, Tuesday, that outlined the challenges and opportunities facing global tourism.

He also confirmed 2017 would be his final year as UNWTO Secretary-General, a position he has held for seven years. Read more