Hubbry Logo
UN TourismUN TourismMain
Open search
UN Tourism
Community hub
UN Tourism
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
UN Tourism
UN Tourism
UN Tourism
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

The United Nations World Tourism Organization or UN Tourism (formerly UNWTO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations which promotes responsible, sustainable and universally-accessible tourism. Its headquarters are in Madrid, Spain. Other offices include: a Regional Support Office for Asia and the Pacific in Nara, Japan[4] and a Regional Office for the Middle East in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Key Information

UN Tourism serves as a global forum for tourism policy and a source of tourism research and knowledge. It encourages tourism competitiveness, innovation, education, investments and digital transformation. The organization also focusses on ethics, culture and social responsibility related to tourism, provides technical cooperation and includes a UN Tourism Academy and statistics work.[5]

The six official languages of UN Tourism are Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish.

From its inception in 1975 until 2023, the UN World Tourism Organization was abbreviated as UNWTO.[6]

COVID-19

[edit]

Before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, tourism stood at an all-time high with 1.5 billion international tourist arrivals in 2019, according to the organization's World Tourism Barometer. Against a backdrop of heightened uncertainty, UN Tourism conveyed the Global Tourism Crisis Committee to guide the tourism sector as it faced up to the COVID-19 challenge. The global tourism sector eas estimated to have lost over US$600 billion under the best-case COVID-19 scenario and over US$1.9 trillion in the worst-case scenario.[7] Following a 72% drop in international arrivals in 2020, travel recovered and attained pre-pandemic levels in 2024.[8]

Members

[edit]
UNWTO Tourism Regions

UN Tourism has 160 Member States,[9][10][11] six associate members (Aruba, Flanders, Hong Kong, Macao, Madeira and Puerto Rico),[12] and two observers (Holy See (1979), Palestine (1999)).

Nonmembers are: Australia, Belgium, Belize, Canada, Denmark, Dominica, Estonia, Finland, Grenada, Guyana, Iceland, Ireland, Kiribati, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, New Zealand, Norway, Russia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Sudan, Suriname, Sweden, Tonga, Tuvalu, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Seventeen state members have withdrawn from the organization for different periods in the past including Australia (citing poor value for money), Bahamas (later rejoined), Bahrain (rejoined in 2001), Belgium, Canada (Canada withdrew from the World Tourism Organization when it appointed Robert Mugabe as a leader in 2013), Costa Rica (rejoined in 1995), El Salvador (rejoined in 1993), Grenada, Honduras (rejoined in 2001), Kuwait (rejoined in 2003), Latvia, Malaysia (rejoined in 1991), Myanmar (rejoined in 2012), Panama (rejoined in 1996), Philippines (rejoined in 1991), Qatar (rejoined in 2002), Thailand (rejoined in 1996), United Kingdom and Puerto Rico (as an associate member).[citation needed] The Netherlands Antilles was an associate member before its dissolution.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) rejoined the organization in May 2013, 26 years after having left UN Tourism.[13]

Additionally, UN Tourism has over 500 affiliate members, including non-governmental entities with specialised interests in tourism, and commercial and non-commercial bodies and associations with activities related to the aims of UN Tourism or falling within its competence.

On 2 April 2022, Russia announced it would leave UN Tourism, and the organization subsequently voted the same day to suspend Russia in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.[14]

Secretaries-General

[edit]
Shaikha Al Nuaimi - Secretary General 2026 -
Name Years of Tenure
France Robert Lonati 1975–1985
Austria Willibald Pahr 1986–1989
Mexico Antonio Enriquez Savignac 1990–1996
France Francesco Frangialli 1997–2009
Jordan Taleb Rifai 2010–2017
Georgia (country) Zurab Pololikashvili[15] 2018–2025
United Arab Emirates Shaikha Al Nuaimi[16] 2026–2029

As the host country of UN Tourism's headquarters, Spain has a permanent seat on the Executive Council. Representatives of the associate members and affiliate members participate in Executive Council meetings as observers.[17]

Publications

[edit]
  • World Tourism Barometer (quarterly)
  • International Tourism Highlights (annual)
  • UNWTO Annual Report
  • UNWTO Declarations
  • Knowledge Network Issues Paper Series

Tourism Data Dashboard

[edit]

UN Tourism releases its Tourism Data Dashboard which "provides statistics and insights on key indicators for inbound and outbound tourism at the global, regional and national levels. Data covers tourist arrivals, tourism share of exports and contribution to GDP, source markets, seasonality and accommodation (data on number of rooms, guest and nights)."[18]

Visa Openness Report

[edit]

UN Tourism research concluded that, by improving visa processes and entry formalities, G20 economies could boost their international tourist numbers by 122 million, tourism exports by US$2016 billion and employment by 5 million.[19]

The Organization's latest UN Tourism Visa Openness Report, published in 2016, shows the highest ever percentage of international tourists not requiring a visa to travel - 39% compared with 23% in 2008.[20] The report concluded that the 30 countries whose citizens were least affected by visa restrictions in 2015 were (based on the data compiled by the UN Tourism, based on information from national official institutions):[21]

Least restricted citizens
Rank Country Mobility index (out of 215 with no visa weighted by 1, visa on arrival weighted by 0.7, eVisa by 0.5 and traditional visa weighted by 0)
1 Denmark, Finland, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Singapore, United Kingdom 160
8 France, Japan, Netherlands, South Korea, Sweden, United States 159
14 Belgium, Canada, Ireland, Norway, Portugal, Spain,  Switzerland 158
21 Austria, Greece, Malta 157
24 Czech Republic, New Zealand 156
26 Hungary, Iceland, Malaysia 155
29 Australia, Slovakia 154

Ambassadors

[edit]

Sports

[edit]
  • Didier Drogba - Football player
  • Leo Messi - Football player
  • Andrés Iniesta - Football players

Source:[4]

Gastronomy and Wine

[edit]
  • Gino Sorbillo - chef
  • Ramón Freixa - chef

Business Leaders

[edit]
  • Michael Frenzel - Businessman
  • Adam Goldstein - Businessman

Arts and Culture

[edit]
  • Giorgio Armani - clothing designer
  • Plácido Domingo - Opera singer

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]

Further reading

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

UN Tourism

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
UN Tourism is the specialized agency responsible for promoting responsible, sustainable, and universally accessible as a driver of , inclusive development, and environmental . Originating from the International Union of Official Travel Organisations (IUOTO), established in 1946 to foster international cooperation in travel promotion, the organization evolved into the World Tourism Organization in 1970 and became a formal UN specialized agency in 2003, to UN Tourism in 2023 to emphasize its global mandate. Headquartered in , , it engages 160 Member States, 6 Associate Members, and over 500 Affiliate Members through policy guidance, technical assistance in more than 100 countries, data dissemination, and support for innovation and education to enhance sector competitiveness and resilience. Under Secretary-General , who has led since 2018, UN Tourism has advanced initiatives like aligning with the 17 and providing recovery strategies post-COVID-19, though it has faced criticisms for lapses, including controversies over elections, alleged graft, and membership exits such as the ' 2020 withdrawal citing negligible benefits to American interests.

History

Founding and Early Years (1924-1975)

The origins of what would become UN Tourism trace back to May 4, 1925, when the International Congress of Official Associations of Tourist Propaganda convened in , , establishing the International Union of Official Tourist Publicity Organizations (IUOTPO) as the first specialized international body focused on promotion under Swiss . This organization aimed primarily at disseminating information to remove barriers to international travel, though its activities were limited to European entities and disrupted by . Following the war, the First International Congress of National Tourism Bodies met in in 1946 and resolved to form the International Union of Official Travel Organizations (IUOTO) to replace the defunct IUOTPO, with a constitutive assembly held in in 1947 that formalized its structure as a non-governmental association under Swiss law. IUOTO's objectives centered on facilitating development by addressing obstacles such as customs formalities and promoting international cooperation, initially comprising mostly Western developed states; its headquarters were temporarily in before relocating to in 1951. In 1948, IUOTO established consultative status with the and created its first regional commission, the European Travel Commission, followed by commissions for in 1949 and the in 1951 to expand its scope. Key advancements included Robert Lonati's appointment as IUOTO's first Secretary-General in 1957, which professionalized operations, and participation in the 1954 UN Conference on Customs Formalities in New York to advocate for simplified travel procedures. By 1967, IUOTO had influenced the UN to designate that year as International Tourist Year under the slogan "Tourism: Passport to Peace," highlighting tourism's role in fostering global understanding. Recognizing limitations as a non-intergovernmental body, IUOTO's 1970 Extraordinary General Assembly in adopted statutes for transformation into an intergovernmental World Tourism Organization (WTO), ratified by sufficient members by 1974 to transfer assets and obligations. The WTO's inaugural General Assembly convened in Madrid, Spain, from May 12 to 24, 1975, marking the official establishment of the organization with 52 founding member states and Lonati elected as its first Secretary-General; this shift emphasized equitable tourism promotion, particularly for developing countries, and positioned it for future UN integration. The headquarters moved to Madrid effective January 1, 1976, solidifying its operational base.

Establishment as World Tourism Organization (1975-2002)

The statutes of the World Tourism Organization (WTO) were adopted on 27 September 1970 in Mexico City, transforming the non-governmental International Union of Official Travel Organizations into an intergovernmental body. These statutes entered into force on 2 January 1975, following ratification by 51 states, marking the formal establishment of the WTO. The first General Assembly convened in Madrid, Spain, from 12 to 24 May 1975, where Robert Lonati of France was elected as the inaugural Secretary-General, and Madrid was selected as the permanent headquarters. The General Secretariat commenced operations in Madrid on 1 January 1976, facilitating the organization's administrative functions and technical cooperation efforts. That year, the WTO signed an agreement with the (UNDP) to serve as an executing agency, enabling collaborative projects in tourism development for developing countries. Membership expanded steadily from the initial 51 states, reflecting growing international recognition of tourism's economic importance, with the organization focusing on policy standardization, data collection, and promotion of responsible practices. In 1980, the World Tourism Conference in Manila, Philippines, adopted the Manila Declaration on World Tourism, which affirmed tourism's role in economic development, international understanding, and peace while emphasizing equitable benefits and environmental protection. The 1982 Acapulco Document, from a subsequent conference in Mexico, further outlined strategies for tourism's contribution to socioeconomic progress. Leadership transitioned in 1985 at the Sofia General Assembly, where Willibald Pahr of Austria succeeded Lonati as Secretary-General, coinciding with the adoption of the Tourism Bill of Rights and the Tourist's Code of Ethics and Conduct to safeguard travelers and hosts. Antonio Enríquez Savignac of assumed the Secretary-General role in 1989 following the Paris General Assembly, serving until 1998 with re-election in 1993 at . Under his tenure, the WTO emphasized and regional cooperation. Francesco Frangialli of was elected in 1997 at the Istanbul General Assembly, introducing a outlining strategies for tourism in the 21st century, including competitiveness, , and generation. Frangialli's re-election in 2001 at the Seoul/Osaka Assembly accompanied declarations reinforcing tourism's role in poverty alleviation and cultural exchange. By 2002, the WTO had solidified its mandate through initiatives like declaring the International Year of , culminating in the Quebec Declaration at the World Ecotourism Summit, which promoted as a tool for conservation and . Throughout this period, the organization published statistical yearbooks, developed international recommendations on tourism statistics, and facilitated technical assistance, establishing itself as the primary global forum for tourism policy coordination.

Integration as UN Specialized Agency and Expansion (2003-2023)

In 2003, the World Tourism Organization (WTO) achieved formal integration as a specialized agency of the , marking a pivotal enhancement of its global authority and coordination role. During its 15th in , , from October 13–18, delegates approved resolution 453(XV), endorsing the organization's transformation into a UN specialized agency to strengthen its contributions to and alleviation through . This was ratified by the UN via resolution A/RES/58/232 on December 23, 2003, following an agreement negotiated with the UN Secretariat and endorsed by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) earlier that year. The status enabled WTO to participate fully in UN system-wide mechanisms, such as the Chief Executives Board, while maintaining operational independence under its statutes. This integration coincided with expanded programmatic focus, including the launch of the Sustainable Tourism – Eliminating Poverty (ST-EP) initiative at the Assembly, aimed at leveraging for economic inclusion in developing regions, and the establishment of the World Committee on Tourism Ethics to promote responsible practices. In response to emerging global challenges, WTO adopted a Strategy for in 2003 and hosted the First International Conference on and Tourism in , , emphasizing adaptation measures. Membership grew steadily, reflecting broader adoption of WTO's frameworks; by 2021, it encompassed 159 countries as full members, alongside associate members and over 500 affiliates from the . Under Secretary-General Francesco Frangialli (serving until 2009), the organization addressed post-tsunami recovery through the 2005 Phuket Action Plan and marked its 30th anniversary in 2006 with enhanced UN collaboration, including hosting UN Secretary-General . Taleb Rifai, appointed in 2010, prioritized resilience amid the 2008–2009 financial crisis, developing a Roadmap for Recovery and establishing the Tourism Resilience Committee in 2008; his tenure saw initiatives like the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria to standardize environmental and social standards. The 17th in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia (2007), adopted the Davos Declaration on climate action, reinforcing tourism's role in the UN . From 2018 onward, Secretary-General advanced digital transformation, investment promotion, and post-COVID recovery strategies, with tourism arrivals nearing 90% of pre-pandemic levels by late 2023. Expansion included regional commissions and capacity-building programs, such as the ST-EP Foundation's operations from Seoul, Korea, and increased emphasis on ethics, with the World Committee on Tourism Ethics convening regularly to enforce the 1999 Global Code of Ethics for . By 2023, these efforts had positioned WTO—soon to rebrand—as a key UN partner in aligning with , though critiques noted challenges in enforcing standards amid rapid sectoral growth.

Rebranding to UN Tourism (2024)

On January 24, 2024, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) officially rebranded to UN Tourism, adopting a simplified name and updated visual identity to signify a new phase in its role as the United Nations specialized agency for tourism. The change eliminated the previous full designation "United Nations World Tourism Organization" and its acronym UNWTO, aiming to enhance accessibility and underscore the organization's leadership in promoting tourism as a driver of sustainable development. The rebranding process involved collaboration with Interbrand, a global branding agency, which developed a new featuring a grid of geographical coordinates to symbolize global connectivity and the organization's focus on bringing people closer through . UN Tourism Secretary-General stated that the new brand reflects the organization's commitment to fostering responsible, sustainable, and universally accessible , positioning it as a catalyst for , social inclusion, and in the post-pandemic recovery era. This initiative aligns with the expectation of reaching pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2024, emphasizing resilience and innovation in the sector.

Mandate and Objectives

Core Functions and Principles

UN Tourism serves as the United Nations specialized agency tasked with promoting responsible, sustainable, and universally accessible tourism, positioning the sector as a catalyst for , inclusive development, and environmental . Its mandate emphasizes integrating tourism into national and global policy agendas to address poverty reduction, job creation, and alignment with the 17 (SDGs). Core functions include providing technical assistance and implementing development projects across more than 100 countries to build sector capacity. The conducts , disseminates , and supports planning, marketing strategies, and to enhance tourism competitiveness. It also fosters by aiding startups, facilitating connections between destinations and investors, and promoting sharing through and capacity-building initiatives. These activities aim to maximize 's contributions to socioeconomic benefits while mitigating environmental impacts. Guiding principles are encapsulated in five strategic priorities: accelerating innovation and to modernize the sector; bolstering competitiveness via targeted investments and entrepreneurial support; creating opportunities and expanding ; strengthening resilience through safe and seamless protocols, particularly in response to global disruptions; and safeguarding cultural and natural heritage alongside community empowerment. These priorities derive from the organization's statutes and are operationalized through collaborative frameworks that prioritize measurable outcomes over ideological directives.

Strategic Goals and Policy Frameworks

UN Tourism delineates five core strategic priorities to guide its global mandate: accelerating innovation and in tourism operations; enhancing sector competitiveness via targeted investments and entrepreneurial support; fostering and social inclusion to benefit diverse stakeholders; advancing and to mitigate environmental impacts; and bolstering structures alongside international partnerships for effective implementation. These priorities, formalized post-rebranding in 2024, emphasize data-driven recovery from disruptions like the , with a focus on integrating technology such as AI and to optimize tourism flows and visitor experiences. The organization's policy frameworks prioritize as a foundational principle, defining it as development that balances economic viability, , and across all tourism types, including mass tourism in varied destinations. Key instruments include the Statistical Framework for Measuring (MST), endorsed internationally in , which standardizes metrics for tracking economic, social, and environmental indicators to inform policy-making and performance evaluation. This framework supports alignment with the 2030 Agenda, positioning tourism as a contributor to all 17 (SDGs), particularly SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth), SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production), and SDG 14 (life below water). Additional frameworks address and regenerative practices, such as the 2024 Guiding Principles for Sustainable in Tourism, co-developed with UNCTAD, which outline policies to attract private capital toward low-carbon infrastructure and biodiversity conservation while avoiding greenwashing risks. UN Tourism also promotes the One Planet Programme, targeting reductions in , food waste, and emissions through actionable guidelines for member states and industry actors. These policies underscore empirical measurement over aspirational rhetoric, though implementation varies by national capacity, with annual reports highlighting gaps in data reliability from developing regions.

Organizational Structure

Membership and Categories

UN Tourism maintains three principal categories of membership: full Member States, Associate Members, and Affiliate Members, as defined in its Statutes. As of December 31, 2024, membership totals 160 full Member States, 6 Associate Members, and 473 Affiliate Members. These categories enable representation from governments, sub-sovereign entities, and the , supporting the organization's mandate to promote through diverse stakeholder input. Full Member States consist of sovereign countries, primarily United Nations members or observers, that exercise comprehensive rights including voting in the on a one-state, one-vote basis. Admission requires application to the Secretary-General, review by the Executive Council, and approval by a two-thirds majority of members present and voting; dues are assessed based on a scale reflecting economic capacity, with contributions funding core operations. This category dominates governance, with members electing regional representatives to commissions and influencing policy via the Programme and Budget Committee. Associate Members encompass territories or groups of territories not fully responsible to a Member State, such as certain dependent regions or autonomous areas with distinct tourism policies (e.g., , ). They hold in the General Assembly without voting rights but participate fully in regional commissions and technical committees; admission follows a similar process to full members, with dues scaled to administrative capacity. This category, limited to 6 members, addresses tourism interests in non-sovereign jurisdictions while subordinating their roles to prevent dilution of state-level . Affiliate Members include private sector organizations such as companies, associations, universities, destinations, and non-governmental entities, numbering 473 as of late 2024. Eligibility requires alignment with UN Tourism's objectives, with applications vetted for ; members pay annual fees tiered by entity size (e.g., under €1 million revenue or above) and gain access to knowledge platforms, networking events, and consultative input on policies without voting rights. This category promotes industry-government collaboration, exemplified by contributions to initiatives like standards, though participation remains advisory to prioritize governmental authority.

Leadership and Governance Bodies

The Secretary-General serves as the of UN Tourism, directing day-to-day operations, implementing programs, and representing the organization internationally. , a Georgian , has held the position since 1 January 2018, following his election at the 22nd session in , . His mandate extends until the end of 2025, after which Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais, an Emirati business leader, will assume the role as the first woman Secretary-General, elected on 1 June 2025 for the 2026–2029 term. The General Assembly is the principal decision-making body, convening biennially with representatives from all 160 member states, 6 associate members, and over 500 affiliate members to approve strategic plans, budgets, and work programs, as well as to elect the Secretary-General and members of the Executive Council. The 26th session is scheduled for November 2025 in , coinciding with the organization's 50th anniversary, where key governance transitions and policy approvals will occur. The Executive Council acts as the executive organ, comprising 35 full member states elected by the for renewable four-year terms, plus non-voting representatives from associate and affiliate members; it convenes at least biannually to oversee program execution, financial matters, and preparations for sessions. Recent sessions, such as the 123rd in May 2025 in , , have addressed tourism trends, governance reforms, and Secretary-General nominations. UN Tourism operates six regional commissions—for , the , and the Pacific, , the , and —each led by a chairperson from a to promote regional , coordinate policies, and tackle area-specific challenges like and crisis recovery. These commissions meet periodically, fostering cooperation among regional members on issues such as investment and market competitiveness. Specialized subsidiary bodies, including the Committee on Tourism and Competitiveness and the World Committee on Tourism Ethics, provide expert advice on thematic priorities, with the latter overseeing implementation of the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism adopted in 1999.

Headquarters and Operational Framework

The headquarters of UN Tourism are situated at Calle Poeta Joan Maragall 42, 28020 , , serving as the primary seat for its Secretariat. This location has hosted the organization's central operations since its establishment as the World Tourism Organization in 1975. The facility supports administrative functions, program implementation, research activities, and coordination with member states and affiliates. As a specialized agency of the , UN Tourism's Secretariat in oversees day-to-day execution of global tourism policies, data collection, and capacity-building initiatives. UN Tourism's operational framework emphasizes a decentralized approach to enhance regional responsiveness, complemented by its central Secretariat. The organization maintains six regional commissions—covering Africa, the Americas, East Asia and the Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, and South Asia—which convene periodically to address region-specific tourism challenges, promote policy alignment, and foster inter-member collaboration. These commissions operate under the guidance of the General Assembly and Executive Council, enabling tailored strategies while aligning with global objectives. To further decentralize operations, UN Tourism has established regional support and thematic offices beyond . The Regional Support Office for and the Pacific, based in , was set up in 1995 to advance tourism development in that area through targeted programs and . Additional offices include a regional presence for the , with ongoing efforts to strengthen legal and operational agreements, such as those with and , to ensure effective on-ground implementation. This structure facilitates direct engagement with regional governments, private sector partners, and local institutions, supporting growth amid diverse geopolitical and economic contexts.

Key Activities and Initiatives

Research, Data, and Analytics

UN Tourism maintains a comprehensive Tourism Statistics Database that aggregates global data on domestic, inbound, and outbound activities, accommodation statistics, in the sector, and its macroeconomic contributions, including through the Tourism Satellite Account (TSA) framework. Data collection occurs via annual questionnaires sent to member states and territories, standardized according to the International Recommendations on Statistics (IRTS 2008), ensuring methodological consistency for cross-country comparisons. The database also incorporates System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA) metrics for assessing 's environmental impacts and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)-related indicators, with the most recent update as of January 31, 2024. Access to raw data is restricted but available free of charge to students and researchers upon formal request with institutional verification. The UN Tourism Data Dashboard delivers real-time analytics through monthly and annual updates on key performance indicators, such as international tourist arrivals, tourism receipts, share of exports, seasonality patterns, GDP contributions, air transport volumes, hotel occupancy rates, short-term rental demand, and traveler sentiment indices. These metrics are disaggregated at global, regional, and national levels, enabling stakeholders to track trends and forecast developments; for instance, the dashboard highlighted an estimated 1.4 billion international tourist arrivals worldwide in 2024, marking an 11% increase from 2023. Through its Committee on Statistics and flagship publications like the World Tourism Barometer and annual UN Tourism Data series (initiated in 1995), the organization conducts analytical research to evaluate tourism's socio-economic role and support evidence-based policymaking. These efforts integrate empirical data into national statistical systems, aiding governments in measuring tourism's economic weight—often 5-10% of global GDP—and informing strategies for sustainable growth and crisis recovery.

Publications and Knowledge Dissemination

UN Tourism disseminates tourism-related knowledge primarily through its UN Tourism Elibrary, which hosts over 1,600 electronic publications including books, journals, reports, and statistical analyses on subjects such as , market intelligence, frameworks, and industry trends. The platform also curates more than 900 sets encompassing domestic, inbound, and outbound metrics—like arrivals, overnight stays, and economic indicators—for over 200 countries and territories, with historical extending to 1995. Access is subscription-based for non-members, while full members receive complimentary entry to support and formulation. Among its flagship outputs, the World Tourism Barometer delivers periodic assessments of global tourism performance, incorporating short- and medium-term trend analyses alongside provisional data on arrivals and receipts; the January 2025 edition, for instance, highlighted recovery patterns post-pandemic. The UN Tourism Data Dashboard further enhances accessibility by providing interactive visualizations of core indicators, including international tourist arrivals, tourism's share of exports, seasonality indices, GDP contributions, and emerging metrics like air transport volumes and travel sentiment, updated monthly and annually across global, regional, and national scopes. These tools enable stakeholders to track real-time dynamics and inform evidence-based decisions. To broaden knowledge transfer, UN Tourism operates the UN Tourism Online , a digital learning platform offering self-paced courses in multiple languages on specialized areas such as digital marketing for tourism, sustainable practices, and rural development strategies; as of October 2025, select modules like rural tourism training remain freely accessible year-round to promote capacity building. Complementary efforts include international academies that facilitate knowledge exchange through program development, event dissemination, and advisory support for tourism education globally. UN Tourism also permits reproduction and adaptation of its materials under specified guidelines to encourage wider application in academic, governmental, and industry contexts.

Partnerships, Ambassadors, and Global Programs

UN Tourism maintains strategic partnerships with international bodies, governments, and private entities to foster innovation, sustainability, and resilience in the tourism sector. Collaborations include a 2024 coalition with the (WHO) to prioritize health in tourism development, marking the first formal joint effort to build inclusive and sustainable practices across and beyond. In May 2025, UN Tourism partnered with the Food and Agriculture Organization's (FAO) Mountain Partnership to launch a sustainable tourism project targeting Pacific , equipping participants with tools to leverage local ingredients for market access and community engagement. Private sector ties encompass a deepened 2024 agreement with holidays on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards to promote responsible travel, and a July 2024 initiative with TUI Care Foundation to empower rural African artisans through tourism-driven economic opportunities. The organization appoints volunteer ambassadors from diverse fields such as sports, gastronomy, business, and entertainment to advocate for and equitable access. Football figures including , Andrés Iniesta, Iker Casillas, and managers like Vicente del Bosque serve as ambassadors, leveraging their global influence to promote responsible practices. representatives, such as chefs and , focus on sustainable , while business leaders like Pierfrancesco Vago contribute expertise in sector-wide innovation. These ambassadors amplify UN Tourism's messaging without compensation, drawing from over a dozen appointees across sectors to highlight environmental conservation and . Key global programs emphasize data-driven sustainability and . The International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories tracks economic, environmental, and social impacts through affiliated centers worldwide, enabling formulation. The Global Tourism Plastics Initiative, uniting industry stakeholders, targets root causes of via reduced single-use items and adoption. Launched in 2021, the Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism has secured over 850 signatories committed to net-zero emissions and resilience measures. In December 2024, the iCOAST program, supported by the , addresses pollution in 14 countries by enhancing policies, funding access, and supply chain efficiencies. Recent efforts include October 2025 massive open online courses (MOOCs) for rural communities, providing tools for entrepreneurship.

Achievements and Contributions

Economic and Developmental Impacts

UN Tourism has emphasized the sector's substantial contribution to global economic output, estimating that tourism directly and indirectly accounts for approximately 10% of worldwide GDP and supports one in 10 jobs globally, based on pre-pandemic benchmarks and ongoing recovery data. Through its research and analytics, the organization compiles macroeconomic indicators such as tourism's share in employed persons under SDG Indicator 8.9.2, facilitating evidence-based policymaking for member states to harness these economic multipliers. In 2023, the broader travel and tourism sector contributed nearly $10 trillion to the global economy, representing 9.1% of GDP and sustaining 330 million jobs, with UN Tourism's data dashboards aiding in tracking international spending trends exceeding $1.6 trillion. On the developmental front, UN Tourism promotes as a vehicle for and , particularly in , by generating direct in tourism businesses and indirect opportunities in supply chains for . The links tourism development to national poverty alleviation strategies, advocating for sustainable practices that enhance livelihoods while monitoring environmental and social impacts to prevent negative externalities. For instance, through initiatives aligned with the 2030 Agenda, UN Tourism supports biodiversity protection and enhancement in regions like the Americas, where tourism fosters community-level economic resilience and reduces inequality. These efforts have contributed to tourism's role in driving 4% of global GDP and one in 10 jobs prior to disruptions, with recovery projections underscoring its potential for sustained developmental gains amid challenges like geopolitical tensions.

Role in Crisis Response and Recovery

UN Tourism coordinates international efforts to mitigate the impacts of crises on the tourism sector, providing guidelines, fostering partnerships, and promoting resilient recovery strategies. During the , which halted and threatened millions of jobs, the organization established the Global Tourism Crisis Committee in 2020, comprising representatives from member states, entities, and international bodies including the , , and World Travel & Tourism Council. This committee developed a unified response framework, shifting focus to safe reopening protocols amid global lockdowns. In May 2020, UN Tourism released the Global Guidelines to Restart , outlining risk-based protocols aligned with health authorities to facilitate phased reopenings, and Priorities for Tourism Recovery, emphasizing job preservation, liquidity support, and sustainable rebuilding. These efforts included analytical support for governments and calls to integrate tourism into broader economic stimulus, recognizing the sector's role in sustaining 1 in 10 global jobs pre-crisis. The organization also issued impact assessments, projecting international arrivals to recover to 80-95% of levels by 2023, aiding policy formulation for vulnerable economies reliant on tourism exports, which account for up to 45% of service exports in developing countries. For recovery, UN Tourism launched the Roadmap for Recovery: Tourism & Travel, targeting resilience-building, stimulus measures, and integration to retain 75 million direct jobs and create new opportunities through , skills training, and infrastructure like . This framework promotes tourism as a driver of —contributing $1 trillion annually pre-crisis—and advocates visa simplifications, tax incentives, and such as e-visas to accelerate rebound while reducing the sector's 5% share of global CO2 emissions. Extending beyond COVID-19, UN Tourism addresses diverse threats through initiatives like the Safety of Destinations (SAFE-D) framework, launched for Europe in collaboration with Czechia, which provides a roadmap for preparedness (risk assessments and early warnings), response (coordination and communication), and recovery (confidence restoration and resilience policies) against health emergencies, natural disasters, and security issues. In June 2025, it initiated the "Safe Destinations Challenge," an open innovation call to bolster crisis management in the region via knowledge-sharing and policy alignment. These efforts underscore a proactive stance, including expert webinars and guidance documents to embed long-term adaptability in national tourism strategies.

Advancements in Sustainable and Inclusive Tourism

UN Tourism has promoted development by integrating environmental considerations into sector policies, emphasizing the balance of economic, social, and environmental impacts as defined in collaboration with the . Key initiatives include the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative, launched to address across the tourism by encouraging circularity in plastic use and reducing single-use plastics, with participation from over 40 organizations as of 2023. The International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO), established to monitor economic, environmental, and social impacts at destination levels, had 35 members by 2023, providing data-driven insights for policy-making. Through the TOURISM 4 SDGs platform, UN Tourism advocates for tourism's contribution to the , particularly SDG 8.9, which targets policies for that create jobs and preserve by 2030. This includes the One Planet initiative, focused on job creation, conservation, and heritage protection via responsible practices, and efforts in to mitigate tourism's , which account for about 8% of global totals. UN Tourism also supports programs, such as reducing water and in tourism operations, and conservation in vulnerable areas like . In advancing inclusive tourism, UN Tourism emphasizes accessibility for persons with disabilities and integration of disadvantaged groups, releasing sector-specific guidelines based on ISO 21902:2021 standards, including those for transport in November 2024 and tour operators in September 2024. The San Marino Action Agenda 2030, adopted at the International Conference on Accessible Tourism in November 2023, outlines commitments to universal design and policy reforms for equitable access. The Global Report on Inclusive Tourism Destinations provides a modular model for destinations to incorporate marginalized communities, aligning with SDG poverty reduction goals through case studies of sustainable economic inclusion. Recent developments include the launch of a Global Social Innovation Challenge in September 2025, targeting tech-enabled projects in community-based , inclusivity, and to foster resilient growth. In October 2025, UN Tourism introduced free online courses on development to empower local communities for sustainable and inclusive practices. Partnerships, such as with Germany's Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development at in March 2025, highlight efforts to promote accessible tourism's economic benefits, estimated to unlock markets worth €100 billion annually in alone. These initiatives aim to expand tourism's reach while minimizing exclusionary barriers, though empirical evaluations of long-term efficacy remain limited to self-reported destination data.

Criticisms and Controversies

Allegations of Internal Corruption and Manipulation

In 2017, during the election of Zurab Pololikashvili as Secretary-General, opponents alleged procedural manipulations, including the improper appointment of an interim leader by the Georgian delegation in violation of statutes requiring regional rotation, and undue pressure on member states to secure votes through bilateral deals. These claims, raised by figures such as former candidate Walter Mzembi of Zimbabwe, pointed to exclusionary tactics that sidelined competitive candidacies and favored Pololikashvili's nomination despite his lack of prior senior experience in the organization. No formal investigation by UN oversight bodies substantiated widespread fraud at the time, though the process drew criticism from predecessors like Taleb Rifai for eroding institutional norms. Subsequent internal discontent culminated in a 2023 open letter from UNWTO staff, which decried a culture of manipulations, opaque , and favoritism in that undermined operational and staff morale. Complainants in related International Labour Organization tribunal cases, such as G. (No. 2) v. UNWTO (judgment 4456, circa 2022), alleged condoned fraudulent practices in and personnel , though the tribunal focused on individual remedies rather than systemic . Critics, including industry observers, attributed these issues to Pololikashvili's , which reportedly prioritized geopolitical alliances over merit-based . By 2024, Pololikashvili faced linkages to Spain's Koldo scandal, a probe involving inflated public contracts for medical masks during the crisis, with reports indicating his interactions with José Luis Ábalos, the former Spanish transport minister at the scandal's center, and potential influence on tourism-related tenders hosted in . Spanish authorities investigated over 100 million euros in suspicious dealings, though no direct charges against Pololikashvili emerged; the allegations fueled claims of external pressures compromising UN Tourism's headquarters operations. Ahead of the 2025 Secretary-General election, accusations intensified over a purported "dark deal" wherein Georgia withdrew its candidate to endorse the UAE's nominee, allegedly in exchange for reciprocal support and undisclosed concessions, bypassing transparent regional consultations. This maneuver, criticized as shadow bargaining, echoed prior election complaints and prompted calls from member states for independent audits, though UN Tourism's executive council did not initiate formal probes. Such recurrent allegations, often amplified by industry publications rather than official UN reports, highlight persistent tensions between the organization's specialized agency status and vulnerabilities to national influences, without resolved evidence of criminal convictions.

Debates Over Policy Priorities and Effectiveness

Critics have argued that UN Tourism's policy framework, which heavily emphasizes as a core priority, fails to adequately integrate imperatives, leading to unbalanced outcomes in member states. For instance, the organization's promotion of the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism and goals aligns with UN but has been faulted for prioritizing environmental and social metrics over measurable economic competitiveness, potentially hindering tourism's role as a poverty alleviation tool in developing nations. This tension reflects a broader where proponents of market-driven policies contend that UN Tourism's regulatory-heavy approach discourages , as evidenced by stagnant growth in regulated destinations compared to less interventionist markets. The effectiveness of UN Tourism's sustainability initiatives has been questioned due to persistent and despite decades of policy advocacy. John Swarbrooke's analysis posits that , as championed by organizations like UN Tourism, has failed because it treats as an add-on rather than a fundamental restructuring of the industry, resulting in superficial certifications and guidelines that do not alter tourist behaviors or demand patterns. Empirical indicators support this view: global tourism arrivals grew by 7% annually from 2010 to 2019, yet carbon emissions from and accommodation rose correspondingly without proportional mitigation, suggesting policy prescriptions lack enforceable mechanisms or incentives for compliance. Debates also center on UN Tourism's handling of overtourism, where policy priorities favor volume growth over capacity management, exacerbating local disruptions. In , UN Tourism convened ministers to debate overtourism strategies, yet subsequent reports indicate limited adoption of recommended measures like visitor caps or pricing reforms, with hotspots such as and experiencing ongoing resident protests and infrastructure strain as of 2023. Critics attribute this ineffectiveness to the organization's reliance on voluntary guidelines rather than binding standards, allowing high-growth priorities to prevail amid a forecasted 1.8 billion international arrivals by 2030. Furthermore, evaluations of UN Tourism's broader policy impact highlight implementation gaps, particularly in data-driven and regional . A of UNWTO activities from 1975 to 2020 identifies failures in translating into actionable policies, such as inadequate responses to market failures in small island states where tourism dependency amplifies vulnerability to shocks without diversified strategies. This has fueled arguments that the organization's priorities, skewed toward global advocacy over localized enforcement, undermine its credibility in fostering resilient tourism ecosystems.

Geopolitical Influences and Leadership Disputes

The election of as UNWTO Secretary-General in 2017 was marked by allegations of vote trading, , and procedural irregularities, culminating in a narrow runoff amid widespread rumors of . These claims, raised by member states and observers, highlighted early tensions over opaque electoral processes influenced by regional bloc voting patterns. Pololikashvili's 2021 re-election faced similar scrutiny, with critics decrying the disqualification of rival candidates and accusations of favoritism toward allied nations, prompting a global petition for procedural fairness signed by former secretaries-general. Only two candidacies proceeded, underscoring disputes over eligibility rules that allegedly advantaged incumbents backed by influential geopolitical partners. Geopolitical fault lines intensified in 2022 when the UNWTO Executive Council voted to suspend 's membership following its invasion of , a decision supported by two-thirds of members including initiators , , , , and , reflecting broader Western alignment against Russian actions. preemptively withdrew, citing the suspension as politically motivated, which strained relations with pro-Russian or neutral states and exposed the organization's vulnerability to great-power conflicts. By 2024-2025, leadership disputes escalated with graft allegations against Pololikashvili, including ties to 's Koldo corruption involving contracts and claims of financial mismanagement, prompting membership reviews by dissatisfied European nations. Georgia withdrew his candidacy for a third term in May 2025 over a diplomatic hiring dispute, amid accusations of backroom deals with the UAE and election manipulation favoring certain regional alliances. , as host nation, urged a "clean and transparent" process, signaling host-state leverage in ongoing electoral . These events illustrate how voting blocs—often aligned by economic , bilateral ties, or anti-Western sentiments—undermine merit-based leadership, with and Middle Eastern states reportedly countering European influence in candidate support.

Recent Developments

Post-Rebranding Reforms and Initiatives (2024-2025)

In January 2024, following the from UNWTO to , the organization streamlined its visual identity and digital presence, including updates to its website and communication channels, to enhance accessibility and emphasize its role as the specialized agency for . This shift supported the implementation of the approved 2024-2025 Programme of Work, which prioritized catalytic sustainability efforts such as advancing the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism to track emissions and achieve net zero by 2050, the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative to foster practices reducing , and the Global Roadmap for Food Waste Reduction targeting minimized waste across tourism operations. A key flagship program, the UN Net Zero Fund, was prioritized to finance tourism-specific mitigation and adaptation projects, aligning with broader UN climate goals and enabling member states to access targeted funding for low-carbon and resilience measures. In early 2025, UN Tourism expanded recognition of rural innovation by opening applications for the Best Tourism Villages initiative on , selecting destinations demonstrating excellence in safeguarding , promoting sustainable practices, and fostering community-led economic growth. Collaborative efforts advanced biodiversity protection through the Nature Positive Tourism Partnership, launched with the World Travel & Tourism Council, which commits participants to halting and reversing nature loss by 2030 via integrated conservation strategies in planning. World Day events reinforced these priorities: the 2024 edition on September 27 promoted "Tourism and Peace" by convening global leaders to leverage for and inclusive development, while the 2025 theme, "Tourism and Sustainable Transformation," urged stakeholders to prioritize emission cuts, safeguards, and resilient infrastructure investments amid post-pandemic recovery exceeding 2019 arrival levels. The Twenty-Sixth session, scheduled with a registration deadline of October 27, 2025, featured thematic discussions on and innovation's role in reshaping global , signaling a push toward data-driven reforms for efficiency and competitiveness. These initiatives reflect UN Tourism's post-rebranding emphasis on actionable, evidence-based programs to address environmental challenges and economic disparities, though implementation effectiveness depends on adoption and funding availability. International tourist arrivals reached 99% of pre-pandemic levels in , marking near-full recovery from disruptions across most regions. In the first half of , arrivals grew 5% compared to the same period in , reaching 690 million overnight visitors and surpassing levels by 4%, despite ongoing global challenges such as economic pressures and geopolitical tensions. This growth reflects sustained demand, particularly from emerging markets in and the , where arrivals exceeded pre-pandemic figures earlier than in and the . Key trends include moderating tourism-specific inflation, projected to decline from 8.0% in 2024 to 6.8% in 2025, though remaining elevated relative to broader consumer prices due to supply constraints in high-demand destinations. Economic contributions remain robust, with and accounting for $10.9 in global GDP in 2024, encompassing direct, indirect, and induced effects. However, regional disparities persist: led recovery with over 100% of 2019 arrivals by mid-2025, while and the lagged slightly due to and connectivity issues. UN Tourism data highlights resilience in international , driven by pent-up demand and improved air connectivity, but warns of vulnerabilities from in popular sites and labor shortages in sectors. Projections for 2025 indicate 3% to 5% growth in international arrivals over 2024, aligning with UN Tourism's baseline forecast and supported by expert panels anticipating steady expansion amid easing and stabilizing global trade. Longer-term outlooks suggest the sector could contribute $16 trillion to global GDP by 2034, representing over 11% of total output, contingent on investments in sustainable and digitalization to mitigate risks and resource strains. These estimates assume no major escalations in conflicts or economic downturns, with UN Tourism emphasizing the need for data-driven policies to balance growth with environmental and social carrying capacities.

References

  1. https://www.untourism.int/about-us
  2. https://research.un.org/en/docs/unsystem/untrourism
  3. https://www.untourism.int/who-we-are
  4. https://www.untourism.int/management/zurab-pololikashvili
  5. https://www.heritage.org/global-politics/commentary/us-shouldnt-rejoin-un-tourism-agency-despite-trumps-budget-request
  6. https://live.worldtourismforum.net/news/un-tourism-under-fire-questions-mount-for-secretary-general-pololikashvili-amid-membership-exodus-and-graft-allegations
  7. https://opil.ouplaw.com/display/10.1093/law:epil/9780199231690/law-9780199231690-e1772
  8. https://www.untourism.int/history
  9. https://applications.icao.int/postalhistory/icao_and_the_world_tourism_organization.htm
  10. https://www.un-ilibrary.org/content/books/9789210594660s003-c006
  11. https://www.e-unwto.org/doi/pdf/10.18111/unwtodeclarations.1980.01.01
  12. https://news.un.org/en/story/2003/07/74002
  13. https://press.un.org/en/2003/ecosoc6070.doc.htm
  14. https://www.e-unwto.org/doi/pdf/10.18111/wtobarometereng.2023.21.1.3?download=true
  15. https://www.untourism.int/news/international-tourism-to-end-2023-close-to-90-of-pre-pandemic-levels
  16. https://www.untourism.int/news/unwto-becomes-un-tourism-to-mark-a-new-era-for-global-sector
  17. https://skift.com/2024/01/24/united-nations-rebrands-its-tourism-agency/
  18. https://travel.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/associations/unwto-rebrands-to-un-tourism-reaffirming-its-status-as-specialised-global-tourism-agency/107132565
  19. https://www.travelpulse.com/news/features/unwto-rebrands-for-new-era-of-travel
  20. https://www.unwto.org/who-we-are
  21. https://www.unwto.org/about-us
  22. https://www.unwto.org/sustainable-development
  23. https://www.untourism.int/tourism-statistics/statistical-framework-for-measuring-the-sustainability-of-tourism
  24. https://www.undp.org/publications/tourism-and-sustainable-development-goals-journey-2030
  25. https://unctad.org/system/files/official-document/diae2024d6_en.pdf
  26. http://unwto-web.leman.un-icc.cloud/sustainable-development/areasofwork-oneplanet-stp
  27. https://www.unwto.org/news/tourism-statistics-inform-un-reports-on-sustainable-development
  28. https://webunwto.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/2019-11/130718basicdocumentsenweb.pdf
  29. https://www.e-unwto.org/doi/pdf/10.18111/unwtoecd.2025.1.g51w645001604509?download=true
  30. https://www.unwto.org/affiliate-members
  31. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/historic-first-emirati-business-leader-shaikha-al-nowais-appointed-first-woman-secretary-general-of-un-tourism/articleshow/121544692.cms
  32. https://wttc.org/news/wttc-congratulates-shaikha-al-nowais-on-historic-nomination-as-secretary-general-of-un-tourism
  33. https://www.untourism.int/
  34. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251022579574/en/Saudi-Arabia-to-Host-26th-UN-Tourism-General-Assembly-in-November-Marking-Agencys-50th-Year
  35. https://thediplomatinspain.com/en/2025/04/09/un-tourism-elections-analysis-of-the-candidatures/
  36. https://www.instagram.com/p/DJEE65jOR4z/?hl=en
  37. https://www.untourism.int/unwto-regional-commissions
  38. https://www.untourism.int/structure
  39. https://www.unwto.org/ad-hoc-committee-and-working-group
  40. https://www.unwto.org/contact-us
  41. https://www.sriggle.com/info/unwto
  42. https://www.unwto.org/work-with-us
  43. https://www.e-unwto.org/doi/pdf/10.18111/unwtoecd.2021.115.11.06?download=true
  44. https://en.unwto-ap.org/
  45. http://pre-webunwto.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/2024-05/CE121_4_Report_on_the_establishment_Regional_Thematic_Offices_En_11.pdf?VersionId=bYJVJZe0mG8n9OZqan07A_AKEL_SlYVL
  46. https://webunwto.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/2022-05/CE_116_04_Establishment_Regional%2520Offices_En.pdf?tQRlM_rKWzWIazpOsnkVguvMcx9fUbgt
  47. https://www.e-unwto.org/doi/pdf/10.18111/unwtoecd.2025.5.g51w645001604522?download=true
  48. https://www.untourism.int/tourism-statistics/tourism-statistics-database
  49. https://www.untourism.int/tourism-data/un-tourism-tourism-dashboard
  50. https://en.unwto-ap.org/news/worldtourismbarometer_jan2025/
  51. https://www.untourism.int/tourism-statistics
  52. https://www.untourism.int/un-tourism-publications
  53. https://www.e-unwto.org/
  54. https://www.unwto-tourismacademy.ie.edu/
  55. https://www.untourism.int/education/international-academies
  56. https://www.who.int/europe/news/item/05-03-2024-who-and-un-tourism-make-health-a-priority-for-developing-resilient--inclusive-and-sustainable-tourism
  57. https://www.fao.org/mountain-partnership/news/newsroom/news-detail/un-tourism-and-fao-mountain-partnership-launch-sustainable-gastronomy-tourism-project-in-pacific-sids/en
  58. https://www.hospitalitynet.org/news/4123908.html
  59. https://www.tuigroup.com/en/newsroom/news/un-tourism-and-tui-care-foundation-partner-to-support-african-artisans-in-rural-areas
  60. https://www.untourism.int/un-tourism-ambassadors
  61. https://en.unwto-ap.org/observatories-insto/
  62. https://www.oneplanetnetwork.org/programmes/sustainable-tourism/global-tourism-plastics-initiative
  63. https://www.unwto.org/the-glasgow-declaration-on-climate-action-in-tourism
  64. https://www.thegef.org/newsroom/multimedia/icoast-program-boost-sustainable-tourism-14-countries
  65. https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/un-tourism-now-launches-moocs-to-empower-rural-communities-in-sustainable-tourism-development/
  66. https://www.untourism.int/tourism-statistics/economic-contribution-SDG
  67. https://assets-global.website-files.com/6329bc97af73223b575983ac/6643349dbfbdc3e3c03afcb8_EIR2024-World-130524.pdf
  68. https://www.untourism.int/tourism-in-2030-agenda
  69. https://www.e-unwto.org/doi/pdf/10.18111/9789284417254
  70. https://www.e-unwto.org/doi/book/10.18111/9789284419685
  71. https://www.facebook.com/UNCTAD/posts/tourism-drives-growth-jobs-and-poverty-reduction-contributing-4-of-global-gdp-an/1108343421332910/
  72. https://www.untourism.int/restarting-tourism
  73. https://www.untourism.int/impact-assessment-of-the-covid-19-outbreak-on-international-tourism
  74. https://www.untourism.int/roadmap-for-recovery-tourism-travel
  75. https://www.untourism.int/europe/safe-d
  76. https://www.hotel-online.com/news/un-tourism-launches-the-safe-destinations-challenge-to-strengthen-tourism-resilience-in-europe-and-beyond
  77. https://www.untourism.int/sustainable-development
  78. https://www.untourism.int/sustainable-development/global-tourism-plastics-initiative
  79. https://docs.un.org/en/A/80/267
  80. https://www.untourism.int/tourism4sdgs
  81. https://sdgs.un.org/topics/sustainable-tourism
  82. https://www.untourism.int/accessibility
  83. https://www.untourism.int/middle-east/publication/global-report-inclusive-tourism-destinations-model-and-success-stories
  84. https://atta.travel/resource/un-tourism-launches-global-social-innovation-challenge-to-drive-inclusive-tourism.html
  85. https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/un-tourism-launches-free-online-courses-for-rural-development-a-path-to-sustainable-and-inclusive-tourism/
  86. https://www.hospitalitynet.org/news/4126349.html
  87. https://www.tourism-review.com/head-of-world-tourism-organization-faces-huge-criticism-news11811
  88. https://www.tourismtattler.com/unwto-secretary-general-election-fiasco/
  89. https://www.fvw.de/international/travel-news/predecessors-criticise-pololikashvili-mudslinging-over-the-post-of-un-tourism-chief-250808
  90. https://africantraveltimes.com/how-corruption-manipulations-is-destroying-united-nations-world-tourism-organisations/2023/10/09/14/38/6366/
  91. https://wwwex.ilo.org/dyn/triblex/triblexmain.fullText?p_lang=en&p_judgment_no=4456&p_language_code=EN
  92. https://eturbonews.com/50-year-journey-of-achievements-manipulation-and-corruption-of-un-tourism/
  93. https://ttgce.eu/koldo-scandal-ties-to-unwtos-pololikashvili/
  94. https://eturbonews.com/criminal-corruption-in-spain-un-tourism-sg-in-trouble/
  95. https://thediplomatinspain.com/en/2025/05/31/elections-at-un-tourism-the-dark-deal-between-georgia-and-the-united-arab-emirates-shapes-the-outcome/
  96. https://live.worldtourismforum.net/news/un-tourism-in-crisis-fraud-political-maneuvering-and-the-fight-to-save-its-integrity
  97. https://eturbonews.com/manipulation-warning-for-all-un-tourism-member-countries/
  98. https://www.weforum.org/stories/2017/08/the-growth-paradox-can-tourism-ever-be-sustainable/
  99. https://responsibletourismpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/WHY-SUSTAINABLE-TOURISM-FAILED-PublishedISBN.pdf
  100. https://traveltomorrow.com/why-sustainable-tourism-failed/
  101. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9389488/
  102. https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/do/10.5555/collection-news-64924/abs/
  103. https://www.e-unwto.org/doi/pdf/10.18111/9789284420070
  104. https://www.weforum.org/stories/2023/10/what-is-overtourism-and-how-can-we-overcome-it/
  105. http://eustudies.history.knu.ua/pilkevych-shkorupinska/
  106. https://www.oecd.org/content/dam/oecd/en/publications/reports/2015/03/a-review-of-effective-policies-for-tourism-growth_g17a25ed/5js4vmp5n5r8-en.pdf
  107. https://www.devex.com/news/the-unraveling-of-the-unwto-secretary-general-confirmation-91025
  108. https://live.worldtourismforum.net/news/un-tourism-at-a-crossroads-a-comprehensive-analysis-of-the-2025-unwto-secretary-general-elections
  109. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/man-fit-hold-tourisms-highest-office-des-langkilde
  110. https://skift.com/2020/12/16/advocates-push-for-fairness-by-asking-to-delay-election-for-un-tourism-agency-leadership/
  111. https://thetourismsociety.com/unwtos-secretary-general-re-elected-in-controversial-circumstances/
  112. https://www.untourism.int/news/unwto-members-vote-to-suspend-russia
  113. https://www.gov.pl/web/diplomacy/russian-federation-suspended-from-un-world-tourism-organization
  114. https://www.reuters.com/world/un-tourism-body-chief-says-russia-quitting-organisation-2022-04-27/
  115. https://oc-media.org/georgia-withdraws-candidate-for-un-tourism-agency-secretary-general-and-backs-uaes-bid/
  116. https://thediplomatinspain.com/en/2025/05/30/spain-calls-for-a-clean-transparent-and-rule-abiding-process-in-the-appointment-of-the-new-un-tourism-secretary-general/?noamp=mobile
  117. https://pre-webunwto.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/2023-10/A25_4_c_Draft_Programme_Work_2024_2025_rev1_En.pdf?VersionId=f87QHlfdEF31lDDrbrms82gFO2NCQZu5
  118. https://www.untourism.int/sustainable-development/tourism-initiatives
  119. https://pre-webunwto.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/2023-10/A25_4_c_RC-1_Flagship_Programme_of_Work_2024-2025_En_1.pdf?VersionId=n_wdldUgxN8X.NeC2tDpjMSWkBsXuP60
  120. https://www.untourism.int/news/un-tourism-opens-call-for-best-tourism-villages-2025
  121. https://www.untourism.int/news/world-tourism-day-2024-a-global-message-of-tourism-for-peace
  122. https://www.un.org/en/observances/tourism-day
  123. https://www.untourism.int/general-assembly-twenty-sixth-session
  124. https://www.untourism.int/news/international-tourism-up-5-in-first-half-of-2025-despite-global-challenges
  125. https://www.untourism.int/un-tourism-world-tourism-barometer-data
  126. https://wttc.org/research/economic-impact
  127. https://pre-webunwto.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/2025-05/World_Tourism%2520Barometer_May25_en_excerpt.pdf?VersionId=iH4C5XPe7gpunRM_j.pSo7X5Ujd3LYIa
  128. https://www.e-unwto.org/doi/abs/10.18111/wtobarometereng.2025.23.1.1
  129. https://reports.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Travel_and_Tourism_at_a_Turning_Point_2025.pdf
  130. https://pre-webunwto.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/2025-09/World_Tourism%2520Barometer_Sep25_en_excerpt_v3.pdf
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.