Virtually all source markets reported higher tourism spending in 2017, reflecting continued strong demand for international tourism across all world regions. Both emerging and advanced economies fuelled growth, led by the United States which spent US$ 12 billion more on travel abroad. China spent US$ 8 billion more, consolidating its leadership as the biggest spender in the world. The Russian Federation spent US$ 7 billion more and Brazil US$ 5 billion more, both rebounding from weaker spending in previous years. Strong tourism expenditure reflects enhanced connectivity, increased visa facilitation and a global economic upswing.

Published in GLOBAL TOURISM NEWS

Madrid, Spain, 11 April 2018 - The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the Government of Spain and the Principality of Asturias are organizing the 2nd UNWTO World Conference on Smart Destinations (Oviedo, 25-27 June 2018). The Conference will discuss the principles of 21st-century tourism destinations, marked by governance, innovation, technology, sustainability and accessibility.

The event, which is being held for the second year in a row, will bring together experts from around the world to discuss the opportunities and challenges arising from the development, implementation and management of innovative products and services based on new technological solutions.

“Innovation and technology present a unique opportunity to transform tourism into a more competitive, smarter and more sustainable sector,” said UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili. 

Published in Travel Event News

Against the backdrop of international tourist arrivals expanding 8% in Africa in 2017, thus outgrowing the world average increase in arrivals, tourism is gaining weight as a development opportunity for the whole continent, with its vast diversity of nature, culture and wildlife its greatest vehicle for development.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili stressed that “tourism has huge potential to generate lasting development opportunities in Africa if we manage it in the right way, which is economic, social and environmental sustainability”.

The participants from 17 countries, including 14 ministers, supported a coordinated approach to seizing the continent’s potential for tourism, a sector that last year attracted more than 62 million international visitors. Issues on the UNWTO Agenda for Africa include, among others, connectivity, the image and brand of Africa, poverty alleviation, climate change, education and skills development, and financing. Delegates underscored the importance of educating other economic sectors on the broad impact of tourism for the benefit of societies and its people, and promoting tourism as a priority in national agendas.

Published in GLOBAL TOURISM NEWS

In an effort to better measure tourism growth and development in Africa, UNWTO signed a Cooperation Agreement with the Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation for the Strengthening of the National Tourism Statistical System of Nigeria and the Development of a Tourism Satellite Account.

UNWTO is committed to developing tourism measurement for furthering knowledge of the sector, monitoring progress, evaluating impact, promoting results-focused management, and highlighting strategic issues for policy objectives. 

On the occasion of the meeting between UNWTO Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili, and the Minister of Information and Culture of Nigeria, Mr. Lai Mohammed, the agreement to host the Sixty-First meeting of the UNWTO Commission for Africa and the Seminar on ‘Tourism Statistics: A Catalyst for Development’ in Nigerian capital, Abuja, from 4 to 6 June 2018, was signed. 

Published in GLOBAL TOURISM NEWS

International tourist arrivals grew by a remarkable 7% in 2017 to reach a total of 1,322 million, according to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer. This strong momentum is expected to continue in 2018 at a rate of 4%-5%.

Based on data reported by destinations around the world, it is estimated that international tourist arrivals (overnight visitors) worldwide increased 7% in 2017. This is well above the sustained and consistent trend of 4% or higher growth since 2010 and represents the strongest results in seven years.

Led by Mediterranean destinations, Europe recorded extraordinary results for such a large and rather mature region, with 8% more international arrivals than in 2016. Africa consolidated its 2016 rebound with an 8% increase. Asia and the Pacific recorded 6% growth, the Middle East 5% and the Americas 3%.

Published in GLOBAL TOURISM NEWS

Kasane, capital of Chobe District in Botswana, hosted tourism stakeholders to exchange experiences and knowledge of innovative approaches to enhance tourism and conservation planning, financing and marketing. Under the theme “Empowering Tourism Destinations’ Sustainability through Innovation”, the 10YFP STP International Symposium and Annual Conference also discussed the role of the tourism sector in fighting climate change.

Published in GLOBAL TOURISM NEWS

Over 800 participants from 70 countries gathered in Muscat, capital city of the Sultanate of Oman on 11-12 December 2017 for the Conference, an official event in the calendar of the International Year for Sustainable Tourism for Development 2017.

The Conference held under the patronage of H.H. Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud al-Said, Deputy Prime Minister for the Council of Ministers of Oman, brought together Ministers of Tourism and Ministers of Culture as well as private sector stakeholders and experts with the objective of building and strengthening partnerships between the tourism and culture sectors and enhance their role in the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Published in GLOBAL TOURISM NEWS
Thursday, 21 September 2017 00:00

Nigeria to host UNWTO CAF 2018

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to host African Tourism Ministers under the aegis of the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Commission on Africa (CAF) next year. Addressing the 60th UNWTO CAF Meeting in Chengdu, China, on Tuesday 19th September, the Minister announced that the 61st Edition of the meeting would be held in Abuja hopefully 4-6 June 2018.

He said the choice of Abuja is part of the government’s effort to promote the Nigerian capital city as a conference destination within the sub-region. ‘’I am truly humbled by your unanimous confidence and I wish to assure you that the Ministry, with the full support of the Presidency and the National Assembly, is committed to ensuring a successful hosting of the 61st meeting of the UNWTO CAF

‘’I encourage all member states of this great Commission to honour us with your presence at the 61st Meeting of CAF in Abuja, Nigeria. Come and experience the true Nigerian hospitality, warmth and cultural delight,’’ he said. The hosting right of the UNWTO CAF Meeting was unanimously awarded to Nigeria during the 59th Meeting of the Commission in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in April 2017.

Published in SPORTS TOURISM

Destinations worldwide welcomed 598 million international tourists in the first six months of 2017, some 36 million more than in the same period of 2016. At 6%, growth was well above the trend of recent years, making the current January-June period the strongest half-year since 2010.

Visitor numbers reported by destinations around the world reflect strong demand for international in the first half of 2017, according to the latest UNWTO World Barometer. Worldwide, international tourist arrivals (overnight visitors) increased by 6% compared to the same six-month period last year, well above the sustained and consistent trend of 4% or higher growth since 2010. This represents the strongest half-year in seven years.

Results are underpinned by robust growth in many destinations and a continuation of the recovery in those that suffered declines in previous years. Of UNWTO regions, growth was strongest in the Middle East (+9%), Europe (+8%) and Africa (+8%), followed by Asia and the Pacific (+6%) and the Americas (+3%).

Published in GLOBAL TOURISM NEWS
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