Madrid 2 (European Press)
The member states of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) approved the organization’s work program and endorsed key initiatives designed for the future of tourism during the twenty-fourth session of the General Assembly held in Madrid.
The General Assembly brought together more than 1,000 delegates from 135 countries, including 84 tourism ministers, as well as business and destination leaders and representatives of major international organizations.
Opening the General Assembly, UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili noted the spirit of “solidarity and determination” that defined tourism’s response to an unprecedented crisis.
The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, highlighted the importance of the General Assembly, as well as the high place of the World Tourism Organization on the global agenda, and welcomed delegates and asked them to work together for a “green, inclusive and sustainable future.”
In addition to receiving an update on the activities of the World Tourism Organization since the last General Assembly, which was held two years ago, members also received an overview of the latest trends in tourism, based on the latest UNWTO data, as well as an overview of updated travel restrictions around the world. the scientist.
From the assembly hall, members from different regions of the world expressed their solidarity with the countries affected by the continued imposition of travel restrictions. Also in Madrid, member states voted in person to approve the appointment of Pololikashvili by the UNWTO Executive Board as Secretary-General for a second term, until 2025.
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