The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the Global Tourism Economic Forum (GTEF) have announced plans to strengthen their collaboration towards achieving the objectives of Destination 2030. The two organizations have agreed to work together more closely in areas such as sustainable tourism development, innovation, and talent development.
Destination 2030 is a global agenda set by the UNWTO to drive sustainable tourism growth and development in a way that benefits local communities, the environment, and the economy. The initiative aims to support the achievement of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by leveraging the transformative power of tourism.
Under the new partnership, UNWTO and GTEF will collaborate on a range of initiatives and activities aimed at advancing the goals of Destination 2030. One key area of focus will be on promoting sustainable tourism practices that minimize the environmental impact of tourism while also delivering economic and social benefits to host communities.
To achieve this, UNWTO and GTEF will work together to develop and implement sustainable tourism policies, strategies, and programs, as well as to promote the use of sustainable tourism practices and technologies. They will also collaborate on research and knowledge-sharing initiatives aimed at identifying best practices and innovative solutions for sustainable tourism development.
In addition to sustainable tourism, the two organizations will also work together to promote innovation and talent development in the tourism sector. This will involve supporting the development of new tourism products and services, as well as promoting the adoption of new technologies and business models that can help to drive tourism growth and innovation.
To support talent development, UNWTO and GTEF will collaborate on training and capacity-building initiatives aimed at developing the skills and knowledge of tourism professionals. This will include programs to support the development of entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership skills, as well as initiatives to promote diversity and inclusivity in the tourism sector.
Commenting on the new partnership, UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “We are delighted to be partnering with GTEF to advance the goals of Destination 2030. By working together, we can leverage our respective strengths and expertise to drive sustainable tourism growth and development in a way that benefits everyone.”
Dr. Mario Hardy, CEO of GTEF, added: “We are thrilled to be partnering with UNWTO to support the achievement of Destination 2030. As a global platform for tourism stakeholders, we are committed to promoting sustainable and inclusive tourism growth and development, and we believe that this partnership will help us to achieve this goal.”
The partnership between UNWTO and GTEF is part of a wider trend towards increased collaboration and cooperation in the tourism sector. As the global tourism industry continues to grow and evolve, there is a growing recognition of the need for greater collaboration and partnership between different stakeholders in order to achieve sustainable tourism growth and development.
By working together, UNWTO and GTEF hope to drive meaningful progress towards the goals of Destination 2030, while also promoting the long-term sustainability and resilience of the global tourism industry. With a shared commitment to sustainable and inclusive tourism growth, the two organizations are well-positioned to drive positive change and make a lasting impact on the tourism industry and the world as a whole.
In conclusion, the partnership between UNWTO and GTEF represents an important step towards achieving the goals of Destination 2030. By working together, the two organizations can leverage their respective strengths and expertise to drive sustainable tourism growth and development, promote innovation and talent development, and support the achievement of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. With a shared commitment to sustainability and inclusivity, UNWTO and GTEF are well-positioned to make a positive impact on the global tourism industry and create a more sustainable future for all.
