Uncategorized – Worldtourism Wire

International tourism continues to grow above average in the first four months of 2016

Written by George Taylor, July 19, 2016

2016 started on a strong note for international tourism. International tourist arrivals grew by 5% between January and April 2016 according to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer. Results were robust across almost all subregions and many destinations reported double-digit growth. Prospects for May-August remain positive, with around 500 million tourists expected to travel abroad…

UNWTO strongly condemns the attacks in Brussels

Written by George Taylor, March 22, 2016

UNWTO is deeply shocked by the tragic attacks perpetrated in Brussels. On behalf of the international tourism community, UNWTO expresses its heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the victims and to the Belgian people in this difficult moment. “On the behalf of the international tourism community, UNWTO conveys its heartfelt condolences to the…

UNWTO deeply saddened by FlyDubai crash

Written by George Taylor, March 19, 2016

MADRID, Spain – UNWTO is deeply saddened by the news of the accident of Flydubai flight FZ981 in the southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don. On behalf of the international tourism community, UNWTO expresses its sympathies and condolences to the families and friends of the victims. “It was with great sorrow that we heard the news…

UNWTO is deeply shocked by the tragic attack perpetrated in Istanbul, Turkey.

Written by George Taylor,

MADRID, Spain – On behalf of the entire international tourism community, UNWTO expresses its heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the victims and to the Turkish people in this difficult moment. “On behalf of the entire international tourism community, UNWTO conveys its heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the victims and…

UNWTO and Egypt discuss recovery measures at ITB

Written by George Taylor, March 16, 2016

UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai, met the Minister of Tourism of Egypt, Hisham Zaazou, on the side-lines of ITB to discuss the current measures being implemented by the country to stimulate recovery (Berlin, Germany, 9 March 2016). The meeting followed up on the official visit of Mr Rifai to Egypt last month, where he had the…

UNWTO strongly condemns attack in Grand Bassam, Côte d’Ivoire

Written by George Taylor, March 14, 2016

On behalf of the international tourism community, UNWTO strongly condemns the attack at a hotel in the town of Grand Bassam, in Côte d’Ivoire and conveys its heartfelt sympathy to the families of the victims. “We are appalled by this horrible act of violence. Our thoughts at this difficult moment are with the families and…

UNWTO Secretary General´s Speech at the Opening Ceremony of ITB Berlin 2016

Written by George Taylor, March 9, 2016

Mr. Michael Müller, Governing Mayor of Berlin Ms. Iris Gleicke, State Secretary, Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy Mr Moosa Zameer, Minister of Tourism of the Maldives Dr. Christian Göke, CEO, Messe Berlin GmbH Dr. Michael Frenzel, President of the German Tourism Industry Federation (BTW) and Chairman of the World Travel and Tourism Council…

Safe and seamless travel, technology and sustainability

Written by George Taylor,

Insuring safe and seamless travel, enhancing the opportunities brought by technology and accelerating the shift towards a more sustainable sector are the priorities for the sector said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai, opening the 50th edition of ITB Berlin. (Berlin, Germany, 8 March 2016). Referring to the issue of tourism and security, he said: “Global challenges demand…

UNWTO confident in Egypt’s tourism recovery

Written by Erik Grimaldi, February 26, 2016

UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai, has expressed the Organizations’ full confidence in the recovery of tourism in Egypt during a recent visit to the country. On the occasion, Mr. Rifai met with Egypt’s President, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, in the presence of the Egyptian Minister of Tourism, Hisham Zaazou. The President reiterated his full support to the…

Andorra to host 9th World Congress on Snow and Mountain Tourism

Written by George Taylor, February 17, 2016

Discussing the challenges and opportunities in snow and mountain tourism as well as evaluating new business models and the need to incorporate innovative and sustainable practices are the main objectives of the 9th World Congress on Snow and Mountain Tourism. The event, organized by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the Government of Andorra, will…