The UNWTO Secretariat announced that the 7th UNWTO Global Summit on Urban Tourism, will be held on 16-19 September in Seoul, Republic of Korea, under the theme ‘A 2030 Vision for Urban Tourism’.

The summit, co-organized by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the Seoul Metropolitan Government and supported by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Republic of Korea, the Korea Tourism Organization and the Seoul Tourism Organization, will provide a unique platform to discuss the key issues shaping the future of urban tourism in the context of the 2030 Urban Agenda.

A ‘2030 vision’ for urban tourism requires a new thinking that considers the needs and expectations of the new customer and promotes inclusive economic and social growth by engaging and empowering local citizens. This vision must also address the impact of the technological revolution on consumer behavior, as well as on the economic, social and spatial structures, modes of transport, new business models and governance of urban tourism.

The 7th UNWTO Global Summit taking place in Seoul will bring together high-level representatives from National Tourism Administrations, city authorities and related stakeholders, serving as a platform to exchange experiences and expertise and set a shared vision on urban tourism that embraces innovation, digital transformation and sustainability.

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is the United Nations agency responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism. It is the leading international organization in the field of tourism, which promotes tourism as a driver of economic growth, inclusive development and environmental sustainability and offers leadership and support to the sector in advancing knowledge and tourism policies worldwide. It serves as a global forum for tourism policy issues and a practical source of tourism knowledge. It encourages the implementation of the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism[1] to maximize the contribution of tourism to socio-economic development, while minimizing its possible negative impacts, and is committed to promoting tourism as an instrument in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), geared towards eliminating poverty and fostering sustainable development and peace worldwide.

UNWTO’s membership includes 156 countries, 6 territories and over 500 affiliate members representing the private sector, educational institutions, tourism associations and local tourism authorities. Its headquarters are located in Madrid.