UNWTO Summit Spotlights Tourism Education to Empower Youth
The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) hosted its largest-ever Ministerial Summit in London, bringing together tourism leaders to focus on education and skills development.
With over 40 Tourism Ministers and private sector representatives participating, the summit underscored the vital role of investing in youth education and training for tourism’s future.
Opening the event, UNWTO’s Executive Director Natalia Bayona emphasized the sector’s potential as a top employer for youth, with 1.2 billion 15-24 year olds worldwide. However, OECD data shows 10% of this group is unemployed and 14% lack qualifications – highlighting the need for improved education.
UNWTO outlined current initiatives like its high school curriculum toolkit launched in October and university degree programs. But participants agreed more work is required.
The UK’s Minister for Tourism John Whittingdale stressed the importance of platforms for countries to share approaches to education challenges.
Read more: UNWTO Ministers summit in London.
Ministers from South Africa, Egypt, the Philippines, and Jordan outlined national policies supporting tourism education across all levels. South Africa bridges student skills gaps through an equity fund, while the Philippines extends training from high school degrees to vocational.
Officials from Mauritius, Malta, and Indonesia focused on upskilling and training for new and current tourism workers. Mauritius called for bilateral support to boost literacy for least developed countries hardest hit by the pandemic.
Emphasizing sustainability, Colombia’s Minister described using tourism to create youth opportunities in insecure areas. Ethiopia is also investing in young people and infrastructure.
Industry representatives from Riyadh Air and Japan Tourism Bureau reinforced public-private partnerships to align training with employer needs.
Key takeaways included the common challenges countries face and the urgent requirement for more skilled tourism workers. Bayona concluded that making tourism an aspirational sector for youth worldwide depends on partnerships to address skills gaps.
