World Tourism Day 2023 catalyzes investments, education, and discovering new Destinations.
The official World Tourism Day 2023 celebrations convened in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia finally comes to an end with spotlighting “Tourism and Green Investments” as over 50 Tourism Ministers and hundreds of industry delegates gathered. UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili announced new programs to drive investments, enrich education, and promote undiscovered destinations.
The Riyadh events represented the largest World Tourism Day yet. Expert-led discussions centered on realizing tourism’s potential as a force for positive change through sustainability-focused investments. Concrete actions were unveiled to secure the industry’s inclusive, responsible growth.
Read: WORLD TOURISM DAY: SECTOR PLEDGES TO PROMOTE INVESTMENT, EDUCATION AND NEW DESTINATIONS
A landmark “Tourism Opens Minds” initiative was introduced to leverage tourism’s power for fostering cross-cultural unity. As international arrivals rebound toward pre-pandemic levels, the initiative will encourage tourists to explore lesser-known destinations and local communities to warmly welcome visitors. UNWTO shared a pledge for actors across tourism to participate.
Additionally, Pololikashvili joined Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb in announcing the Riyadh School of Tourism and Hospitality. This collaborative vocational education project between UNWTO, Saudi Arabia, and Qiddiya will build talent pipelines across tourism professions. Currently 80% of programs focus narrowly on hotels, so the School will diversify offerings from certificates to graduate degrees.
Read: World Tourism Day 2023 to focus on green investments for a sustainable future.
UNWTO reported travel demand remains robust. The sector could recover as much as 95% of pre-COVID tourism by year’s end. “World Tourism Day leaves an impactful legacy of new investments, education and discovering unseen treasures across the globe,” Pololikashvili concluded. The future looks bright for tourism building back better.
Emmanuel Omogunwa
Author
