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World Tourism Day 2023 to Emphasize Investments for a Sustainable Future

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World Tourism Day 2023 to Emphasize Investments for a Sustainable Future - TRAVELINDEX - UNWTORiyadh, Saudi Arabia, September 26, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The stage is set for World Tourism Day 2023, with the global sector to come together around them theme of Tourism and Green Investments.

In what is set to be the biggest celebration to date, the official celebrations will be held of 27 September in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. At UNWTO’s Member States will mark the occasion in every region through a range of special events and programmes.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili says: “Tourism has never been more important for our economies or for our societies. Its potential is enormous. And so on this World Tourism Day, we celebrate tourism’s ability to drive growth while also highlighting the vital need for investments to ensure such growth is inclusive and sustainable.”

Tourism has never been more important for our economies or for our societies

Tourism and Green Investments

On World Tourism Day 2023, UNWTO will place the emphasis on Tourism and Green Investments. The day will focus on the importance of:

  • Investment for People (by investing in education and skills),
  • For Planet (by investing in sustainable infrastructure and accelerating green transformation)
  • For Prosperity (by investing in innovation, technology and entrepreneurship).

In Riyadh, UNWTO will present its Global Tourism Investment Framework and hold a series of high-level panels focusing on the challenges and opportunities surrounding investment in tourism. The official World Tourism Day celebrations will also see the winners of the inaugural UNWTO Women in Tech Startup Competition for the Middle East announced.

From Riyadh to the World

World Tourism Day is set to be the biggest celebration so far. UNWTO will welcome representatives from more than 100 of its Member States, including more than 50 Ministers of Tourism. Joining them will be high-level representatives from tourism’s private sector, both from the Middle East region and globally.

World Tourism Day

The first World Tourism Day was held in 1980. As the Global Day of Observance for tourism, it offers a chance to celebrate the sector’s vital role in advancing peace and prosperity and UNWTO’s global regions take turns in hosting the official celebrations, always around a timely and relevant theme.

The date of 27 September marks the day the Statutes of the Organization that became UNWTO were signed.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

UNWTO and Saudi Arabia Partner to Boost Education and Training in Tourism

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UNWTO and Saudi Arabia Partner to Boost Education and Training in Tourism - TRAVELINDEX - TOURISMSAUDIARABIA.comRiyadh, Saudi Arabia, March 10, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / UNWTO and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will work together to promote education and professional development in tourism.

Education and Training: A Priority for Tourism

As the United Nations specialized agency for tourism, UNWTO has identified education as one of its key priorities for the sector. While tourism is already a leading employer and a top provide of opportunity, most notably for women and youth, UNWTO is working to expand access to education, training and jobs and to support those already working in the sector to develop professionally.

We are working to break down barriers between jobs, skills and training and so deliver on tourism’s massive potential as an employer

UNWTO’s Secretary General Zurab Pololikashvili notes: “Our vision is to provide anyone interested in the tourism sector access to the many and varied opportunities it offers, no matter where they are in the world. We are working to break down barriers between jobs, skills and training and so deliver on tourism’s massive potential as an employer.”

Saudi Minister of Tourism, H.E. Ahmed Al Khateeb, says “Investing in human capital development is an investment in all our futures. This is a landmark agreement that prioritizes people with a focus on the power of e-learning. Collaborating with UNWTO, we can ensure that development opportunities are accessible worldwide, building the workforce necessary to support a thriving and sustainable future for the sector.”

UNWTO and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Agreement

Against the backdrop of the ITB Berlin, UNWTO signed an agreement with the Ministry of Tourism of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The first of its kind, the agreement is focused on the creation of training and quality certification programs in the Kingdom. The training will have a global reach and be built around collaboration in the following areas:

  1. Online Courses: The creation of massive online open courses targeting the global tourism sector workforce, which reaches up to 300 million people. The courses will be managerial as well as vocational and available in Arabic, Chinese, English, French and Spanish. Topics will include entrepreneurship, innovation, event management, destination management, sustainability, gastronomy, hotel and restaurant operations.
  2. Jobs Factory and Tourism Labor Market Observatory: To promote the creation of added value jobs through capacity building and analysis of the workforce skills in the Kingdom. The initiative will benefit up to 100,000 job seekers and involve at least 50 tourism businesses.
  3. TedQual Quality Certification Programs: Up to 50 tourism education and training programs will be assessed as part of the UNWTO TedQual process. Up to 35 programs in tourism education and training institutions in the Kingdom will participate in this certification program.
  4. Innovation & Digital Transformation: To create programs with the aim of promoting innovation and digital transformation to empower youth and small and medium enterprises in tourism field.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

UNWTO at WTTC SUMMIT: We Are Your Voice at Global Governance Level

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UNWTO at WTTC SUMMIT We Are Your Voice at Global Governance Level - TRAVELINDEXRiyadh, Saudi Arabia, November 30, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / UNWTO has returned to Riyadh to serve as a bridge between public and private leaders as tourism faces up to big challenges of today: high inflation, geopolitical insecurity and the climate emergency.

At the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit, taking place this week in the Saudi capital, UNWTO stressed the vital importance of education and investments as twin factors in ensuring tourism fulfils its enormous potential as a driver of sustainable and inclusive development. The high-level participation of UNWTO in this leading private sector forum further highlighted the Organization’s unique and natural ability to connect political ambitions and private sector capacity.

Education: An Investment in Tourism’s Future

This year, we brought tourism to the UN General Assembly for the first time and we have also put tourism on the G20 agenda

Speaking before the Summit’s two main events, the Global Leaders’ Dialogue and the Summit’s Opening Panel, UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “This year, we brought tourism to the UN General Assembly for the first time and we have also put tourism on the G20 agenda”, adding “that is why I am here: UNWTO can be your voice at the global governance level”.

Carrying forward the momentum of key events held during 2022, including World Tourism Day in Bali, the Ministers’ Summit at World Travel Market in London and, most recently, the UNWTO Executive Council meeting in Marrakesh, the WTTC Summit provided the latest high-level platform for UNWTO to advance its priorities of growing investments in tourism and promoting tourism education and training. As Mr Pololikasvili told participants, skills development is “an investment in the future, to build the tourism sector we need.”

A Vision for Tourism

Against the backdrop of the WTTC Summit, UNWTO invited all high-level delegates to return to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2023 for the official World Tourism Day celebrations (27 September), to be held around the theme of ‘Green Investments’. The hosting of the international day for the sector will further advance the Kingdom’s ambition to become a top emerging destination.

The Kingdom is a strong supporter of UNWTO’s mission to make tourism a driver of sustainable and inclusive development. UNWTO opened its first Regional Office for the Middle East in May 2021 in Riyadh. Built in record time and during a pandemic, the office is set to become a regional and global hub of tourism education and training as well as of tourism for rural development.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Speakers Announced for WTTC Global Summit in Saudi Arabia

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WTTC - Speakers Announced for WTTC Global Summit in Saudi Arabia - TRAVELINDEX - TOURISMSAUDIARABIA.comRiyadh, Saudi Arabia, October 19, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) unveils its first round of confirmed speakers for its upcoming Global Summit to be hosted by Saudi Arabia, which includes leaders from some of the world’s largest Travel & Tourism businesses, Saudi officials, and tourism ministers from around the world.

Taking place at the magnificent King Abdul Aziz International Conference Centre in Riyadh from 28 November to 1 December, the global tourism body’s highly anticipated 22nd Global Summit is the most influential Travel & Tourism event in the calendar.

Under the theme “Travel for a Better Future” the event will focus on the value of the sector, not only to the global economy, but to the planet and communities around the world.

During the Global Summit, industry leaders and international government officials from across the globe will gather in Riyadh to continue aligning efforts to support the sector’s recovery and address the challenges the future poses to ensure a safer, more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable Travel & Tourism sector.

Business leaders set to take to the stage include Arnold Donald, Vice Chair of the Board of Carnival Corporation and WTTC Chair; Anthony Capuano, CEO, Marriott International; Paul Griffiths, CEO, Dubai International Airports; Christopher Nassetta, President and CEO, Hilton; Matthew Upchurch, President & CEO, Virtuoso, and Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO, Diriyah Gate Development Authority, among others.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “We are delighted to have such influential speakers already confirmed for our Global Summit in Riyadh.

“The government of Saudi Arabia has been instrumental in the recovery of the Global Travel & Tourism sector following two years of crisis, and we are delighted to be taking our Global Summit to the Kingdom this year.

“Set to become a major tourist destination, our latest research shows that Saudi Arabia’s Travel & Tourism sector will surpass pre-pandemic levels next year and will see the fastest growth across the Middle East over the next decade.”

His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, Saudi Arabia Minister of Tourism, said: “WTTC will arrive in Riyadh as tourism enters a new era of recovery. Bringing together global leaders from both the public and private sector, the Summit will be fundamental in building the better, brighter future the sector deserves.

“There is no doubt our ambitious investment, sustainability and travel experience goals can be realized through global collaboration and WTTC’s Global Summit in Riyadh will provide a platform for these important conversations, while ensuring visitors enjoy the hospitality and opportunities of one of the world’s fastest growing tourism destinations.”

The event will also welcome government speakers such as Secretary Rita Marques, Secretary of State for Tourism Portugal; the Hon. Isaac Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation Bahamas; Sen. the Hon. Lisa Cummins, Minister of Tourism and International Transport Barbados; Mrs. Fatima Al Sairafi, Minister of Tourism Bahrain; the Hon Susanne Kraus-Winkler, State Secretary for Tourism Austria; the Hon Mitsuaki Hoshino, Vice Commissioner Japan Tourism Agency, and H.E. Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Minister of Culture and Tourism Turkey, among others.

Government officials from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will also address delegates at the Global Summit. They include His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud, Minister of Energy; His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism, and Her Highness Princess Haifa Al Saud, Vice Minister of Tourism.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Female-led Gelato Brand Nakhati Launched in Saudi Arabia

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Female-led Gelato Brand Nakhati Launched in Saudi Arabia - TOURISMSAUDIARABIA.com - TRAVELINDEXRiyadh, Saudi Arabia, August 24, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Kerten Hospitality is launching their first female-led global gelato brand — Nakhati — as part of the company’s focus on ESG-based business practices. With a flagship store launching in Riyadh, Nakhati is a purpose-led gelato brand, which in Saudi Arabia will be driven by Saudi female foodpreneur Eman Fallatah. The franchise-able brand is planned to expand globally led by a local female foodpreneur in each location.

Not only does Nakhati make tasty, premium handcrafted gelato, it also empowers entrepreneurship. By offering a comprehensive suite of high-quality tools developed to encourage growth and empowerment, Nakhati supports the increasing number of women in the region keen to own their franchise and to launch their own careers in business. The plan is to establish 200 outlets by 2024.

The main force behind Nakhati’s Riyadh store, Fallatah has supported the launch and growth of multiple F&B businesses and projects in Saudi Arabia, including those led by the Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Higher Education, Almarai, and the Diriyah Gate Biennale. She also mentors young cooks and chefs, and has worked as a food stylist supporting local and international brands entering the Saudi market.

“Sweets and desserts have always been popular with consumers in the region, but typically they were lower quality, imported products,” said Fallatah. “Regional demand is increasing for higher quality, premium products versus low-quality commoditized items, and this is where Nakhati comes in.”

Flavors will include traditional popular gelato varieties given a Nakhati twist, such as organic roast pistachio, mascarpone with local honey and walnuts, and hazelnut with chocolate rocks, as well as those inspired by Saudi traditions and regions, such as the popular karak tea drink, traditional desserts from the Najd region, and roses from Taif. All combined with traditional Italian techniques, true Italian gelato bases, and only produced with the most state-of-the-art Italian equipment, to produce the best of both worlds.

Commenting on some of the signature serves, Fallatah said: “We have been working hard with our key equipment partners to bring some fantastic innovations and firsts for the region. Imagine if you could keep your hands warm while eating gelato … hot gelato buns is all we will give away at this stage.” She also highlighted a beverage program using Nakhati’s exclusive recipes with all products made on site, such as the Vegan Iced Mocha, crafted and packaged in-house using signature vegan dark chocolate gelato.

With consumers these days being savvier about the quality of products, there is also more focus on a healthier lifestyle, and Nakhati’s 50 percent lower fat content than similar products will appeal to health-conscious consumers.

“As a female Saudi foodpreneur, I’m excited to be launching Nakhati, a brand that builds collaborations and offers opportunities to help women embark on their own entrepreneurship journeys,” added Fallatah.

With more than 40 projects in development across 12 lifestyle-driven concepts on three continents, Kerten Hospitality’s latest launch is another example of the brand’s strong commitment to environmental, social and governance values and responsible community-based business practices.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

UNWTO Opens Call for Best Tourism Villages

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Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, May 28, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The search is on for the best examples of rural villages harnessing the power of tourism to provide opportunity and safeguard their communities, local traditions and heritage. The initiative of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) will identify villages taking innovative and transformative approaches to tourism in rural areas in line with the…

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Former WTTC CEO Gloria Guevara Appointed Chief Special Advisor by Saudi Minister of Tourism

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Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, May 21, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The Ministry of Tourism has announced the appointment of Gloria Guevara Manzo as a Chief Special Advisor at Ministry of Tourism. Gloria is a former Mexican Secretary of Tourism and former CEO and President of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC). As a Chief Special Advisor to the Minister of Tourism, Gloria will utilize her experience of…

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News