About the Open Letter on Travel and Tourism

It is undeniable that in spite of its growing relevance and proven contribution to GDP (3% to 5% worldwide), jobs (7% to 8% of all jobs) and exports (30% of the world’s exports of services), Travel and Tourism still lacks due political and economic recognition.

In this framework, UNWTO and WTTC have decided to join hands in their common goal of mainstreaming Travel and Tourism in the global agenda and position tourism as a driver of economic growth and development.

UNWTO and WTTC will present an Open Letter to Heads of State and Government worldwide, highlighting the importance of Travel and Tourism. In turn, Heads of State and Government will accept this letter in acknowledgement of the relevance of travel and tourism in facing today’s global challenges.

Latest news
Press Release
12 May 17 		105th UNWTO Executive Council meeting concludes in Madrid
The Executive Council, attended by some 250 representatives from 59 countries, focused on these priorities as well as on the UNWTO programme of work for 2018-2019 and the agenda of the International...
Press Release
12 May 17 		UNWTO Executive Council recommends Zurab Pololikashvili for Secretary-General for the period 2018-2021
The candidature of Zurab Pololikashvili was presented by his country, Georgia, in accordance with the UNWTO statutes. The recommendation of the UNWTO Executive Council will be submitted to the...
Press Release
18 Jan 17 		The World Tourism Organization begins the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development
The event, held in the El Pardo Palace in Madrid, Spain, was attended by the Prime Minister of Georgia, the Vice-President of Honduras, more than 40 tourism ministers and other senior officials from...
Press Release
04 Jan 17 		FITUR 2017: UNWTO with a focus on sustainability and tourism in Africa and in the MENA region
UNWTO has prepared a number of events to be held at FITUR, starting with the presentation of the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development 2017. Also on January 18 the 13th Edition of...
Press Release
03 Jan 17 		The Year Ahead: harnessing the power of tourism to build a better world
I have seen increasing commitment from the international community, with many countries realizing the potential for tourism to become a pillar of their development. This commitment is attested to by...
Press Release
29 Dec 16 		2017 is the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development
The United Nations General Assembly declared 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development recalling the potential of tourism to advance the universal 2030 Agenda for...
Press Release
01 Apr 15 		Tourism, a national priority for Honduras
Political support at the highest level is a critical factor in advancing tourism’s role in national economic and development policies. Including Honduras, a total of 73 countries from around the...