The 121st session of the UN Tourism Executive Council, held from June 14 to 16, 2024, brought together delegates from 47 countries to discuss the global tourism sector’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and its future growth prospects.
UN Tourism reported that approximately 285 million international tourists traveled in the first quarter of 2024, a 20% increase compared to the previous year. International tourism receipts also rebounded to USD 1.5 trillion in 2023, a significant improvement from the previous year’s decline.
Opening the session, UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili emphasized the need for innovation and investment in the tourism sector to drive its positive transformation. He said, “With tourism having bounced back from the biggest crisis in its history, now is the time to channel our energy into building greater resilience against any future shocks.”
The Council approved the Work Plan for the UN Tourism Agenda for Europe, which includes three key projects: advancing the future of winter travel destinations, regulating short-term rental platforms, and developing strategies to alleviate the impact of green investments on tourism SMEs.
The Chairman of the Executive Council of UN Tourism and Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia, His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb, said, “This gathering underscored our collective vision for a dynamic and flourishing global tourism sector, fuelled by innovation, investment, growth, and strategic partnerships.”
In Barcelona, the Executive Council also established the first Tourism Law Observatory, which aims to create a unified legal framework for the global tourism sector and enhance confidence in international travel.
The Council endorsed Uruguay’s bid to host the “Tourism Law Observatory for Latin America and the Caribbean” in Montevideo. The Council also approved the establishment of UN Tourism Regional Offices for Africa in Marrakesh and for the Americas in Rio de Janeiro.
During the Barcelona session, updates were provided on the forthcoming Regional Offices for Africa in Marrakesh and for the Americas in Rio de Janeiro. Building on this momentum, UN Tourism leadership signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Greece’s Ministry of Tourism to establish a Research and Monitoring Centre for Coastal and Maritime Tourism in the Eastern Mediterranean Region.
The agenda also spotlighted urban tourism management as a critical issue, underscored by Spain’s leadership in promoting sustainable tourism practices and Barcelona’s pioneering role in fostering responsible and inclusive urban tourism.
In discussions alongside the Executive Council, Mayor Collboni emphasized Barcelona’s tourism strategy, including plans to manage growth and potentially implement visitor limits. Minister Jordi Hereu announced Spain’s forthcoming 2030 Strategy for Sustainable Tourism at the upcoming Spanish Tourism Council meeting.
Looking ahead, the Executive Council confirmed future session hosts: Cartagena de Indias, Colombia will host the 122nd session, Spain will host the 123rd session in the first half of 2025, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will host the 124th session in the second half of 2025.
