Latest news with #NataliaBayona
Hospitality Net
7 hours ago
- Business
- Hospitality Net
UN Tourism Commission for Europe Meets in Baku to Further Strengthen Regional Cooperation
UN Tourism has united tourism leaders from across the region for Europe to assess advances made with global, regional and subregional initiatives for a more resilient, sustainable and innovative sector. The 71st session of the UN Tourism Commission for Europe was held as the region welcomed 125 million international tourist arrivals in the first three months of the year, a 2% rise on last year. European destinations also recorded a collective USD 725 billion in visitor spending in the first quarter of the year. At the same time, Member States also recognised the challenges of war and economic insecurity and the potential impact on tourism in the region. Tourism is the most human of all economic sectors – and the one with the biggest heart. It's the sector that can deliver the most for young people, for women, for everyone. The energy and vision we've seen here in Azerbaijan mirrors the dynamism we see across the region. It's up to us to channel this energy to build inclusive prosperity, community cohesion and peace. UN Tourism Executive Director Natalia Bayona Hosting the 71st Meeting of the UN Tourism Commission for Europe reflects our dedication to fostering international cooperation, promoting sustainable tourism, and contributing meaningfully to global tourism policy. Through strategic initiatives, improved accessibility, and strong partnerships — particularly with UN Tourism — we continue to position Azerbaijan as a vital hub connecting Europe with the wider region. Chairman of the State Tourism Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, H.E. Fuad Naghiyev Advancing shared progress and priorities In her report to Member States, Executive Director Bayona outlined the progress made since the Commission met for its 70th session. Key highlights include: Tourism Knowhow – Development of tourism products: The Best Tourism Villages Network now numbers 256 destinations from 59 countries. Of these, 64 villages are in Europe, in 21 countries. Europe continues to grow as a leading destination for wine tourism and will host the 9th edition of the UN Tourism Global Wine Forum, held in Bulgaria later this year. The Best Tourism Villages Network now numbers 256 destinations from 59 countries. Of these, 64 villages are in Europe, in 21 countries. Europe continues to grow as a leading destination for wine tourism and will host the 9th edition of the UN Tourism Global Wine Forum, held in Bulgaria later this year. Tourism investments: Globally, within the last 5 years, tourism has welcomed more than 2,000 announced greenfield projects totalling USD126 billion. Of these, half are in Europe. In the past year, 3 editions of the UN Tourism "Tourism Doing Business: Investment Guidelines" have been released with a focus on Albania, Armenia and Georgia. Globally, within the last 5 years, tourism has welcomed more than 2,000 announced greenfield projects totalling USD126 billion. Of these, half are in Europe. In the past year, 3 editions of the UN Tourism "Tourism Doing Business: Investment Guidelines" have been released with a focus on Albania, Armenia and Georgia. Innovation: Europe now accounts for 33% of the startups in the global UN Tourism Innovation Network. To further advance innovation, UN Tourism has launched a National Open Innovation Challenge for France, with plans for an edition for Lithuania, as well as an Open Innovation Challenge on safety of destinations and a Challenge focused on heat mitigation in Malta. Europe now accounts for 33% of the startups in the global UN Tourism Innovation Network. To further advance innovation, UN Tourism has launched a National Open Innovation Challenge for France, with plans for an edition for Lithuania, as well as an Open Innovation Challenge on safety of destinations and a Challenge focused on heat mitigation in Malta. Digital transformation and Artificial Intelligence: UN Tourism continues to take the lead on the deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the sector, building on the success of the Ministerial Summit on AI in Tourism at the World Travel Market in London. UN Tourisms Artificial Intelligence Challenge received 440 applications, 40% from Europe. UN Tourism continues to take the lead on the deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the sector, building on the success of the Ministerial Summit on AI in Tourism at the World Travel Market in London. UN Tourisms Artificial Intelligence Challenge received 440 applications, 40% from Europe. Education and Human Capital Development: Recognizing the challenges facing the sector in Europe (25% of employees have no or low qualifications), UN Tourism is working to boost skills and opportunities across all education levels. The UN Tourism Online Academy now has more than 45,000 users, 6,000 from Europe, with 13 new online courses in collaboration with European universities. Spotlight on Climate Action Alongside the Commission session, a high-level thematic conference, 'From Momentum to Milestones: Advancing Climate Action in Tourism Beyond COP29,' featured two expert panels and a keynote address by the UN Tourism Executive Director Zoritsa Urosevic who provided crucial insights in how UN Tourism supports national tourism administrations to include climate action in tourism policies and transform business models. Executive Director Urosevic said: Climate action in tourism must be grounded in science. By embracing data-driven strategies and aligning with global frameworks, we can turn ambition into credible action and unlock opportunities to scale up the transformation toward low carbon and climate resilient tourism. The event also highlighted the landmark COP29 Tourism Day and the launch of the COP29 Declaration on Enhanced Climate Action in Tourism, now endorsed by 70 governments. It builds on the momentum of the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism, launched at COP26. Election of New Representatives in the Statutory Organs Elections for a total of 20 posts in UN Tourism statutory organs and subsidiary bodies were held during the Commission meeting and saw the nomination of Lithuania and Switzerland as Vice-Presidents of the 26th session of the Assembly, while Israel and Poland were elected to the Credentials Committee. Azerbaijan, Croatia, France, Greece and Slovenia were nominated to the Executive Council for the period 2025-2029, while Czechia and Portugal were nominated to the Committee on Tourism Online Education, and the Republic of Moldova and Uzbekistan were nominated to the Technical Committee for the International Code for the Protection of Tourists. For the first time, Montenegro was elected as Chair of the Commission for Europe, with Lithuania and Poland as Vice-Chairs. Israel, Lithuania, Portugal and Romania will be members of the Working Group for the Agenda for Europe until 2027. About UN Tourism UN Tourism is the United Nations agency responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism. An intergovernmental organization, UN Tourism has 160 Member States, 6 Associate Members, 2 Observers and over 500 Affiliate Members. The General Assembly is the supreme organ of the Organization. The Executive Council takes all measures, in consultation with the Secretary-General, for the implementation of the decisions and recommendations of the General Assembly and reports to the Assembly. UN Tourism headquarters are based in Madrid, Spain. The election for Secretary General will be in May 2025. UN Tourism Communications Department +34 91 567 8100 UN Tourism
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Japan imposes tourist tax to tackle overtourism
Faced with surging crowds, Japan is set to impose new tourist taxes, joining countries like the United States, Mexico and Spain in a global trend. In recent years, Japan has become a hugely popular travel destination, welcoming 36.8 million tourists in 2024,, according to Travel and Tour World. But this influx has strained sites like Mount Fuji, Nara and Kyoto. 'I'm happy there are so many visitors to Japan, but I'm agonizing every day,' Yoshiki Kojima, who owns an IT company, told the Japan Times in January, adding that he struggles to find affordable hotel rooms for his employees when they travel to Tokyo. The initial step in this process is a fee increase for hikers on Mount Fuji, beginning in May 2025. The new fee for international travelers will be 4,000 yen (approximately $27), which is double the previous amount. Japanese residents are exempt from this fee, Travel and Tour World wrote. Japan isn't alone in implementing tourist taxes. The United States, Mexico, Canada, Iceland, France, Spain and Thailand also have similar policies. While the United States does not have a federal tourist tax, many states and cities levy extensive hotel and lodging taxes, according to Travel and Tour World. The cost for tourists varies by location. For instance, hotel rooms in New York City were subject to a 14.75% occupancy tax plus a nightly fee of $3.50 in 2024, according to Equity. In Los Angeles, visitors faced charges of roughly 15.5% to cover occupancy and tourism taxes. 'Tourist taxes can play a significant role in how destinations manage tourism flows,' UN Tourism Executive Director Natalia Bayona told The Mirror. 'But the implementation of these fees is also designed to deliver more of the economic benefits that tourism offers back to the host communities.' A short movie filming on Cape Cod is looking for actor for the lead role Recall: Portable charger sold on Amazon linked to fire, burn injuries This newly found green comet may not have survived its trek past the sun Playground, restrooms envisioned at Feeding Hills park Fans breach security barriers after country singer's invite to dance closer
The National
08-04-2025
- Business
- The National
Aim Congress 2025: UN says Middle East 'most important region for tourism performance'
The tourism arm of the UN has called the Middle East the 'most important' market for the sector's performance, amid a call to increase investments in the industry globally. The industry's growth in the region is being driven by robust investments in people and sustainability, Natalia Bayona, executive director of UN Tourism, said at the Annual Investment Meeting Congress in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. Tourism is also helping create frameworks that can help boost economic growth, Ms Bayona said. While the Middle East offers 'cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes, [it] also presents vibrant opportunities for tourism investments', Ms Bayona said in a video message at the event. 'Tourism is resilient and it's a dynamic force of the global economy … the Middle East is the most important region in the world when it comes to tourism performance.' UN Tourism released its new report at Aim Congress, which lays out four key dimensions – governance, economic, sociocultural and environmental – to serve as a comprehensive framework to achieve the goal of sustainable investment in the sector. The report calls for a range of measures such as co-operation between stakeholders and laws to respect cultural heritage and aims to 'support policymakers in steering the sector towards a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable path'. In the Middle East, investments by regional governments into tourism have become a major asset, Ms Bayona said, noting that leaders 'have assured that tourism is a state policy'. 'And thanks to the investments … we are seeing the strongest results in this region.' The Middle East welcomed about 95 million guests last year, 32 per cent more compared to the pre-pandemic year of 2019 and 1 per cent higher than 2023, UN Tourism said in a January report – the best performer in markets tracked by the agency. Globally, there were more than 1.4 billion international travellers last year, which is 99 per cent of pre-pandemic levels and an 11 per cent surge from 2024, resulting in receipts hitting $1.6 trillion, which is 4 per cent higher compared to 2019, it added. 'Our ambition goes beyond recovery; we aim for transformation, [which] requires robust investments … but at the end of the day, [we aim] to create economic frameworks that can help to boost economic growth and to bring together this sector,' Ms Bayona said. Tourism is considered one of the strategic pillars in transitioning towards a new economic model, and nations in the Middle East have continued to enhance their offerings to attract more guests. On Monday, the UAE's Economy Minister Abdulla bin Touq said that hotels in the Emirates recorded a 3 per cent annual rise in revenue to Dh45 billion ($12.3 billion) last year, reflecting a robust uplift in the country's tourism sector. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, has also increased its focus on tourism by opening more entertainment venues, hosting sporting events and streamlining visa processes. These reflect the crucial role governments play in shaping the tourism investment landscape, which includes 'setting [a] field of priorities, providing transparent and predictable frameworks, and creating environments that stimulate investor confidence', said Samer Al Kharashi, director general of UN Tourism's Middle East unit. 'Moreover, policies must continuously adapt to involve market dynamics, emerging trends and shifting travel preferences. Equally important is recognising the vital role of the private sector as the main source of tourism investments,' he added. Technology is also playing a crucial role in developing the tourism sector, reshaping everything from investments to guest experiences, on the back of artificial intelligence, smart data systems and cloud-based platforms, said Matthew Stephenson, head of investments and services at the World Economic Forum. 'Destinations that invest in digital infrastructure, data capabilities and skills development will attract not only more investors, but also higher value investments,' he said. 'The choices we make now about where to invest in, who we invest with and how we measure success will define the future of the sector … governments play a central role in creating the enabling environment that investors need [with] transparent regulations, efficient procedures, strong governance and incentives.'
Trade Arabia
03-04-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
UN Tourism, CAF launch indigenous tourism challenge for Latin America
UN Tourism and CAF – Development Bank for Latin America and the Caribbean, have launched the Indigenous Tourism Challenge – Latin America and the Caribbean. This initiative seeks to identify and support innovative tourism projects that highlight the richness of cultural expressions and the relationship with the environment of Indigenous peoples in the region. Indigenous tourism allows communities to feature and revitalize their cultures through authentic tourist experiences. It makes it possible for travellers to get to know native peoples, by experiencing first-hand their traditions, customs and ancestral knowledge. Through this type of tourism, Indigenous communities foster their autonomy and sustainable development, preserve their cultural identity and strengthen their role in the management of their heritage and tourism as an economic activity. The challenge is designed to make indigenous tourism a key driver for economic development, while deeply respecting community autonomy, ancestral traditions and the natural environment on which Indigenous peoples' lives depend. What does the challenge seek? The initiative focuses on projects that promote: Economic empowerment: Proposals that promote the economic autonomy of Indigenous communities, increasing their capacities to directly manage the benefits of tourism. Cultural preservation: Initiatives that safeguard traditions, languages, rituals, and other cultural expressions through tourism experiences that directly take communities into account. Gastronomy promotion: Activities that promote the culinary traditions of the region, with the participation of local producers and markets. Community innovation: Disruptive initiatives that add value to the tourism sector without altering the traditional way of life of communities and that take them into account. Prizes and benefits for participants Finalists will receive specialized mentoring, access to global networks in the tourism sector, and unique opportunities for international visibility. The winning project will receive investment backing of USD 10,000, as well as support to implement its initiative. Natalia Bayona, Executive Director of UN Tourism, highlighted: "The indigenous tourism that UN Tourism has been promoting for a decade is not only a way to promote the artistic and culinary expressions or knowledge of Indigenous peoples; it is also a tool to protect the traditions and ancestral wisdom that characterize the region. We encourage young people to come forward and lead the way for sustainable development in communities. Because the future of tourism is theirs, it is in our hands to ensure that the most human of economic sectors shines and flourishes". Oscar Rueda García, CAF's Director of Tourism, said: "This is an invitation to undertake experiential tourism projects that make it possible to learn from the culture and knowledge of our 'elder brothers'. This living culture is a treasure of Latin America and the Caribbean given that we have more than 800 Indigenous peoples and their population is 10% of the region. The application period is open until 15 June and the presentation of the winner will be made on 9 August, the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples"
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
UN Tourism and CAF (Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean) launch the Indigenous Tourism Challenge for Latin America and the Caribbean
MADRID, March 28, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--UN Tourism and CAF – Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean have launched the Indigenous Tourism Challenge – Latin America and the Caribbean. This initiative seeks to identify and support innovative tourism projects that highlight the richness of cultural expressions and the relationship with the environment of the indigenous peoples in the region. Indigenous tourism enables communities to place value on and revitalize their culture through authentic tourism experiences. It makes it possible for travelers to get to know native peoples and experience their traditions, customs, and ancestral knowledge. This method encourages autonomy and sustainable development of indigenous communities, preserves their cultural identity, and strengthens their role in managing their heritage and tourism as an economic activity. The challenge is designed to turn indigenous tourism into a key driver of economic development, while deeply respecting community autonomy, ancestral traditions, and the natural environment on which indigenous peoples rely for their livelihood. The initiative supports projects that promote economic empowerment, strengthening financial autonomy of indigenous communities through tourism; cultural preservation, protecting traditions, languages and rituals with the direct participation of the communities; promoting gastronomy and local cuisine together with regional producers and markets; and community innovation, with proposals that add value to tourism without altering the traditional way of life. Finalists will receive specialized mentoring, access to global tourism networks, and unique opportunities for international visibility. The winning project will receive investment backing of USD 10,000, in addition to support to implement their initiative. Natalia Bayona, UN Tourism's Executive Director, emphasized: "Indigenous tourism, which UN Tourism has been promoting for a decade now, is not just a way to promote artistic and culinary expressions, and the knowledge of native peoples; it is also a tool to protect the tradition and ancestral knowledge that characterize the region. We encourage young people to apply and lead the way to sustainable development in communities. Because the future of tourism is theirs, it is in our hands that the most human economic sector of all shines and develops." Oscar Rueda García, CAF's Tourism Director expressed: "This is an invitation to undertake experiential tourism projects that make it possible to learn about the culture and knowledge of our "big brothers." This living culture is the wealth of Latin America and the Caribbean when we have more than eight hundred indigenous peoples and their population is 10% of the region. Applications are open until June 15 and the winner will be announced on August 9, International Day of Indigenous Peoples." The original source-language text of this announcement is the official, authoritative version. Translations are provided as an accommodation only, and should be cross-referenced with the source-language text, which is the only version of the text intended to have legal effect. View source version on Contacts
