Latest news with #Pololikashvili
Associated Press
15-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Zurab Pololikashvili – Committed to Further Strengthening Tourism as a Catalyst for Prosperity and International Cooperation in His Bid for Re-Election as Head of UN Tourism
ES, Spain, April 14, 2025 (EZ Newswire) -- Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of UN Tourism, is running for re-election as head of the United Nations' specialized agency with the aim of continuing to promote tourism globally, in a complex international context marked by uncertainty and mistrust. Pololikashvili, having achieved the full recovery of the tourism sector after the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, is committed to continuing the organization's line of action and strengthening the role of tourism as a driving force of prosperity and global cooperation. At a historic moment in which tourism is facing major challenges — 56 active conflicts around the world, the highest number since the Second World War, trade wars and the rise of 'tourismphobia' — the Secretary-General builds his candidacy on unity, safety and trust, which are key to the development of tourism. To address these challenges, Pololikashvili seeks continuity on the path towards an organization that leads the development of the sector not only as an economic tool, but also as a catalyst for peace: 'Tourism has the potential to change lives, transform economies and build bridges between cultures. Let's keep working to make this sector a true tool for development and global cooperation.' Collaboration, Investment and Sustainability for Resilient Tourism In this line, the current Secretary-General and candidate for re-election presents a program that includes various lines of action with the intention of raising the position of UN Tourism at a global level, while supporting destinations and member states, and promoting collaboration with leading private entities. The proposals include international technical cooperation and incentives for investment in strategic projects, an approach that the organization has been working on for years to promote public-private collaboration and help in the development of tourist destinations worldwide. In addition to this, work will continue to be carried out in areas such as education, innovation and technology, supported at all times by sustainable policies and the fight against climate change. At present, UN Tourism does not impose term limits on its Secretary-General. Although the General Assembly proposed an amendment twenty years ago to limit the position to a single reappointment — an idea not originally included in its statutes — this amendment was never enacted, and the organization still does not enforce any restrictions. In Pololikashvili's case, the General Assembly held a vote in 2023 in which more than 70% of members approved his candidacy for the 2026–2029 term, thereby legitimizing his intention to continue in the role for the coming years. About UN Tourism The World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) is the United Nations agency responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism. As the leading international organization in the field of tourism, UN Tourism promotes tourism as a driver of economic growth, inclusive development and environmental sustainability and offers leadership and support to the sector in advancing knowledge and tourism policies worldwide. For more information, visit Media Contact Claudia Safont [email protected] ### SOURCE: UN Tourism Copyright 2025 EZ Newswire
Zawya
25-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
United Nations (UN) Tourism Launches Investment Guidelines: 'Tourism Doing Business: Investing in Namibia'
UN Tourism has presented its 'Tourism Doing Business' guidelines, focused on the opportunities for international investors in Namibia's burgeoning tourism sector 'Tourism Doing Business Investing in Namibia' aims to attract potential investors and provides essential insights into the vibrant opportunities within Namibia's tourism sector. The guidelines showcase Namibia's unique cultural heritage, robust economy, and supportive business environment, highlighting areas of potential significant growth in the years ahead. Namibia: A thriving tourism ecosystem Namibia, known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is poised for significant growth in tourism investment. With its unique positioning as a gateway to Southern Africa, the country offers a diverse array of attractions, from the iconic dunes of Sossusvlei to the remarkable wildlife of Etosha National Park. According to UN Tourism's guidelines: Namibia has demonstrated steady economic growth and stability. In 2024, the country recorded GDP growth of 3.1%, which is projected to rise to 4.2% in 2025. The country is also growing as a tourism destination. Namibia welcomed 863,872 international visitors in 202, an 87.4% increase on 2022 The tourism sector contributed 6.9% to GDP, generating USD 348 million in international tourism receipts in 2023. Namibia has experienced remarkable growth in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), with inflows reaching USD 2.61 billion in 2023—a significant increase from USD 1.06 billion in 2022. Major contributors to FDI include China (29.6%), South Africa (22.4%), the United Kingdom (9.4%), and Mauritius (6.8%). UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili says: 'Namibia's diverse investment opportunities and its dedication to sustainable growth make it an interesting destination for global investments. The country's efforts in energy transition and tourism expansion reflect its commitment to innovation and inclusivity." Highest level political support for tourism in Namibia The Investment Guidelines were officially launched as part of a visit by the UN Tourism leadership to Namibia. In Windhoek, Secretary-General Pololikashvili was honored to attend the Inauguration of H.E Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as Namibia's 5th President, and the first woman to hold the office. The inauguration coincided with celebrations of the 35th Anniversary of Independence for the country. Secretary-General Pololikashvili also delivered a Keynote Address at the Namibia University of Science and Technology as part of a special day focused on harnessing the power of technology to build a more inclusive and resilient tourism sector across Africa. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism).
Trade Arabia
25-03-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
UN Tourism launches investment guidelines for Namibia
UN Tourism has presented its 'Tourism Doing Business' guidelines, focused on the opportunities for international investors in Namibia's burgeoning tourism sector. 'Tourism Doing Business Investing in Namibia' aims to attract potential investors and provides essential insights into the vibrant opportunities within Namibia's tourism sector. The guidelines showcase Namibia's unique cultural heritage, robust economy, and supportive business environment, highlighting areas of potential significant growth in the years ahead. Namibia: A thriving tourism ecosystem Namibia, known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is poised for significant growth in tourism investment. With its unique positioning as a gateway to Southern Africa, the country offers a diverse array of attractions, from the iconic dunes of Sossusvlei to the remarkable wildlife of Etosha National Park. According to UN Tourism's guidelines: Namibia has demonstrated steady economic growth and stability. In 2024, the country recorded GDP growth of 3.1%, which is projected to rise to 4.2% in 2025. The country is also growing as a tourism destination. Namibia welcomed 863,872 international visitors in 202, an 87.4% increase on 2022 The tourism sector contributed 6.9% to GDP, generating $348 million in international tourism receipts in 2023. Namibia has experienced remarkable growth in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), with inflows reaching $2.61 billion in 2023—a significant increase from $1.06 billion in 2022. Major contributors to FDI include China (29.6%), South Africa (22.4%), the UK (9.4%), and Mauritius (6.8%). UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili says: 'Namibia's diverse investment opportunities and its dedication to sustainable growth make it an interesting destination for global investments. The country's efforts in energy transition and tourism expansion reflect its commitment to innovation and inclusivity." Highest level political support for tourism in Namibia The Investment Guidelines were officially launched as part of a visit by the UN Tourism leadership to Namibia. In Windhoek, Secretary-General Pololikashvili was honored to attend the Inauguration of Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as Namibia's 5th President, and the first woman to hold the office. The inauguration coincided with celebrations of the 35th Anniversary of Independence for the country. Secretary-General Pololikashvili also delivered a Keynote Address at the Namibia University of Science and Technology as part of a special day focused on harnessing the power of technology to build a more inclusive and resilient tourism sector across Africa. -TradeArabia News Service
Trade Arabia
06-03-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Invest in tourism for peace, UN Tourism chief urges
UN Tourism highlighted the need for investments in tourism sector and its role as a vehicle of peace at ITB Berlin 2025, the world's biggest travel trade show. As it celebrates its 50th year, the United Nations specialised agency is reaffirming its founding vision of tourism for peace and security while also looking ahead to a more resilient and inclusive sector underscored by investments and innovation. At ITB Berlin, UN Tourism again served as the bridge between public and private leaders and for the first time hosted a high-level summit featuring ministers of tourism from 23 countries. Officially opening ITB Berlin 2025, UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: 'As we have in Berlin and in many other parts of the world, when people can travel freely and when everyone can benefit from tourism, they are more likely to back peaceful resolutions and work together. And peace and security allow us to achieve our vision for the future. Our focus on education, innovation, and investment is ensuring that tourism is not only a driver of economic growth but also a vehicle for empowerment and sustainability.' Pololikashvili also congratulated Edi Rama, Prime Minister of Albania, for overseeing his country's remarkable growth as a destination. Albania, the host country of ITB Berlin 2025, was the top-performing country in Europe in 2024 in terms of increase in arrivals since before the start of the pandemic. It also hosted UN Tourism's Regional Commission for Europe in 2024 and is a leading destination in tourism investments, as highlighted in the newly-updated UN Tourism Investment Guidelines for the country. Landmark first summit In Berlin, UN Tourism and ITB celebrated a landmark first with a high-level ministerial discussion on 'Enhancing Investment, Ensuring Peace: Harnessing Growth, Shaping the Future.' Joining ministers of tourism and high-level representatives of 23 countries were Julia Simpson, President and CEO of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC). The leaders focused on the vital need for peace and security to attract investments, on the importance of public-private partnerships, and on good governance to ensure that investments deliver benefits for the sector as well as for host communities, showcasing good practice from destinations worldwide. During ITB Berlin, the UN Tourism leadership seized the chance to hold high-level meetings with several of its member states. Bilateral meetings were also held with ministers or other top representatives of Armenia, Cambodia Croatia, Indonesia, Poland, Montenegro and Venezuela. - TradeArabia News Service
Trade Arabia
01-03-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
UN Tourism welcomes soccer legend Stoichkov as new ambassador
UN Tourism has further strengthened its partnership with Bulgaria with an official visit and hosting key meetings in the Balkan nation with its political leadership and also welcoming football legend and Ballon d'Or winner and a philanthropist Hristo Stoichkov as its new ambassador. The UN Tourism official visit, led by Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili, was welcomed by Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov who joind the high-level meetings with the Ministries of Tourism and Foreign Affairs. These meetings focused on how UN Tourism can support the further growth and diversification of Bulgaria's tourism sector, most notably through the development of cultural, culinary and wine tourism. In an official meeting with President Rumen Radev, both parties focused on supporting tourism education and growing investment into the sector, with UN Tourism committed to publishing guidelines for international investors. Lauding Bulgaria for its commitment to responsible and inclusive growth, Pololikashvili said: "It has established itself as one of Europe's most exciting tourism destinations. With UN Tourism, its focus on education and training and growing investments into the sector will serve as the solid foundations for long-term sustainable growth, both in urban centres as well as rural communities." In Sofia, UN Tourism officially appointed Stoichkov its newest Special Ambassador for Sports Tourism. Over the course of his career, the Bulgarian soccer legend had represented Barcelona Football Club, won the Golden Boot at the 1994 World Cup and played in Italy, Saudi Arabia and the USA. Since retiring from the game, he has worked tirelessly as a philanthropist and a supporter of youth empowerment through sport. As a Special Ambassador, Stoichkov will help further advance UN Tourism's work on growing sports tourism as a driver of inclusive opportunity and economic diversification. He will also bring his influence and insights into UN Tourism's work to promote tourism education in schools everywhere and make the sector a key pillar of opportunity for global youth. Also in Sofia, the UN Tourism leadership met Miroslav Borshosh, Minister of Tourism of Bulgaria, to sign a Letter of Intent for future cooperation. With Bulgaria having entered into the Schengen Zone at the start of 2025, with an expected upturn in arrivals, the two parties will work to grow and direct investments into Bulgaria's tourism sector, a key priority for UN Tourism and its Member States both in Europe and globally. The discussions explored the potential for an Investment Forum to be held in Bulgaria, recognizing its status as a regional leader. The enhanced collaboration will also focus on another key priority for the sector, promoting education and continued training in the sector. At the same time, the growing importance of spa tourism was discussed, recognizing the natural resources of the country, said Pololikashvili. Finally, with a focus on supporting the diversification and rural development, the two parties agreed that the 9th edition of the UN Tourism Global Wine Tourism Conference will be held in the city of Plovdiv, with the date to be confirmed.
