Latest news with #UNTourism
Morocco World
3 hours ago
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco Welcomes 7.2 Million Tourists in First Five Months of 2025
Rabat – Morocco has welcomed a new record of 7.2 million tourists during the first five months of 2025. A statement from Morocco's Ministry of Tourism has said the number marks a 22% increase compared to the same period last year. The number represents an increase of 1.3 million tourists and a remarkable 68% growth compared to 2019. The ministry celebrated the momentum, noting that the data confirms the upward trend that started in 2024. The results also confirm Morocco's position on the global tourism roadmap, the statement added, noting that the growth strengthens the country's standing as a leading international travel destination. The ministry emphasized that the results reaffirm Morocco's trajectory toward its goal of attracting 26 million tourists by 2030. The tourism sector is among the key sectors contributing to Morocco's economy. In February, the Exchange Office said travel revenues amounted to MAD 112.5 billion ($11.1 billion) last year, showing a growth of 7.5% compared to a year earlier. Travel expenditures, meanwhile, reached MAD 29.36 billion ($2.9 billion), showing an increase of 22.9% year-on-year increase. In 2024, Morocco welcomed 17.4 million tourists, with arrivals representing a 20% increase compared to 2023. The data is unprecedented in Morocco and has exceeded the target set by the country for 2026. The number of arrivals also made Morocco the most-visited country in all of Africa. 'Over the five years, Morocco has averaged USD 3.5 billion in FDI annually across all sectors,' UN Tourism said recently, noting that $2.2 billion was allocated to the sector between 2014 and 2023. Tags: ecotourism in moroccotourists in morocco
Mid East Info
a day ago
- Business
- Mid East Info
Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais meets with leading French travel and tourism tech companies to promote innovation in the sector
H.E. underlines importance of technology in her vision to develop a sustainable and responsible tourism sector H.E. Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais, Secretary-General elect of the United Nations Tourism for the 2026–2029 term, held a series of meetings with representatives of leading French travel and tourism technology companies. The discussions focused on advancing innovation and integrating cutting-edge technologies in the sector. Participants emphasized the critical role of digital solutions in improving service efficiency and strengthening the sector's readiness to adapt to rapid technological shifts. The meetings were held on the sidelines of Her Excellency's participation in VivaTech 2025 in Paris, held under the theme 'The New Frontiers of Innovation.' The meetings are part of Her Excellency's ongoing efforts to foster dialogue with the private sector in the tourism industry, in preparation for her assumption of office as UN Tourism Secretary-General early next year. Her Excellency said: 'Technology is a key pillar in my vision to develop a sustainable and responsible tourism sector both regionally and globally, given its vital role in creating innovative tourism models based on global best practices. It further improves quality of life while maintaining privacy and offering outstanding tourism experiences to visitors and tourists around the world.' H.E. emphasised the importance of increasing private‑sector investment in digital solutions that support tourism sustainability and building an integrated digital infrastructure that enhances operational efficiencies in tourism. During the discussions, Her Excellency underscored the importance of strengthening partnerships between the UN Tourism and private tourism companies to develop new initiatives and projects that facilitate mobility and communication across countries, and improve tourism destinations, particularly in light of challenges such as climate change and evolving travel and tourism trends.
Zawya
a day ago
- Business
- Zawya
Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais meets with leading French travel and tourism tech companies
H.E. underlines importance of technology in her vision to develop a sustainable and responsible tourism sector Abu Dhabi: H.E. Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais, Secretary-General elect of the United Nations Tourism for the 2026–2029 term, held a series of meetings with representatives of leading French travel and tourism technology companies. The discussions focused on advancing innovation and integrating cutting-edge technologies in the sector. Participants emphasized the critical role of digital solutions in improving service efficiency and strengthening the sector's readiness to adapt to rapid technological shifts. The meetings were held on the sidelines of Her Excellency's participation in VivaTech 2025 in Paris, held under the theme "The New Frontiers of Innovation." The meetings are part of Her Excellency's ongoing efforts to foster dialogue with the private sector in the tourism industry, in preparation for her assumption of office as UN Tourism Secretary-General early next year. Her Excellency said: 'Technology is a key pillar in my vision to develop a sustainable and responsible tourism sector both regionally and globally, given its vital role in creating innovative tourism models based on global best practices. It further improves quality of life while maintaining privacy and offering outstanding tourism experiences to visitors and tourists around the world.' H.E. emphasised the importance of increasing private‑sector investment in digital solutions that support tourism sustainability and building an integrated digital infrastructure that enhances operational efficiencies in tourism. During the discussions, Her Excellency underscored the importance of strengthening partnerships between the UN Tourism and private tourism companies to develop new initiatives and projects that facilitate mobility and communication across countries, and improve tourism destinations, particularly in light of challenges such as climate change and evolving travel and tourism trends.
Web Release
a day ago
- Business
- Web Release
Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais meets with leading French travel and tourism tech companies to promote innovation in the sector
H.E. Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais, Secretary-General elect of the United Nations Tourism for the 2026–2029 term, held a series of meetings with representatives of leading French travel and tourism technology companies. The discussions focused on advancing innovation and integrating cutting-edge technologies in the sector. Participants emphasized the critical role of digital solutions in improving service efficiency and strengthening the sector's readiness to adapt to rapid technological shifts. The meetings were held on the sidelines of Her Excellency's participation in VivaTech 2025 in Paris, held under the theme 'The New Frontiers of Innovation.' The meetings are part of Her Excellency's ongoing efforts to foster dialogue with the private sector in the tourism industry, in preparation for her assumption of office as UN Tourism Secretary-General early next year. Her Excellency said: 'Technology is a key pillar in my vision to develop a sustainable and responsible tourism sector both regionally and globally, given its vital role in creating innovative tourism models based on global best practices. It further improves quality of life while maintaining privacy and offering outstanding tourism experiences to visitors and tourists around the world.' H.E. emphasised the importance of increasing private?sector investment in digital solutions that support tourism sustainability and building an integrated digital infrastructure that enhances operational efficiencies in tourism. During the discussions, Her Excellency underscored the importance of strengthening partnerships between the UN Tourism and private tourism companies to develop new initiatives and projects that facilitate mobility and communication across countries, and improve tourism destinations, particularly in light of challenges such as climate change and evolving travel and tourism trends.
Hospitality Net
13-06-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
UN Tourism Commission for Africa Meets to Boost Social Impact, Innovation, and Youth Empowerment
The UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa (CAF), brought together tourism leaders, government officials, and creative-sector stakeholders to chart a future where tourism drives lasting, inclusive development across the region. The event brought together more than 300 delegates, including 18 Ministers of Tourism, reflecting the high-level support for UN Tourism's work and vision for the region. Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili opened the 68th session with a call to action rooted in partnership and progress. Reflecting on his first visit to Abuja in 2018, he noted that 'progress is built on partnership and Africa's story is one of resilience and renewal.' He lauded the region's rapid recovery in tourism, driven by streamlined protocols, digital innovation, and targeted skill development, and reaffirmed commitment to the Agenda for Africa: Tourism for Inclusive Growth. Shared progress celebrated In Abuja, UN Tourism's Member States in Africa were given a thorough overview of the progress made in advancing shared goals since the Regional Commission's last meeting. Key highlights of this shared progress include: The launch of the Thematic Office on Innovation for Africa, in partnership with Morocco, designed to drive investment, capacity-building, and digital transformation in tourism. A strong emphasis on creative industries, music, film, fashion, and cuisine, as drivers of culture-led tourism, visitor engagement, and local livelihoods. Advancements in education and youth empowerment, including new courses, academy launches in Zambia and Zimbabwe, and expansive training and entrepreneurship programmes. Tourism can be a ladder out of poverty and a platform for leadership , Pololikashvili said, urging further investment in digital literacy, vocational training, and youth entrepreneurship, particularly for women and marginalized communities. Key roles for African Member States in UN Tourism In Abuja, Africa's Member States fulfilled their statutory obligations with elections to key positions that will guide UN Tourism's work forward over the coming years: Angola; Kenya; Seychelles; Zambia; Zimbabwe will serve on the UN Tourism Executive Council (2025-2029) Nigeria and Zimbabwe will serve as Vice-Presidents of the UN Tourism General Assembly (2025) Zambia will Chair the Regional Commission for Africa (2025-2027), with Angola and Nigeria the Vice-Chairs Looking ahead, Seychelles will host the 69th Meeting of the UN Tourism Commission for Africa (date TBC). Cabo Verde will then host the official celebrations for World Tourism Day 2027. Innovation to shape Africa's tourism future The week's discussions underlined a shared vision: tourism led by Africans, powered by innovation, and rooted in cultural identity. Delegates stressed that technology and Artificial Intelligence must serve people first, by widening market access, easing travel, and reinforcing ethical standards. On the sidelines of the 68th CAF meeting, UN Tourism held a Technical Workshop on AI and Innovation shaping Tourism and Creative Industries for local officials. Discussions focused on placing AI tools and innovation to be at the forefront of tourism development across Africa, as well as on supporting education and entrepreneurial skills for growth as well as the importance of public-private partnerships. 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. View source
