Latest news with #UnitedNationsWorldTourismOrganization
Web Release
2 days ago
- Business
- Web Release
Shaikha Al Nowais participates in VivaTech 2025 in Paris, highlights importance of localizing advanced solutions to develop tourism products and destinations
Her Excellency Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais, Secretary-General-elect of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) for the 2026–2029 term, participated in VivaTech 2025 exhibition and forum, held under the theme 'New Frontiers of Innovation.' The latest edition of the event saw extensive participation from decision-makers, business leaders, and innovation pioneers from around the world. Her Excellency visited the UAE Pavilion at the exhibition, where she was briefed on the most prominent projects and innovations presented by Emirati small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly those specializing in tourism and related sectors. She praised the digital solutions and services developed by these companies and highlighted their role in offering innovative solutions that serve the community. During her meeting with Emirati entrepreneurs at the exhibition, Her Excellency underscored the importance of localizing advanced technologies and artificial intelligence in the development of hospitality services and tourism destinations, in line with international best practices. She noted that technology has become a key enabler in delivering distinctive tourism experiences, improving service quality, and enhancing the competitiveness of the sector. Her Excellency also toured pavilions of several other international companies operating in the fields of advanced technology, artificial intelligence, and digital solutions. She was apprised of the latest innovations in these fields, which are reshaping the future of digital economy and advancing smart tourism. VivaTech is the largest technology event and startup exhibition in Europe. This year's edition attracted approximately 165,000 visitors, and featured more than 13,500 startups, along with 3,500 exhibitors and 3,200 investors, serving as a unique platform for accelerating innovation, exchanging ideas, and building strategic partnerships.
Mid East Info
2 days ago
- Business
- Mid East Info
Shaikha Al Nowais participates in VivaTech 2025 in Paris, highlights importance of localizing advanced solutions to develop tourism products and destinations
Her Excellency Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais, Secretary-General-elect of the United Nations World Tourism Organization UNWTO for the 2026–2029 term, participated in VivaTech 2025 exhibition and forum, held under the theme 'New Frontiers of Innovation.' The latest edition of the event saw extensive participation from decision-makers, business leaders, and innovation pioneers from around the world. Her Excellency visited the UAE Pavilion at the exhibition, where she was briefed on the most prominent projects and innovations presented by Emirati small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly those specializing in tourism and related sectors. She praised the digital solutions and services developed by these companies and highlighted their role in offering innovative solutions that serve the community. During her meeting with Emirati entrepreneurs at the exhibition, Her Excellency underscored the importance of localizing advanced technologies and artificial intelligence in the development of hospitality services and tourism destinations, in line with international best practices. She noted that technology has become a key enabler in delivering distinctive tourism experiences, improving service quality, and enhancing the competitiveness of the sector. Her Excellency also toured pavilions of several other international companies operating in the fields of advanced technology, artificial intelligence, and digital solutions. She was apprised of the latest innovations in these fields, which are reshaping the future of digital economy and advancing smart tourism. VivaTech is the largest technology event and startup exhibition in Europe. This year's edition attracted approximately 165,000 visitors, and featured more than 13,500 startups, along with 3,500 exhibitors and 3,200 investors, serving as a unique platform for accelerating innovation, exchanging ideas, and building strategic partnerships.
The Sun
11-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Global Tourism Elites Eye New Opportunities in Hainan, China
SANYA, CHINA - Media OutReach Newswire - 10 June 2025 - On June 8, the Overseas Tour Operators Hainan Tour 2025 was inaugurated in Sanya, China, and more than 450 tourism industry representatives worldwide explored new opportunities in Hainan. Themed 'Travel to Meet the World,' the event showcased the province's advancements in enhancing international visitor experiences, such as payment facilitation, multi-language services, visa-free policies, and expanded air routes. Enterprises from 18 cities and counties across the island showcased their unique cultural, tourism, and creative products, engaging in one-on-one discussions with global travel agencies to strengthen tourism cooperation. Zhu Shanzhong, ambassador of the United Nations World Tourism Organization, pointed out that Hainan is giving full play to the policies of the Free Trade Port and leveraging its rich tourism resources and industrial integration system so as to accelerate the construction of an international tourism consumption center. 'Hainan is home to not only a breathtaking natural landscape but also a vibrant and ever-growing cultural heritage,' said Peter Semone, chairman of the Pacific Asia Travel Association. He believed that through innovation, regional cooperation, and sustainable practice, Hainan could build a 'meaningful Asia-Pacific tourism economy,' improve service quality while protecting tourism resources, and be a benchmark for tourism development in China with a notable influence in the Asia-Pacific region. Cynthia Tan, deputy president of the Malaysian Chinese Tourism Association and executive director of Roystar Travel & Tours Sdn. Bhd., praised the abundant tourism resources in Hainan. Lee Kwah Ho, CEO of South Korean travel agency LK Global, said, 'I can't help but recommend Hainan's offerings, especially premium hotels, to South Korean tourists. The next step is to partner with Hainan in high-end coastal vacations.' 'We plan to join hands with scenic spots in Hainan to design programs for Hong Kong students' field trips,' said Florence Lo, director of iStudent Tour (HK) Limited. According to the Hainan Department of Tourism, Culture, Radio, TV, and Sports, as China's only tropical island province and its largest Free Trade Port, the province warmly invites global visitors to embark on a vibrant tropical journey, experiencing a modern and dynamic Hainan brimming with opportunities.
Business Insider
04-06-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
9 African countries driving tourism growth with reforms, investments
These African countries are revitalizing tourism across their respective regions through sweeping reforms, ranging from strategic airline expansions and upgraded airport infrastructure to rising hotel occupancy and progressive visa policies. Following years of pandemic-related disruptions and evolving global travel trends, a new wave of investments and regulatory changes is breathing fresh life into the continent's travel and hospitality industries. According to TTW, a leading tourism platform, these countries are not only drawing record numbers of visitors with easier visa access and expanded flight networks, but also championing the push for a unified African visa to streamline cross-border travel. Together, they are leading a coordinated effort to make Africa more connected, accessible, and competitive, transforming the continent into a rising force in global tourism. According to the latest World Tourism Barometer from the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Africa experienced a remarkable surge in tourism in 2024, welcoming 74 million international visitors. This marks a 7% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019 and a 12% rise over 2023, FurtherAfrica reports that the surge in tourist arrivals has positively impacted Africa's economy, with international tourism revenues reaching $1.6 trillion in 2024. This reflects a 3% increase from 2023 and a 4% rise compared to 2019, after adjusting for inflation and exchange rate fluctuations, highlighting the sector's growing contribution to the continent's economic recovery. Africa's tourism drivers According to TTW's recent report, the following nine countries in no particular order, are at the forefront of Africa's tourism drive in the first half of 2025. No. Country Key tourism drivers 1 Kenya New Routes, Visa-Free Access and Expanded Hotel Standards 2 Senegal Direct US Flights, Hotel Growth and Simplified Entry 3 South Africa Domestic Travel, Airport Infrastructure and Backs Digital Visa Innovation 4 Ghana African Visa-Free Entry and Airport Growth While Expanding Hospitality Offerings 5 Rwanda Leads Eco-Tourism and Gorilla Trekking with Airport Expansion and Unified Visa Advocacy 6 Mauritius Attracts Long-Term Visitors with Premium Visas, Rising Hotel Demand and Island Upgrades 7 Seychelles Balances Visa-Free Access and Sustainable Tourism with Expanding Air Connectivity 8 Cabo Verde New Tourism Highs with European Air Links, Island Airport Revamps and Hotel Demand 9 Ethiopia Ambitious Tourism Goals with Africa's Largest Airport Project and Digital Visa Rollout Africa's tourism industry is getting a boost as these countries are investing in infrastructure, expanding airline connections, increasing hotel capacity, and introducing policies like visa waivers and digital systems to make travel easier.
CairoScene
02-06-2025
- Business
- CairoScene
Shaikha Al Nowais Nominated as First Woman to Lead UN Tourism
The Emirati executive could become the first woman Secretary-General in the UN agency's 50-year history. Shaikha Al Nowais of the United Arab Emirates has been officially nominated to serve as the next Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism). If elected, she would be the first woman to lead the agency since its founding in 1975. The nomination was confirmed during the 123rd session of the UN Tourism Executive Council, held in Segovia, Spain. Al Nowais received 24 votes in the final round, surpassing candidates from Greece, Mexico, and Ghana. Her appointment is hoped to be ratified at the UN Tourism General Assembly later this year, which will be hosted in Saudi Arabia. Al Nowais brings over 16 years of experience in the global tourism and hospitality sector, most notably serving as Corporate Vice President at Rotana Hotels. She is also a board member of the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council, chairs the Abu Dhabi Chamber's Tourism Working Group, and sits on the advisory board of Les Roches Hospitality Academy. Her proposed leadership vision for UN Tourism centres on promoting responsible tourism, increasing opportunities for women and youth, leveraging digital transformation, and encouraging innovative financing and inclusive governance across the sector. If confirmed, Al Nowais will begin her four-year term in January 2026, succeeding current Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili.
