UNWTO further pushes its emphasis on investments for a more robust and sustainable tourism industry
United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) has partnered with the World Investment for Development Alliance (WIDA) to enhance both the level and effectiveness of investment in the sector. According to a press statement by UNTWO, the Alliance was created with an aim of supporting and accelerating the implementation of the Agenda 2030 and its sustainable development goals.
By enhancing its collaboration with both the international community and the private sector, UNWTO has further pushed its emphasis on investments in a more robust and sustainable tourist industry.
The statement adds that in line with the two organisations’ commitment to cooperate in the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding, UNWTO will spearhead the “Tourism Investment Segment”, an official side event of the upcoming Annual Investment Meeting, to be held on May 8-10 in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.
Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili says that improved cooperation with private sector stakeholders will be crucial for both increasing investment levels and allocating funding to projects focused on sustainability.
Zurab Pololikashvili
“Investment is all too often the missing ingredient for turning our shared plans for a more sustainable, inclusive and resilient tourism sector into reality. UNWTO is proud to join the World Investment for Development Alliance and we look forward to working together to re-think and transform investments into tourism,” says Pololikashvili.
“WIDA fully recognises that UNWTO has been playing a leading role in promoting investment in tourism for sustainable development and inclusive growth. It believes that UNWTO shares the same values as WIDA and can make a significant contribution to our common causes,” says WIDA Chair James Zhan.
According to UNWTO data, the pandemic significantly decreased tourism investment levels. With the theme of Green Investments, the specialised agency of the United Nations will celebrate World Tourism Day on September 27.
“For this reason, I am happy UNWTO has confirmed our new agreement with the Annual Investment Meeting (AIM). We consider this collaboration as mutually beneficial, as we recognise the significant contributions that can be made by the private sector to our organisation’s strategic objectives,” Pololikashvili adds.
UNTWO statement adds that Annual Investment Meeting (AIM) is an initiative of the AIM Foundation, an independent international organisation fully committed to empower the world’s economy by boosting effective promotion strategies and facilitating opportunities for economic productivity and expansion. The Foundation also undertakes the operation and management of the AIM Global Investment Network and its 15 affiliated Business Groups, including the supervision of the Annual Investment Meeting Global and Regional Chapters.
