The Diplomat
Madrid will host next November 30 the XXIV meeting of the General Assembly of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) at the request of this organization, once Morocco has renounced to hold it in Marrakech due to its health situation and mobility limitations.
As reported by the Presidency of the Spanish Government on its website, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism, Reyes Maroto, has confirmed that “Spain will be the host country after the Moroccan authorities’ renunciation and the express request of the UNWTO”, in compliance with the statutes of the Organization and with Morocco’s agreement.
The Minister of Tourism stressed that the holding of an international forum of this level also means the worldwide recognition of “Spain as a safe destination”, as well as being “an unavoidable opportunity for the international projection of Spain and to reaffirm our position as a major player in terms of tourism. Madrid will be at the center of the debate on the recovery of world tourism and the design of the tourism of the future”.
The minister added that the representatives attending the meeting “will have the opportunity to learn first-hand about the progress of the project for the new world headquarters of the Organization in Madrid“.
For Reyes Maroto, Spain’s experience in the organization of congresses and events is internationally recognized, “as was evident when we took on the organization of COP-25 in record time,” she said.
XXIV General Assembly
The General Assembly is the main body of the World Tourism Organization and this year will focus its debates on innovation, education and rural development to rebuild and improve tourism after the pandemic.
It meets every two years to approve its budget and program of work and to discuss issues of importance to the sector. The Assembly is composed of full and associate members. Affiliate members and representatives of other international organizations also participate as observers.
On this occasion, the 43rd Plenary Meeting of the UNWTO Affiliate Members will be the first official activity of the General Assembly. The Plenary meeting is the most important governance structure of the Affiliate Members and provides an ideal context for sharing initiatives and discussing the annual work program.
