The Diplomat
UN Tourism will hold its 122nd Executive Council meeting in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, from today till friday. This event, chaired by the organization’s Secretary General Zurab Pololikashvili, will focus on promoting sustainable development and the equitable distribution of the wealth generated by the tourism industry.
On November 13, 14 and 15, Cartagena de Indias will host representatives of the ministries of tourism of the member countries, with the special presence of Colombian institutions acting as hosts, such as the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Fontur, ProColombia, the District Mayor’s Office and Corpoturismo, among others. It will also include the main companies and transnational entities in the sector. The main objective of the meeting is to materialize concrete policies for the implementation of more sustainable tourism models that generate a greater economic impact on the communities in which they operate.
Tourism represents one of the main sources of global income. In 2023 alone, it contributed 9.1% of the world’s GDP. In Spain, this industry represents 12.8% of GDP, consolidating itself as a crucial economic engine that today generates thousands of direct and indirect jobs.
In this context, UN Tourism wants to reaffirm its commitment to a tourism model that respects the environment and favors the development of the most disadvantaged regions. The Executive Council meeting will seek to adjust and give continuity to the working groups dedicated to the promotion of tourism models that have a positive impact on local communities, using tourism as a “pillar of peace and understanding”, in Pololikashvili’s own words.
Throughout the conference, several activities will take place, such as the UN Tourism World Innovation Investment Forum; the UN Tourism Tech Adventure; the Best Tourism Villages Ceremony; visits of tourist interest; the integration space for affiliated members, such as companies, educational institutions and NGOs, etc.
At the end of the event, the new host city for the next Executive Council meeting will be chosen.
