UNWTO and the World Economic Forum on Tourism plan to strengthen their collaboration

24-04-23

• UNWTO and the World Tourism Economic Forum (GTEF) have presented plans to strengthen and deepen their collaboration.

Since the first Forum was held in 2012, the two organizations have joined forces with a view to fostering closer ties between governments and the private tourism sector. In light of the excellent results achieved, UNWTO and GTEF have announced plans for a renewed and enhanced annual Forum to coincide with the 10th anniversary of the event in Macao, China (September 21). The venue for subsequent forums will alternate between Macau and another host country, to be selected jointly by the two organizations.

When announcing these plans in Lisbon, UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said, "UNWTO is proud of its ongoing collaboration with the World Economic Forum on Tourism to bring governments and private sector leaders together and address the biggest challenges and opportunities facing our sector today. By 2023, and beyond, we look forward to continuing the progress made through our successful partnership."

Pansy Ho, Vice President and Secretary General of GTEF, said, "In line with China's policies of supporting enterprises to 'go global', every two years we will organize overseas GTEF, which is, in fact, an international platform. Going forward, we believe that mainland China, Macau and even the whole world can benefit from the event."

Tourism for the sake of business and development

The 10th edition of the GTEF will be held under the theme "Destination 2030: Unlocking Tourism for Business and Development". It will bring together governments and leaders from the public and private sectors to further consolidate the Forum as the leading annual event for public-private partnerships and tourism for economic growth and business development.

UNWTO also signed a memorandum of understanding in Lisbon with the Global Tourism Economy Research Centre (GTERC), coordinator of the GTEF, to work together to identify areas for future cooperation. UNWTO Secretary-General Zulab Pololikashvili announced this new partnership in the company of Mr. Ho Iat Seng, Chief Executive of Macao SAR; Mr. Zhao Bentang, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to the Portuguese Republic; and Mr. Nuno Fazenda, Portugal's Secretary of State for Tourism, Trade and Services.