As Tourism leaders gather in Spain for the 24th session of UNWTO’s General Assembly, His Majesty King Felipe VI of Spain has urged the tourism industry to find solutions which address the challenges of the tourism sector in the 21st century.
Photo Credit: Casa de SM el Rey
Speaking at a gala dinner on the eve of the official opening of UNWTO’s General Assembly in Madrid, King Felipe VI said “Tourism, in this 21st century, must address new challenges; it must accompany the challenge of the fight against climate change, decarbonisation, sustainability ─both environmental and socio-economic─, the digitization of services, integration and respect in the host communities.”
The King added that Spain was happy to be hosting this important event which will shape the future of the tourism sector.
“The 24th General Assembly of the UNWTO, which we are proud and happy to host here in Madrid is, undoubtedly, an event of great significance for world tourism, and ─as you can well imagine─ a particularly important one for Spain.
Photo Credit: Casa de SM el Rey
The Secretary-General of UNWTO Zurab Pololikashvili paid glowing tribute to the Kingdom for its unrelenting support to the relaunch of tourism and the activities of the organization.
Mr. Pololikashvili added that “We use this week’s General Assembly as a platform to restart tourism. A chance to seize opportunity out of crisis and show the world what tourism can do and why it really matters – for people, for planet and prosperity.”
The Minister of Industry Commerce and Tourism of Spain Maroto Reyes said the history of Spain and UNWTO has been a success story for 46. She reiterated the king’s message of Spain being proud to host this General Assembly which will shape the future of tourism.
The Assembly continues today and we will be bringing you up to the minutes’ update from Madrid.
