Ion Vilcu, the Director of the Affiliate Members Department at the UN’s World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), announced Riyadh’s emergence as a central hub for tourism.
New Regional Center
This development came with the opening of the UNWTO’s regional office for the Middle East in Riyadh. It coordinates tourism policies and initiatives for thirteen countries in the region. This office serves as a focal point for dialogue, decision-making, and hopes for many in the region. It aims to harness the tourism industry’s economic and social benefits.
Ion Vilcu’s Diplomatic Background
Ion Vilcu is known for his extensive diplomatic career, serving as Romania’s ambassador to several countries. These include Chile, Argentina, Mexico, and Spain. He also held the position of State Minister and Head of Protocol and Ceremonials in Romania’s government.
Role of UNWTO
Vilcu highlighted the UNWTO’s importance as a leading global tourism organization. It promotes tourism as a driver of economic growth, inclusive development, and environmental sustainability. The organization encourages adherence to the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism. This aims to maximize the industry’s economic and social contributions while minimizing potential negative impacts.
Boosting Tourism’s Competitive Edge
The UNWTO is committed to developing knowledge related to the tourism industry. It promotes policies and tools to enhance competitiveness and sustainability. This includes supporting tourism education and training. The organization aids projects in over 100 countries worldwide.
Recovery and Growth Projections
Despite challenges like rising service costs and geopolitical tensions, the tourism sector is rebounding. By 2023, international tourism reached about 90% of its pre-pandemic levels. Revenue is expected to hit $1.4 trillion, showing a significant recovery.
UNWTO Membership
Vilcu mentioned that the UNWTO includes 160 member states, 466 affiliate members, and participants from non-self-governing territories. Also membership is open to a wide range of organizations. This also promotes collaboration between the public and private sectors in tourism.
Riyadh Office’s Role
The Riyadh office focuses on enhancing tourism cooperation through its network. It also offers unique opportunities for experience exchange and collaboration. This also supports the sector’s development and contributes to achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
Benefits for Members
Members enjoy various benefits, such as networking through the “AM Connected” platform. This facilitates collaboration and knowledge exchange. Additionally, membership also offers greater visibility, access to the UNWTO’s tourism library, and periodic reports. This provides unique research and information coverage in the tourism field.
Growth in Middle Eastern Membership
Consequently, the number of affiliate members from the Middle East has doubled in the past year. This success is attributed to a new expansion strategy. It aims for a more geographically balanced distribution of members.
The future looks promising for increased participation from Middle Eastern entities.
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