UNWTO Invites European Parliament to Welcome Tourism on Board

Aiming to place tourism high on the European Union’s agenda and for the sector to play a key role in issues affecting Europe, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Secretary General Zurab Pololikashvili recently addressed the European Parliament in the context of several high-level meetings in Brussels.

In his meetings, Pololikashvili gave a particular focus on the sector’s potential to contribute to the creation of more jobs and to meeting the climate goals set out in the new European Green Deal.

Marking the “Year of Tourism and Rural Development” this year, the UNWTO underlines the role the sector can play in regenerating and driving sustainable growth in rural communities across Europe.

“We now have an opportunity to place tourism front and center in the debate over what kind of Europe we want to build now and for future generations. Above all, as we face up to the biggest challenge of our lifetimes in the climate emergency, we must make sure tourism’s potential to contribute to the European Green Deal is fully realized,” said Pololikashvili.

Meanwhile, Pololikashvili also reaffirmed the UNWTO’s support for the people of China and the global tourism as it deals with the impact of COVID-19, referring to the sector’s ability recover from setbacks including health emergencies.

In relevant news, Pololikashvili was in Athens earlier this week, where he met with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Tourism Minister Harry Theoharis to discuss the importance of tourism for Greece.