IATA AND UNWTO SIGN MOU TO BOLSTER TOURISM

The World Tourism Organization has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the International Air Transport Association as the two parties work together to restart global tourism.

The new agreement will focus on enhancing consumer confidence in travel and placing sustainability at the centre of recovery and future growth. This agreement with the global trade association for the airline sector builds on and deepens the existing collaboration between both organisations to keep geared towards restoring the confidence of travellers.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “Air travel is an essential component of global tourism. This partnership between UNWTO and IATA will see us work closely together to increase confidence in flying and tourism in general. UNWTO will use our expertise in innovation and our status as a connector of public and private sector leaders to help get aviation moving again. This partnership between UNWTO and IATA will see us work closely together to increase confidence in flying and tourism in general.”

As well as focusing on building and maintaining confidence in international travel, the new agreement will also see UNWTO and IATA work closely together to foster innovation and promote greater public-private collaboration. As tourism restarts, this MoU will help ensure recovery is sustainable and inclusive.

IATA Director General Alexandre de Juniac said: “The safe opening of international borders to tourism is essential. Tourists want to feel safe, and they want to be confident that their travel plans won’t be affected by last-minute changes to rules and regulations. For this to happen, even greater collaboration between the public and private sectors is needed. This enhanced partnership with the World Tourism Organization will help guide aviation’s recovery over the critical months ahead.”

(Photo – top of page – courtesy EMIRATES)