UNWTO AND ITALY REVEAL PLANS FOR 2022 GLOBAL YOUTH TOURISM SUMMIT
The World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) has revealed more details of the upcoming Global Youth Tourism Summit, set to be held in Sorrento, Italy, from June 27 to July 3.
The Summit, organised by UNWTO in collaboration with the Italian Ministry of Tourism and the Italian National Tourist Board, will provide an opportunity for 100 young delegates aged between 12 and 18 to share their vision for the future with tourism professionals and politicians.
During the BIT travel trade show in Milan, UNWTO director for Europe Alessandra Priante joined representatives of the project partners to share more details of the landmark Summit.
The theme inaugural event will be held around the theme of International Sustainable Tourism. The program will include interactive activities oriented towards the Sustainable Development Goals and how they interact with tourism, during which participants will learn how to build a sector that combines sustainability, culture, gastronomy, innovation and climate action.
“Tourism offers opportunities to the youth while youth gives tourism the opportunity to become stronger and more resilient,” said UNWTO director for Europe Alessandra Priante. “We are extremely proud of the first generation of GYST-ers, who already show their promise and commitment to transform tourism – starting from their local communities.”
UNWTO secretary-general Zurab Pololikashvili added: “The Global Youth Tourism Summit is a platform to celebrate and empower the next generation of tourism leaders. It will help build a lasting legacy by providing young people with the skills and knowledge they need to transform tourism.”
Several Italian Ministries will be involved (education, foreign, south), as will a number of key UN institutions, including FAO, UNICEF and ITU. The Summit will bring together major international players convened by UNWTO, including the Global Tourism Economy Research Centre of Macao, the Bella Vista Institute of Higher Education in Switzerland, the Azerbaijan National Tourism Agency, Hilton International, Mastercard Europe and MSC Crociere. Confirmed institutional guests will include Commissioner Gabriel, the UN’s envoy for youth Jayathma Wickramanayake, UNWTO Ambassadors for Responsible Tourism Valeria Mazza, Didier Drogba, Gino Sorbillo among others.
“A moment of osmosis between past, present and future can only benefit Italy which is being reorganised and reborn. We believe in the contribution and enthusiasm of the generations of tomorrow, not only for the lessons they can teach us and for the necessary comparison of what will come next, but also because new opportunities arise from this dialogue, not only in terms of tourist offerings, but also in terms of tourist training,” told Enit President Giorgio Palmucci.
Felice Casucci, Councillor for Tourism of the Campania Region added: “The institutional chain must be compact at a time when it is necessary to have a broad vision and focus on young people for a great international message of peace. Sorrento is a unique opportunity to put together a highly recognised tourist destination with a narrative to the world.”
