Events, Organisations & Operators,

The Executive Council of UNWTO has met to advance the recovery of tourism around shared goals and a common vision for the sector.
Held for the first time in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the 116th session was the largest meeting of the Executive Council since the start of the pandemic, with more than 200 participants and 32 countries represented. Members noted that the meeting came at a pivotal point for the sector as it learns from the lessons of the pandemic while at the same time looking ahead to a more sustainable, inclusive and resilient future.
Advancing priorities in challenging times“We have faced up to a triple crisis: an ongoing pandemic, a climate emergency and now the return of war in Europe,” UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said. He stressed that “tourism is united and determined like never before, and UNWTO is guiding it forward, with inclusivity and sustainability at the very heart of all our work”.
In his report to Members on achievements since the previous Council meeting six months ago, the Secretary-General illustrated how UNWTO is seizing tourism’s unprecedented relevance, including within the United Nations, in national recovery and growth plans and within the wider public and media conversation.ADVERTISEMENTTourism’s restartUNWTO laid out its plans to keep advancing the priorities around fostering sustainability, promoting tourism jobs and education, growing tourism investments and accelerating its digital transformation.

The Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia and host of the Executive Council, Ahmed Al Khateeb, said: “Tourism’s restart in many countries around the world offers a unique chance to rethink tourism governance, communications and beyond. We have an incredible opportunity to set a new way forward, to create a strong future for the global tourism sector, and we must embrace it.”
The recognition of tourism’s importance was further echoed by the Minister of Tourism and Leisure of Cote d’Ivoire, also serving as Executive Council Chair, Siandou Fofana, who noted that “tourism is united to face future challenges”, while stressing the importance of cohesion in planning and policymaking as the sector recovers to drive wider social and economic recovery.

Members agreed to hold the 117th session of the UNWTO Executive Council in Morocco, in the second half of this year. With two countries offering to host the 118th session, Members voted in favour of the Dominican Republic holding the first Council of 2023.
Onto Riyadh, emerging tourism hubMembers of the Executive Council were provided with an update on the work of the UNWTO Regional Office for the Middle East, opened in the capital of Saudi Arabia in May 2021. The office in Riyadh is set to emerge as both a regional and global hub for the sector, with a special focus on tourism education and tourism and rural development, exemplified by the first major project to come out of the office, Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO.
From Jeddah, the UNWTO leadership will visit Riyadh to formally welcome personnel.

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The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) unveils its speakers for the upcoming Sustainability and Investment Summit in Puerto Rico, including environmental activist and filmmaker, Alexandra Cousteau, and 41st Treasurer of the U.S., Rosario Marin.
Taking place on June 14 in the city of San Juan, Puerto Rico, the event will bring together world leaders in the field to analyse the challenges facing the sector.
Alexandra Cousteau, granddaughter of legendary explorer Jacques Cousteau, is a sustainability and environmental activist with the unique ability to inspire audiences on the weighty issues of policy, politics and call to action advocating for the importance of restoration and sustainable management of water sources.
As Secretary of the State and Consumer Services Agency, Marin was tasked with greening California through defining standards, improving waste management and supporting hospitality sustainability.
At this one-day event, WTTC, which represents the global private Travel & Tourism sector, will endorse the sector’s commitment to preserve the planet, its biodiversity and reduce climate change. It will focus on building resilience in Travel & Tourism through investment, sustainable growth and the development of communities.ADVERTISEMENTAlso taking to the stage at the Sustainability and Investment Summit will be Tourism Ministers from around the Caribbean and other destinations, including Argentina, Barbados, U.S. and Bahamas, amongst others.
Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “We are delighted to have such influential speakers at our summit in Puerto Rico.
“It is an honour to have Alexandra Cousteau and Rosario Marin addressing delegates, where they will be able to share how sustainability has shaped their work and share lessons learnt on how to bring about sustainable change.
“Puerto Rico is a strategic destination for the Caribbean region. This event will serve as a platform to discuss investment in sustainable tourism.”
Other notable speakers set to address the Sustainability and Investment Summit will be Arnold Donald, President & CEO Carnival Corporation and Chairman at WTTC; Senator Lisa Cummins, Minister of Tourism and International Transport Barbados, Jennifer Aguinaga, Deputy Director for Policy & Planning, U.S. Department of Commerce; Nicola Madden Craig, Manager Caribbean Hotels Tourism Association; Carlos Mercado, Executive Director Puerto Rico Tourism Company, Frank Rainieri, Chairman & Founder Grupo Puntacana;, José Ricardo Botelho, Chief Executive Officer at ALTA; Megan Morikawa, Director of Global Sustainability Office, Iberostar; and Rick Sasso, Chairman, MSC Cruises USA, amongst others.
To attend this live event or join thousands around the world virtually, please click here.

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ITB Berlin and Statista: how environmental awareness is influencing travel behaviour

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Globally, the world’s travel industry contributes around ten per cent of GNP, but worldwide it is also responsible for about five per cent of CO2 emissions – The majority of greenhouse gas emissions are caused by transport – Climate change is creating eco-awareness but not dampening people’s desire to travel – Travellers want to avoid flying, but are still planning trips abroad – Policymakers are called upon to support research and investment in green transport.
According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the tourism and travel industry accounts for around ten per cent of global GNP, seven per cent of global exports and more than ten per cent of jobs. The industry is large – and also has a noticeable impact on the environment. Globally, tourism accounts for around 5 per cent of CO2 emissions.
A 2020 eco-awareness survey by the German Environmental Agency found that for 65 per cent of Germans environmental and climate protection is a very important issue. Over 77 per cent of those polled see human activity as being the main cause of climate change. According to the Global Consumer Survey (GCS) by Statista, which worldwide polled up to 60,000 people per country in over 55 countries, climate change has an influence on the travel behaviour of 65 per cent of all tourists in Germany.
Consumers are aware of the transport problemAccording to the UNEP, transport is responsible for three-quarters of global CO2 emissions resulting from tourism. Air transport (40 per cent) and car use (32 per cent) account for the majority of these CO2 emissions. Train and bus transport is responsible for only a small share (three per cent). In Germany in 2019 (the base year in order to exclude pandemic effects), a domestic flight with an average passenger load emitted 214 g of greenhouse gases per passenger km – almost 40 per cent more than a car (154 g per passenger km at a load factor of 1.4 persons/car) and almost 638 per cent more than a long-distance train journey (29 g per passenger km).
The current Statista survey now shows that German travellers are indeed aware of the environmental impact of their individual transport. In response to whether they would change their travel behaviour because of climate change, the most frequent answer given was “avoiding (long-haul) flights“.ADVERTISEMENTClimate change has little effect on people’s desire to travel – trips abroad remain in high demandHowever, deciding not to travel at all for reasons to do with sustainability is rare. Of the German interviewees planning not to travel in 2022, only six per cent gave protecting the environment as their reason. Accordingly, the threat posed by climate change is not generally affecting people’s desire to travel, but potentially influencing how they go on holiday.
Despite 24 per cent of German travellers interviewed by the GCS saying environmental reasons had recently motivated them to change their foreign travel plans, in 2022 these trips are still in high demand. 70 per cent of Germans planning a trip this year want to (also) cross international borders. Only later will we discover whether people have actually changed their travel behaviour as indicated and actually refrain in numbers from (long-haul) flights and long-distance trips.
Sustainable tour operators are a possible solutionHowever, in the case of both domestic and foreign trips the following applies: sustainable travel is feasible. A general assessment of package tours, all-inclusive hotels or budget travel is not possible. In addition to the type of transport, there are other aspects which influence how sustainable a trip is and which are of interest to tourists. Thus, for 48 per cent of German travellers avoiding waste is important on their holidays, for example. For 40 per cent, saving resources such as energy and water is important, and 39 per cent would like local staff to be fairly paid. Rika Jean-François, CSR commissioner for ITB Berlin: “Every step towards sustainability counts. Even an all-inclusive resort can be run responsibly and sustainably if it has a proper waste and water management system, uses renewable energy and offers local produce, and if the employees are from the region – however, the management must support these measures. Nowadays, customers no longer have a binary choice between ‘low-cost’ and ’ethically correct’ travel, as more and more operators are including sustainability in their product portfolio without raising prices. This is an investment in the future. Beyond that, independent certification is no less important, as it offers operators and customers orientation and helps to prevent greenwashing. Sustainability must become part of a general mindset, including towards our travel behaviour. If I take a local trip by train I am reducing my carbon footprint. If I fly, will I stay longer at my destination instead of indulging in short trips? We all have to ask ourselves if we really need to jet somewhere to go shopping. I hope that soon this will no longer be hip and believe we will see this lifestyle changing in the near future.”
Sustainable tour operators offer many types of eco-friendly travel. They include companies such as Forum Anders Reisen, Gebeco and Intrepid Travel. According to the GCS findings, the potential exists in all the markets that were specifically examined (Germany, UK, USA). More than 40 per cent of those polled were willing to book a trip with a sustainable tour operator, and around 36 per cent were even willing to pay a premium for booking with one. However, in the past two years only 19 per cent of respondents had done so. Here too, time will tell whether travellers actually abide by their resolutions. Contradictions between one’s expectations or convictions and actual behaviour are not a new phenomenon, especially where protecting the environment is concerned. However, what is clear too is that travellers are not only aware of their individual behaviour, but also see the travel industry as having an obligation to provide attractive sustainable travel options.
Policymakers and tour operators must actIn the GCS, 92 per cent of travellers in Germany demand that policymakers and tour operators introduce measures for more eco-friendly holidays. For travellers in the US and UK, certification of eco-friendly resorts and providing information on a trip’s carbon footprint are a big factor. In Germany, banning private planes tops the list of measures (28 per cent, first place), compared with 19 per cent (fourth place) in the UK and 11 per cent (ninth place) in the United States. Tourists in all countries are unanimous that above all there needs to be more research (combined: 23 %) and investment (combined: 24 %) in eco-friendlier transport options.

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Travel trade association UKinbound is pleased to announce Amar Latif, broadcaster, entrepreneur and blind traveller as its keynote speaker for its 2022 Annual Convention, taking place in Aberdeen on 28 and 29 September.
Latif is the founder of Traveleyes, a touring company specialising in supporting blind travellers, and has presented a number of documentaries, including the BBC’s critically acclaimed Beyond Boundaries. He plans to deliver an inspiring keynote, with a focus on recovering from adversity.
Bookings officially open on Tuesday 7 June, for the event at P&J Live, which will bring together more than 200 travel trade professionals from across the industry.
Alongside the keynote, delegates will have access to two days of networking opportunities, seminars and workshops, one-to-one business meetings, and engaging discussions on the critical issues facing the industry.ADVERTISEMENTIn addition to a full day B2B workshop with one-to-one scheduled appointments and free-flow sessions, the association is excited to bring back its Awards for Excellence, to celebrate the resilience and innovation of the industry.
Joss Croft, CEO, UKinbound said “Amar is an inspirational leader that really understands the travel and tourism industry, and I’m incredibly excited he’ll be joining us in Aberdeen as our keynote address.”
Amar Latif commented “I am delighted to be attending UKinbound’s Annual Convention in Aberdeen and I’m really looking forward to sharing my experiences, passions and insights with attending delegates.”
Post-convention, on the morning of Friday 30 September, delegates will also have the opportunity to join a half day Aberdeen fam trip, including a Street Art Tour and visit to Aberdeen Art Gallery.
Additionally, buyers are invited to join an overnight fam trip from Friday 30 September to Saturday 1 October, which will showcase exciting Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, travel trade ready, bookable itineraries.

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ExCeL London has strengthened its senior leadership team with the appointment of Michelle Kemp as Director of Marketing & Communications.
With over 20 years’ of experience in the live event industry, Michelle joins the Royal Docks venue from her previous role at The ACC Liverpool Group, where she spent over a decade leading the marketing and communications team across conference, exhibition, sport and entertainment markets.
Michelle began her career working as an event organiser before moving into marketing roles for major international brands including Marks & Spencer and The Jockey Club.
As well as being responsible for growing ExCeL’s brand reach, she will also play a pivotal role in a number of upcoming major projects including the venue’s new 25,000sqm expansion programme.
Simon Mills, Chief Commercial Officer at ExCeL, commented: “With the recent launch of the Elizabeth line combined with our major expansion programme, Michelle joins us at a very exciting time, and I’m delighted to have someone of her calibre onboard. Michelle brings with her a wealth of experience – both in and outside of events – that I have no doubt will have a real impact on how we shape and grow our business over the coming years.” ADVERTISEMENTExCeL London is nominated as Europe’s Leading Meetings & Conference Centre 2022 by World Travel Awards.

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China National Convention Center, Phase 2 (CNCC-II) is situated in the Beijing Olympic Green Area, in north Beijing. CNCC-II is on track to begin its next phase as China’s premier international convention centre, opening in 2024.
Designed by French architect Christian de Portzamparc, the centre features 420,000 square metres of gross floor area and 270,000 square metres of meeting and event space. It has a 7,300-square-metre divisible plenary hall and 30,000 square metres of exhibition floor space. The second floor has more than 35,000 square metres of function space with meeting rooms ranging from 100 to 2,000 square metres. On level three, more than 35,000 square metres of function space include three banquet halls and two gardens. 30 VIP lounges are spread across the three floors.
CNCC-II is expected to host conferences, forums, banquets, and other commercial events for up to 20,000 people, as well as exhibitions for more than 50,000 attendees. The centre complex comprises an office building, boutique retail outlets and two hotels.
The centre will have smart venue systems, from impressive LED walls to catering and cleaning robots. The centre is being built to LEED Platinum standard, and China’s Green Building Evaluation Standard or GBES 3-star, developed by China’s Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development.

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Destination DC (DDC), the official destination marketing organisation for Washington, DC, has shared its ongoing commitment to attracting international groups at IMEX Frankfurt.
“As we continue to focus on selling DC differently, our ‘Connected’ sales positioning enables us to tap into international insights from DC’s numerous associations while providing experts and experiences that can elevate the profile of an organisation meeting in the city,” said Elliott L. Ferguson, II, president and CEO, DDC. “IMEX Frankfurt is one of the world’s largest events for meetings and incentive travel, making it the ideal time to reconnect with planners and showcase all that we have to offer in increasing business potential and accessing new market opportunities for Washington, DC.”
DDC’s convention sales and services team attracts customers by focusing on the benefits of meeting in DC that no other city can claim – like access to policymakers, expert speakers and leaders in key industries including tech, sustainability, biotech/pharma, education and medical.
“Connected Capital continues to be an added value for groups coming to Washington, DC,” said Melissa Riley, vice president of convention sales and services. “Whether listening to a dynamic keynote speaker talk about advances in technology or being guided through meaningful experiences and hands-on workshops, corporate members benefit from the knowledge and expertise of the city’s intellectual capital.”
DDC is committed to growing the international meetings market. Among the activities, the organisation is partnering with Association World to engage the association community during the Washington Information Association Forum (WIAF) in Washington, DC Sept. 27-28. Representatives of international and American associations and non-profit organisations will gather for the first time outside of Europe to provide a peer-to-peer exchange, share best practices and design joint initiatives and strategies that result in greater impact. Aligning with DDC’s Connected Capital priorities, WIAF’s meeting will include expert speakers from DC’s associations. The event will also complement the organisation’s missions and values with a legacy project that impacts the local community in one of the world’s flagship host destinations for professional organisations.ADVERTISEMENTDC’s Convention OutlookIn 2022, there are 19 total citywide conventions (defined as meetings bringing 2,500 room nights to the city on peak), with an estimated 394,000 total room nights and an estimated economic impact of more than $265,000,000.
Sustainability is among DC’s leading sectors, as the city helps its businesses reduce their carbon footprints. Among many initiatives, the local government is committed to being the healthiest, greenest city in the U.S. with the Clean Energy DC Omnibus Act, which sets a mandate of 100 percent renewable energy by 2032. As a participant of the Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDS-Index), DDC continues collaborating to drive recognition of sustainable practices across the global events industry. Washington, DC was named the first LEED Platinum City in the World in August by U.S. Green Building Council because of its environmentally-forward practices.
The Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC is the first convention center in the world to achieve the WELL Health-Safety Rating through the International WELL Building Institute. The designation focuses on operational policies, maintenance protocols, stakeholder engagement and emergency plans to address a Covid-19 environment now and into the future.
The ease of travel continues to add to DC’s appeal for business travelers. A $1 billion investment called “Project Journey” added new security checkpoints and a 14-gate concourse to replace busing operations at Reagan National Airport in 2021. Construction is nearing completion on the Dulles Corridor Metrorail project by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, connecting Washington Dulles International Airport to downtown DC. Plans for a $675 million 400,000-square-foot concourse with new amenities is set to begin in 2023. Dulles International Airport provides daily nonstop service from over 50 international destinations with new nonstop air service launching from Spain (Iberia), Togo (Ethiopian Airlines) and Jordan (United Airlines).

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