UNWTO also introduced a forum named ‘Tourism Tech Adventure: Big Data Solutions, bringing together the ‘ecosystem’ of tourism innovation and raising the sector’s role in the digital agenda.

A successful 109th session of the UNWTO Executive Council brought with it much appreciation of the organisation’s efforts this year. A number of member States expressed great support for UNWTO’s efforts to prioritize tourism in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The executive management team was praised for creating a cleaner structure more equipped to effectively respond to members’ requests, as well as the clear management priorities and sharp focus placed on UNWTO’s work areas of education and digital transformation.

A mere 10 months into the new mandate, UNWTO was able to communicate showing a financial surplus. At this point in the year, the organisation has received higher contributions than in the last three years and the highest percentage of budgetary income since 2014, with expenditure also on target.