Flanders is present at the General Assembly of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in Madrid. The 24th session of the General Assembly runs from November 30 to December 3 and focuses on innovation, education and rural development.
135 countries sent a delegation, but the private sector and international organizations are also represented. Flanders belongs to the category of associate members, along with Aruba, Hong Kong (China), Macao (China), Madeira (Portugal) and Puerto Rico.
On Wednesday, December 1, UNWTO Secretary General Zurab Pololikashvili was re-elected for a second term in office (2022-2025). The thematic session on Thursday 2 December explored the role digitization, SMEs, education and policy can play as drivers of an inclusive tourism recovery. To restore confidence in travel, the first International Code for the Protection of Tourists was published.
In addition to Flanders, Puerto Rico - as well one of the associate members - is also present in Madrid.
Photo from left to right: Elisabeth Bonne (Flanders Chancellery and Foreign Office), dhr. Carlos Mercado (Minister, Compañia de Turismo of Puerto Rico), and Ms. Ana Leticia Vélez (Director of Strategic Projects, Compañia de Turismo of Puerto Rico).
More information: https://www.unwto.org/