Category: Latest Travel News

Madrid (Spain) – September 27, 2017 (travelindex.com) – With the aim of promoting responsible travel, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has launched a travellers’ competition ahead of World Tourism Day. The initiative is part of the ‘Travel.Enjoy.Respect’ campaign taking place within the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development 2017. A one-month trip across the world visiting sustainable tourism initiatives is the prize that will be awarded to the winner of the competition.

“Every action counts and travellers have a strong role to play in building a more sustainable tourism sector. Imagine the impact of one small action multiplied by millions”, said Taleb Rifai, Secretary-General of UNWTO. “We want to inspire all travellers to be the change they want to see in the world.”

Competition entrants are invited to share their travel experiences at www.travelenjoyrespect.org and explain why they should be selected to represent the global “responsible traveller”.

This journey will start at the UNWTO Headquarters in Madrid, with an official ‘designation’ ceremony with the Secretary-General, and will end at the closing ceremony of the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development 2017 in Geneva, Switzerland, where stakeholders from the tourism community and the UN family will unite.

The winner’s across the world journey will be supported by Explore WorldWide, an adventure travel group offering a wide range of activities and experiences with a commitment to responsible travel and a pinch of Explore spirit. Destinations including Colombia, Germany, Mexico, the United Arab Emirate of Ras al-Khaimah and the Léman region in Switzerland have offered to host the winner and help them discover responsible and sustainable tourism practices.

The competition is one of the main activities of the ‘Travel.Enjoy.Respect’ campaign that UNWTO launched to raise awareness of the value and contribution that sustainable tourism can make towards development, and to engage tourists in making the sector a catalyst for positive change.

Contacts:
UNWTO Media Officer
Rut Gomez Sobrino
rgomez@unwto.org
Tel: (+34) 91 567 81 60
UNWTO Communications & Publications Programme
comm@UNWTO.org
Tel: (+34) 91 567 8100
Fax: +34 91 567 8218

Bangkok (Thailand) – September 26, 2017 (travelindex.com) – Thailand will host the leading marketplace for documentary programming, Asian Side of the Doc, for the second year running in Bangkok, from January 30 to February 2, 2018

The Department of International Trade Promotion or DITP is positioning the 8th edition of ASD as a strategic platform to promote the documentary film making industry to achieve the objectives of Thailand 4.0, a new economic model that aims to lift the country out of the middle-income trap and establish it as a player in the smart, innovative, and high value domain.

Considered a vital economic driver to achieve those 4.0 goals, the Thai film industry also seeks to support creativity, enhance culture, and deliver high-value services as well as improve the country’s competitiveness in a regional context.

“The government’s promotion of the film industry focuses on the development of production capacities. The policy encourages a proactive filmmaking business as well as creating opportunities to network in both domestic and international markets,” said MAXIMAGE Company Limited managing director and head of the ASD18 organizing committee, Mrs Viwan Karnasut. “Part of the strategy is to support activities such as international film festivals and marketplaces that create a business platform for filmmakers, distributors, and investors worldwide.”

To back-up government’s efforts, the Thailand Documentary Filmmakers Association, or TDFA, has been established to build competitiveness and promote Thailand as a hub for international and regional documentary filmmakers; a marketplace, and venue to host the industry’s leading events such as ASD.

ASD is presented by the organizers of the Sunny Side of the Doc or SSD, the biggest documentary marketplace in Europe. Founded by Mr. Yves Jeanneau, the Academy Award-winning French film producer, SSD has been organized for 28 years in La Rochelle, France attracting more than 2,000 visitors annually.

Recognizing the potential of the documentary film market in Asia, ASD was established in 2010 as parallel documentary market place for the region.

It has subsequently been hosted annually in different Asian countries; China, Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, and Singapore. The 7th edition of ASD took place in Thailand last year attracting more than 400 delegates.

Recognized as a major platform to promote Asian documentaries to the world, ASD generated estimated minimum revenue of 160 million baht.

Based on its success, the organizers broke tradition opting to return to Thailand for a second consecutive year.

The decision to return to Thailand for the 8th edition of ASD was based on Thailand’s readiness in terms of supporting facilities, the diversity of travel destinations, and the professionalism of Thai documentary filmmaker industry.

The event will take place, from January 30 to February 2, 2018, at the Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao, Bangkok. Over four days, more than 500 delegates, including producers, directors, distributors, key decision makers, investors, and consultants from 40 countries will meet at ASD18 for sales, networking, pitching sessions with prizes, conferences, and the added value of tailored one-to-one meetings with key buyers from Asia and beyond.

An ASD Documentary Workshop & Master Class featured as part of the pre-event activities, held on September 19-22, where documentary producers and directors gained insights on how to develop documentary projects.

International experts and trainers who shared insights at the Master Class were Christian Popp – co-founder of YUZU Productions in France, Esther van Messel – CEO of First Hand Films Switzerland; and Pailin Wedel, a Thai-American journalist and filmmaker who won the Best ASEAN Prize at ASD16

A total of 38 documentary projects from seven countries were submitted to the ASD selection jury, which selected 10 projects to attend the workshop, of which seven were created by Thai producers. At the workshop, six projects were shortlisted for the final pitch with the winner will go to ASD18 to pitch on the main stage. “The ASD18 will increase the value of documentary filmmaking. Besides the revenue from the trading session, the event is an essential platform for networking, branding, knowledge sharing, and above all, promoting Thailand as a connecting hub for the documentary filmmakers industry across Asia. It is expected that this trade event will generate at least 200 million baht in revenue.” said Mrs. Viwan Karnasut.

Some of the major producers and broadcasters of international documentary and factual programming heading for ASD18 include the National Geographic, Discovery Asia, NHK, CCTV, KBS, ABC, PBS, ThaiPBS, and other Thai broadcasters.

The Asian Side of the Doc Bangkok 2018 is supported by the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization). The government agency is tasked with attracting international events to take place in Thailand. For this event, TCEB provides financial support as well as assistance in coordinating with government organizations. The Asian Side of the Doc Bangkok 2018 is recognized as one of the significant events which will enhance the image of Thailand as the leading MICE destination within the region.

For more information please contact:
Ms. Ladawan Sondak (Kung)
Email : ladawan@documaniabangkok.com
Tel 089-200-1918
PR Coordinator
Ms. Arpaporn (A) Tel 089 788 4868
Ms. Thitiya (Jang) 094 323 5641
Email : a.publicist@gmail.com

Bangkok (Thailand) – September 26, 2017 (travelindex.com) – Premier Incoming Group Services (PIGS DMC) has unveiled The Ultimate Champagne Dinner, an exclusive dining experience for 12 to 36 guests. The “Ultimate” dinner experience features seven rare vintage champagnes, imported exclusively for the event and not commercially available. A seven course Michelin inspired menu, that is customisable to client’s dietary preferences, is paired with the seven Champagnes. A carefully curated musical programme of classic vinyl, live jazz vocals and Grand Opera Thailand accompanies the Champagne menu. The entertainment programme also provides every guest with the opportunity to try their hand at the act of Sabrage, where the top of a champagne bottle is sliced off using a sabre, with the expert guidance of Confrérie du Sabre d’Or.

“This is the Rolls Royce of dinners” commented Athikom Jeerapairotekun (AJ), Managing Director of PIGS and mastermind behind the unique dining experience. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime event and, due to the scarcity of the vintage Champagnes, this is not for everyone and reserved for a very exclusive and extra special occasion.”

AJ added “This is a dinner for one in a million, as the cost of the event provides a natural selection for only the very privileged few. The Ultimate Champagne Dinner includes seven rare champagnes, a seven course Michelin inspired menu, musical and Sabrage performances, decoration, audio-lighting production and event management.”

Venue for the event is not included in the arrangement as PIGS aims to keep the arrangement open for client preferences. “Our preferred venues would be Nai Lert Heritage House in central Bangkok for a VIP group of 12 to 16. We also have a couple of palaces and historic landmarks that we can open doors to, as venue for the event. For those clients wishing to have the ultimate dinner outside the capital, we would love to arrange this at The Slate in Phuket, going south, or up north at 137 Pillars Chiang Mai or Dhara Dhevi. The venue is complete flexible, but needs to be fabulous” added AJ.

The seven Champagnes comprise of five rare vintages and two rosé – pink Champagnes, all specially imported by special arrangement and six months advance reservation.

Asked about the recent sharp hike in excise tax on alcohol in Thailand, which has come into effect this month, and the impact on the dinner, Athikom replied “The substantial increase in tax will impact the majority of MICE groups, especially those arranged on a low budget. However, The Ultimate Champagne Dinner is targeted at ultra-high net worth executives, where corporates have a seven-digit budget to impress and reward their crème de la crème.” AJ declined to disclose the cost of the dinner, saying that we are discussing arrangements discreetly with serious clients. However, the cost is very close to THB 100,000 per person. “We’ve seen a million Baht dinner staged in Bangkok. Our ultimate dining experience comes in at a fraction of this cost.” disclosed AJ.

The event is presented exclusively by PIGS DMC who are working with Italasia, Lauren-Perrier Group, Michelin starred chef, Grand Opera Thailand, Jazz Overtones, Classic Vinyl Sundays and Confrérie du Sabre d’Or.

For further information, please contact:
Athikom “AJ” Jeerapairotekun
Managing Director
PIGS Co.Ltd.
Tel. +66 819 071 908
Email: aj@pigsdmc.com

Bangkok (Thailand) – September 25, 2017 (travelindex.com) – The Royal Thai Government has announced that the Royal Cremation for the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej is scheduled for 25-29 October, 2017. Thursday, 26 October, will be the royal cremation day, and it has been declared a public holiday by the Cabinet to allow the people to take part in paying a final tribute to the late King.

During the process of the Royal Cremation which will last five days, tourist attractions across Thailand will be open as usual. This is with the exception of Bangkok’s Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, which will be closed from 1-29 October, 2017, as they will be the venue of the Royal Cremation. All transport, banks, shopping areas, hospitals and other public services will be operating as usual.

However, the Tourism Authority of Thailand would like to recommend that any visitors with travel or tourism plans reconfirm with agents and check local media regularly as well as follow the advice of the local authorities for announcements and updates. They should also be aware that in some areas transportation could be affected. We also ask tourists and visitors for their understanding and patience should they experience delays or some routes may be closed to traffic.

In this time of great sadness and mourning, we would like to ask that everyone uses their judgment regarding how or should they make arrangements for events planned in Thailand. Also, we would like to ask visitors for their understanding that this is a sensitive time for Thailand, and they should respect the feelings and sensitivities of the Thai people.

Many Thai people will be wearing black clothes as a sign of mourning. This is not required of visitors but if possible, they should wear respectful clothing when in public. We also would like to request that the solemnity of the Royal Cremation is observed, and visitors should refrain from conducting any inappropriate or disrespectful behaviour.

The world is welcome to Thailand during this historic period. Visitors to the kingdom at this time will get to see the great love and reverence that the Thai people have for their beloved King in the way they mourn and pay their respects. And during this time, Thailand is thankful for our friends coming to share their sadness and pass on their condolences. This gesture of empathy and friendship will be remembered by the people of Thailand for decades to come.

For more details on the Royal Cremation, please visit:

Bangkok (Thailand) – September 24, 2017 ( travelindex.com) – Zenith has revealed Defy Lab, the world’s most accurate mechanical watch thanks to a groundbreaking oscillator. The triple certified watch marks a major advance in measuring time, embodying Zenith’s constant drive for innovation and high precision.

Zenith unveiled the Defy Lab and its groundbreaking oscillator during a press conference at the Zenith Manufacture in Le Locle, Switzerland, hosted by Jean-Claude Biver, President of the LVMH Watch Division, Julien Tornare, CEO of Zenith and Guy Semon, CEO of the LVMH Watch Division R&D Institute. Presented as the most accurate mechanical watch in the world, the Defy Lab is both an evolution and an improvement on the balance and hairspring regulator invented in January 1675 by the scientist Christiaan Huygens. This advance constitutes an outright challenge to the fundamental operating principle of mechanical watches.

To achieve this performance, the timepiece is equipped with a single element oscillator that measures just 0.5 mm in thickness, replacing the traditional balance-and-spring assembly. The Defy Lab beats at a frequency of 15 Hz with an amplitude of +/- 6 degrees – three times the frequency of the iconic Zenith El Primero movement. This gives it exceptional accuracy, with a daily rate precise to just 0.3 seconds, and a 60-hour power reserve. Insensitive to temperature gradients, gravity and magnetic fields, the Defy Lab maintains the same degree of precision for 95% of its power reserve. This is also the first watch with a case made from Aeronith, an aluminum composite lighter than titanium, aluminum or carbon fiber.

The accuracy of mechanical watches enters a new dimension with this innovative watch from the Swiss manufacture. The watch has been awarded triple certification: chronometer certification from the Besançon Observatory on behalf of the International Bureau of Weights and Measures, displayed in the viper’s head stamp; for thermal behavior, the ISO-3159 standard spectrum has been broadened; and the watch meets ISO-764 magnetic criteria.

Madrid (Spain) – September 25, 2017 – The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) officially approved Travelindex affiliate membership application, adding to a group whose members include such prestigious institutions as CNN, World Tourism Forum Lucerne, Club Med, European Travel Commission, International Air Transport Association (IATA), Hong Kong Tourism Board, Amadeus, George Washington University, Colorado State University, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University – School of Hotel and Tourism Management (HTM).

The Travelindex application for UNWTO Affiliate Membership has been approved by the Executive Council at its 106th session, and has been ratified at the 22nd Session of the UNWTO General Assembly held in September 2017 in Chengdu, China. The UNWTO Affiliate Members Programme recognizes the great potential in collaborating with organizations in generating global sustainable wealth through enhanced tourism knowledge, ethical and responsible principles and joint initiatives.

“We’re truly honored to have been approved as a UNWTO Affiliate Member and to become part of an incredible array of passionate organizations, destinations, NGOs and educational institutions all committed to the UNWTO Mission of promoting responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism.” said Mr Bernard Metzger, Founder of Travelindex.

Bernard added “We’re thrilled to be a part of the UNWTO family which will provide an unrivalled opportunity to share and exchange best practice with other members, as well as jointly participate in projects, events and other mutual learning activities. At the same time, through active participation, we’ll be able to share our expertise and experience helping destinations and organizations across the world develop and evolve digital cultures.”

About the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO):
The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is the United Nations agency responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism. As the leading international organization in the field of tourism, UNWTO promotes tourism as a driver of economic growth, inclusive development and environmental sustainability and offers leadership and support to the sector in advancing knowledge and tourism policies worldwide.

UNWTO generates market knowledge, promotes competitive and sustainable tourism policies and instruments, fosters tourism education and training, and works to make tourism an effective tool for development through technical assistance projects in over 100 countries around the world. UNWTO’s membership includes 156 countries, 6 Associate Members and over 500 Affiliate Members representing the private sector, educational institutions, tourism associations and local tourism authorities. For more, visit www.unwto.org

About Travelindex:
Our vision is to become the de-facto digital connectivity node for the travel and tourism industry. The Travelindex portfolio of products includes over 70 destination reference tools and one of the world’s largest, open and curated, database on travel and tourism covering 241 countries and territories. Our integrated platform is fast emerging as the central channel in destination and travel knowledge. Travelindex puts a priority on the integration of sustainability into distribution and management systems to bring tangible benefits to its partners and clients helping them to improve reputation and goodwill. For more, visit www.travelindex.com

Bangkok (Thailand) – September 25, 2017 (travelindex.com) – As the LVMH Environment Department prepares to celebrate its 25th anniversary, including a livestream on Facebook, discover the ambitious new objectives in the LIFE (LVMH Initiatives For the Environment) 2020 program. This roadmap will further boost the environmental performance of the LVMH Group and each of its Maisons.

The LVMH Group created the LVMH Initiatives for the Environment, or LIFE, program in 2012, accelerating an environmental and sustainable development strategy deployed since 1992. The cornerstone of the Group’s commitment to protecting the environment, this comprehensive program spans production, procurement, retail and design across all 70 LVMH Maisons. LIFE is a broad initiative that engages every one of the Group’s 135,000 employees.

Today LVMH reasserts its commitment to making protection of the environment a key growth driver, expanding the LIFE program with ambitious new objectives for 2020. This strong commitment is based on four pillars that engage all the Group’s business sectors and activities: products, supply chain, CO2 and sites. For each pillar, concrete objectives have been set:

– Product objective: To mitigate the environmental footprint of product creation, by 2020 the Group aims to improve the environmental performance of all its products, covering the entire lifecycle.
– Supply Chain objective: More closely monitor the traceability and conformity of the raw materials used to create our exceptional products while at the same time preserving natural resources and applying the highest standards across 70% of procurement chains.
– CO2 objective: Reduce CO2 emissions by 25% by 2020, pursuing initiatives introduced to fight climate change. The LVMH Group pioneered a trend among businesses in 2002 by introducing carbon reporting at its Maisons. In 2015 LVMH again proved a trailblazer by creating an in-house Carbon Fund, announced during the COP21 conference.
– Site objective: All sites will target an improvement of at least 10% in environmental performance indicators including water and energy consumption and waste production. The Maisons are also committed to improving their energy efficiency by 15%.

LIFE 2020 marks an important new phase, giving LVMH Maisons a clear vision and strengthening the capacity for initiative. This roadmap has unlocked creative energies by opening up opportunities and driving innovation and growth while unifying teams around shared goals.

Bangkok (Thailand) – September 22, 2017 (travelindex) – India’s most popular festival is being celebrated at the luxury Rembrandt Hotel Bangkok from 11 – 19 October, 5.00pm – midnight, withmouth-watering cuisine from the Rang Mahal, the most acclaimed Indian restaurant in Thailand.

Created by 5-star chefs using farm fresh meats, seafood and produce infused with delicious spices and rare regional ingredients, the multi-award winning Rang Mahal is the ideal location to celebrate Diwali.

To encourage the celebrations, a THB 1,400 net set dinners is featured with nonvegetable and vegetable menus such as Murgh Makhanwala, Dal-Maa-Rang Mahal, Jheenga Kadhai, Sarson Macchli Tikka, Hara Kebab, Paneer Makhanwala, Vegetable Jaipuri and Cucumber Raita.

A romantic locale for couples and families, the Rang Mahal features live Indian music, traditional beverages, superb service, and majestic, panoramic views across the Bangkok skyline…the perfect complement for the biggest, brightest festival of the Bharat world.

The “Diwali Festival” or the “Festival of Lights” is held annually in India from October to November. It is the most important festival in the Hindu calendar promoting happiness and joy for people of all ages, caste and religions. It is also believed to be a celebration to start a new life or begin something new.

The Rang Mahal is located on Level 26 of The Rembrandt Hotel Bangkok, Sukhumvit 18, Open daily. For reservation or more information please contact 02 261 7100 or click www.rembrandtbkk.com/restaurants/

About the Rembrandt Hotel Bangkok
The Rembrandt Hotel is centrally located in the heart of Bangkok off Sukhumvit Road. Guests may access our hotel either from Sukhumvit Soi 18 or Sukhumvit Soi 20 as our property extends the length of the block. We offer luxury, outstanding services, and facilities for all travelers to Bangkok, Thailand. The property is conveniently located near the central business district as well as shopping attractions, city landmarks and vibrant nightlife. Our guests also have the benefit of all major public transportation stations in Bangkok as both skytrain (BTS Asoke Station) and metro (MRT Sukhumvit Station) are just a short 5-minute walk from the hotel or guests may ride on a complimentary 24-hour ‘tuk tuk’ shuttle service to the main road. This quality hotel is a great location for both tourists and business travelers, who will find easy access to Sukhumvit and the Bangkok CBD.

For reservations, please contact 02-261-7100 or book via facebook.com/rembrandtbkk or please visit www.rembrandtbkk.com

Contact:
Paemika Mungclasiri (Ms.)
Marketing Communications Manager
E-mail: pr@rembrandtbkk.com
Phone +66 (0) 2261 7100 Ext. 7443
Sirorat Jaroontham (Ms.)
Marketing Communications Executive
E-mail: pr@rembrandtbkk.com
Phone +66 (0) 2261 7100 Ext. 7444

Bangkok (Thailand) – September 22, 2017 (travelindex) – Best Western Hotels & Resorts announced today that its new, highly-anticipated hotel, BluPhere Pattaya, BW Premier Collection, was honored at the Thailand Property Awards 2017.

BluPhere Pattaya, BW Premier Collection received three honors at the Thailand Property Awards 2017, which took place in a glittering gala ceremony in Bangkok this month. This contemporary seafront property was named as the winner of the ‘Best Low-Rise Condo Architectural Design (Resort)’ title, and was also “highly commended” in the ‘Best Condo Interior Design’ and ‘Best Condo Landscape Architectural Design’ categories.

A successful partnership with the Habitat Group has seen the development of two exciting new upscale properties on Thailand’s Eastern Seaboard that are close to the popular beach resort of Pattaya: BluPhere Pattaya, BW Premier Collection, and Best Western Premier BayPhere Pattaya.

Olivier Berrivin, Best Western’s Managing Director of International Operations – Asia, was present at the award ceremony.

“We are proud to be working with the Habitat Group, which has proven to be an excellent partner for Best Western,” Olivier said. “We have collaborated closely with the Habitat Group for several years and I have been hugely impressed with their professionalism and the quality of their properties.”

“To have been honored at the Thailand Property Awards 2017 is testament to the excellence of their developments, and also a great reflection of the exciting new era of Best Western hotels that are now rising all across Asia,” continued Olivier.

“Following the celebration of these awards, we can’t wait to welcome our guests to Best Western Premier BayPhere Pattaya and BluPhere Pattaya, BW Premier Collection, so that they can see why it received the ‘Best Low-Rise Condo Architectural Design (Resort)’ title,” Olivier concluded.

Habitat Group also won the ‘Best Housing Development (Eastern Seaboard)’ award and was highly commended in the ‘Best Housing Architectural Design’ category for its X2 Pattaya Oceanphere development.

Located close to the beach in Na Jomtien, overlooking the glistening waters of the Gulf of Thailand, BluPhere Pattaya, BW Premier Collection, will open its doors to guests in 2020. Best Western Premier BayPhere Pattaya is scheduled to launch in the fourth quarter of 2018.

About Best Western Hotels & Resorts:
Best Western Hotels & Resorts headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, is a privately held hotel brand with a global network of 4,100* hotels in more than 100* countries and territories worldwide. Best Western offers 10 hotel brands to suit the needs of developers and guests in every market: Best Western®, Best Western Plus®, Best Western Premier®, Vīb®, GLō®, Executive Residency by Best Western®, and BW Premier Collection®; as well as its recently launched franchise offerings: SureStay®, SureStay Plus® and SureStay Signature Collection®. Now celebrating more than 70 years of hospitality, Best Western provides its hoteliers with global operational, sales and marketing support, and award-winning online and mobile booking capabilities. Best Western continues to set industry records regarding awards and accolades, including 64 percent of the brand’s North American hotels earning a TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence award in 2017, Business Travel News® ranking Best Western Plus and Best Western in the top three upper-mid-price and mid-price hotel brands for three years in a row, and Best Western receiving seven consecutive Dynatrace® Best of the Web awards for its leading hotel website. Best Western has also won eight consecutive AAA®/CAA® Lodging Partner of the Year awards, recognizing the brand’s commitment to providing exceptional service and great value to AAA’s 56 million members in the U.S. and Canada. Over 30 million travelers are members of the brand’s award-winning loyalty program Best Western Rewards®, one of the few programs in which members earn points that never expire and can be redeemed at any Best Western hotel worldwide. Best Western’s partnerships with AAA/CAA and Harley-Davidson® provide travelers with exciting ways to interact with the brand. Through its partnership with Google® Street View, Best Western is the first major company of its size and scale to launch a virtual reality experience for customers, setting a new industry standard and reinventing how guests view hotels.

– Numbers are approximate, may fluctuate, and include hotels currently in the development pipeline.

Contact:
Marketing Communications Department
Best Western Hotels and Resorts – Asia
Tel: +66 2 656 1260
Sirimanas Maungrod
Email: sirimanas.maungrod@bestwestern.com
Orapan Sornnuwat
Email: orapan.sornnuwat@bestwestern.com

Madrid (Spain) – September 22, 2017 (travelindex.com) – The OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC), representing thirty of the main donor countries, has included the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in the List of ODA- eligible International Organizations.

UNWTO’s inclusion in this list implies that countries´ financial contributions to the Organization such as membership fees can now be considered Official Development Assistance (ODA), which is funding that aims to advance economic development and welfare in developing countries. As such, contributions to the UNWTO can be part of the commitment of OECD DAC Members to dedicate 0,7% of Gross National Income to ODA. Furthermore, voluntary contributions for UNWTO activities and technical cooperation projects in any of the 146 ODA- beneficiary countries continue to be considered as well as ODA.

This landmark decision coincides with the celebration of 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, as proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly.

The inclusion of UNWTO in the List, as well as the International Year 2017, are a clear recognition of the important contribution of sustainable tourism to development, peace and prosperity and thus to the universal 2030 Agenda and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

UNWTO very much welcomes this decision as it opens new opportunities to increase ODA flows for tourism, which currently only represents 0,14% of total ODA, despite representing 10% of world’s GDP and 1 in 10 jobs.

“This is a strong encouragement to UNWTO’s work in and commitment to advance sustainable, responsible and universally accessible tourism as a major contributor to economic development, environmental and cultural preservation and peace” said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai.

“Spain congratulates UNWTO and its Secretary-General, Mr. Taleb Rifai, for this outstanding achievement, which is an example of the fruitful collaboration of our country with the Organization”, said the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Spain, Mr. Alfonso Dastis.

The proposal was presented to OECD by Spain, UNWTO’s host country, and co-sponsored by Germany and the United Arab Emirates.

Contacts:
UNWTO Media Officer
Rut Gomez Sobrino
rgomez@unwto.org
Tel: (+34) 91 567 81 60
UNWTO Communications & Publications Programme
comm@UNWTO.org
Tel: (+34) 91 567 8100 / Fax: +34 91 567 8218
UNWTO Geneva Office
geneva-representative@unwto.org
54-56 Rue de Montbrillant, 1201
Geneva, Switzerland