“Tourism Opens Minds” initiative by UNWTO in Riyadh to transform travel habits
UNWTO has launched a new global initiative designed to unite and encourage nations, tourism sector leaders, and consumers to be more open-minded when choosing a travel destination.
Announced during the World Tourism Day celebrations in Riyadh, "Tourism Opens Minds" will showcase the powerful role that tourism plays in bridging cultures and promoting a more interconnected and harmonious world. To mark the launch, delegates gathered in Riyadh were presented with a special Pledge calling on them to actively work to promote new and under-appreciated destinations.
Tourism Recovering – But Old Patterns Remain
World Tourism Day 2023 was held as new data from UNWTO underscored the sector's recovery from the impacts of the pandemic. At the same time, however, research suggests that only a minority of tourists intend to seek out new or different destinations as they start traveling again.
- According to the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, global tourism is on track to recover 80% and 95% of international arrival numbers by the end of 2023.
- Notably, however, a recent YouGov survey found that 66% of tourists believe that traveling to a place that provides familiarity is important. Just under half of respondents feel uncomfortable traveling to places they know little about.
- This is despite the fact that, of those who do travel to new destinations, 83% agree that they come back with a changed or broadened perspective.
The data shows the need for initiatives such as 'Tourism Open Minds' to encourage consumers to diversify their travel habits, with UNWTO uniting the global sector behind this aim. The initiative also aims at allowing government officials, sector leaders, and consumers help to mitigate the impacts of over-tourism, foster mutual understanding, conserve the environment, and ensure equitable growth of the sector.
"A Unifying Force" For Good
UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili says: "To ensure true global prosperity, we must work together to ensure that every country can harness the potential of a thriving tourism industry. The sector serves as a unifying force, fostering cultural understanding, strengthening bonds between societies, and championing environmental preservation.
"The 'Tourism Opens Minds' initiative extends a compelling invitation for travelers to broaden their horizons and explore the uncharted corners of our world. By doing so, it not only reveals the beauty of diverse destinations but also nurtures an appreciation for the cultures and people who call these places home."
His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia, said: "Since embarking on our tourism journey, Saudi Arabia has been committed to enhancing the sector and generating an impact that extends beyond borders. Our contributions including pivotal partnerships such as the establishment of the UNWTO Middle East office in Riyadh, the creation of the Riyadh School for Travel and Hospitality, and the hosting of record-breaking editions of the WTTC Global Forum and UNWTO World Tourism Day, underscore the immense potential of the sector when people from across the globe are united and connected.
"The UNWTO 'Tourism Opens Minds' Initiative is another important milestone for the tourism sector, and its launch at World Tourism Day in Riyadh is a continuation of our many previous commitments to the global tourism sector."
Tourism Leaders Pledge to Act
In Riyadh, high-level guests at the World Tourism Day celebrations were invited to agree to a Pledge, representing their shared commitment to work together to:
Make lesser-known destinations more welcoming and accessible;
Help to cater to, and foster, an environment that compliments trips to lesser-known destinations;
To be more open-minded to new cultures and destinations.
A new symbol to represent the initiative was also unveiled. Inspired by the colors of the flags of every country in the world, the symbol acts as a visual representation of working together to recognize the power of tourism in fostering cultural connections and sustainable growth for all.
RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations, Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report
- 1) Greek PM sees overtourism problem only in Mykonos and Santorini
- 2) Booking.com unveils family travel trends for 2024: AI, nannies and jet setters
- 3) UK Tourism 2024: Greece named top destination in the world with best value for money
- 4) International Tourism | WTTC: Travel sector set to break all records during 2024
23/10 22:29
Greece's PPC successfully issues new 7-year bond raising 600 million euros
23/10 22:14
23/10 20:17
23/10 19:26
European Commission greenlights €40 million for flood prevention works in Athens
23/10 11:22
Grecce's SNF supports relief efforts after Hurricanes in the Southeastern U.S.
22/10 21:48
IMF expects Greek economy to grow by 2.3% in 2024 and 2% during 2025
22/10 21:46
Minister: Ticket prices for new Thessaloniki metro to be announced shortly
22/10 21:37
Greek Shipping Minister: A new 'maritime' Egnatia will open up new prospects
22/10 21:31
Transport Minister visits FlyOver project site in Greek city of Thessaloniki
22/10 21:25
Increased tourist traffic in Greece during the period January-August 2024
21/10 21:23
Prime Minister: Greece's economy on irreversible path to recovery
21/10 19:19
Greek FinMin: Plan to utilize Hellenic Public Properties at implementation phase
21/10 18:00
21/10 09:16
European Union Commissioner inaugurates creation of 'Trusted Investors Network'
18/10 23:09
Exhibition of ancient cultures from Basilicata opens at Athens Acropolis Museum
17/10 19:13
Enterprise Greece: 121 firms showcase environmentally friendly fashion at global shows
17/10 18:18
Ticket price of 2 euros for cinema festival throughout Greece on October 31
17/10 14:34
Prime Minister: Greece has been very effective in dealing with illegal migration
17/10 13:22
Traditional Greek Costumes show:“From Avgi to the present: the clothes narrate”
17/10 12:21
16/10 22:23
Greek Development Minister meets Indiana Governor and US Ambassador
16/10 22:15
Greek PM sees overtourism problem only in Mykonos and Santorini
16/10 22:10
16/10 21:59
Greek Cartoon Museum at 'Kapnergostasio' historic building set up in Athens
16/10 19:12
Aegean Airlines expands direct flights between Thessaloniki and Kalamata in Greece
15/10 21:19
Greek PM: Our goal is to increase revenues and not just tourist numbers
15/10 19:46
Greek Energy Minister holds talks in Egypt on electricity connection
15/10 19:26
15/10 18:34
New Attica Transportation Strategic Plan will reshape the Region
15/10 16:44
UK Ambassador to Athens: Greece's role is of strategic significance
15/10 15:49
Greece's finance ministry reveals four main changes introduced by new tax bill
14/10 23:04
Minister: Luxury tourism can upgrade quality of Greek tourist product
14/10 13:01
Greek Infrastructure and Transport Minister: 35 new buses in Attica
14/10 12:54
WTTC | Business travel to surpass pre-pandemic levels at US$1.5 trillion in 2024
14/10 11:48
11/10 22:39
Acropolis Museum to mark European Days of Conservation-Restoration of Cultural Heritage
09/10 23:26
Minister: More than 2,000 Greeks abroad registered on Rebrain Greece Platform
09/10 23:23
Italgas to invest 1 bln euros in Greece by 2030 based on new strategic plan
09/10 23:22
FinMin: The upgrade of the Athens Stock Exchange is excellent news for Greece
09/10 20:14
Fraport Greece announces schedule of shutdowns to upgrade regional airport runways
09/10 17:30
Greek government spokesperson highlights positive economic outlook for 2025
09/10 01:43
October electricity bill subsidies to support vulnerable consumers in Greece
09/10 01:41
Enterprise Greece: Four Greek wineries at ProWine Latin America 2024
09/10 01:31
Three-week deadline for Greek taxi drivers to install payment card signage
08/10 18:22
AEGEAN air passenger traffic surpasses 12.5 million in first nine months of 2024
08/10 16:31
Report: Networking and career opportunities for foreign students in Cyprus and Greece
07/10 21:54
Media: U.S. Ambassador to Athens is a Champion of Study Abroad Endeavors
07/10 21:44
Universities of Tennessee and Athens to promote academic collaboration
07/10 20:36
07/10 15:49
Government: Bad loans in Greece fell to 7.5% in March 2024 from 40% in 2019
06/10 00:40
03/10 22:15
Commercial activity at Keramoti port in Greece suspended to alleviate congestion
03/10 22:08
Finance Minister: Record privatizations benefiting Greek citizens in long run
03/10 22:05
Stavros Niarchos Foundation recognized at 2024 International Opera Awards
03/10 22:04
Commercial operation of the Alexandroupolis LNG Terminal beginning today
03/10 16:48
Virtuoso and Globetrender report: The top-7 luxury travel trends to watch in 2025
02/10 23:11
Green residential electricity tariffs down 6%-17% in Greece during October
02/10 23:04
United Hellenic Voters of America presents 50th UHVA Awards Gala in Illinois
02/10 21:46
02/10 18:59
Greek FM: Excellent collaboration with Egypt for investments beyond energy
02/10 10:15
ELSTAT report: Unemployment rate falls to 9.5% in Greece during August
01/10 21:32
Collaboration between University of Athens and Google in Αrtificial Intelligence
01/10 21:31
Prime Minister: Greece will finally have a land registry in 2025
01/10 19:14
Work to prepare unique Doxipara-Zoni burials museum for visitors progressing fast
01/10 18:25
Public Power Corporation announces lower kWh green rates in Greece for October
01/10 17:35
Ministers agree to strengthen cooperation between Greek and Turkish coast guards
01/10 12:01
30/09 21:28
Piraeus Port Authority reaches new highs in half-year revenues and profits
30/09 17:12
Minister: Greece has the highest rate of increase of available income
29/09 21:29
Ratification bill for Attiki Odos concession is tabled in Greek Parliament
28/09 21:19
28/09 20:54
Lykeion ton Ellinidon Costume Museum marks European Heritage Days
26/09 22:02
Greece and South Korea sign cultural collaboration memorandum
26/09 21:55
Hellenic Initiative’s 5th Annual Venture Impact Awards opens for applications
26/09 19:51
26/09 18:58
Greece and Georgia ink agreement for mutual driver license recognition
26/09 18:47
Greece ranked 2nd internationally in best practices for Public-Private Partnerships
25/09 21:37
11 Greek environmental groups join 'Alliance for Wildlife' to preserve biodiversity
25/09 21:32
5th KinoFest: German-language film festival held at Castro Clauss in Patras
25/09 19:27
Greek Finance Ministry: Data shows significant fall in non-performing loans
25/09 17:45
Climate Crisis Minister inks procurement for 414 new fire vehicles in Greece
23/09 00:17
WTTC: U.S. remains the world’s most powerful travel and tourism market
23/09 00:05
New rail projects amounting to 1.0 billion planned in northern Greece
22/09 23:57
Minister: Promoting organic farming a priority for the Greek government
22/09 23:52
President of Hellenic Republic visits Panagia Soumela Monastery in Imathia
22/09 23:41
New framework for photovoltaics replaces net metering with net billing in Greece
19/09 21:13
Temple of Poseidon in Sounion of Attica shines bright with brand new lighting system
17/09 12:34
16/09 22:48
Revenues €2 billion above target primary surplus of €7.571 billion in Greece
16/09 22:35
Moody's ratings upgrades Greece's outlook to positive from stable
16/09 22:19
Passenger traffic in Greek ports grew by 11.4 pct during 2024 Q1
16/09 14:25
16/09 13:04
10 Years of Celebration for Golf and Maritime at the Greek Maritime Golf Event
14/09 22:38
11/09 22:35
Digital Work Card to start in Greek tourism and food service sectors
11/09 21:27
AEGEAN Air: Strong passenger traffic growth and 10% increase in revenue
11/09 16:43
Joint initiative in EU by Greece, Romania and Bulgaria on energy prices
11/09 13:39
Minister: Free afternoon surgeries for citizens who cannot afford to pay
10/09 00:49
12 tax cuts and 12 measures for wage rises announced in Greece
09/09 23:36
Foreign Minister: Greece-Cyprus electrical interconnection approved by EU
European Commission greenlights €40 million for flood prevention works in Athens
Greece's PPC successfully issues new 7-year bond raising 600 million euros
Grecce's SNF supports relief efforts after Hurricanes in the Southeastern U.S.
IMF expects Greek economy to grow by 2.3% in 2024 and 2% during 2025
Increased tourist traffic in Greece during the period January-August 2024
Greek Shipping Minister: A new 'maritime' Egnatia will open up new prospects
Minister: Ticket prices for new Thessaloniki metro to be announced shortly
Transport Minister visits FlyOver project site in Greek city of Thessaloniki
Enterprise Greece: 121 firms showcase environmentally friendly fashion at global shows
IATA: High expectations on sustainability and pandemic preparedness
Greek Tourism Minister: Passenger location form to be abolished in Greece as of March 15
Greek Cartoon Museum at 'Kapnergostasio' historic building set up in Athens
Greek PM sees overtourism problem only in Mykonos and Santorini
Greek Development Minister meets Indiana Governor and US Ambassador
Italgas to invest 1 bln euros in Greece by 2030 based on new strategic plan
WTTC: U.S. remains the world’s most powerful travel and tourism market
Impressive statue of Hercules unearthed in Philippi of Northern Greece
FinMin: The upgrade of the Athens Stock Exchange is excellent news for Greece
Minister: More than 2,000 Greeks abroad registered on Rebrain Greece Platform
Traditional Greek Costumes show:“From Avgi to the present: the clothes narrate”
European Union Commissioner inaugurates creation of 'Trusted Investors Network'