Over two productive days in Zimbabwe, UN Tourism’s 23rd Committee on Tourism and Sustainability took important steps forward in shaping the International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism 2027.
Over two productive days in Zimbabwe, UN Tourism’s 23rd Committee on Tourism and Sustainability took important steps forward in shaping the International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism 2027.
The meeting reviewed and advanced the roadmap and guiding framework for the International Year. Discussions focused on steering arrangements, national coordination mechanisms, partnerships and support, capacity-building, flagship events, knowledge development and communications and outreach.
A particularly meaningful moment was the unveiling by Secretary-General Shaikha Al Nuwais of the visual identity for the International Year. Building on the legacy of 2017, the new logo reflects continuity, the spirit of the Sustainable Development Goals and the strong emphasis now being placed on implementation, resilience and preparation for the post-2030 agenda. The dandelion at the centre of the logo gives this message a strong visual expression.
The meeting brought together members of the Committee on Tourism and Sustainability under the leadership of its Chair, H.E. William Rodriguez Lopez, Minister of Tourism of Costa Rica, Hon. Barbara Rwodzi, Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry of Zimbabwe, Dr. Mah’s Serg El-Din Moustafa Kamel, Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Zimbabwe, Ms. Catarina Pinto of Turismo de Portugal, Air Chief Marshal Mr. Udeni Rajapaksha, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to South Africa, Mr. Patrick Torrent Queralt, Vice-President of NECSTouR as representative of the Affiliate Members and Mr. Chimbidzikai Mapfumo of UNESCO.
They were joined by the Chairs of the Regional Commissions, H.E. Carlos Peguero, Vice-Minister for International Cooperation of the Dominican Republic and Chair for the Americas, H.E. simonida kordic, Minister of Tourism of Montenegro and Chair for Europe and Hon Rodney Sikumba – MP, Minister of Tourism of Zambia and Chair for Africa, as future members of the Steering Committee.
My sincere thanks go to H.E. William Rodriguez Lopez for his leadership as Chair of the Committee, to Hon. Barbara Rwodzi and the Government of Zimbabwe for hosting this 23rd meeting and to all colleagues and participants who contributed to these exchanges, including Mariana Garita F., Tatiana López Gianoli, Catarina Pinto, Susana Grácio, Catia Godinho, H.E. Erika Alvarez Rodriguez, Shaun Mann, Dr. Takaruza Munyanyiwa, Andrej Orlandic, Chilala Habasimbi and Ethel Sikazwe, whose active engagement enriched the discussions. My appreciation also goes to ELCIA GRANDCOURT, Sofía Gutierrez, Linh Vu,Vanessa Satur, Lydia Bebe Kum, Lorna Hartantyo, Ke ZHAO, Rachel Monnier, Liu Shijun, Ghalib Lone and Kojo Bentum-Williams from the Secretariat for their strong support and commitment in making this a successful meeting and workshop.
2027 is not being prepared as a commemorative year. It is being prepared as a year of implementation and preparation for the post-2030 agenda.
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