Tourexpi
Spain
is hosting the 123rd meeting of the Executive Council of UN Tourism (formerly
the World Tourism Organization), the only United Nations agency headquartered
in Spain, as it marks its 50th anniversary this year. The event is taking place
at the Royal Site of San Ildefonso in La Granja, Segovia, on May 29 and 30.
As
a permanent member of the Executive Council and a global reference in
transformative tourism policy, Spain is represented at the highest level by
Jordi Hereu, Minister of Industry and Tourism, and Rosario Sánchez, Secretary
of State for Tourism.
The
main milestone of this session will be the nomination of a candidate for the
position of Secretary-General of UN Tourism, whose final appointment will be
confirmed by the General Assembly later this year in Saudi Arabia.
Minister
Hereu, who will officially open the session on Friday, will advocate for
Spain’s ongoing commitment to sustainable tourism in its social, economic, and
environmental dimensions. He will also emphasize the importance of balanced
sector governance and highlight Spain’s national strategies to combat
seasonality, reduce tourism concentration, and promote digitalisation and
innovation in tourism.
The
official program began on May 28 with a welcoming reception for delegates at
the Alcázar of Segovia, hosted by the city and concluded by Minister Hereu’s
remarks. Thursday's agenda includes meetings of the UN Tourism Affiliate
Members and final preparations for the main plenary session on Friday.
This
high-level summit comes at a time of renewed momentum in global tourism.
According to UN Tourism’s latest barometer, international tourism has nearly
returned to pre-pandemic levels, with Spain reaching full recovery in 2023 and
setting new records in 2024. Projections for 2025 suggest a further 3–5% growth
in international arrivals.
Against
this backdrop, Spain aims to reinforce the modernization of the sector through
a focus on triple sustainability, business competitiveness, and equitable
benefit-sharing – core principles of its tourism policy and its role within the
UN Tourism framework.
The
Executive Council serves as the governing body of UN Tourism, responsible for
overseeing its operations and ensuring alignment with its approved budget. It
convenes at least twice a year and is composed of member states elected by the
General Assembly.
Image
Credit: © AA
The most interesting news
Read the News

ITB Berlin Convention 2026: Diverse Programme Sets New Trends for the Future of Tourism
From 3 to 5 March 2026, the ITB Berlin Convention brings together leading international experts to discuss balance, innovation and responsibility in global tourism
Read the News

Thailand to Open the 2026 MotoGP World Championship at Buri Ram
Season opener at Chang International Circuit underscores Thailand’s role as a leading global sports tourism destination
Read the News

Ryanair to Cut Brussels Traffic as Belgium Raises Passenger Taxes
Airline plans to reduce capacity by more than two million seats by 2027, citing higher taxes at Charleroi and nationwide increases in passenger charges
Read the News

UN Tourism Launches Investment Guidelines Highlighting Bulgaria’s Tourism Potential
New publication positions Bulgaria as an attractive, transparent and competitive destination for tourism investment
Read the News

Desert X AlUla 2026 opens monumental land art exhibition in Saudi Arabia’s ancient oasis
The fourth edition of the international open-air biennial brings 11 leading artists to AlUla, transforming desert landscapes into a global platform for site-responsive art
Read the News

Savaya Group Unveils Zumana, a New Beachfront Destination on Bali’s Kuta Beach
New lifestyle venue set to reintroduce Kuta as a contemporary hospitality hotspot when it opens in 2026
Read the News

Celebrity Cruises introduces four European-inspired festivals on Celebrity Xcel
New onboard festivals transform Mediterranean culture into an immersive experience at The Bazaar, debuting during Celebrity Xcel’s first European season in summer 2026
Read the News

TUI Junior Academy launches new phase in Türkiye to protect coastlines and empower young leaders
The programme reaches 5,500 students and trains 350 teachers, combining environmental education with hands-on action along Türkiye’s Mediterranean coast
Read the News

Ryanair to add 300,000 seats in Germany for summer 2026 following tax relief
Airline announces 11 new routes after Germany moves to cut air traffic tax and freeze air navigation charges, reversing part of its planned capacity reductions
Read the News

Germany: GNTB highlights growth potential for coach tourism through international marketing
Stable demand, strong overseas markets and digital innovation position coach travel as a future-oriented segment of Destination Germany
Read the News

MGallery Collection enters 2026 with a wave of distinctive new openings
From the Maldives and Australia to France and Thailand, five upcoming hotels reflect MGallery’s focus on design-led hospitality rooted in a strong sense of place
Read the News

Agoda maps out the best places to travel across Asia in 2026
A new month-by-month guide links destinations, seasonal weather, and cultural festivals, helping travelers plan each trip around the moment a place comes alive
Read the News

Ice storm brings widespread disruption across western Germany
Freezing rain forces school closures, flight cancellations and rail restrictions as authorities warn of dangerous travel conditions
Read the News

Sanya Marathon spending surge highlights rise of the ‘racecation’
Strong tourism, hospitality and retail performance underscores how major sports events are reshaping travel demand
Read the News

Lufthansa Group Partners with Starlink to Introduce High-Speed Internet Across All Airlines
Fastest in-flight connectivity in all classes, free for status customers and Travel ID users
Read the News

Boeing Outpaces Airbus in Aircraft Orders in 2025
US manufacturer records 1,173 orders, reclaiming lead for the first time since 2018
Read the News

Trump International Golf Club, Wadi Safar unveiled as first landmark project in Riyadh
Dar Al Arkan, Dar Global and The Trump Organization advance luxury golf, hospitality and residential development in Diriyah
Read the News

EVA Air Named One of the World’s Safest Airlines for 2026
Taiwanese carrier ranks eighth globally and earns recognition for the 13th consecutive year
Read the News

Agoda Highlights Asia’s Top Snow Destinations for Winter 2026
From Japan to the Himalayas, winter escapes combine snowfall, culture and nature
Read the News

Delta to Add Boeing 787 Dreamliner to Its Widebody Fleet
Order for 30 aircraft supports fleet renewal, fuel efficiency and international growth
Read the News

Wyndham expands footprint in South Korea with first managed hotel
Opening in Gangwon and new projects in Seoul and Busan underscore confidence in a fast-rebounding market