Tourexpi
UN Tourism Opens Regional Office for the Americas in Rio
The
new Regional Office will focus on strengthening investment promotion. One of
its first key outcomes will be a set of guidelines aimed at boosting green
investments, recognizing the importance of biodiversity for tourism in the
Americas. The Rio Office will also develop a strategy for the technical
training of young people, equipping them with the professional skills needed
for the sector’s growth throughout the region.
On
the occasion of the inauguration, UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab
Pololikashvili held a bilateral meeting with Brazil’s Minister of Tourism,
Celso Sabino. The meeting focused on the projects to be carried out at the
Regional Office and how it can serve as a hub for tourism development, both in
Brazil and throughout the region.
Secretary-General
Pololikashvili stated: “The UN Tourism Regional Office for the Americas will
support the advancement of the tourism sector not only in Brazil but also
across the entire region. Rio de Janeiro will become a veritable centre of
leadership and ideas, focusing on growth, securing investments for the sector,
and harnessing the power of tourism for sustainable and inclusive development.”
Other
key initiatives to be led by the Regional Office include women’s empowerment,
with a dedicated event on the topic set to take place in 2025. Additionally,
the Office will advance efforts in indigenous tourism, accessibility, and
multi-destination routes in the region, such as the Jesuit Route in South
America, among others.
The
Regional Office for the Americas strengthens UN Tourism’ presence on the
ground, bringing it closer to its Members. In addition to its Headquarters in
Madrid, the Organization now has a Regional Office for the Middle East in
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and an office in Nara, Japan. A Regional Office for
Africa is planned to be opened in Marrakesh, Morocco.
The
Regional Offices enable UN Tourism to provide tailored support to its Members
in all regions of the world, focusing on priorities such as tourism innovation,
investment, and education and training across the sector.
Image
Credit: © UN Tourism
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