UNWTO brings together tourism leaders in Madrid

To celebrate the return of the FITUR International Tourism Fair, UNWTO brought together leaders from the public and private sectors to send a strong message that tourism is ready to return. Secretary General Zurab Pololikashvili welcomed distinguished guests to the Teatro Real in Madrid, including the new UNWTO ambassadors, including the manager of Atlético de Madrid, Diego Simeone, and the model and businesswoman, Valeria Mazza.

The decision to host FITUR is the kind of boldness we need if we are to restart tourism and thus drive a broader recovery.

Reflecting unprecedented levels of political support for tourism, the evening's event was joined by Reyes Maroto, Spain's Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, and the Mayor of Madrid, José Luis Martínez-Almeida. Furthermore, the sector's ability to touch almost all sectors of society was reflected in the appointment of the latest UNWTO Ambassadors. Joining Mr. Simeone and Ms. Mazza to receive the honor in Madrid were the last UNWTO Special Ambassador for Gastronomic Tourism, chef Ramón Freixa Riera and business leaders Alejandro Bulgheroni and Frank Ranieri.

Secretary General Pololikashvili said: “Now is the time for ambition and bold steps. The decision to host FITUR is the kind of boldness we need if we are to restart tourism and thus initiate a broader recovery. And this show of unity is the kind of cooperation we need to restart tourism in a coordinated and responsible way, for the benefit of many millions of people around the world. "

At FITUR 2021, UNWTO has addressed some of the key challenges facing tourism while advancing solutions for its safe, responsible and sustainable recovery. Following the end of the UNWTO SDG Global Startup Competition, UNWTO is also making progress on another of its priorities, promoting investment in African tourism, as well as strengthening partnerships with private sector actors.