Spain to host the 24th General Assembly of the World Tourism Organisation

Spain will host the 24th session of the General Assembly of the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) on 30 November, at the request of the organisation, once Morocco declined to hold it in Marrakesh (Morocco) due to its health situation and the limitations on mobility established by the Moroccan authorities, as the organisation has informed the member countries.

According to the Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism, Reyes Maroto, "Spain will be the host country following the withdrawal by the Moroccan authorities and the express request of the UNWTO", in compliance with the statutes of the Organisation and with Morocco's agreement.

The Minister for Tourism stressed that holding an international forum of this level also means worldwide recognition of "Spain as a safe destination", as well as being "an unavoidable opportunity for Spain's international projection and to reaffirm our position as a leading player in terms of tourism. Madrid will be at the centre of the debate on the recovery of world tourism and the design of the tourism of the future". The minister added that the representatives attending the meeting "will have the opportunity to see first-hand the progress made on the project for the new world head office of the Organisation in Madrid".

For Reyes Maroto, Spain's experience in organising congresses and events is internationally recognised, "it was clear when we took on the organisation of COP25 in record time", she stressed.

XXIV General Assembly

The General Assembly is the main body of the World Tourism Organisation and this year will focus its discussions on innovation, education and rural development to rebuild and improve tourism in the aftermath of the pandemic.

It meets every two years to approve its budget and work programme and to discuss issues of importance to the sector. The Assembly is composed of full and associate members. Affiliate members and representatives of other international organisations also participate as observers.

On this occasion, the 43rd session of the Plenary of the UNWTO Affiliate Members will be the first official activity of the General Assembly. The Plenary meeting is the most important governance structure of the Affiliate Members and provides an ideal context for sharing initiatives and discussing the annual work programme.

Non official translation