In recognizing the importance of Air travel as an essential component of global tourism, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU with the International Air Transport Association (IATA).The two parties, according to the MoU which is coming ahead of the G20 summit of the world’s largest economies, which includes a dedicated tourism segment, have agreed to work together to restart global tourism with a view of focusing on enhancing consumer confidence in travel and placing sustainability at the center of recovery and future growth.According to UNWTO Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili, this partnership between UNWTO and IATA will see the two organizations working closely together to increase confidence in flying and tourism in general.“Air travel is an essential component of global tourism. This partnership between UNWTO and IATA will see us work closely together to increase confidence in flying and tourism in general. UNWTO will use our expertise in innovation and our status as a connector of public and private sector leaders to help get aviation moving again” he said.On his part, IATA Director General Alexandre de Juniac disclosed that this enhanced partnership with the World Tourism Organization will help guide aviation’s recovery over the critical months ahead.”“The safe opening of international borders to tourism is essential. Tourists want to feel safe, and they want to be confident that their travel plans won’t be affected by last-minute changes to rules and regulations. For this to happen, even greater collaboration between the public and private sectors is needed. This enhanced partnership with the World Tourism Organization will help guide aviation’s recovery over the critical months ahead” he disclosed.Recall that from the start of the current crisis, UNWTO has led the way in addressing the key factor needed for the successful restart of tourism. This agreement with the global trade association for the airline sector builds on this and deepens the existing collaboration between both organizations to keep geared towards restoring the confidence of travelers. This latest partnership comes after UNWTO also recently signed an agreement with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), that will see the two UN agencies work together to harness the power of tourism to drive the sustainable social and economic development of rural communities.Recall also that IATA has been an Affiliate Member of UNWTO since 1978, providing a strong voice for the international air transport sector. IATA is also an active member of the Board of the UNWTO’s Affiliate Members and contributed to the UNWTO Global Guidelines to Restart Tourism, released in May to help guide governments and the private sector in their response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This collaboration was reflected in the final publication.
