UNWTO and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) have agreed to strengthen their partnership with the aim of supporting the safe restart of travel and tourism and accelerating the two sectors’ shift towards greater resilience and sustainability.
In the immediate term, UNWTO and ICAO will work to support aviation and tourism to bounce back from the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Under the agreement, both organisations also commit to enhancing coordination at every level, from policy research and management areas, to border management and facilitation of safe and seamless travel.
The MoU also recognises the importance of securing relevant finance mechanisms to accelerate the shift towards greener travel and tourism, with a commitment to joint advocacy and fundraising efforts.
UNWTO secretary-general Zurab Pololikashvili said: “Tourism and air travel are essential pillars of growth and opportunity, most notably for developing countries and communities. As air travel resumes and tourism restarts, both sectors must collaborate to support the livelihoods of today and to build a more resilient and sustainable future. The partnership between UNWTO and ICAO will allow exactly this.”
ICAO council president Salvatore Sciacchitano added: “This agreement is an important step to help our organisations address joint data and research initiatives, the modernisation and financing of aviation infrastructure, and the alleviation of economic regulatory constraints to enhance air connectivity and seamless travel.”
