UNWTO Secretary General Zurab Pololikashvili Reviews 2021
Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary General of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), reviewed this year and said that the year 2021 was another difficult year for global tourism, the economy and the society in general. According to him, due to the developed crisis and the actions of governments, many millions of jobs and businesses are still in danger.
According to the Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), despite the existing difficulties, the tourism sector is still in better condition than when the pandemic was declared in March 2020.
"Over the past year, the world community has made great strides in the spread of vaccination, as well as in the detection and treatment of COVID-19. At the same time, together with the World Health Organization, we managed to find the right balance, which is reflected in the protection of people in the conditions of a pandemic and the maintenance of vital lines for tourism, "- said Pololikashvili.
According to the Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization, the need for harmonized travel protocols has been on the agenda since the beginning of the pandemic, which the organization has successfully addressed. According to him, the UNWTO was supported by the member states and the tourism sector itself.
According to Pololikashvili, the interest of UNWTO in innovations and competitions for startups in tourism is growing, which shows that the organization is ready to get new ideas.
"Our global innovation ecosystem currently consists of more than 12,000 startups from 160 countries. It is noteworthy that in this regard we have mobilized $ 83 million and up to 300 corporate partners are working on new tourism technologies.
Currently, the number of people involved in UNWTO education programs is unprecedented - more than 20,000 students are represented from over 100 countries. Our goal is to promote the development of tourism and hospitality in cooperation with 5 leading universities, such as IE University, Les Riches, Glion Institute, Ecole du Casse and Swiss Education Group," - said Zurab Pololikashvili. .