UNWTO’s Global Tourism Crisis Committee

Tuesday 24th of March 2020

UNWTO’s Global Tourism Crisis Committee

World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) has appointed Maldives Minister of Tourism, Ali Waheed to the Global Tourism Crisis Committee.

On 19th March, the World Tourism Organization hosted a high-level virtual meeting, bringing together key UN agencies, the chairs of its Executive Council and Regional Commissions, and private sector leaders. In this meeting, it was decided to convene a Global Tourism Crisis Committee.

UNWTO’s Secretary-General said that tourism “is the hardest hit sector and all our best estimates have been overtaken by the changing reality”. Whether it’s an urban centre or a remote community where tourism is usually the main income generator and a vehicle for social inclusion, protecting heritage and kickstarting development, the jobs of millions of people and their families are at stake.

The Global Tourism Crisis Committee will hold regular virtual meetings, reflecting the need for coordinated and efficient action by the private and public sectors, governments, international financing institutions, and the United Nations.