The Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization Zurab Pololikashvili(UNWTO) started his first official visit by visiting Mexico. The visit of the high-level delegation further emphasises the unprecedented level of political support for tourism across the Americas as the governments think that the sector has the ability to drive economic and social recovery.
President of Mexico, Andrés Manuel López Obrador was officially recognized by UNWTO for his support of tourism and for leading by example at this critical time. As they also continued to welcome international flights, safely and responsibly, and providing practical assistance for businesses and workers across the broad tourism sector.
The UNWTO delegation also met with Mexico’s Secretary for Tourism Miguel Torruco Marqués to discuss the restart of tourism both in Mexico and across the wider region. At the National Palace, Secretary-General Pololikashvili accepted the government’s invitation to the official opening of the new “General Felipe Ángeles” International Airport, currently scheduled for March 2022.
Mr Pololikashvili says: “Mexico has led the way in supporting tourism, politically and practically, through an unprecedented crisis. Under the leadership of President López Obrador, it is ready to restart tourism and put into action the commitments of UNWTO’s Punta Cana Declaration for inclusive and sustainable tourism.”
The official visit to Mexico forms part of UNWTO’s wider support for its Member States in the Americas. Mexico was among the states to attend an extraordinary Ministerial meeting. And with the signing of the Punta Cana Declaration, the region’s tourism leaders committed to placing inclusivity for the tourism sectors restart and ensuring that the sector delivers benefits and opportunities for all. This shared commitment was also in evidence as UNWTO’s Regional Commission for the Americas met last week. Which was hosted by Jamaica, the meeting highlighted the unprecedented political support now enjoyed by the sector, with 23 of the 24 regional Members represented, alongside six international and regional organizations.
