The 23rd session of the UNWTO General Assembly just concluded in Saint Petersburg, Russia, running from September 9-13, 2019.
This was a politically important event for Russia and over 1,000 participants from 124 countries discussed issues relevant to travel and tourism with responsible and sustainable tourism being the guiding theme of the gathering.
The event raised eyebrows after the popular former UNWTO Secretary General Dr. Taleb Rifai was not invited and allegations of disturbing irregularities surfaced.
Along with the questionable issues, there was also many relevant discussions and plenty of fun.
The widely-anticipated and expected announcement from the United States of America to join UNWTO as a new member did not happen. No status was available on that decision.
Here is a summary of the UNWTO General Assembly in pictures courtesy of the Roscongress Foundation.
111th session of the Executive Council
3rd Plenary
Cocktail hosted by Russian Federation
Affiliate Members Board
Lunch hosted by Philippines
Ministerial Debate on “Education and Employment in Tourism”
Welcome Ceremony hosted by the Russian Federation
Programme and Budget Committee
High-level Summit on Innovation and Sustainable Development in Tourism
2nd Plenary Session
Lunch hosted by Morocco
Credentials Committee
1st Plenary Session
Official Opening
Welcome Cocktail and UNWTO Awards Ceremony
High-level Forum on Medical and Health Tourism
Associate Members meeting
Committee for the Review of Applications for Affiliate Membership
Committee on Tourism & Competitiveness
Regional Commission for Africa
Committe on Tourism & Sustainability
41st UNWTO Affiliate Members Plenary Session
Visit to Peterhof Park & Palace with an excursion and reception
