UNWTO and IATA have signed an MoU for joint innovation and talent development in the public and private sectors to promote competitive and sustainable tourism development, with a focus on the air transport industry.
Under the agreement, IATA will support the creation of a new category within the UNWTO Awards for Excellence and Innovation in Tourism, which will recognise innovation in marketing and product development with the objective to enhance connectivity and increase travel accessibility by airlines, travel agencies and other travel and tourism companies.
IATA will also be a leading implementing partner in the UNWTO Knowledge Network Talent Development initiative, which aims to support young talents in the tourism sector through internships, knowledge transfer and research.
Carlos Vogeler, UNWTO executive-secretary of member relations, said: “Air travel is a key driver of tourism development around the world and we are looking forward to joining forces with IATA in promoting the important innovations spurred by travel companies and further fostering young talents in the tourism and air transport sectors.”
Ismail Albaidhani, head of IATA Global Partnership and Travel & Tourism Unit, said: “We are now working very closely with UNWTO to strengthen the collaboration between the various travel and tourism value-chain partners, and today’s (June 10) important agreement establishes a solid platform to launch crucial joint-industry initiatives worldwide.”
Additionally, UNWTO and IATA agreed to co-organise an event on air travel and tourism value chains next January, in the framework of the UNWTO Awards taking place in Madrid.
