7 TRAVEL, TOURISM AND CULTURE
The power of travel
T he 2024 Apulia Summit comes as world leaders, including those of the G7 members, face mounting and varied challenges: wars, including conflict in Europe, geopolitical tensions, the climate emergency, and increased inequalities both between and within countries. At the same time, this vital meeting of the world’s biggest economies – held at the start of the peak season in one of the world’s most popular destinations – comes as the tourism sector consolidates its recovery from the biggest crisis in its history. Without a doubt, tourism is a leading pillar of growth and opportunity. And nowhere is this more apparent than in the G7 economies themselves. In 2023, G7 countries welcomed 338 million international tourist arrivals, an increase of 25% compared to 2022, and 92% of pre-pandemic levels. With one in four of all international tourists visiting these seven
Investing in tourism should be seen as an opportunity rather than a challenge – and investment in transforming the sector has the potential to deliver significant economic and social dividends
By Zurab Pololikashvili , secretary-general, UN Tourism
G7 country destinations, tourism generated around $490 billion in receipts, again about 96% of pre-pandemic levels. The challenge we face, however, is to make this return to strength count. That is, to deliver on the unique potential of tourism to deliver sustainable and inclusive growth and opportunity. Certainly, we have a blueprint to follow in the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. They are a clear roadmap for peace and prosperity for people and planet. But, as United Nations secretary-general António Guterres reminds us, “halfway to 2030, that promise is in peril”, with the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic having stalled three decades of steady progress. I remain confident, however, that we can get back on track.
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globalgovernanceproject.org
G7 ITALY: THE APULIA SUMMIT — 2024
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