【Record】Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of World Tourism Organization delivers a speech at the opening ceremony

Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of World Tourism Organization (UNTWO) , delivers a speech at the opening ceremony

Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili:

Your Excellency Minister,

Your Excellency Chairman of World Tourism Cities Federation,

Dear participants, distinguished guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is an honor to greet you at the start of this important event.

This Conference comes at a critical moment for global tourism. No country has been left untouched by the COVID-19 pandemic. China was, of course, the first to be affected. The virus cost many lives. On behalf of UNWTO, I share with you my sincere condolences on your loss.

The pandemic also brought tourism to a standstill. This has cost many jobs. But China has led the way in controlling the spread of the virus. The national economy is gradually reopening. And the lifting of travel restrictions gives hope to millions of people – both in China and worldwide. Against this backdrop of determination and optimism, UNWTO has joined with the World Tourism Cities Federation and other international tourism organizations for this conference. The main purpose of this event is to boost confidence in the development of world tourism through stronger multilateral cooperation.

Cities will have an important role to play. They offer culture, gastronomy and both modernity and history. And tourism provides opportunity, supports jobs and drives the development of neighborhoods and whole cities. Managing the safe return of tourists to cities is essential. Cooperation, enhanced safety protocols and the use of innovation and technology, will be key to achieving this.

I wish the World Conference on Tourism Cooperation and Development every success, and I look forward to learning of its outcomes.

Thank you.