MINISTER of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett says that the 38th Plenary Session of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Affiliate Members, in Armenia last week, was very significant and was held at a crucial time in the development of tourism.

“The sector is dealing with numerous exogenous shocks, including seismic economic changes and terror, which have heightened uncertainty and invite serious consideration on possible solutions,” Bartlett said.

“Tourism has a pivotal role to play in tackling these global problems, as one of the most inclusive and resilient sectors in the world,” he added.

Bartlett is chairman of the Board of the Affiliate Members and the representative of Consolidated Tourism and Investment Consultants Limited.

The meeting discussed the latest tourism trends, public-private collaboration and promoting good practices in the sector. It was held in parallel with the 43rd UNWTO Affiliate Members Board meeting, which adopted the Affiliate Members 2017 Action Plan.

This year’s session comprised debates on the key issues shaping the 2017 Action Plan: the future of tourism, cultural tourism, city tourism and the 2017 International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development.

During the meeting, affiliate members shared information on their role, goals, new projects, challenges and expectations in the context of public-private collaboration and global tourism.

The event also featured three inspirational lectures by recognised experts:

• The Future of Tourism, by Professor Eduardo Fallos-Solá, Ulysses Foundation.

• Marketing Innovation in Tourism, by Professor Luiz Moutinho, DCU Business School, Dublin City University, Ireland.

• New Niches in Cultural Tourism: The Archaeoastronomical Context, by Dr Clive Ruggles, University of Leicester, United Kingdom

The 500 UNWTO affiliate members represent the private sector, educational institutions, tourism associations and local tourism authorities.