Día Mundial del Turismo 2024

Thursday, 26 September

Friday, 27 September

Venue: Paragraph Freedom Square, a Luxury Collection Hotel

Opening Ceremony & Welcome Remarks

• Irakli Kobakhidze, Prime Minister, Georgia
• Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism, Saudi Arabia
• Aziz Abdukhakimov, Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change, Uzbekistan
• Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General, UN Tourism

Keynote Speech: "Journey to Harmony - Tourism as a Catalyst for Sustainable Peace and a Better Future"

• Harris Whitbeck, Minister of Tourism, Guatemala

High-Level Ministerial Dialogue – Building Bridges Through Tourism

Tourism is way more than an economic driver; it is a powerful tool for fostering international understanding, cultural exchange, and global peace. In a world increasingly divided by geopolitical tensions, economic disparities, and cultural misunderstandings, tourism offers a unique avenue for bridging gaps and building lasting connections. The session aims to bring together government leaders, and policymakers to discuss and strategize on how tourism can be leveraged to promote peace and unity.

• Moderator: Aradhana Khowala, CEO & Founder, Aptamind Partners

Speakers:

• Mariam Kvrivishvili, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development, Georgia
• Aziz Abdukhakimov, Minister, Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change, Uzbekistan
• Nabeela Farida Tunis, Minister, Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Sierra Leone
• Fatema Jaafar, Alsairfafi, Minister, Ministry of Tourism, Bahrain

Keynote Address: Fostering Peace and Progress Through Tourism

• Didier Mazenga Mukanzu, Special Envoy for the Chad, Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) and Minister of Regional Integration, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Official hand-over ceremony of the "Tourism Doing Business: Investing in Georgia" guideline

• Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General, UN Tourism
• Levan Davitashvili, First Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia

Presentation of the "Tourism Doing Business: Investing in Georgia" guideline

• Natalia Bayona, Executive Director, UN Tourism

Presentation: “Georgia Investment Opportunities”

• Mikheil Khidureli, CEO, Enterprise Georgia

Private Sector Insights: Tourism as a Driver of Global Peace

As international travel continues to grow, the private sector's role in promoting peaceful interactions, sustainable development, and economic stability becomes increasingly significant. This dialogue aims to explore the private sector's potential and responsibility and to leverage its strengths and capabilities to promote peace and stability through tourism.

Moderator: Natalia Bayona, Executive Director, UN Tourism
Speakers:

• Jerry Inzerillo, Group Chief Executive Officer, Diriyah Company, Saudi Arabia
• Mohamed Ali Janah, Group Chairman, Hotels & Resorts Investment Maldives (HARIM)
• Virginia Messina, Senior Vice President, World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC)

Inspirational speech: Decoding the Future of Tourism Resilience

• Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism, Ministry of Tourism, Jamaica

Harnessing innovation, cultivating talent for peace

In today's interconnected world, the potential of tourism to contribute to global peace is immense. However, realizing this potential requires more than traditional approaches; it necessitates innovation, talent, and entrepreneurial spirit. Entrepreneurship in tourism is a key driver of innovation and economic development. By encouraging entrepreneurial ventures, particularly in emerging destinations and post-conflict areas, we can stimulate local economies and create opportunities for communities to thrive.

Moderator: Antonio Lopez de Avila, Director, Innovation, Education, and Investments, UN Tourism

Speakers:

• Ann Kalembe, Women in Hospitality, Uganda
• Ana Sofia Godoy Alonso, CEO, Étnica, Guatemala
• Li Yang, General Manager of International Affairs, Alibaba Group

Tourism for Peace Education Dialogue

Moderator: Cordula Wohlmuther, Regional Director, a.i. for Europe, UN Tourism

Speakers:

• Carolina Herrera, Peace Educator, Colombia
• André Mack, Managing Director a.i., EHL Hospitality Business School, Switzerland

World Tourism Day 2025 Handover Malaysia

• Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia

Saturday, 28 September