world sports tourism congress 2023

UNWTO World Sports Tourism Congress Unites Sports & Tourism

The 2nd edition of the  World Sports Tourism Congress   (WSTC), organized by UNWTO, Government of Croatia through its Ministry of Tourism and Sport, and the Affiliate Member Croatian National Tourist Board, brought together experts and leaders from across the sports and tourism sectors, alongside representatives of destinations and businesses. Held under the theme “ Tourism and  Sports United for Sustainability” , the Congress focused on key issues such as sports tourism’s economic impact and its contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) .

• The Congress ‘ Tourism & Sports United for Sustainability’ addressed aspects such as sports tourism’s economic impact, its contribution to the SDGs from the environmental, social, and economic perspectives. • The Forum lead the way in promoting collaboration between Governments and the private sector, with a focus on sports tourism. • Sports Tourism is complex and cross-cutting and requires public and private actors to work together following a strategic and coordinated approach . • For tourists, sports tourism offers a chance to combine their love of sports with their passion for travel and exploration . • For destinations, sports tourism can bring in significant revenue, boost the local economy, and generate positive publicity and exposure . It can also help to build new infrastructure, such as stadiums or sports facilities, which can benefit the local community long after the event has ended.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili says: “Sports Tourism plays a key role in enhancing economic growth and social development in many destinations. It creates jobs and supports businesses in cities and rural communities alike. In order to maximize its potential, public and private sector actors must collaborate, and that’s where UNWTO steps in”.

Ms. Nikolina Brnjac, Minister of Tourism and Sport of Croatia said: “I am very proud of having hosted this Congress in Croatia. We enjoyed hearing many excellent international and Croatian speakers, as well as presenting the many opportunities of sustainable development of sports tourism in Croatia. Croatian government has secured generous funds for building active tourism infrastructure, in line with our goal of making Croatia a globally competitive sports tourism destination .”

Delivering sports tourism’s benefits

Alongside assessing the impacts of sports tourism, the Congress also explored the potential benefits of the growing sector, including its links to health and wellbeing, and its importance for promoting destinations to bigger and more diverse audiences. In Zadar, leaders from both established and emerging sports tourism destinations shared their insights and best practices to produce recommendations for growing the sector in size and influence.

Tourism Today: Recovering and Transforming

• The year 2022 saw international travel by more than 900 million tourists, 63% of the level in 2019, before the pandemic struck. Global tourism this year should improve considerably to reach approximately 80% to 95% of pre-pandemic levels, • In Europe UNWTO data shows global international tourist arrivals returned to approximately 80% of pre-pandemic (2019) levels at the end of 2022. Near-complete recovery (95%) expected by the end of this year. • The mounting economic, health and geopolitical challenges continue to pose a risk to recovery, exacerbated by the aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine. • At the same time, strong demand from the United States, backed by a strong US dollar, will continue to benefit destinations in the region and beyond. • UNWTO was there for the re-opening of China to tourism, “the last piece in the sector’s recovery”. • UNWTO is leading the transformation of tourism around greater sustainability, inclusivity and resilience. Priorities include: promoting investment in tourism; jobs, training and education, tourism climate action; tourism governance.

Arabian Travel Market to Welcome Representatives from 150 Countries

Best Western Hotel Group Expands Global Presence with Hotels in North America, Europe and Asia

Welcome, Login to your account.

Recover your password.

A password will be e-mailed to you.

2nd World Sports Tourism Congress: Tourism and Sports united for sustainability

World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili says: “Sports Tourism plays a key role in enhancing economic growth and social development in many destinations. It creates jobs and supports businesses in cities and rural communities alike. In order to maximize its potential, public and private sector actors must collaborate, and that’s where UNWTO steps in”.

Ms. Nikolina Brnjac, Minister of Tourism and Sport of Croatia said: “I am very proud of having hosted this Congress in Croatia. We enjoyed hearing many excellent international and Croatian speakers, as well as presenting the many opportunities of sustainable development of sports tourism in Croatia. Croatian government has secured generous funds for building active tourism infrastructure, in line with our goal of making Croatia a globally competitive sports tourism destination.”

Delivering sports tourism’s benefits

Alongside assessing the impacts of sports tourism, the Congress also explored the potential benefits of the growing sector, including its links to health and wellbeing, and its importance for promoting destinations to bigger and more diverse audiences. In Zadar, leaders from both established and emerging sports tourism destinations shared their insights and best practices to produce recommendations for growing the sector in size and influence.

media, Madrid

Related Articles

Unlocking the advantages of sustainable practices for hoteliers

Green check-in: strategies for hotels to adopt and promote sustainability

Business travel is back, but corporate customers are more demanding than ever

Maintainability vs sustainability: Finding the common ground in property management

Related courses.

You might also like:

Staying ahead of recent changes in Google’s search and AI results

Hotel demand forecasting: a beginner’s guide

Train the trainer – the four stages of training

Luxury hotel marketing: 5 key strategies to succeed

Hospitality in the time of COVID-19

Join over 60,000 industry leaders.

Receive daily leadership insights and stay ahead of the competition.

Leading solution providers:

2nd World Sports Tourism Congress: Tourism and Sports United for Sustainability

• Sport + Travel Magazine

UNWTO: collaboration is key to maximise sport tourism’s potential 

Zurab Pololikashvili, secretary-general of the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), has called upon the public and private sectors to “collaborate” to fully maximise sports tourism’s potential – and to achieve the goals of economic diversification, growth and sustainable development for destinations worldwide.

Speaking at the World Sports Tourism Congress (WSTC) in Zadar, Croatia, Pololikashvili said: “Sports tourism plays a key role in enhancing economic growth and social development in many destinations. It creates jobs and supports businesses in cities and rural communities alike. In order to maximise its potential, public and private sector actors must collaborate, and that’s where UNWTO steps in.”

The second edition of the WSTC, held from 26-27 April 2023, was organised by UNWTO, the Croatian Ministry of Tourism and Sport, and the Croatian National Tourist Board. It brought together experts and leaders from across the sports and tourism sectors, alongside representatives of destinations and businesses. Held under the theme “Tourism and Sports United for Sustainability”, the congress focused on key issues such as sports tourism’s economic impact and its contribution to the sustainable development goals.

Alongside assessing the impacts of sports tourism, the congress also explored the potential benefits of the growing sector, including its links to health and wellbeing, and its importance for promoting destinations to bigger and more diverse audiences. In Zadar, leaders from both established and emerging sports tourism destinations shared their insights and best practices to produce recommendations for growing the sector in size and influence.

Nikolina Brnjac, Croatia’s minister of tourism and sport, said: “I am very proud of having hosted this congress in Croatia. We enjoyed hearing many excellent international and Croatian speakers, as well as presenting the many opportunities of sustainable development of sports tourism in Croatia. Croatian government has secured generous funds for building active tourism infrastructure, in line with our goal of making Croatia a globally competitive sports tourism destination.”

Main image: Zurab Pololikashvili, UNWTO secretary-general, speaking at the World Sports Tourism Congress (Images: UNWTO )

SPORTS EVENTS CALENDAR

Icc men’s t20 world cup west indies & usa 2024, men’s football: uefa euro 2024 germany, giorgio armani tennis classic 2024 at the hurlingham club, tennis grand slam: the championships wimbledon 2024, men’s golf: 2024 genesis scottish open, privacy overview.

2nd World Sports Tourism Congress in Croatia

The 2nd edition of the World Sports Tourism Congress (WSTC), held under the theme “Tourism and Sports United for Sustainability”

Organized by UNWTO, Government of Croatia brought together experts and leaders from across the sports and tourism sectors, alongside representatives of destinations and businesses.

As Sports Tourism plays a key role in enhancing economic growth and social development in many destinations, the Congress focused on sports tourism’s economic impact and its contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) by creating jobs and supports businesses in cities and rural communities.

“Sports Tourism plays a key role in enhancing economic growth and social development in many destinations. It creates jobs and supports businesses in cities and rural communities alike. In order to maximize its potential, public and private sector actors must collaborate, and that’s where UNWTO steps in,” said UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili.

“I am very proud of having hosted this Congress in Croatia. We enjoyed hearing many excellent international and Croatian speakers, as well as presenting the many opportunities of sustainable development of sports tourism in Croatia,” said the Minister of Tourism and Sport of Croatia Ms. Nikolina Brnjac.

“Croatian government has secured generous funds for building active tourism infrastructure, in line with our goal of making Croatia a globally competitive sports tourism destination,” she added.

Alongside assessing the impacts of sports tourism, the Congress also explored the potential benefits of the growing sector, including its links to health and wellbeing, and its importance for promoting destinations to bigger and more diverse audiences.

Related News

2nd World Sports Tourism Congress: main conclusions

This second edition of the (WSTC) gave prominence to the role of Sports Tourism in the international tourism industry and raised awareness about the benefits Sports Tourism can bring to destinations and the overall tourism industry under economic, environmental, and social aspects.

Jointly organized by UNWTO, the Government of Croatia through its Ministry of Tourism and Sport, and the Affiliate Member Croatian National Tourist Board, the event expanded on the success of the first edition, hosted in Lloret de Mar, Spain, on 25-26 November 2021, and gathered more 350 participants from over than 25 different countries who joined us to learned from 48 worldwide speakers and experts in the field of Sports Tourism, throughout 8 panels.

After examining the whole picture of the WSTC, the main takeaways highlighted by our panellist are the following:

Planning & coordination are essential for sports tourism development: achieving sustainable development in the field of Sports Tourism and harnessing its potential, requires clear and coherent strategies and policies

S ports tourism can positively impact the entire tourism chain: the sports component of tourism has a positive impact, with sports events clearly triggering many economic benefits across the entire tourism value chain

Advantages of the specialization of destinations within sports tourism: destination should leverage their unique conditions and features by specializing in a specific type of sport/activity or a specific type of sports event

Sports events can be a powerful marketing tool for destinations that can enhance the brand image and visibility of the host

The importance of professionalization of sports sponsorship by DMOs, with regard to the roles of sponsoring brand and host of sports events

Sports events generate a positive impact on the community’s health and lifestyle

The interplay between sports tourism, society, and environment: sustainable sports tourism entails reducing and off-setting the carbon footprint and creating engagement with the local community.

Through this event, the UNWTO has consolidated the importance of sports tourism to the tourism agenda, and its commitment to continue raising awareness on the benefits of sports tourism by generating knowledge, solid recommendations, and tools for the sustainable development of this sector.

In collaboration with:

This site uses cookies from Google to deliver its services and to analyze traffic. Information about your use of this site is shared with Google. By using this site, you agree to its use of cookies.

Privacy policy

Legal notice

We use cookies to ensure best experience for you

We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalize content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audience is coming from. You can also read our privacy policy , We use cookies to ensure the best experience for you on our website.

• Leaders Speak
• Brand Solutions
• Associations
• UNWTO’s 2nd World Sports Tourism Congress focuses on sustainability

• ETTW Desk ,
• ETTravelWorld
• Updated On Apr 29, 2023 at 02:45 PM IST

TWG meet in Kashmir to pin the region as global tourist destination

In the first two months of 2023, Kashmir welcomed 250,000 tourists, setting a new record. The Tourism Working Group meeting, scheduled in May, will focus on strategies to boost tourism in the region, measures to improve infrastructure, promote cultural tourism and enhance safety and security measures, Tourism Secretary Arvind Singh told ETTravelWorld.

• By ETTW Desk ,
• Published On Apr 29, 2023 at 02:30 PM IST

All Comments

By commenting, you agree to the Prohibited Content Policy

Find this Comment Offensive?

• Foul Language
• Inciting hatred against a certain community
• Out of Context / Spam

Join the community of 2M+ industry professionals

Subscribe to our newsletter to get latest insights & analysis., download ettravelworld app.

• Get Realtime updates
• Save your favourite articles

• World Sports Tourism Congress
• Sports Tourism
• Tourism and Sports United for Sustainability
• Sustainable Development Goals
• tourism industry

• International

The First World Sports Tourism Congress the Role of Sport for Tourism Recovery and its Contribution to the 2030 Agenda

The first edition of the World Sports Tourism Congress (25-26 November, Lloret de Mar, Spain) focused on the unique capacity of the sector to promote sustainable and inclusive development, diversification and public-private partnership. The Congress was organized by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the Catalan Tourism Agency (ACT), an Affiliate Member of the UNWTO.

At the opening ceremony, UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili declared that the holding of this Congress, with a strong in-person participation, is a clear message that the tourism sector is ready to welcome tourists again, and the recovery of sports tourism plays an important role.

Pololikashvili added:  “An encouraging example is the gradual return of major sporting events, which is a major driver of the restart of tourism.”

The Congress was attended in person by some   350 participants, and more than 150 followed it online. The most immediate challenges were discussed throughout the first day, ranging from the impact of COVID-19 and current trends in tourism demand and in the tourism market, to trends in sports, innovation in major sporting events, diversity and inclusion, and public-private governance strategies.

Looking to the future, the second day focused on the digital transformation of the sector and the phenomenon of e-sports, the promotion of digital marketing, the environmental framework and new research in the sector.

One of the most innovative aspects that the Congress brought was the deployment of two hologram booths in the proceedings  in order to have the participation of speakers who could not attend in person.

Work on Tourism and Sports is among the priorities of the UNWTO, especially in view of the necessary recovery of the sector in general.

The Congress featured more than 50 speakers–more than half of them in person–from Canada, Croatia, the United States, Spain, France, Wales, Italy and South Africa, among others. Among the speakers were prominent figures with recognized experience in the sports and tourism sectors, representing entities that are also UNWTO Affiliate Members such as Lavonne Wittmann, President of Skal International; Sonto Mayise, General Director of Tourism Kwazulu-Natal; Luis Valente, Head of Partnerships and Information at the FC Oporto Museum; Paraskevi Patoulidou, President of Thessaloniki Tourism Organization; Kattia Juarez-Dubón, Director of the International Sustainability Commission of the International Motorcycling Federation (FIM), and Lisa Delpy Neirotti, professor at George Washington University.

Global Tourism Sees upturn in Q3 but Recovery Remains Fragile

Sustainable tourism can offer mountain communities a path to prosperity and inclusion.

Related posts

Union of international associations releases uia survey 2022 report, top 5 things to do in this summer in washington, dc , france’s travel & tourism could surpass pre-pandemic levels in 2023: wttc, leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Latest News

Phoenix of gambling: how Macau rose from the ashes of the pandemic and set new records in the gambling industry

Mastering business energy efficiency: A strategic guide

AltoVita announces speakers for 4th Annual Smart, Safe, Sustainable Summit

France’s Travel & Tourism broke all records last year, WTTC research reveals

AI’s impact on Caribbean Tourism explored at CTO Caribbean Week

Ambassadors join UN Tourism to look ahead to 2027 Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism

Mews adds point-of-sale to its embedded payments experience

Beyond the brochure: Hidden gems and activities in Florida

General Manager of The Royal Sonesta New Orleans retires after 47 years

XpresSpa officially open in PHL’s Terminal B

The first World Sports Tourism Congress: The role of sport for tourism recovery ans its contribution to the 2030 agenda

The Congress featured more than 50 speakers-more than half of them in person-from Canada, Croatia, the United States, Spain, France, Wales, Italy and South Africa, among others.

Renowned experts and academics in sports tourism debated over two days on current and future trends in the sector and underlined the key role of sport for the development of a more sustainable and inclusive tourism.

The first edition of the World Sports Tourism Congress (25-26 November, Lloret de Mar, Spain) focused on the unique capacity of the sector to promote sustainable and inclusive development, diversification and public-private partnership. The Congress was organized by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the Catalan Tourism Agency (ACT) , an Affiliate Member of the UNWTO.

At the opening ceremony, UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili declared that the holding of this Congress, with a strong in-person participation, is a clear message that the tourism sector is ready to welcome tourists again, and the recovery of sports tourism plays an important role.

Pololikashvili added: “ An encouraging example is the gradual return of major sporting events, which is a major driver of the restart of tourism .”

For his part, the Minister for Business and Labour of the Regional Government of Catalonia, Roger Torrent , stressed that “ this Congress can give rise to ideas that allow progress towards a more responsible and sustainable tourism thanks to diversification, differentiation and de-seasonalization “. In addition, he stated that tourism, and in particular sports tourism, can offer economic, employment and social opportunities that must be harnessed.

The Congress was attended in person by some 350 participants, and more than 150 followed it online. The most immediate challenges were discussed throughout the first day, ranging from the impact of COVID-19 and current trends in tourism demand and in the tourism market, to trends in sports, innovation in major sporting events, diversity and inclusion, and public-private governance strategies.

Looking to the future, the second day focused on the digital transformation of the sector and the phenomenon of e-sports, the promotion of digital marketing, the environmental framework and new research in the sector.

One of the most innovative aspects that the Congress brought was the deployment of two hologram booths in the proceedings  in order to have the participation of speakers who could not attend in person.

Work on Tourism and Sports is among the priorities of the UNWTO, especially in view of the necessary recovery of the sector in general.

Among the speakers were prominent figures with recognized experience in the sports and tourism sectors, representing entities that are also UNWTO Affiliate Members such as Lavonne Wittmann , President of Skal International ; Sonto Mayise , General Director of Tourism Kwazulu-Natal ; Luis Valente , Head of Partnerships and Information at the FC Oporto Museum; Paraskevi Patoulidou , President of Thessaloniki Tourism Organization ; Kattia Juarez-Dubón , Director of the International Sustainability Commission of the International Motorcycling Federation (FIM) , and Lisa Delpy Neirotti , professor at George Washington University.

Tatiana Rokou

Tatiana is the news coordinator for TravelDailyNews Media Network (traveldailynews.gr, traveldailynews.com and traveldailynews.asia). Her role includes monitoring the hundreds of news sources of TravelDailyNews Media Network and skimming the most important according to our strategy.

She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.

• Tatiana Rokou https://www.traveldailynews.com/author/tatiana-rokou/ Regent Porto Montenegro announces the appointment of Angelo Zuccala as the new General Manager
• Tatiana Rokou https://www.traveldailynews.com/author/tatiana-rokou/ Green destinations: European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism 2025 competition now open for applications
• Tatiana Rokou https://www.traveldailynews.com/author/tatiana-rokou/ New strategic partnership at Edinburgh Airport
• Tatiana Rokou https://www.traveldailynews.com/author/tatiana-rokou/ Grace Hotel, Auberge Resorts Collection appoints new General Manager, George Georgousis

Related posts

UNWTO Communication, Media and Tourism Training in Africa Workshop, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

UNWTO becomes “UN Tourism” to mark a new era for global sector

International tourism to reach pre-pandemic levels in 2024

UNWTO at FITUR 2024: Investments, sustainable tourism and collaboration

Previous post, innovation and cooperation key to aviation’s sustainable and resilient future – icao council president, south africa flight restrictions: 334,408 air seats to european destinations at risk.

Havila Voyages extends Geirangerfjord season for 2025

THE ILISIAN – the new destination in Athens

Baltimore Marriott Waterfront unveils Skyview Terrace

AMGiNE and Front expand partnership to the UK

Empiria Group launches partnership with celebrity skincare expert Teresa Tarmey in Santorini

TIS 2024 will address the 10 key innovations that are transforming the tourism sector worldwide

The SilverDoor Party 2024: Property partner award winners announced  

The high demand for airport transfers this summer will boost the popularity of shared transfers

New trolley fleet introduced at Edinburgh Airport

Crewfare wins 2024 TravelTech Show Trailblazer Awards

UFI Qatar Day reinforces the region’s position as a global MICE hub on Global Exhibitions Day

The business case for a digitized standards management platform

New “airline” Archer Air to fly eVTOLs on behalf of United Airlines

Vantage Group launches refreshed brand and new website

 IDeaS now available on the Oracle Hospitality Integration Platform (OHIP)

PATH releases further knowledge tools for policymakers: Walking and Cycling Policy Regional Fact Sheets

New study highlights critical role of Public Service Obligations that serve Europe’s regions

Lumo wins Business Travel Innovation Faceoff Europe 2024 Award

Rockwell Group unveils interiors for The Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai

Sabre and Spotnana expand partnership to include NDC content and streamlined booking for corporate travel

Brand new Finnair Lounge on the Schengen side of Helsinki Airport opens on 9 July 2024

The vital role of SIM cards in modern communication

Even more digital entertainment on board Lufthansa flights

GUEXT presents the Innovation Gallery

Dog-friendly destinations: Where to travel with your pup

Sojern now available on Oracle Cloud Marketplace

Aegean welcomes its passengers to its new Business Lounge at Larnaca International Airport

UK outdoor accommodation industry failing disabled community, finds survey

Oceania Cruises unveils “Relaxed Yet Refined”

India named the top-performing market for attracting independent travel managers, says Trevolution Group

The IMEX Group appoints new Chief Operating Officer

Cheval appoints Edinburgh General Manager

Travel and hospitality outsourcing Philippines: Cynergy BPO – Powering digital transformation

IPSOS report reveals 4 in 10 Brits plan to increase their travel budget in 2024

Vingcard introduces Google Wallet compatibility for mobile access hotel guest keys

BVA BDRC research: Better experiences driving better rates at venues

MarketHub by HBX Group gathers industry leaders in Istanbul

Volotea launches direct flights from London Gatwick to Brest, France

Like Magic appoints Mews’ former Senior Sales Director as Head of Sales and Business Development

“Taxi Seine Paris”: A new shuttle service between the Louvre and La Bourdonnais

CarTrawler achieves B Corp certification, furthering its commitment to sustainable business practices

Brenton Hotel promotes Rachael Burns to Assistant General Manager

Icarus Jet signs brokerage agreement to boost regional group charters with ERJ135 fleet

European Cyclists’ Federation announces winners of ECF Awards at Velo-city 2024

Wego emerges as the #1 travel app for flight search and booking in the Middle East, according to data.Ai

International travellers to Europe prioritise safety and quality this Summer

The Destination by Hyatt brand arrives in Peru with the opening of The Legend Paracas Resort

La Raia Estate in Gavi, Italy, launches Borgo Merlassino, a restored historic farming village

Construction of the largest solar park in West Flanders begins at Ostend-Bruges Airport

Bahrain Airport Company prioritizes safety with regular runway maintenance

New food and drink outlets at Edinburgh Airport

JetBlue gives Blue Basic a boost with complimentary carry-on bag starting September 6

SEA launches WhatsApp as a direct contact channel between passengers and the airport

State of Distribution 2024 Report released by NYU SPS Tisch Center and partners

Marcus Cornelious joins The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua as Director of Sales and Marketing

U.S. Travel Association’s Commission on seamless and secure travel identifies five bold steps to boost national travel competitiveness

Tafer Hotels & Resorts partners with Quicktext to revolutionize guest experience with AI

Jackson Hole’s Rusty Parrot Lodge & Spa appoints Executive Chef, Spa Director and Director of Operations

Satisfi Labs acquires omnichannel marketing automation platform Factoreal

How to choose between individual and group travel insurance for your next trip

Marriott Dallas Allen Hotel & Convention Center celebrates accolades and growth in occupancy

The Hotel Maria introduces meeting, event and celebration spaces

HITEC 2024 spotlight on hotel development in Charlotte, NC

St. Regis Hotels & Resorts debuts The St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort in Oman

The Londoner Hotel joins Virtuoso

WeTravel announces agenda, opens registration for its Travel Innovation Summit 

Airline industry aims for a new record with close to 5bn scheduled flights and almost $1tn. in revenue in 2024

Reservations now open for Italy’s first luxury train, La Dolce Vita Orient Express

World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards reveals nominees and opens voting of inaugural programme

TRIP INN Hotel Group selects SIHOT to fulfil growth ambitions

Hilton debuts two new properties in Portugal

Sabre Hospitality launches SynXis Concierge.AI: Revolutionizing customer service with generative AI

Finnair completes rollout of its 200m. euros new long-haul cabin

UFI European Conference brought 300 exhibition industry leaders to Zurich

The Quincy Hotel Washington DC joins Choice Hotels International’s Ascend Hotel Collection

Lunar and SAS partner to launch Scandinavia’s first debit card with EuroBonus points

Carnival Corporation celebrates shore power launch at PortMiami 

Successful collaborations drive integration of arts and culture in conferences, reveals Barbican survey

Vision Omonia: The first hotel of a new hotel chain, Vision Greece, makes its debut in the heart of Athens

World’s leading Travel & Tourism certification organisations collaborate to meet growing demand for sustainability

Azamara Cruises strengthens leadesrship team with new executive appointments

Europe’s top TMCs revealed ahead of Business Travel Show Europe

Five breathtaking destinations for a romantic proposal in 2024

FAA and EASA pledge strong cooperation to address aviation challenges of the next decade

The most exciting fictional destinations

Tapestry Collection by Hilton debuts in York

Emirates powers flights with SAF from Singapore

Etihad Airways and Egyptair sign MoU to deepen relationship

Botswana voted Best Safari Country 2024

Accor and Terres de Légendes announce the development of the first MGallery hotel in the Caribbean

Delta Premium Select to debut on flights between New York-JFK and Los Angeles this fall

Escape your timeshare: Easy steps for hassle-free exit

Hilton announces two Icelandic hotels

What is desk sharing software

Christy Patterson named Director of Sales at the Woodstock Inn & Resort

Turkey’s Travel & Tourism sector reached record-breaking new heights in 2023

onefinestay partners with Daylesford Organic

Hokuli’a appoints new General Manager and Director of Golf

KSL Resorts and Evertreen plant over 1,300 trees in Kenya

ACI Europe joins stakeholders in an urgent call on EU leaders to confirm the Green Deal

ENAC, Air Caraïbes, French bee and the ENAC Foundation launch the TRAVEL research chair

British Airways customers invited to travel to London City Airport by boat

Hard Rock Casino Rockford reveals grand opening date for permanent facility

Ethiopian Airlines inaugural flight lands at new Nekemte Gudina Tumsa Airport

Bobo by The Stay opens in Bodrum

HotelREZ connects to Apaleo PMS helping hoteliers control cost of bookings

Valley Forge Tourism announces Rachel Riley and Samantha Cole as all-female Marketing and Communications leadership team

The Luxury Collection makes its grand debut in Germany with the opening of Koenigshof, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Munich

airBaltic and Diamond sign LOI: Electric planes to join pilot academy

JetBlue announces new daily flights between Boston and Presque Isle

Albatros Expeditions appoints Craig Upshall as new Sales Director for Europe, the Middle East, and Australia

Regent Porto Montenegro announces the appointment of Angelo Zuccala as the new General Manager

Global travel and tourism deals drop 10.9%; PE deals and European markets shine during January-May 2024, reveals GlobalData

Clarity enters the next integration phase with brand overhaul

SAS inagurates new route to Atlanta from Copenhagen

Corendon Airlines appoints Christian Hein as new Head of Sales & Marketing

Alaska Airlines now flies nonstop between Anchorage and New York City

IHG Hotels & Resorts to establish its first Hawai‘i luxury and lifestyle destination with Coco Palms, A Kimpton Resort

How to choose the right airstream model for your lifestyle

First Holiday Inn – the niu hotel opened in Germany

LVMH and Accor join forces to take Orient Express to new horizons

Ethiopian graduates nearly 800 aviation professionals

New York City’s short-term rental ban spurs growth in neighboring cities

The Broadmoor announces Janell Davies as the new Director of Insurance & Incentive Sales

Campfire culinary arts: Mastering wilderness cooking and survival skills

IHG Hotels & Resorts adds almost 1,000 rooms to Portuguese pipeline

Jump into fun: Why indoor kids trampoline attractions are the ultimate adventure

RLA Global report: Wellness hotels surge in global market, upper upscale properties lead

Utopia of the Seas officially joins Royal Caribbean

Top airport experts gather in Montreal for the first ACI World Committee Forum

Dioriviera opens at The Little Nell as the French Maison’s first mountain footprint and full U.S. spa residency

New survey highlights the need for companies to provide more support for LGBTQIA+ travelers

O‘ahu’s first adults-only hotel, Romer House Waikīkī, is now open

Fly Jinnah launches operations at Bahrain International Airport

ECTAA announces Frank Oostdam as President

Air Serbia fully renews regional fleet

Evian Casino restored and new bar, Le Cercle unveiled

Qatar Airways announces partnership renewal with UEFA

Goway redefines tailor-made travel with state-of-the art new website and brand

Preliminary insolvency proceedings FTI Touristik GmbH – All FTI trips from 06 July 2024 are cancelled

AeroCloud survey: Boosting passenger experience drives 82% of travellers to spend more at the airport

SEA Milan Airports enhances passenger experience with AirportLabs’ Pocket Flights

Crescent Hotels & Resorts announces the new Sandbourne Santa Monica, Autograph Collection

VisitScotland launched adverts during EURO 2024 to inspire more visits  

DXB Live advocates sustainability in event management sector, adopts latest green solutions based on renowned international practices

Tourism Cares celebrates one-year anniversary of global relaunch of its Meaningful Travel Map

AIM Group International publishes its first Sustainability Report

EAST Hotels debuts progressive rebrand that embraces an alternative to luxury

jetBlue expands its presence in Mexico with new flights to Tulum

Historic Amsterdam Hotel completes multi-million-dollar renovation

• Advertise with us

• Headline News
• Business News
• Coronavirus (Covid-19)
• Global Travel Connoisseur
• Airfare Deals
• Black Friday / Cyber Monday Sales
• Competition
• Cruise Deals
• Hotel Deals
• Industry Deals
• Travel Deals
• NORTHERN TERRITORY
• SOUTH AUSTRALIA
• WESTERN AUSTRALIA
• OTHER States
• COOK ISLANDS
• NEW ZEALAND
• Destination Global
• Middle East
• South Pacific
• North Asia News
• Oceania News
• Dining | Restaurants
• Food & Beverage
• Hotel Features
• Lifestyle Features
• Travel Feature
• Destination Feature
• Hotel Developments
• Hotel Openings
• Hotel Trends
• Resort News
• Luxury Hotels
• Serviced Apartments
• Health and Wellness
• Lifestyle News
• Travel Goods
• Conferences
• Exhibitions
• Events Calendar
• Trade Events
• Movers & Shakers
• Cultural Tourism
• Agents Incentives
• Eco-Tourism
• Golf Tourism
• Medical Tourism
• Travel Advisors
• Responsible Tourism
• Rural & Agri
• Sustainable Tourism
• Theme Parks
• Tourist Boards
• Tour Operator
• Travel Warnings
• CRUISE NEWS
• Adventure Cruises
• Car Rentals
• Cargo & Freight
• Cruise News
• Expedition Cruises
• Motor Cycles
• Recreation Vehicles
• River Cruising
• Association
• Social Media
• Statistics & Trends

Select Page

Uniting for Sustainability: World Sports Tourism Congress

Posted by Chisa de Ruiter | May 1, 2023 | Conferences | 0 |

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili says: “Sports Tourism plays a key role in enhancing economic growth and social development in many destinations. It creates jobs and supports businesses in cities and rural communities alike. In order to maximize its potential, public and private sector actors must collaborate, and that’s where UNWTO steps in”.

Ms. Nikolina Brnjac, Minister of Tourism and Sport of Croatia said: “I am very proud of having hosted this Congress in Croatia. We enjoyed hearing many excellent international and Croatian speakers, as well as presenting the many opportunities of sustainable development of sports tourism in Croatia. Croatian government has secured generous funds for building active tourism infrastructure, in line with our goal of making Croatia a globally competitive sports tourism destination.”

Delivering sports tourism’s benefits

Alongside assessing the impacts of sports tourism, the Congress also explored the potential benefits of the growing sector, including its links to health and wellbeing, and its importance for promoting destinations to bigger and more diverse audiences. In Zadar, leaders from both established and emerging sports tourism destinations shared their insights and best practices to produce recommendations for growing the sector in size and influence.

• The Highly Anticipated Luxury Lodge, Sequoia, Is Open This Week.
• Radisson Welcomes Chinese Travelers with Co-Branded Hotels
• Our Recent Interview Questions For Ophelia
• Emirates expands its network in Europe to 31 destinations with restart of flights to Budapest, Bologna, Lyon, Dusseldorf and Hamburg
• Melco’s use of innovative technology in hospitality is honored by the Macao Post and Telecommunications Bureau
• FirstHive included in 2019 Customer Data Platforms report by Independent Research Firm
• Europcar must pay $350,000 penalty for card surcharges
• Rex’s Regional Network Expansion Plans
• Radisson Hotel Group enters the future of digital hospitality with the launch of its new multi-brand platform
• Shanghai Disneyland Reopens Its Gates

Share this:

Leave a reply cancel reply, subscribe to our newsletter.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

• Australian Capital Territory
• Breaking News
• Cook Islands
• Faith Tourism
• New Caledonia
• New South Wales
• New Zealand
• Northern Territory
• Philippines
• Saudi Arabia
• Solomon Islands
• South America
• South Australia
• Space Tourism
• Western Australia

Sponsor/Partners

Advertisement

Popular Posts

• February 2024
• January 2024
• December 2023
• November 2023
• October 2023
• September 2023
• August 2023
• February 2023
• January 2023
• December 2022
• November 2022
• October 2022
• September 2022
• August 2022
• February 2022
• January 2022
• December 2021
• November 2021
• October 2021
• September 2021
• August 2021
• February 2021
• January 2021
• December 2020
• November 2020
• October 2020
• September 2020
• August 2020
• February 2020
• January 2020
• December 2019
• November 2019
• October 2019
• September 2019
• August 2019

• THY Euroleague news
• BKT Eurocup News
• FIBA Europe Cup
• FIBA Intercontinental Cup
• ABA Adriatic
• BBL Germany
• HEBA Greece
• Legabasket Italy
• Pro A France
• Other Leagues
• Olympic Games
• FIBA World Cup
• Turkish Airlines Euroleague boxscores
• Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Standings
• Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Teams
• Alba Berlin
• Anadolu Efes
• Armani Milan
• Bayern Munich
• Crvena Zvezda
• Maccabi Tel Aviv
• Panathinaikos
• Real Madrid
• Žalgiris Kaunas
• Video gallery
• Eurohoops Dome
• Turkish Airlines Euroleague Gamecenter
• LATEST NEWS
• CSKA Moscow
• Zenit St Petersburg
• EN (English)
• Turkish Airlines Euroleague

The 2024 EHCB Coaches Congress made history with 700 coaches from all over the world

Aris Barkas

The biggest coaching clinic in recent years in Greece was completed on Sunday in the indoor arena of Glyfada with the participation of 700 coaches from 54 countrie

By Eurohoops team/ [email protected]

After four days full of basketball, the EuroLeague Head Coaches Board Coaches Congress is in the books and left a huge mark at the end of the 2023-24 season.

Per the press release: From the USA to New Zealand and from Russia to Brazil, participants from the four corners of the world united in Greece, including 100 coaches from the 4th generation of the EHCB Coaches Academy.

The event was covered by 50 reporters, creating more buzz than ever. In total, there were 16 event partners with the municipality of Glyfada and the mayor Giorgos Papanikolaou hosting the EHCB Coaches Congress in the “Μ.Liougkas” indoor arena, while the Greek Ministry of Sports, the Greek Ministry of Tourism, the Greek Tourism Organization and the Greek Coaches Association (ΣΕΠΚ) providing their support.

The Minister of Sports Ioannis Vroutsis visited the event and was instrumental in its success, as also the Μinister of Tourism, Olga Kefalogianni, the Deputy of Minister of Tourism, Elena Rapti, and the General Secretary of Greek Tourism Organization, Dimitris Fragakis.

Toronto Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic and Sacramento Kings forward Sasha Vezenkov were present, as also EuroLeague Players Association (ELPA) managing director Bostjan Nachbar, and UEBO president Sreten Radovic.

For the first time, EuroLeague TV rights holder NOVA was covering the event providing a top-quality broadcast which was also transferred to a worldwide live stream. This feature was included in the new EHCB application, which also includes the EHCB Video Platform and features a new AI tool for automatic translations in many different languages.

Professor Vilija Biciunaite gave her insight on psychology in the mental health panel discussion supported by the Empow3rd Forw4rd initiative by Stoiximan, together with EHCB president Dimitris Itoudis, and EHCB members Pablo Laso, TJ Parker, Sasa Obradovic and Selcuk Ernak. 

On the UEBO discussion panel, the topic of communication in the game was discussed between UEBO president Sreten Radovic, UEBO member Mehdi Difallah, EHCB vice-president Giannis Sfairopoulos and EHCB members Andrea Trinchieri, Erdem Can and Israel Gonzalez. 

Professor Igor Jukic gave his scientific opinions on players’ workload in the ELPA discussion panel together with ELPA managing director Bostjan Nachbar, Darko Rajakovic, Sasha Vezenkov, and EHCB members Ahmet Caki, Dejan Radonjic and Sasa Obradovic . 

The masterclasses of the EHCB members Chus Mateo, Giorgos Bartzokas, Oded Kattash, Mihai Silvasan, Danny Franco, Stefanos Triantafyllos, Guillermo Frutos, and Giorgos Bozikas stole the show, while referee Mehdi Difallah explained in detail the regulation for blocks and charges.

The big finale belonged to Zeljko Obradovic and Dimitris Itoudis, long-time partners at Panathinaikos , who held a joint masterclass, simultaneously showing defense and offense interaction in five-on-five situations.

The partners of the event were the following: Nova, Eurohoops, Stoiximan, Kinexon, Finest, Millimetric, Vicuna, Globalsat, S4S, Nature Valley, Vikos, Tzelalis and the Nisiotissa and Papaioannou restaurants.

Teammate of transgender swimmer Lia Thomas calls for apology after Olympic ruling

by JACKSON WALKER | The National Desk

WASHINGTON (TND) — Former University of Pennsylvania swimmer Paula Scanlan on Thursday said she is owed an apology after her former transgender teammate was ruled ineligible to compete against biological women in the Olympics this summer.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport this week dismissed a challenge by transgender swimmer Lia Thomas against World Aquatics, the governing body which banned transgender women from competing against biological women. Thomas had filed the challenge is hopes of being permitted to compete as a woman in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

Reacting to the news, Scanlan said the ruling came far too late.

Okay, but is anyone going to apologize for forcing us to undress with him 18 times a week?” she asked via X.

Scanlan testified before Congress in 2023 about her experience being forced to change clothes in a locker room with Thomas present.

“The university was gaslighting and fearmongering women to validate the feelings and identity of a male,” Scanlan said. “My teammates and I were forced to undress in the presence of Lia, a six-foot-four tall biological male, fully intact with male genitalia, 18 times per week. Some girls opted to change in bathroom stalls, and others used the family bathroom to avoid this.”

After Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Tenn., said the university should have erected barriers in the locker room to accommodate Thomas, Rep. Matt Gaetz, R- Fla., invited Scanlan to comment on whether or not that solution was sufficient.

“Why can’t we use the locker rooms we’ve always used, the men’s and the women’s?” she asked. “If you’re acknowledging that we need protection and privacy from these men, then you’re acknowledging that the locker rooms we’ve always used are the correct ones.”

Follow Jackson Walker on X at @_jlwalker_ for the latest trending national news. Have a news tip? Send it to [email protected].

Suggestions

Official launching and presentation ceremony of the «9th edition of the 2024 lomé pan-african congress» on monday, 22 may 2023, in lomé.

The African Union of Broadcasting (AUB) ( www.uar-AUB.org )   is pleased to inform the international media that the official launching and presentation ceremony of the 9 th edition of the Lomé Pan-African Congress will take place on Monday 22 May 2023 at 2.00 PM GMT , at the Lomé’s Hôtel du 2 février, in Togo.

This ceremony, placed under the aegis of African Union and the Republic of Togo, will be marked by a speech of H.E. Prof. Robert DUSSEY, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and the Diaspora.

In his statement, the Minister will put the forthcoming Congress into perspective, by defining the objectives and the overarching lines of action, and will, finally, detail the practical and innovative arrangements in 2023, which shall set the tone for the preparations of the Congress next year.

The 9 th Pan-African Congress shall present an excellent occasion for Africans living on the continent, the Diaspora and Afro-descendants community to meet and discuss. Furthermore, the meeting will be an excellent opportunity for African countries to find unique and relevant solutions aimed at improving Africa’s participation and representation in global governance, as well as its involvement in key reforms in international institutions.

To ensure the political and historical continuity of the pan-African movement, the African Union together with the Republic of Togo shall co-host the 9 th Pan-African Congress to be held in Lomé (Togo) in May 2024 under the theme: “The Aspiration of Pan-Africanism: Mobilize resources, join forces, and reinvent ourselves to take action”.

Many participants are expected to attend the launching ceremony, including representatives of Togolese government and its institutions, members of parliament and traditional leaders; members of diplomatic and consular corps, representatives of the African Union member states, international organizations accredited in Togo, stakeholders and professionals from the cultural, scientific and political sector (diasporas and Afro-descendants), opinion leaders, influencers, Mr. Gervais Gnaka Lagoke, Associate Professor of History and Pan-African Studies at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania (USA).

This 2024 edition follows in the wake of the Decision taken during the 36 th ordinary session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union, 18-19 February 2023 in Addis Ababa (Ethiopia). It falls within the framework of the “2021 – 2031 African Roots Decade” of the African Union Agenda.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union of Broadcasting (AUB).

Media Partner: African Union of Broadcasting ([email protected])

Contact and Media Coordination: Alexandre Siewe, Event Coordinator [email protected] Tél whatsap : + 237 6 79 50 37 79

Social Media Communication and Coordination: Nawal Benali [email protected]

View all posts

More Stories On Guardian

African Union Drives Fish Trade and Enterprise Development in Africa with Second Working Group Meeting of the African Fisheries Reform Mechanism (AFRM)

Ukraine: Maksym Subkh holds a phone conversation with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Egypt Ihab Nasr

The Large Scale Oil and Gas Comeback and the Exciting Ramifications of Angola’s Growing Downstream Sector (By NJ Ayuk)

Press Release Regarding the Terrorist Attack in Somalia

Lesotho: Diaspora Homecoming Event Launched

Egypt: President El-Sisi Meets Minister of Justice

United Arab Emirates (UAE) – His Excellency Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Meets with Transitional President of Chad

New Zealand family purchase 1,500,000th FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ ticket

Seychelles and Poland to further cooperation in areas of common interest

Green climate fund approves World Food Programme (WFP’s) US$10 million project to build climate resilience in Cote D’Ivoire

Please enable javascript in your browser to visit this site..

• Election 2024
• Entertainment
• Newsletters
• Photography
• Personal Finance
• AP Investigations
• AP Buyline Personal Finance
• AP Buyline Shopping
• Press Releases
• Israel-Hamas War
• Russia-Ukraine War
• Global elections
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East
• Election Results
• Delegate Tracker
• AP & Elections
• Auto Racing
• 2024 Paris Olympic Games
• Movie reviews
• Book reviews
• Personal finance
• Financial Markets
• Business Highlights
• Financial wellness
• Artificial Intelligence
• Social Media

The beginner’s guide to celebrating Juneteenth

FILE - Crystal Baziel holds the Pan-African flag Monday, June 19, 2023, during Reedy Chapel A.M.E Church’s annual Juneteenth Family Fun Day, in Galveston, Texas. Many Americans are celebrating Juneteenth, marking the day in 1865 when the last enslaved people in the U.S. learned they were free. For generations, Black Americans have recognized the end of one of history’s darkest chapters with joy, in the form of parades, street festivals, musical performances or cookouts. (Jennifer Reynolds/The Galveston County Daily News via AP, File)

FILE - Dancer Prescylia Mae, of Houston, performs during a dedication ceremony for the massive mural “Absolute Equality” in downtown Galveston, Texas, Saturday, June 19, 2021. The dedication of the mural, which chronicles the history and legacy of Black people in the United States, was one of several Juneteenth celebrations across the city. (Stuart Villanueva/The Galveston County Daily News via AP, file)

FILE - President Joe Biden signs the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, in the East Room of the White House, Thursday, June 17, 2021, in Washington. From left, Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Calif, Rep. Danny Davis, D-Ill., Opal Lee, Sen. Tina Smith, D-Minn., obscured, Vice President Kamala Harris, House Majority Whip James Clyburn of S.C., Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, Rep. Joyce Beatty, D-Ohio, Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., and Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

FILE - Julien James carries his son, Maison, 4, holding a Pan-African flag to celebrate during a Juneteenth commemoration at Leimert Park in Los Angeles Saturday, June 18, 2022. Many Americans are celebrating Juneteenth, marking the day in 1865 when the last enslaved people in the U.S. learned they were free. For generations, Black Americans have recognized the end of one of history’s darkest chapters with joy, in the form of parades, street festivals, musical performances or cookouts. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File)

• Copy Link copied

For more than one-and-a-half centuries, the Juneteenth holiday has been sacred to many Black communities.

It marks the day in 1865 enslaved people in Galveston, Texas found out they had been freed — after the end of the Civil War, and two years after President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation.

Since it was designated a federal holiday in 2021, Juneteenth has become more universally recognized beyond Black America. Many people get the day off work or school, and there are a plethora of street festivals, fairs, concerts and other events.

People who never gave the June 19 holiday more than a passing thought may be asking themselves, is there a “right” way to celebrate Juneteenth ?

For beginners and those brushing up on history, here are some answers:

Is Juneteenth a solemn day of remembrance or more of a party?

It just depends on what you want. Juneteenth festivities are rooted in cookouts and barbecues. In the beginnings of the holiday celebrated as Black Americans’ true Independence Day, the outdoors allowed for large, raucous reunions among formerly enslaved family, many of whom had been separated. The gatherings were especially revolutionary because they were free of restrictive measures, known as “Black Codes,” enforced in Confederate states, controlling whether liberated slaves could vote, buy property, gather for worship and other aspects of daily life.

Last week, the White House kicked things off early with a concert on the South Lawn for Juneteenth and Black Music Month. Singers Gladys Knight and Patti LaBelle were among the the lineup of well-known artists from gospel, rap, jazz and other genres. The atmosphere was primarily festive with Vice President Kamala Harris, the first Black vice president, dancing on stage with gospel singer Kirk Franklin.

“Today as we celebrate Juneteenth, together we are reminded of the promise of America,” Harris said in opening remarks. “A promise of freedom, liberty and opportunity, not for some but for all. In many ways the story of Juneteenth and of our nation is a story of our ongoing fight to realize that promise.”

Others may choose to treat Juneteenth as a day of rest and remembrance. That can mean doing community service, attending an education panel or taking time off.

The important thing is to make people feel they have options on how to observe the occasion, said Dr. David Anderson, a Black pastor and CEO of Gracism Global, a consulting firm helping leaders navigate conversations bridging divides across race and culture.

“Just like the Martin Luther King holiday, we say it’s a day of service and a lot of people will do things. There are a lot of other people who are just ‘I appreciate Dr. King, I’ll watch what’s on the television, and I’m gonna rest,’” Anderson said. “I don’t want to make people feel guilty about that. What I want to do is give everyday people a choice.”

FILE - Julien James carries his son, Maison, 4, holding a Pan-African flag to celebrate during a Juneteenth commemoration at Leimert Park in Los Angeles Saturday, June 18, 2022. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File)

What if you’ve never celebrated Juneteenth?

Anderson never did anything on Juneteenth in his youth. He didn’t learn about it until his 30s.

“I think many folks haven’t known about it — who are even my color as an African American male. Even if you heard about it and knew about it, you didn’t celebrate it,” Anderson said. “It was like just a part of history. It wasn’t a celebration of history.”

For many African Americans, the farther away from Texas that they grew up increased the likelihood they didn’t have big Juneteenth celebrations regularly. In the South, the day can vary based on when word of Emancipation reached each state.

What kind of public Juneteenth events are going on around the country?

Search online and you will find a smorgasbord of gatherings in major cities and suburbs all varying in scope and tone. Some are more carnival-esque festivals with food trucks, arts and crafts and parades. Within those festivals, you’ll likely find access to professionals in health care, finance and community resources. There also are concerts and fashion shows to highlight Black excellence and creativity. For those who want to look back, plenty of organizations and universities host panels to remind people of Juneteenth’s history.

For the first time since Juneteenth was federally recognized, the National Park Service is making entry into all sites free on the holiday. Several parks will be hosting Juneteenth commemorations this week.

Are there special foods served on Juneteenth?

Aside from barbecue, the color red has been a through line for Juneteenth food for generations. Red symbolizes the bloodshed and sacrifice of enslaved ancestors. A Juneteenth menu might incorporate items like barbecued ribs or other red meat, watermelon and red velvet cake. Drinks like fruit punch and red Kool-Aid may make an appearance at the table.

FILE - Dancer Prescylia Mae, of Houston, performs during a dedication ceremony for the massive mural “Absolute Equality” in downtown Galveston, Texas, Saturday, June 19, 2021. (Stuart Villanueva/The Galveston County Daily News via AP, file)

Does how you celebrate Juneteenth matter if you aren’t Black?

Dr. Karida Brown, a sociology professor at Emory University whose research focuses on race, said there’s no reason to feel awkward about wanting to recognize Juneteenth just because you have no personal ties or you’re not Black. In fact, embrace it.

“I would reframe that and challenge my non-Black folks who want to lean into Juneteenth and celebrate,” Brown said. “It absolutely is your history. It absolutely is a part of your experience. ... Isn’t this all of our history? The good, the bad, the ugly, the story of emancipation and freedom for your Black brothers and sisters under the Constitution of the law.”

If you want to bring some authenticity to your recognition of Juneteenth, educate yourself. Attending a street festival or patronizing a Black-owned business is a good start but it also would be good to “make your mind better,” Anderson said.

“That goes longer than a celebration,” Anderson said. “I think Black people need to do it too because it’s new for us as well, in America. But for non-Black people, if they could read on this topic and read on Black history beyond Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks, that would show me that you’re really serious about growing in this area.”

If you’re struggling with how to “ethically” mark the day, Brown also suggested expanding your knowledge of why the holiday matters so much. That can be through reading, attending an event or going to an African American history museum if there’s one nearby.

“Have that full human experience of seeing yourself in and through the eyes of others, even if that’s not your own lived experience,” she said. “That is a radical human act that is awesome and should be encouraged and celebrated.”

What are other names used to refer to Juneteenth?

Over the decades, Juneteenth has also been called Freedom Day, Emancipation Day, Black Fourth of July and second Independence Day among others.

“Because 1776, Fourth of July, where we’re celebrating freedom and liberty and all of that, that did not include my descendants,” Brown said. “Black people in America were still enslaved. So that that holiday always comes with a bittersweet tinge to it.”

Is there a proper Juneteenth greeting?

It’s typical to wish people a “Happy Juneteenth” or “Happy Teenth,” according to Alan Freeman, a comedian organizing a Juneteenth comedy festival in Galveston, Texas for the second straight year.

“You know how at Christmas people will say ‘Merry Christmas’ to each other and not even know each other?” Freeman said. “You can get a ‘Merry Christmas’ from everybody. This is the same way.”

Tang, who reported from Phoenix, is a member of The Associated Press’ Race and Ethnicity team. Follow her on Twitter at @ttangAP.

UN Tourism | Bringing the world closer

Share this content.

• Share this article on facebook
• Share this article on twitter
• Share this article on linkedin

UNWTO at FITUR 2023: Investing in a Diverse, Sustainable Future for Tourism

• All Regions
• 20 Jan 2023

At FITUR 2023, UNWTO served as the bridge between public and private leaders to advance plans to build a more diverse, resilient and sustainable tourism sector.

With the latest UNWTO data pointing to a return to pre-pandemic arrival levels in some world regions in 2023, Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili once again joined His Majesty King Felipe VI of Spain in opening the major travel trade fair. Reflecting the Organization's priorities, UNWTO placed tourism investments, rural development, diversification, sustainability and accessibility centre stage over the course of four days.

Investment and building trust

Against the backdrop of FITUR, UNWTO and the Development Bank of Latin America (CAF) strengthened their existing partnership to further advance UNWTO's work to attract and retain investment in tourism . The partnership will include the production of tourism investment guidelines, initially focused on Barbados, Ecuador, El Salvador, Panama and Uruguay. Both organizations will develop frameworks to attract, promote and retain foreign direct investment in sustainable tourism initiatives across the Americas.

UNWTO recognized the progress made in rethinking the role of tourism in the economies and societies of the region. The President of the Republic of Guatemala, Alejandro Giammattei, and the Executive President of Banco Popular of the Dominican Republic, Christopher Paniagua, were formally recognized by UNWTO for their commitment to mainstreaming tourism in economic policy and financing, respectively. At FITUR, President Giammattei also confirmed the adherence of Guatemala to the UNWTO International Code for the Protection of Tourists .

Widening the scope of tourism

As part of UNWTO's work to diversify the sector and enhance its status as a driver of rural development, the Spanish province of La Rioja was announced as the host of the 7th UNWTO Global Wine Tourism Conference later this year. Secretary-General Pololikashvili, the President of La Rioja, Concha Andreu, and Spain's Minister of Tourism Reyes Maroto, highlighted the importance of the growing wine tourism sector for protecting culture and supporting local jobs and businesses.

UNWTO also recognized the importance of shopping tourism, with particular reference to its close links to leisure and gastronomy. A Memorandum of Understanding, signed by UNWTO and WOW Concept , will see the two work together to promote responsible urban tourism through joint promotions and events as well as through shared efforts to monitor and share trends in tourism consumption. Further diversifying the sector's reach and impact, UNWTO also partnered with the Croatian National Tourist Board to announce the Second World Sports Tourism Congress . The agreement, signed  by Croatia’s Minister of Tourism and Sports Nikolina Brnjac, will see the event held in  the city of Zadar on 26 and 27 April.

Tourism for all

To rethink accessible travel, UNWTO, Fundación ONCE and the Spanish Association for Standardization (UNE) co-organized a Seminar on Tourism for All , gathering national tourism administrations, destinations, companies and professional industry associations, underscoring the role of accessibility for social inclusion and business opportunity. The partners presented tools aimed at implementing the international standard UNE-ISO 21902 on Accessible Tourism for All , including with a new guide to applying it in accommodation and hospitality businesses.

Sustainability: On land and in oceans

UNWTO continued to step up tourism's pace towards a more sustainable future. The Mexican State of Yucatán, home to some of the country's top tourism destinations, is the latest addition of the UNWTO International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO) . Already numbering more than 30 worldwide, INSTO monitors tourism's impact on local economies and habitats, allowing for smarter data-driven policymaking.

UNWTO concluded its week at FITUR by hosting a special meeting on Tourism for the Ocean and Climate Action at its Madrid headquarters. Counting on the participation of Member of the European Parliament Catherine Chabaut, as well as Ruben Eiras, Secretary General, Forum Oceano, Paul Holhtus, Founding President, World Ocean Council, and Josiane Sadaka, CEO of Blue Carbon LLC, the event saw UNWTO confirm its support for the BlueCOP28 and Dubai Blue Pact initiatives. For his work leading tourism towards greater sustainability, Frédéric Degret, the Founder and CEO at NOAH ReGen was named as the UNWTO Special Advisor for Oceans and Climate Emergency .

Strengthening relationships

FITUR 2023 provided the opportunity for UNWTO to strengthen relations with public and private sector leaders. UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili held a series of bilateral meetings to keep servicing the Organization's Member States. The UNWTO leadership met with new Minister of Tourism of Jordan, Makram Mustafa Al-Qaisi, with the Minister of Tourism of Uruguay, Tabaré Viera; Deputy Minister of Tourism for Georgia, Nuno Fazenda, Minister of Tourism for Portugal, Mariam Kvrivishvili, Nuno Fazenda, Minister of Tourism for  Portugal, the Minister of Tourism of Nigeria, Lai Mohammed, the Governor of Puerto Rico Pedro Pierluisi as well as the Minister of Tourism of Puerto Rico Carlos Mercado, and also with Dario Item, Ambassador to Spain of UNWTO's newest Member State, Antigua and Barbuda.

In a working meeting with Mariana Oleskiv, Chairperson of the State Agency for Tourism of Ukraine, Secretary-General Pololikashvili reaffirmed UNWTO's firm support for Ukrainian's citizens and noted tourism's role for future recovery and as a pillar of peace. Meetings were also held with the Mayor of Madrid, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, Mayor of Skiathos Thodoris Tzoumas, the Israeli Ambassador to Spain, Rodica Radian-Gordon.

UNWTO at FITUR 2023

Madrid, spain, january 2023, related links.

• Download the News Release in PDF
• UNWTO International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO)
• UNWTO: Accessible Tourism
• UNWTO: Gastronomy and Wine Tourism

Category tags

Related content, un tourism celebrates high-level support after producti..., unwto at fitur 2024: investments, sustainable tourism a..., dominican republic the focus of first unwto tourism inv..., unwto gives voice to the initiatives of the private sec....

Democrats wrestle with whether to attend…

Share this:.

• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to print (Opens in new window)
• Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
• Things to do
• Real Estate
• Newsletters

News World News

Democrats wrestle with whether to attend netanyahu’s address to congress as many plan to boycott, with netanyahu scheduled to address u.s. lawmakers on monday and his government now at war with hamas in gaza, the number of absences is likely to be far greater..

FILE – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks March 3, 2015, before a joint meeting of Congress on Capitol Hill in Washington. Democratic lawmakers in the House and Senate are wrestling with whether to attend Netanyahu’s address to Congress on July 24, 2024. Many are torn between their long-standing support for Israel and their anguish about the way Netanyahu’s government has waged war in Gaza. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)

FILE – Activists with the group CodePink stand with red painted hands outside the office of House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., as they advocate for Gaza on Capitol Hill, Feb. 15, 2024, in Washington. Democratic lawmakers in the House and Senate are wrestling with whether to attend Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to Congress on July 24, 2024. Netanyahu’s visit to Capitol Hill is also expected to draw significant protests. Several groups, including some Jewish advocacy organizations, have demonstrated at congressional hearings and sit-ins outside of lawmakers’ offices. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File)

FILE – Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo., from right, and Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., come out of Tlaib’s office to meet with activists from the group CodePink as they advocate for Gaza on Capitol Hill, Feb. 15, 2024, in Washington. Democratic lawmakers in the House and Senate are wrestling with whether to attend Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to Congress on July 24, 2024. Netanyahu’s visit to Capitol Hill is also expected to draw significant protests. Several groups, including some Jewish advocacy organizations, have demonstrated at congressional hearings and sit-ins outside of lawmakers’ offices. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File)

FILE – Demonstrators protest inside the Cannon House Office Building on Capitol Hill in Washington, Oct. 18, 2023. Democratic lawmakers in the House and Senate are wrestling with whether to attend Israeli Prime Minster Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to Congress on July 24, 2024. Netanyahu’s visit to Capitol Hill is also expected to draw significant protests. Several groups, including some Jewish advocacy organizations, have demonstrated at congressional hearings and sit-ins outside of lawmakers’ offices. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File)

FILE – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a news conference in the Kirya military base in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Oct. 28, 2023. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told his Cabinet on Sunday that there had been a “dramatic drop” in U.S. weapons deliveries for Israel’s war effort in Gaza, doubling down on a claim that the Biden administration has denied and underscoring the growing strains between the two allies. (Abir Sultan/Pool Photo via AP, File)

With Netanyahu scheduled to address U.S. lawmakers on July 24 and his government now at war with Hamas in Gaza , the number of absences is likely to be far greater.

Congressional Democrats are wrestling with whether to attend. Many are torn between their long-standing support for Israel and their anguish about the way Israel has conducted military operations in Gaza. More than 37,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire since the Hamas attack on Oct. 7 that triggered the war, according to the Health Ministry in Hamas-run territory. The ministry does not differentiate between civilians and combatants in its figures.

While some Democrats are saying they will come out of respect for Israel, a larger and growing faction wants no part of it, creating an extraordinarily charged atmosphere at a gathering that normally amounts to a ceremonial, bipartisan show of support for an American ally.

“I wish that he would be a statesman and do what is right for Israel. We all love Israel,” former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said recently on CNN about Netanyahu. “We need to help them and not have him stand in the way of that for such a long time.”

She added, “I think it’s going to invite more of what we have seen in terms of discontent among our own.”

Tensions between Netanyahu and Democratic President Joe Biden have been seeping into the public, with Netanyahu last week accusing the Biden administration of withholding U.S. weapons from Israel — a claim he made again Sunday to his Cabinet. After the prime minister leveled the charge the first time, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said, “We genuinely do not know what he’s talking about. We just don’t.”

The invitation from House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., to Netanyahu came after consultation with the White House, according to a person familiar with the matter who was granted anonymity to discuss the sensitive subject. As of now, no meeting between the leaders during Netanyahu’s Washington visit has been scheduled, this person said.

Netanyahu said in a release that he was “very moved” by the invitation to address Congress and the chance “to present the truth about our just war against those who seek to destroy us to the representatives of the American people and the entire world.”

Republicans first floated the idea in March of inviting Netanyahu after Sen. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, the highest-ranking Jewish official in the United States, gave a speech on the Senate floor that was harshly critical of the prime minister. Schumer, D-N.Y., called the Israeli leader “an obstacle to peace” and urged new elections in Israel, even as he denounced Hamas and criticized Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.

Republicans denounced the speech as an affront to Israel and its sovereignty. Johnson spoke of asking Netanyahu to come to Washington, an invitation that Schumer and House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York ultimately endorsed, albeit reluctantly. Pelosi, who opposed the invitation to Netanyahu in 2015 when she was Democratic leader, said it was a mistake for the congressional leadership to extend it again this time.

Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, who attended the 2015 address as a House member, said he saw no reason why Congress “should extend a political lifeline” to Netanyahu.

Rep. Michael McCaul, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said it would be “healthy” for members of both parties to attend. “I think that a lot of Americans are getting a one-sided narrative, especially the younger generation, and I think it’s important they hear from the prime minister of Israel, in terms of his perspective,” said McCaul, R-Texas.

Interviews with more than a dozen Democrats revealed the breadth of discontent over the coming address, which many feel is a Republican ploy intended to divide their party. Some Democrats say they will attend to express their support for Israel, not Netanyahu.

New York Rep. Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said he has an “obligation” to attend because of that position.

“It should not have taken place,” he added. “But I can’t control that. And I have to do my job.”

Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md., who leads the Sente Foreign Relations Committee, has signaled he will be there. Cardin said that what he’s looking for in Netanyahu’s speech is a “type of message that can strengthen the support in this country for Israel’s needs,” but also lay the groundwork for peace in the region.

Other Democrats are waiting to see whether Netanyahu will still be prime minister by the time he is supposed to speak to Congress.

There have been open signs of discontent over the handling of the war by Netanyahu’s government, a coalition that includes right-wing hard-liners who oppose any kind of settlement with Hamas.

Benny Gantz, a former military chief and centrist politician, withdrew from Netanyahu’s war Cabinet this month, citing frustration over the prime minister’s conduct of the war. On Monday, Netanyahu dissolved that body. Meantime, a growing number of critics and protesters in Israel have backed a cease-fire proposal that would bring home hostages taken by Hamas.

Rep. Seth Magaziner, D-R.I., said he stands with those “who hope that he’s not prime minister by the time late July rolls around. I think that he has been bad for Israel, bad for Palestinians, bad for America.” But, he added, he believes it his job to show up when a head of state addresses Congress, “even if its someone who I have concerns about and disagree with.”

Rep. Don Beyer, D-Va., attended the 2015 speech and described it as “among the most painful hours” he has spent while in Congress. He plans to boycott unless Netanyahu became a “champion for a cease-fire.”

A large portion of the Congressional Progressive Caucus — lawmakers who are among the most critical of Israel’s handling of the war — is expected to skip. Among them is Washington Rep. Pramila Jayapal, the chair of the caucus, who told The Associated Press that it was a “bad idea,” to invite Netanyahu.

“We should be putting pressure on him by withholding offensive military assistance so that he sticks to the deal that the president has laid out,” she said.

Netanyahu’s visit is expected to draw significant protests and some members of Congress are planning an alternative event.

Rep. Jim Clyburn said he is in the early stages of bringing “like-minded” people together to exchange ideas about a path forward for Israelis and Palestinians that includes a two-state solution. The senior Democrat from South Carolina was a vocal critic of Netanyahu’s 2015 address, which he and several prominent members of the Congressional Black Caucus viewed as an affront to Obama.

“I just think that, rather than just say, ‘I’m not going to go, I’m going to stay way,’ I am saying ‘I’m going to stay away with a purpose,’” he said. “I’m not going to listen to his foolishness. But here are some ideas that we have that might be a way forward.”

___ Associated Press writers Kevin Freking, Josh Boak, Mary Clare Jalonick and Stephen Groves contributed to this report.

This story has been corrected to reflect that White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said, “We genuinely do not know what he’s talking about,” not “We generally do not know what he’s talking about,” in response to claims by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the Biden administration was withholding U.S. weapons from Israel.