Zurab Pololikashvili, UNWTO Secretary-General

I look forward to welcoming you all to Istanbul for the third edition of the UNWTO/UNESCO World Conference on Tourism and Culture.
 
I want to thank the Turkish Government and City of Istanbul for hosting us, and congratulate Turkey’s new tourism minister.

Cultural tourism is important for the social, economic and cultural development of destinations and countries.

40% of international tourists are considered cultural tourists.

The demand to experience the cultural wonders of our world is constantly increasing and this figure will continue growing. 

As we shift into the age of technology, travel is becoming accessible to more and more people.

With these changes comes increased responsibility for us to protect cultural and natural assets, as well as the traditions and wellbeing of local communities.

Digital solutions are also helping us preserve cultural heritage and make it accessible to everyone. 

The Third World Conference on Tourism and Culture will allow us to deepen partnerships to safeguard our heritage for future generations while providing development opportunities.

Key to this vision is bringing responsible and sustainable cultural tourism to all, guided by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

I hope to see you in Istanbul in December!

H.E. Mr. Mehmet Ersoy, Minister of Culture and Tourism, Turkey

Dear Friends,

Tourism is undoubtedly among the most rapidly growing sectors worldwide… In addition to its undeniable contributions in the economies of the countries, it also serves as a very important tool for the people to get to know one another as well as for the achievement of the universal peace.

Forty percent of the global tourism is culture-driven. Thus, I believe it will be highly befitting to deal with Tourism and Culture under the same title.

Within this framework, allow me to express how honoured I am to host the 3^rd UNWTO-UNESCO World Conference on Tourism and Culture, and I look forward to welcoming each and every one of you in Turkey on this occasion.

İstanbul, being a bridge that unites east and west with its diverse colours, unique cultural, natural and historical wealth, is among the symbols of world peace. With all these features, I believe İstanbul is a very meaningful venue that befittingly matches the theme of this year’s conference.

I will be very pleased to host You in İstanbul on 3-5 December 2018.

See you in İstanbul…