The 1st UNWTO Global Conference on Wine Tourism, to be held in the Kakheti wine region from 7-9 September 2016, was officially launched by UNWTO and the Georgia National Tourism Administration on the occasion of the World Travel Market in London.

The UN agency responsible for the promotion of sustainable and universally accessible tourism, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), commended the Kingdom for its significant improvement in tourism and national heritage.

Recalling that tourism is one of the most dynamic and resilient economic sectors, Ministers of Tourism committed to maximize the potential the sector has to generate jobs, particularly for women and youth.

Tourism is one of the most dynamic economic sectors, with significant global reach, and can make an important contribution to the achievement of the SDGs, particularly in the areas of job creation, sustainable consumption and production and the preservation of natural resources.

The General Assembly has admitted 26 new Affiliate Members into the Organization, bringing the total number of affiliate members to 480.

Following the great interest generated by the UNWTO Global Report on Shopping Tourism and the 1st UNWTO Conference on Shopping Tourism, UNWTO launched the UNWTO Shopping Tourism Network.