Lithuania and the United Nations Collaborate for Innovation Enhancement and Enhanced Tourism Exposure
UN Tourism Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili, outlines collaborative plans for smart tourism development during a visit to Vilnius. The plans, discussed with Lithuanian officials and key stakeholders, target several priority areas.
In a meeting with Lithuania's Minister of Economy and Innovation, Lukas Savickas, Pololikashvili praised Lithuania's resilience and leadership in innovation and inclusivity. Highlighting the collaboration's importance, he said, "Our cooperation reflects the shared commitment to building a smarter, more sustainable, and more competitive tourism sector."
The partnership aims to deepen cooperation in areas such as:- Tourism promotion and destination marketing, encompassing an influencer-driven event and masterclasses on digital tools- Education and workforce development, including through the Tourism Online Academy- The Startup Challenge - Lithuania, to encourage tech solutions in the tourism sector- Support for new governance models for destination management and enhancing rural tourism- Investment Guidelines, to position Lithuania as an attractive destination for sustainable tourism investment
During his visit, Pololikashvili delivered a high-level address to the Committee on Economics at the Lithuanian Parliament, commending the country's post-pandemic recovery, digital innovation, and efforts in rural development. He also spoke about Lithuania's active participation in international dialogues and its role in the UN Tourism Executive Council.
The Secretary-General also opened the Future Hospitality and Tourism Forum in the capital city, emphasizing the importance of enhancing Lithuania's global visibility and integration into global tourism strategies.
In terms of related initiatives, Lithuania and Japan are collaborating on smart city innovations during a Smart City Solutions Event, which might indirectly impact smart tourism development. Shaikha Al Nowais, the newly elected first woman to lead the UN Tourism sector, focuses on innovation, inclusion, and sustainability, setting a broader vision for global tourism. Additionally, Brazil's Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with UNESCO, is promoting sustainable tourism through creative cities and smart tourist destinations, serving as a potential model for Lithuania.
- The collaboration between UN Tourism and Lithuanian officials focuses on investments in smart tourism development, particularly targeting tourism promotion, destination marketing, and sustainability.
- In the area of education, the partnership will develop the Tourism Online Academy to foster workforce development and lifelong learning opportunities in the tourism sector.
- The Startup Challenge - Lithuania, an initiative of this cooperation, encourages digital innovation and the development of tech solutions in the tourism industry.
- The newly established governance models for destination management will be supported by this partnership, enhancing rural tourism and overall tourism competitiveness.
- The investment guidelines will position Lithuania as an attractive destination for sustainable tourism investment, contributing to its economic development and resilience.
- The Secretary-General's address to the Lithuanian Parliament highlighted the country's post-pandemic recovery, digital innovation, and efforts in rural development, commending its active role in international dialogues and the UN Tourism Executive Council.
- Other related initiatives, such as the collaboration between Lithuania and Japan on smart city innovations and Brazil's promotion of sustainable tourism through creative cities and smart tourist destinations, may serve as potential models for Lithuania's smart tourism development.
