Recognising that aviation and tourism are critical tools in the environmental, economic, and social development of countries, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) have formalised a new memorandum of understanding to strengthen the relationship between air transport and tourism.
Signed this week by ICAO Council President, Salvatore Sciacchitano, and by UNWTO Secretary General, Zurab Pololikashvili, the new agreement will focus on improved relationships in the fields of research, policy and management areas; will improve co-ordination on efficient border management priorities, and support travel and tourism recovery and transformation in light of climate change imperatives.
It will also address improved co-ordination on technical and policy advice for countries, as well as joint advocacy, events and fundraising efforts.
"This agreement is an important step to help our organisations address joint data and research initiatives, the modernisation and financing of aviation infrastructure, and the alleviation of economic regulatory constraints to enhance air connectivity and seamless travel," noted Sciacchitano.
Key air passenger facilitation areas addressed in the new agreement included the implementation of the ICAO Traveller Identification Programme (TRIP) strategy and increased international utilisation of the ICAO Public Key Directory, which is a central repository for exchanging the information required to authenticate ePassports.
Both organisations will also promote the adoption of ICAO Visible Digital Seal (VDS) technology for the verification of travel-related health proofs, and closer collaboration on health and civil aviation issues.
"This is a critical moment for collective action and outcomes on air network and tourism recovery. As committed partners, and in collaboration with industry and other stakeholders, ICAO and the UNWTO can help to put millions back to work and revitalise economies all over the world,” Sciacchitano emphasised.
Pololikashvili said: "Tourism and air travel are essential pillars of growth and opportunity, most notably for developing countries and communities. As air travel resumes and tourism restarts, both sectors must collaborate to support the livelihoods of today and to build a more resilient and sustainable future. The partnership between UNWTO and ICAO will allow exactly this."
