Innovation, partnerships and managing rising tourist numbers have been top of the agenda at the 64th Meeting of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Regional Commission for Europe, held in Zagreb, Croatia this week (27-30 May).

The meeting was attended by representatives of more than 40 Member States, a record level of high-level participation for the Regional Commission for Europe. UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili met with Prime Minister Andrej Plenković to thank him for Croatia’s commitment to sustainable tourism. Pololikashvili also met with Marija Pejcinovic Buric, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs and with Croatia’s Minister of Tourism, Gari Capelli, for high-level discussions on destination management and sustainability.

“Tourism is an engine”

According to Pololikashvili, regional and international cooperation are vital to face up to the challenges linked to tourist numbers, especially in urban areas.

Gari Capelli, Minister of Tourism, Croatia said, “Tourism is an engine for many innovative and developmental processes, a creative force for new jobs and a tool for the protection of natural and cultural heritage.”

Furthermore, the UNWTO Secretary-General also met with Davor Suker, President, Croatian Football Federation to discuss the opportunities presented by the growing market for sports tourism.