The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) will host its inaugural Global Youth Tourism Summit (GYTS) this summer, giving children and youth from every global region a platform to share their vision and hopes for the travel and tourism sector.

Set to take place in Sorrento, Italy, from June 27 to July 3, the Summit is being organized in line with UNWTO’s commitment to youth empowerment and will give participants the opportunity to network with leaders from the worlds of politics and business, making them a part of the decision-making process as the tourism industry works to fulfil its potential as a driver of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Held in partnership with the Italian national tourism agency (ENIT) and the region of Campania, along with private stakeholders, the Summit coincides with the European Year of Youth in 2022.

The GYTS series will include several webinars during which the participants will learn about tourism and sustainability, culture and gastronomy, innovation and climate action, and other relevant topics.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili emphasized that “tourism is a proven source of opportunity for young people – in cities and in rural communities, from every educational background and in every global region.”

Italian Minister of Tourism Massimo Garavaglia added: “Young people can play a major role in overcoming the crisis facing the tourism sector. They can also be an active agent of recovery and change and play a leading role in the transition to a more sustainable tourism, which is an essential if we want to achieve sustainable development.”