The Secretary-General of UN Tourism paid an official visit to the Canary Islands to recognize the reopening of the destination and the steps the local authorities have taken to keep both visitors and tourism workers safe as the sector restarts.
“Tourism is one of the most important economic sectors for the Canary Islands, providing jobs and livelihoods and supporting many local businesses,” said UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili. “The responsible restart of the sector will allow the many benefits tourism offers to return, and UN Tourism welcomes the measures that have been taken to build confidence and trust in the sector.”
Safety Protocols
UN Tourism officials visited each of the eight islands of the Canarian Archipelago to see first-hand the safety protocols put in place to maximize security and safety. A group of up to 60 Spanish and international media also witnessed the safety updates along the whole tourism value chain.
The UNWTO delegation saw first-hand the steps being taken by the private sector to ensure the highest level of public safety and hygiene in tourism destinations.
Mr. Pololikashvili was accompanied by the Spanish Minister of Industry, Trade, and Tourism, Reyes Maroto. The delegation met with the President of the Canary Islands, Ángel Víctor Torres, and the Secretary of Tourism for the Canary Islands, Yaiza Castilla, as well as with the Spanish government’s representative on the islands, Anselmo Pestana, and the President of the Town Hall of Gran Canaria, Antonio Morales.
