The 11th edition of the World Congress on Snow and Mountain Tourism was taken place in Andorra, under the theme ‘Tourism, Innovation and Sustainability’. The congress is organised by the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the government of Andorra and the Parish of Canillo.

Within the framework of the Year of Tourism and Rural Development that the UNWTO is celebrating in 2020, it will focus on the role of mountain tourism in rural development, mainly addressing the issues of innovation, sustainability and digital transformation.

Manuel Butler, executive director of UNWTO highlighted the timeliness of the theme of the 11th Congress. He said: “Sustainability is essential for tourism to be compatible with the fragile environment of mountain areas, while providing benefits and opportunities to communities, which gives a key role to innovation to harmonize these objectives.”

Andorra’s minister of tourism, Verònica Canals, said: “The integration of new technologies and the contribution to sustainable development are two key aspects for the tourism sector. Therefore, this year, the congress will try to share the perspectives of professionals regarding these challenges and will allow us to know the different models that companies and entities from around the world are creating.”

The event will bring together a wide range of tourism professionals and experts from more than 10 countries such as Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Chile, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, UK and US. Presiding over the inauguration of the event will be Xavier Espot Zamora, head of government of Andorra, Zurab Pololikashvili, secretary-general of UNWTO and Francesc Camp Torres, mayor of Canillo.