Promoting the development of social and environmental action plans and projects related to tourism is the purpose of the collaboration agreement signed between the Spanish hotel chain Sol Meliá and the World Tourism Organization, UNWTO. The alliance that is part of the objectives of Sol Meliá to promote the concept of socially responsible company, develops among other initiatives the research, dissemination and implementation of actions on issues related to the environment and climate change. Likewise, Sol Meliá seeks to collaborate in international cooperation projects, volunteering in countries and tourist destinations where the chain is present, through access to infrastructures, equipment and specific materials for this activity. The signing of this agreement will serve as a platform for the Spanish company to work internationally, raise awareness and work for the benefit of responsible tourism."The signing of the agreement is one of the company's five strategic lines. It is important to have the support and collaboration of important colleagues, among whom UNWTO stands out for its line of research, volunteer programs and cooperation," said Gabriel Escarrer Julia, President of Sol Meliá during the meeting that sealed the alliance.
However, Sol Meliá is one of the UNWTO Affiliate Members. This category facilitates access to new cooperation networks, participation in research work, events and promotion plans.
UNWTO, as a leading body in the field of tourism, conducts discussions on global tourism policy, is a source of knowledge in this area and plays an important role in promoting serious, sustainable, accessible tourism, focused on the interests of developing countries.
The organization has the participation of 157 countries. The more than 360 Affiliate Members are represented in the private sector, educational institutions, tourism associations and local tourism authorities.
For its part, today when the problem of climate change becomes an issue of global importance, UNWTO was one of the leading organizations at the II International Conference on Climate Change and Tourism in Davos, Switzerland. During the meeting, the links between climatic factors and tourism operations were discussed.
Francesco Frangialli, UNWTO Secretary-General, highlighted the organization's role as an important platform for outreach and education around the world.
At the same time, Escarrer mentioned that the almost 30 million annual visits received by the company's 400 hotels in 35 countries around the world, provides the opportunity for Sol Meliá to be an example of responsible tourism and to sensitize the world population on this issue.
The chain founded in 1956 is one of the largest hotel networks of pleasure and business created by the Spanish market. Currently, it has the brands Meliá, ME by Meliá, Tryp, Sol, Paradisus, Sol Meliá Vacation Club and Luxury Lifestyle Hotels & Resorts.
