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MSC Foundation sponsors UNWTO's first Global Youth Tourism Summit

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The goal of the summit is to help children and youth contribute to building a sector that combines sustainability, culture, gastronomy, innovation and climate action
MSC Foundation – part of the MSC Group which includes MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys – is the main sponsor of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation’s (UNWTO) first Global Youth Tourism Summit, which takes place in Sorrento, Italy from June 27 to July 3.

The theme of the event is international sustainable tourism and ways the UN’s sustainable development goals interact with tourism. It will aim to help young people contribute to building a sector combining sustainability, climate action, culture, gastronomy and innovation.

Kids will be invited to share their own ideas and proposals for the future of sustainable tourism.

Local and national government, industry experts and celebrities are among those expected to attend.

‘Real potential’

‘Restoring the health of our blue planet is a vital priority of the MSC Foundation and the MSC Group, and education plays a key role in our efforts,’ explained Daniela Picco, executive director, MSC Foundation. ‘We and the MSC Group are therefore honoured to contribute to this pioneering Global Youth Tourism Summit as main sponsors, convinced of its strong immediate value and real potential for sustained global impact.’

Added the UNWTO’s secretary-general Zurab Pololikashvili, ‘From Sorrento, we will create a new generation of tourism advocates. They will bring the work of UNWTO into their communities and inspire change and transformation.’

Programme

MSC Foundation will provide activities for 130 youth attending from over 60 countries, including the ‘Exploring the Rich Resources of Our Seas’ field trip that takes the form of a tour focused on marine protection, environmental conservation and responsible tourism in partnership with the Italian NGO Marevivo. It will link three activities: a boat excursion, sea-watching with snorkelling, and a visit to the Punta Campanella Marine Protected Area and its Centre, accompanied by expert guides and a marine biologist.

Activities during the one-day training course, ‘Shipping and Tourism as Drivers of a Sustainable Future,’ will range from experience of a ship bridge simulator to a workshop and master class.