15 September 2015: The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) issued a joint strategic statement pledging closer cooperation on tourism and air transport in order to improve socioeconomic prosperity and promote sustainable development.

The Medellin Statement was agreed at the first joint UNWTO/ICAO High-Level Forum on Tourism and Air Transport for Development, held on the sidelines of the 21st UNWTO General Assembly in Medellin, Colombia, which convened on 12-17 September 2015. The Forum addressed policy convergence, the need for enhanced connectivity, market access, air transport competitiveness and travel facilitation.

The Medellin Statement on Tourism and Air Transport for Development underscores the role of increased air connectivity as a catalyst in promoting sustainable tourism and resilient growth and development, particularly for least developed countries (LDCs), landlocked developing countries (LLDCs) and small island developing States (SIDS).

It also calls for governments to actively support the development of indicators by UNWTO and ICAO to assist countries in promoting progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). [UNWTO Press Release] [ICAO Press Release] [Medellin Statement] [UNWTO 21st General Assembly]