The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and FC Barcelona signed an agreement on Saturday, opening the path to collaboration between the two organizations in the areas of tourism and sports.
The agreement was signed by UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili and the President of FC Barcelona, Josep Maria Bartomeu.
The agreement sets the framework for both entities to define areas of common interest in tourism and sport, which will allow the definition of joint projects in this field.
“During my travels, I have had the opportunity to know other cultures and societies as well as others ways to see the world and this is very enriching. The World Tourism Organization as a specialized Agency of the United Nations works to make tourism a source of development and I am happy I can join this mission of promoting responsible tourism”, said Lionel Messi.
“The relationship between tourism and sports is very significant and we are very pleased to begin this important collaboration. I am sure that this agreement will open up new opportunities to maximize the joint contribution of tourism and sport to socioeconomic development and the competitiveness of destinations”, said Zurab Pololikashvili.
FC Barcelona is a multi-sports club with international projection thanks mainly to its football team, which enjoys a large following worldwide. In addition, it has a global presence in 12 other sports disciplines, including basketball, handball, athletics and field hockey, among others.
The signing of the agreement coincided with the appointment of Lionel Messi as UNWTO Ambassador for Responsible Tourism.
“Messi is a unique sportsman and an example of how willpower and constant work yield good results. It is a great honour to have Messi joining UNWTO and other well-known personalities in promoting the positive values and benefits that tourism represents” said Zurab Pololikashvili.
Messi is the first football player in history who won five Ballon d’Or – the first four won consecutively – and four European Golden Shoes.
Lionel Messi joins the Spanish football player Fernando Hierro and the mythical Spanish coach Vicente del Bosque, as the first personalities that UNWTO appoints to advance the links between sports and tourism and promote the transformative power of responsible tourism.
