The World Tourism Organisation presents the City of Arts and Sciences as an example of public investment for attracting city tourism

May 20, 2005

The World Tourism Organisation has put forward the City of Arts and Sciences as an example of investment made by public authorities to promote tourism in a city and encourage the arrival of international visitors. The complex was taking part in the seminar on “The Future of City Tourism in Europe”, held in Coimbra, Portugal, on the 19th and 20th of May as part of the 43rd meeting of the World Tourism Organisation Commission for Europe.

During the meeting, which brought together representatives from 40 European countries, the City of Arts and Sciences was put forward as a successful model that illustrates public investment in creating infrastructure that promotes cultural and city tourism. It was also said that the complex has been a salutary lesson that has changed Valencia from being a city that sent out tourists to one that receives them and that has national and international impact.
As well as the City of Arts and Sciences, other European organisations participating in the seminar included the Italian Ministry of Production Activities, the Polish Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, the Latvian Ministry of Economy and the Maltese Ministry of Tourism and Culture..
The World Tourism Organisation is the leading international organisation on tourism issues. Its main objective is to help economic development, international understanding, peace, prosperity and worldwide respect and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms. The WTO has 144 member states, seven member territories and approximately 300 affiliated members representing the private sector, education centres, tourism associations and local tourist boards.