At its 25th General Assembly, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) approved the associate membership of Széchenyi István University. The accession of the institution means new opportunities for international contacts, access to the latest data in the sector - which also supports education - and cooperation in the field of tenders and research.

The 25th General Assembly of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation was held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, where decision-makers and tourism experts from around 120 countries discussed the future of the sector. Universities are key players in the organisation's work, carrying out research and training to make tourism a success. Széchenyi István University was represented at the event by Márta Mészáros, Head of the International Programmes and Alumni Centre, and Dr. Éva Happ, Associate Professor at the Kautz Gyula Faculty of Economics. It was an important moment for the institution when delegates from Győr received the University's membership certificate from Ion Vilci, Executive Director of the UNWTO Associate Membership Department.

Márta Mészáros, Head of the International Programmes and Alumni Centre of Széchenyi István University, Ion Vilci, Executive Director of the UNWTO Associate Membership Department and Dr. Éva Happ, Associate Professor of the Kautz Gyula Faculty of Economics at the University of Széchenyi István University, receiving the membership certificate.

"Joining the UN's tourism organisation is an important step for our university, as the Department of Tourism and Hospitality is an essential player in the sector by training the next generation of professionals. Membership will allow us to raise the quality of education even higher, as we will have access to databases that will enable us to provide up-to-date knowledge based on the latest data, trends and statistics."– said Dr Éva Happ. She added that the accession is also a significant advantage for the research conducted at the institution and for participation in international research networks, which they are trying to exploit as much as possible.

"Universities can make a major contribution to the work of the organisation, and we have prestigious institutions from many countries among our associate members. Education, training and further training of tourism professionals is a strategic issue for the future of the sector, and therefore education and dialogue with universities was a priority topic at the General Assembly, in a special forum."– she added.

Education was a key topic at the 25th General Assembly of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation.

Márta Mészáros also pointed out that the membership of Széchenyi University means joining the club of the world's tourism elite, which is an outstanding opportunity to further expand international relations and strengthen professional partnerships. "Already on the premises, we have had a number of forward-looking discussions with foreign universities with whom we can develop cooperation along common points in the future. It was a pleasure for us to meet with the Rector of Buhara State University in Uzbekistan, Dr. Obidjon Xafizovich Xamidov: the event was an excellent opportunity to strengthen the cooperation agreement between our institutions."-she noted.