Press Release – Brussels, November 12^th, 2018 – WiM Association joins the United Nations World Tourism Organisation Affiliate membership programme and confirms strong engagement in the sustainable development of wine tourism.

The World Tourism Organisation, more commonly known as UNWTO, is the United Nations agency responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism and is the leading international organisation in the field of tourism, committed to promoting tourism as an instrument in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Mr. Ion Vilcu, Director, UNWTO Affiliate Members Department said: “We are pleased to have Wine in Moderation join us as one of our over 500 Affiliate Members. Wine in Moderation have already shown their commitment to being an active member of this organisation through their participation as speakers in the 3rd UNWTO Global Conference on Wine Tourism. We look forward to future valuable and fruitful collaboration with Wine in Moderation as a UNWTO Affiliate Member.”

Mr. Stylianos Filopoulos, Director of the WiM Association, mentioned “We are delighted that UNWTO recognises wine tourism as part of the gastronomic and cultural tourism and a tool for sustainable rural and tourism development.” And continued “It is an honour and a great pleasure for all of us in Wine in Moderation to become a UNWTO affiliate member and we look very much forward to working hand in hand with the UNWTO and all the affiliate members to support the sustainable development of wine tourism”.

UNWTO’s membership currently includes 158 countries, 6 Associate Members and over 500 Affiliate Members representing the private sector, educational institutions, tourism associations and local tourism authorities. This new membership was approved at the 109^th session of the UNWTO Executive Council which took place in Manama, Bahrain, together with a number of other international and national entities.

Wine tourism provides an amazing opportunity to reveal and safeguard the cultural and culinary heritage of regions, foster co-creation and sustainable rural development. WiM Association and the Wine in Moderation international Network around the world, continuously explore new ways to encourage the sustainable consumption of wine and have been increasingly focusing on wine tourism, exploring opportunities and challenging existing business models.

WiM Association is also Observer in the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) actively working together with experts and national authorities to promote responsible consumption and sustainability in wine business.

 

Wine in Moderation - Art de Vivre Programme

Wine in Moderation–Art de Vivre Programme is a programme created by the wine sector to inspire healthy lifestyles and well-being, and contribute to the reduction of alcohol related harm.

The Wine in Moderation programme builds on scientific evidence, education and self-regulation to organise and empower the entire international wine value chain, in raising awareness and knowledge about responsible drinking patterns and moderate wine consumption.

Wine in Moderation is a common programme centrally coordinated and implemented nationally, with the capacity to adapt into local needs respecting cultural diversity.

WiM Association

The WiM Association is the international not for profit association founded by wine sector associations and leading wine companies, that centrally coordinates the Wine in Moderation programme and expands its reach and impact throughout the world.

 

Wine in Moderation-Art de Vivre (WIM) Aisbl

Ms. Nadia Frittella

+32 (0)2 230 99 70

[email protected]