DRMumbai: The World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) has appointed talismanic Spanish striker Lionel Messi as the Ambassador for Responsible Tourism. The first footballer in history to win five Balon D’ Or awards and arguably the best player in the world, Leo joins former Real Madrid and Spain international, Fernando Hierro and legendary Spain coach, Vicente del Bosque, as one of the first sporting personalities appointed by the UNWTO to highlight the links between sport and tourism and to help take the message of sustainability to a wider public.
“During my travels, I have had the opportunity to understand other cultures and societies as well as new perspectives to see the world and this is very enriching. The World Tourism Organisation as a specialised agency of the United Nations works to make tourism a source of development and I am happy to join this mission to promote responsible tourism,” said Messi.
Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General, UNWTO, said, “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.”
Messi has won a total of 30 titles with F C Barcelona, including eight Spanish Leagues, four Champion Leagues and five King’s Cups of Spain.
