This morning, some families are setting off on long overdue trips to this country after pandemic travel restrictions. Demand for flights is up 74% from Brazil and 66% from the UK. We see a significant increase in visitors following the lifting of some travel bans.
The international lockdown is ending as the US reopens its borders to vaccinated passengers from more than 30 countries. Just as we head into the holidays. Tourism is resilient. The sector has been hit hard by the pandemic. But it emerges as a pillar of recovery and opportunity.
Now is the time to rebuild tourism with the future in mind. One that is based on sustainability, accessibility, and inclusiveness. Without a doubt, in the toolkit for reconstruction, innovation, emerging technologies, and youth will be central.
That's why the World Tourism Organization is launching the SDGs Tourism Awakenings Challenge. We are looking for the most innovative startups from around the world that are working to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This year, participants can choose from any of the following challenges to provide a solution connected to tourism.
Local community involvement. Green and blue economies. Ecological and sustainable capital creation. Tourism tech for good. Tourism education.
Women empowerment. Winners will help transform our sector with the support of the World Tourism Organization and the partners of this program. Join us to help our sector awaken with renewed energy and innovation.