Jamaica conference to address the role of tourism in employment creation and inclusive growth
UNWTO, the Government of Jamaica, the World Bank Group and the Inter-American Development Bank will co-host a Conference on Jobs and Inclusive Growth on 27-29 November in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Under the theme ‘Partnerships for Sustainable Tourism’, the event will assess and discuss the future of the sector in the Caribbean, particularly in view of the impacts of natural disasters such as the recent hurricane Irma.
The summit aims at identifying successful models and future initiatives of public-private partnerships (PPPs) that will contribute to sustainable tourism development globally. It will also serve as a platform for leaders from the tourism sector, along with governments, donors and development and finance organizations, to put in place an international road map to promote inclusive economic and social development through tourism.
The Conference will commence with an introductory session on the future of tourism in the Caribbean region.
“Tourism has the potential to contribute to all 17 Sustainable Development Goals, yet we can only achieve our common objectives if we build strong partnerships. The Jamaica Conference will be a milestone in setting a new framework for collaboration in the promotion of sustainable tourism and an important legacy of the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development 2017” said UNWTO Secretary General Taleb Rifai.
Over 100 speakers will share their experience and knowledge during the three-day event.
The first day will cover themes such as:
– Tourism and Sustainability – Threats, Risks, Opportunities and Challenges
– Current Trends in Indigenous Tourism
– Talent Development and Human Capital Trends
– Community Tourism
– Tourism Networks: Creating Linkages, Reducing Leakages
– Science, Technology and Innovation in Tourism and
– Caribbean Tourism
On the second day, plenary sessions will guide the discussions. The first will focus on ‘Collaborating for Success – Public/Private Engagement Mechanisms for Tourism Development and Growth’, where ministers and CEOs will share their experiences on the keys, pitfalls and myths to successful collaboration between the public and private sector on tourism development. Collaboration and partnership models in such areas as infrastructure, development finance, large-scale asset management and service delivery will be addressed extensively.
The second round table will serve to facilitate exchanges by sector leaders on the emerging trends and predicted key drivers of destination development over the next ten years. Emphasis will be placed on how sustainable tourism partnerships can contribute to job creation, connectivity and inclusive growth.
The last day of the conference will look into the issues of:
– Technical Assistance and Financing,
– Donor Funded Programs that Balance Scale, Sustainability and Inclusion,
– Successful Models of Destination Management;
– Education, Training & Innovation and
– Cozumel – Partnerships in Action.
The Conference is organized by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the Ministry of Tourism of Jamaica, the World Bank Group and the Inter-American Development Bank, in collaboration with the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, the Caribbean Tourism Organization, Chemonics International and the George Washington University.
Message by Hugh Riley Secretary General, CTO on the observance of Caribbean Tourism Month November, 2017
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, 1 Nov 2017. This year can be described as a tale of two situations for Caribbean tourism. During the first half of this year the region performed at new record pace, welcoming 16.6 million international tourist arrivals at a healthy growth rate of 5.2 per cent, when compared to the same period last year.
However, hurricanes Irma and Maria have dented this growth, with the revised forecast for 2017 now at one to two per cent, down from 2.5 to 3.5 per cent.
The economic impact of the storms is significant. The Caribbean Development Bank predicts that every one per cent reduction in tourist arrivals (based on 2015 travel data) will cost US$137 million in lost revenue.
No doubt, the hurricanes have presented us with some major challenges, but we are determined to rebuild better and more sustainably.
In the meantime, while the affected countries are at various stages on the road back to normality, it is also important to note that over 75 per cent of the region was unscathed by the storms. In this context, we encourage you to keep visiting the Caribbean, as this is the best way to help the region.
During Caribbean Tourism Month we will focus on adventure, in keeping with the Year of Adventure. Mindful of the impact of the storms, there are still countless travel adventures to be had this month and for the remainder of the year.
We look forward to hearing of the various events and activities planned for the month, and with your permission, we will share your information and images.
The month also provides an opportunity to reiterate the message that we are open for business and we do have an exciting product to offer.
Yes, some challenges remain and those are being addressed, but let’s also emphasize the superb experiences we can offer to guests right now and help them and their companions have a Caribbean adventure to remember.
Together, let’s keep the right focus on this important industry and reaffirm the value of One Sea, One Voice, One Caribbean.
SELA and ALADI join forces to promote trade facilitation in Latin America and the Caribbean!
The Latin American and Caribbean Economic System (SELA) and the Latin American Integration Association (ALADI) will promote joint actions in the economic, social and trade areas in the region.
The Permanent Secretary of SELA, Ambassador Javier Paulinich, and the Secretary General of the Latin American Integration Association (ALADI), Alejandro de la Peña Navarrete, signed the Memorandum of Understanding on 27 October 2017 at the headquarters of ALADI in Montevideo, Uruguay.
Both parties will promote economic and institutional cooperation focused on trade facilitation in processes associated with digitization, simplification and harmonization of procedures according to international standards, including the digital certification of origin, certified electronic signatures, and electronic commerce; as well as in the development of skills and capacities for greater efficiency, transparency and security within the framework of regional integration.
In accordance with their respective spheres of competence, they will be able to carry out the following activities: a) Exchange of information, coordination and cooperation in regulatory technical aspects and for the promotion of information and communications technologies to facilitate digital trade; b) Collect and identify existing asymmetries and the level of progress by country; c) Organize meetings, seminars, workshops, and specific projects in this area.
For further information, visit: http://www.sela.org/
Minister Bartlett to give update of UNWTO Global Conference
Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett will host a press briefing in association with the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce, where he will provide an update on the conference to members of the media and directors of the MBCC.
The United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), Government of Jamaica, World Bank Group and Inter-American Development Bank Global Conference on Jobs and Inclusive Growth: Partnerships for Sustainable Tourism will take place in our tourism capital, Montego Bay, at the Montego Bay Convention Centre from November 27-29, 2017.
It brings together high-level decision makers in tourism from countries around the world to design an international road map and foster collaborative partnerships for inclusive economic and social development.
Winner of UNWTO Travel Competition announced
The travelers’ competition closed with 2,400 submissions and one lucky winner: Katie Diederichs, who will be embarking on an unforgettable trip across six different countries to tell the world how tourism can make a positive change.
Three weeks after being launched, the Travellers´ Competition closed with 2,400 submissions. All eligible entries received were judged based on creativity and originality, adherence to theme and digital engagement and social influence of participants.
Four years ago, Katie and her husband quit their comfortable 9-to-5 jobs and set off on an adventure that hasn’t yet ended. From backpacking in South America to trekking to Everest Base Camp to living as expats in Asia, they´ve been privileged to experience many cultures around the world.
“During our wanderings, I’ve learned that tourism is a powerful thing.” Katie said in her submission. She also added “There are ways – both big and small – that every traveler can lessen the footprint they leave. My passion is educating others and myself about how we can travel more sustainably.”
Katie will be embarking on the 24th of November on a journey across the world that will be supported by Explore WorldWide, an adventure travel group offering a wide range of activities and experiences with a commitment to responsible travel and a pinch of Explore spirit.
Katie will be visiting sustainable tourism projects in Colombia, Germany, Mexico, the United Arab Emirate of Ras Al-Khaimah and the Léman region in Switzerland, all partners of the initiative.
Together with her life and travel partner, she manages the website, ‘Two Wandering Soles’, focused on ethical travel for people on all budgets. With 35,000+ monthly visitors and a growing following on social media, Katie would make a fantastic representative of a “responsible traveler” that people from all walks of life can relate to.
The jury of the competition comprised Sandra Carvao, Chief of Communications and Publications at UNWTO, Sofia Panayiotaki, Founder and CEO, PR MEDIACO and John Tefler, Interim Managing Director at Explore Worldwide.
Aviation and Border Control Management for the future in travel
The Vice President of International Affairs for Etihad Aviation Group, and President of Hermes, Vijay Poonoosamy, presented “Making air travel more secure and efficient” at the Thirteenth Symposium and Exhibition on ICAO under the Traveler Identification Program of the event, Moderator Session 7: Border Control Management and Future in Travel. The event took place at the ICAO Headquarters in Montreal, Canada, from October 24-26, 2017.
Here, Worldtourismwire shares his presentation:
UNWTO has shown that destinations worldwide welcomed 598 million international tourists in the first six months of 2017, 36 million more than in the same period of 2016.
IATA stated two days ago that the 4 billion air passengers expected to fly this year are expected to double to 7.8 billion in 2036.
With the formidable growth of both passenger numbers and security threats it is self-evident that much more needs to be done to diligently develop a strategic and holistic roadmap to promote safe, secure, sustainable and seamless aviation.
In line with UN Security Council Resolutions 2178 (2014) and 2309 (2016) that re-affirmed the importance of border controls to combat terrorism, the interdependent elements of the ICAO Traveler Identification Program (TRIP) Strategy demonstrate that a coherent and coordinated approach to a robust traveler identification management is essential.
All the Stakeholders of Travel and Tourism have a vested interest in safe and secure operations and have safety and security as the number one priority.
Let’s not talk of balancing security and facilitation as this suggests compromise on either or even both.
Let’s focus on promoting a robust, efficient, cost effective, inclusive and harmonized global process to enhance security.
Let’s develop a global program to link international security with global connectivity while leaving no country behind.
To have a wholly automated, electronic platform, built on verified biometric data, require that a number of areas be addressed, namely, the harmonization of intelligence and data-sharing, the global implementation of common standards set by ICAO and the shift to a secure digital process and a single application system.
Governments should agree that a single token that can be used throughout the journey, including airline and airport processes, security, border inspection.
Interoperability between countries and systems (customs, immigration, security, airline and airport systems), greater use of available programs such as Interpol’s I-Checkit and greater uptake of on-line and mobile processing are also required.
These necessary policy shifts require additional cooperation and collaboration among various agencies of governments, international organizations, the Travel & Tourism industry/businesses and travelers. Moreover, national governments need to implement the international standards established by ICAO and help ICAO assist emerging economies in implementing those standards.
The cross-border movement of people will then not only become more efficient, but it will also enable public safety officials to direct more attention and resources to the risk-based identification of threats.
As a result, travelers will have a secure and pleasant experience.
FCCA Chairman Adam Goldstein Endorses UNWTO Conference
KINGSTON, Jamaica; October 25, 2017: The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) has announced their endorsement of the United Nations World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) global conference to be held in Jamaica in November.
Adam Goldstein, who is the FCCA’s Executive Committee Chairman and current President and COO of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd, gave the endorsement to Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, during a private meeting between Presidents and CEOs of FCCA member lines and Ministers of Tourism, on October 25 in Merida, Mexico.
During the meeting, the group also discussed strategies to drive year-round traffic to the region, the creation of more employment opportunities and the development of strategic partnerships.
Minister Bartlett lauded the endorsement, which, he noted, strengthens the expected impact the conference will have on the development of tourism industries across the globe.
“This event will perhaps be the single most important conference in our country’s history. This endorsement by FCCA strengthens our efforts to coordinate an international road map which will foster collaborative relationships for more inclusive economic and social development of countries across the world via tourism,” said Minister Bartlett.
He also received support for the staging of the conference from Grenada’s Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Hon. Yolande Bain-Horsford, who is expected to participate in the conference.
In his capacity as chairman of the newly formed Caribbean Tourism Recovery Group Secretariat (CTRGS) and coordinator of the ‘UNWTO Disaster Recovery Working Group for the Affected States in the Caribbean, the Minister used the opportunity to share his intentions to create a tourism rehabilitation plan for Caribbean islands devastated by recent hurricanes at the upcoming conference.
“Caribbean states are very dependent on tourism to sustain their economies. So with the assistance of the UNWTO, CHTA, CTO and WTTC as well as Ministers of the region we are working on creating a strategy to strengthen the sector’s resilience to the effects of climate change and natural disasters, thus making it more sustainable. We will unveil this plan of action during our upcoming UNWTO global conference in Montego Bay in November,” he explained.
The UNWTO, Government of Jamaica, World Bank Group and Inter-American Development Bank Global Conference on Jobs and Inclusive Growth: Partnerships for Sustainable Tourism’ will be held November 27-29 at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, St. James, and is expected to attract hundreds of international and local participants.
The event will bring together world leaders from the tourism industry along with governments, donors, and international development and finance organisations to design and coordinate an international road map and foster collaborative relationships for inclusive economic and social development via tourism.
Minister Bartlett is currently in Mexico with the newly-appointed Executive Director of Jamaica Vacations Ltd, Joy Roberts, participating in the FCCA Cruise Conference and Tradeshow. They are expected to return to the island on October 26, 2017.
World’s top ten fastest growing cities are all in Asia
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has launched today new city tourism impact data which shows that the world’s top ten fastest growing tourism cities are all in Asia.
Asia Pacific City Travel & Tourism Impact, is one of a series of reports by WTTC which looks at the contribution of Travel & Tourism to city economies and job creation. The study covers 65 cities, 21 of which are in Asia Pacific.
The data shows that Asian cities are at the forefront of tourism growth over the next ten years. Chongqing (14% growth per year) heads the table, followed by Guanghzhou (13.1%), Shanghai (12.8%) and Beijing (12%). The other cities on the top ten list are Chengdu (11.2%), Manila (10.9%), Delhi (10.8%), Shenzhen (10.7%), Kuala Lumpur (10.1%) and Jakarta (10%).
With the world average growth rate at 4% per year, and Asia Pacific at 5.8%, these cities are significantly outpacing both the regional and global average.
Asia Pacific also includes some of the world’s largest Travel & Tourism cities. Shanghai, with an annual tourism GDP contribution of US$30 billion is the largest in the world; followed by Beijing (US$27 billion). Tokyo (US$20 billion) is ranked 6th in the world.
Shanghai and Beijing together account for 21% of China’s Travel & Tourism economic impact (GDP), whereas Tokyo alone accounts for 18% of Japan’s total.
The dominance of the Chinese market is clear, both in terms of future growth and overall size and as a main source market for destinations in the wider Asia Pacific region. The success of Chinese cities is largely driven by domestic business (as high as 94.5% of spend in Chongqing is domestic), and the Chinese outbound market is key for neighbouring cities such as Tokyo (11% of spend is Chinese, the largest market) and Bangkok (38%).
Gloria Guevara, President & CEO, WTTC said “The power of Asian cities when it comes to driving the Travel & Tourism sector is clear to see in this new data. However, not only do these cities contribute significantly to their country’s tourism sector, tourism is an important generator of economic growth and jobs within the cities themselves.
With this level of forecast growth, the importance of investment in long term planning, infrastructure and sustainable public policies cannot be underestimated. It is vital that city authorities understand the economic impact of Travel & Tourism, GDP and employment contribution, and not just visitor arrivals, as they seek to develop new products and opportunities to increase traveller spend and sustainable growth. WTTC has invested in this new research and data to support them in this ambition.”
Other highlights from the report include:
· Singapore’s Travel & Tourism has doubled in the past ten years, to a total of US$12.4 billion in 2016 and supporting 164,000 jobs.
· Tourism in Bangkok generates US$18.2 billion for the city each year, representing 10% of the city’s economy and 50% of Thailand’s Travel & Tourism.
· Delhi and Mumbai together generate over 1 million tourism jobs, 10% of India’s total tourism employment.
· Macau is the most tourism intensive city in Asia Pacific, with 27% of its economy a direct result of tourism spend.
· Eight cities in the study contribute more than 25% of their country’s Travel & Tourism economy: Auckland, Bangkok, Ho Chi Min City, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Seoul and Sydney.
WTTC calls on tourism sector to embrace sustainability reporting
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has called on Travel & Tourism companies to measure, monitor and report their sustainability impact as it launches new guidance on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Reporting for the Travel & Tourism Sector.
Gloria Guevara, President & CEO, WTTC, said: “WTTC’s Global Summit earlier this year focused on how our sector can contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We know that Travel & Tourism has a significant role to play in reducing poverty, protecting the environment, and contributing to the inclusive and sustainable growth the SDGs aspire to. Sustainability reporting, that is integrated into financial reports or presented as a separate activity, shows commitment to and progress against these goals. What is more, Goal 12 specifically calls on companies to report their ESG impacts.”
The report covers latest trends in sustainability reporting, including which governments and stock exchanges are mandating such reports, and how companies are refining the reports to be more engaging for audiences. It also includes a 12-step guide to reporting and specific guidance on how to report on the issues of Climate Change; Community; Energy; Governance, Risk and Compliance; Supply Chain; Waste Generation and Diversion; Water; and Workforce.
Guevara continued: “Recent research with WTTC Members highlighted sustainability as a top priority for the sector. Sustainability reporting, which is on the rise across Travel & Tourism, is a mechanism for companies to monitor progress and share best practices. Our aim with this guidance is to support companies, large and small, as they take this journey; and provide them with the mechanism to communicate their progress. As a sector which accounts for 10% of the world’s GDP and generates 292 million jobs, we have a responsibility to ensure that growth is sustainable.”
The report is available to download from www.wttc.org/Sustainability-Reporting
Organisations wishing to share their best practices in sustainable tourism can also apply for WTTC’s Tourism for Tomorrow Awards programme until 14th November 2017 at www.wttc.org/T4TAwards
Speech of The RT. Hon. Prime Minister, Dr. Edouard Ngirente at the Official Opening of the Africa Hotel Investment Forum
Kigali Convention Centre, October 11th, 2017
KIGALI, Rwanda, October 11, 2017/ — Speech of The RT. Hon. Prime Minister, Dr. Edouard Ngirente at the Official Opening of the Africa Hotel Investment Forum.
• Honourable Ministers,
• Chief Executive Officer, RDB
• Chief Executive Officer of Bench Events,
• Distinguished Guests,
• Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good morning!
On behalf of the Government of Rwanda, I am pleased to preside over, the official opening of the Africa Hotel Investment Forum that is taking place here at the Kigali Convention Centre.
I wish to thank organisers of this Forum for having chosen Rwanda as a venue. I would like to warmly welcome you all to Rwanda. To all of you, especially those who came from near and far, please feel at home. We value your presence a lot.
The Government of Rwanda would like to reiterate its commitment to ensure that this three-day forum becomes a success.
• Excellencies,
• Ladies and Gentlemen,
The African Hotel industry is one of the fastest growing sectors with an estimated contribution of 8% to Africa’s GDP and is projected to rise at 4.9% per year until 2025. For Africa, to achieve this growth target, there is a need to put in place strategies that support investments in the tourism sector.
Under the leadership of His Excellency Paul Kagame, President of the Republic, Rwanda has made significant progress in the tourism industry. This was mainly achieved through the development of tourism infrastructure, especially through the expansion of RwandAir’s routes; and investments in a number of leading international hotel brands. As a result, more jobs were created, especially for the youth.
• Excellencies,
• Ladies and Gentlemen,
This forum has come at a time when African countries are joining effort with various stakeholders to boost the hospitality sector. For Rwanda, it is being organised subsequent to the commitment by the Government of Rwanda to implement its Seven Year Programme, 2017-2024. In this program, we target to double our tourism revenues to USD 800 million by 2024 from USD 404 million.
I therefore urge all participants to this Forum to share experience on good policies; and advise on how well we can grow the tourism sector in Africa and hotel industry in particular.
In this forum, Rwanda is delighted to showcase some exciting new investment opportunities in the growing tourism sector. Officials from Rwanda Development Board are available to discuss further these opportunities.
As I conclude, I wish to assure all investors that investing in Rwanda is profitable. Rwanda is very secure, economically stable and all our laws are business friendly. Our entire legal framework provides a conducive environment for business. The recent 2017/18 Global Competitiveness report that was released by The World Economic Forum put Rwanda on the second position in Africa.
With these remarks, I want to thank, once again, the organisers and participants of the 2017 Africa Hotel Investment Forum for choosing Rwanda as a host. I wish you fruitful deliberations. It is now with pleasure that I declare the 2017 Africa Hotel Investment Forum officially open.
Thank you for your attention.