UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai: “Tourism for all!”
MADRID, Spain – Tourism has experienced a revolution in the past 50 years. In 1950 there were 25 million international tourists; today there are around 1.2 billion people travelling the world. Travelling has become a huge part of many lives.
When travelling, we come across new people, new sights, and new ideas. Often our perception of the world changes as we see more of it. However, we must not forget that for many, travelling can be quite a difficult process.
15% of the world’s population is estimated to live with some form of disability. That is 1 billion people around the world who may be unable to enjoy the privilege of knowing other cultures, experience nature at its fullest and experience the thrill of embarking on a journey to explore new sights.
Accessibility for all should be at the center of tourism policies and business strategies not only as a human right, but also as a great market opportunity.
With the world’s population ageing, all of us will benefit sooner or later from universal accessibility in tourism.
As we celebrate World Tourism Day, let us recall that all of the world’s citizens have the right to experience the incredible diversity this planet has to offer.
We thus urge all countries and destinations, as well as the industry, to promote accessibility for all in the physical environment, in transport systems, in public facilities and services and in information and communications channels.
I wish you a very happy World Tourism Day and a future full of enriching and compelling travel experiences to be enjoyed by all.
Thank you very much!
Massive endorsements for Mzembi for UNWTO Secretary General post
Zimbabwe’s Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister, Dr Walter Mzembi is in New York for bilateral meetings with various government delegations at the United Nations General Assembly. As part of his engagements, the mercurial Minister and African Union endorsed candidate for the UNWTO Secretary General Post that falls vacant in 2017, received further endorsements at an African Travel Association Conference at New York University yesterday.
Hon Dr Walter Mzembi (MP), African Union candidate for the post of UNWTO Secretary General post
The Corporate Council for Africa (CCA) which has since acquired the Africa Travel Association (ATA), New York University academia and the African Union Deputy Commission Chairperson added their weight behind Dr Walter Mzembi’s bid to land the coveted post.
Speaking at the11th Annual Presidential Forum held annually on the sidelines of the United Nation General Assembly in New York, the President and Chief Executive Officer of CCA, Mr Stephen Hayes said “Dr Mzembi has been twice President of Africa Travel Association and he is the current Chair of the UNWTO Regional Commission for Africa with the requisite leadership competences to lead the world tourism body. He is highly qualified and has demonstrated clear policy direction for global tourism. We are proud of him as a dynamic leader with a transformative agenda that will drive sustainable tourism development. Africa, as a collective is contesting this post for the first time, and it is important that we give this Minister our full support. As CCA, we are very much behind you Walter”, Hayes said.
Corporate Council President and CEO, Stephen Hayes endorses Dr Mzembi
African Union Commission Vice Chairperson, Dr Erasmus Mwencha also added his voice by calling on the global tourism players and Members States to render their full support to Dr Mzembi. “I am here to talk briefly about tourism but not better qualified to do so than our Minister, my brother here Walter Mzembi whom you all heard is our African Union candidate. He is able to do it. I take him as the real deal broker we should deploy at the UNWTO. Our dynamic candidate can connect the world to Africa’s immense tourism and investment opportunities in line with our Agenda 2063 and the Africa We Want”.
During the same event, the Director of Africa House at New York University and Professor of Economics Yaw Nyarko underscored that “we are fully behind you, and if I had a vote, it is yours. You are the best and right person for the job to carry forward the legacy of the incumbent”.
“We are joining the UNWTO as an Affiliate Organization and we will support you Dr Walter Mzembi”, said Dr Kristin M. Lamoureux who is an Assistant Dean of Tisch Centre for Hospitality and Tourism at the same University. The same sentiments were also echoed by the academia and student body at the University during an interactive session.
Notable amongst the audience were Ministers of Tourism and Environment from Namibia, Sierra Leone, Mali and Rwanda who participated later on in a Ministerial Roundtable. Also in attendance were members of the diplomatic corps, tour operators, Think Tanks and travel writers.
On his website, Dr Mzembi points says “My Vision is for a UNWTO which is responsive to Member States aspirations for a global tourism that is inclusive, integrative, tolerant, responsible, empowering, equitable, sustainable, and an effective tool for public diplomacy.”
The post falls vacant in May 2017 when incumbent Dr. Taleb Rifai’s term expires. Mzembi was appointed Zimbabwe’s tourism minister in 2009 and found his way into the UNWTO Executive Council, which plays a critical role in developing tourism worldwide. Currently he serves the organization as the UNWTO Regional Commission for Africa Chairperson, where he has acquitted himself very well. Since its inception in 1975, no African has contested the position of Secretary General of the UNWTO. It is the first time the African bloc is fielding a candidate with unprecedented unanimity. The unanimity obviously is a function of this unavoidable superiority of policy direction and his clarion call to work to improve global performance of tourism and increase its market share across all the six regions. The Secretary General is the Chief Executive of the organization, and drives the agenda of global tourism.
The UNWTO is the United Nations’ agency responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism. It promotes tourism as a driver of economic growth, inclusive development and environmental sustainability and offers leadership and support to the sector in advancing knowledge and tourism policies worldwide.
Meanwhile, Bloomberg.org reports that Bloomberg Philanthropies and the U.S. Department of Commerce under President Obama’s Bloomberg Foundation/U.S. Department of Commerce’s CEO Forum, will this week also co-host the second U.S.-Africa Business Forum, a day focused on increased trade and investment between the U.S. and African nations. The other purpose of the forum is to promote Africa’s social, economic and political progresses, as well as to attract greater foreign direct investments. It is organized by the Africa Business Roundtable, in conjunction with Washington Media Group, Africa 24 TV, Eyes On Africa and Invest Africa. The forum will be attended by African Leaders and Dr. Mzembi is one of the keynote speakers during the same event. The U.S.-Africa Business Forum will build on the progress of the inaugural Forum, held during the 2014 U.S.-Africa Leaders’ Summit with the participation of nearly 50 heads of state or government and more than 150 global CEOs – to further develop trade and business opportunities between the United States and Africa. Dr Mzembi whose endorsement is gaining currency each passing day from various quotas of global tourism players will speak at the event.
Accessible Tourism, theme of World Tourism Day 2016
Tourism for all: people with disabilities, senior citizens and families travelling with small children, and sooner or later all citizens will appreciate the advantages of universal accessibility. This is why UNWTO has chosen to celebrate World Tourism Day 2016 on the theme of accessible tourism. Official celebrations will take place on 27 September in Bangkok, Thailand.
For the last quarter–century World Tourism Day, held annually on 27 September, has aimed to foster awareness of the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political and economic impact. This year’s official celebrations will be held in Bangkok, Thailand on the theme of ‘Tourism for All – Promoting Universal Accessibility’.
Reaching universal accessibility in tourism is a shared responsibility of all parties involved in the tourism value chain, as well as a business opportunity for companies and destinations.
“Everyone has the right to access leisure and tourism services on an equal basis. Yet 1 billion people around the world living with disability, along with young children, seniors and persons with other access requirements, still face obstacles in accessing fundamentals of travel such as clear and reliable information, efficient transportation and public services, and a physical environment that is easy to navigate. Even with modern technologies, those with visual, hearing, mobility or cognitive impairments are being left behind in many tourism destinations.” said United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon in his official message.
“All of the world’s citizens have the right to experience the incredible diversity this planet has to offer. Therefore, it is highly important that all countries and destinations, as well as the industry, promote accessibility for all in the physical environment, in transport systems, in public facilities and services and in information and communications channels”, said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai.
“This year’s theme, ‘Tourism for All – Promoting Universal Accessibility’, is a challenge for Thailand and the world to recognize the necessity of accessibility in tourism and to accommodate everyone anywhere they may travel to (…) We have to understand the theory of Universal Design (…) As the world of travel and tourism is an expanding industry and the number of travelers increases every year, we have to ensure that travelling the world has to is as safe and seamless as possible,” explained Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Minister of Tourism and Sports of Thailand.
The official celebrations include a ‘Tourism and the Media’ session held on 26th September at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, and a full-day conference the following day. During the event, experts on accessibility and tourism will exchange views and best practices, addressing the need to work in cooperation to advance in the ‘Tourism for All’ agenda.
Creating an adequate policy framework for specific business development strategies, the need to increase awareness and capacity building targeting both decision makers and tourism professionals are some of the topics to be addressed during the conference. Andrew Stevens, Asia Pacific Editor of CNNMoney, will moderate this discussion.
The conference will also address innovative strategies in the development of accessible tourism infrastructure, products and services which add value to destinations and enhance their competitiveness on the global tourism market. A number of best practices will be featured with the aim of emphasizing the value of investing in accessibility.
The celebrations of World Tourism Day 2016 are being held in collaboration with CNN, UNWTO media partner.
ETOA – European tourism association welcomes the designation of 2018 as EU-China Year for Tourism
ETOA – the European tourism association welcomes the designation of 2018 as the EU-China Year for Tourism, as announced by Mr Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission and Mr Li Keqiang, Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, at the opening of the EU-China summit on 12 July 2016.
Tom Jenkins, ETOA CEO said: “China remains one of the most important future markets for European Tourism, and that there is a designated year for tourism co-operation is of course to be welcomed. How Chinese visitors are welcomed and accommodated, how their expectations can be met is one of the central topics that the industry has to address: this initiative will help them do so.”
“The EU-China Tourism Year is a great opportunity for the European tourism industry to explore the Chinese market, but also learn how to attract Chinese visitors and offer them the best experience”, said Eduardo Santander, ETC Executive Director. “ETC is looking forward to cooperating with the European Commission and the other EU tourism stakeholders, making sure that we turn this possibility into a great success.”
China is the world’s largest travel market in terms of both outbound travel and expenditure. Lately, European destinations have strengthened their position in this market, attaining 10,1 million Chinese visitors in 2015, accounting for a share of 13% of all outbound travel from China. ETC opened its Operations’ Group in Beijing in 2010, and has recently delivered extensive market intelligence on the Chinese market[1].
A first meeting with EU tourism stakeholders on the 2018 EU-China Tourism Year programme will take place in the ETC headquarters in Brussels in September 2016, while a discussion with a high level Chinese delegation is scheduled for 25 October 2016 in Beijing in the framework of the ETC Operations Group’s activities.
A Salute to the USA
I am not an American. But on that frightful, horrendous day 15 years ago I became one mentally, psychologically and emotionally. As we all watched the carnage that was created by crazy people, doing crazy things in crazy unimaginable ways.
Like the rest of the world I mourned with my American friends, for lives senselessly lost, families plunged into the depths of despair and all the horror, shock and pain that ensued.
And like the rest of the world I got the first glimpse of the immense power of multimedia as the pictures reverberated endlessly, of machines that I had only ever associated with the good things about Travel, turned into weapons of mass destruction.
And like the rest of rest of the world I wondered about the impact on the lives, economy and mindset of a city and country that I had broadly associated mostly with the triumph of good ideas, good politics and good futures over bad.
15 years later I see that in the depths of despair and pain came the greatest moments and the seeds of new beginnings – where shattered lives were pieced together, businesses reopened, buildings replaced and hope became the driver of a new solidarity.
Yes, there were voices for lock down and a new isolationism then: for fear xenophobia and an uglier walled in America. But they were drowned in the outpour of caring and kindness from across the country and around the world.
And that spirit has prevailed through the new challenges that have emerged since 9/11 – exclusion, pandemics, migration and most significantly, climate change – a truly global existential reality. A thoughtful, understanding, inclusionary spirit that has been so decently and demonstrably led by a first African American family in the White House. An idea that could hardly be imagined 15 years ago.
America is a strong country. New York is a resilient city and good American ideas about caring, sharing and solidarity will prevail over bad ones, that are raising their heads in the frenzy of a 24/7 media-fueled realty show called an election.
As President Obama rightly said, life is about the “Audacity of Hope” and that is an ideal, well worth remembering 15 years after the first plane crashed into the Twin Towers.
Prof Geoffrey Lipman is president of the International Coalition of Tourism Partners (ICTP), a coalition of destinations, associations, media and stakeholders in 134 countries.
He is also Founder of SUN – for Climate Resilient Travel
For more information on ICTP and how to join go to http://www.ictp.travel
Wine Tourism – a growing tourism segment
The link between wine tourism and culture, history and lifestyle and the contribution of this segment to the development of the sector has been widely discussed during the 1st UNWTO Global Conference on Wine Tourism held in the Kahketi region in Georgia. During two days (7-9 September) the event convened over 200 participants including policy makers and tourism experts from nearly 50 countries.
In the last decade, wine tourism has become a key component of gastronomy tourism and a pillar in the strategies of diversification of many destinations. The event was a unique opportunity to discover the richness of local Georgian culture and to exchange innovative ideas to promote wine tourism between destinations already experienced in wine tourism with others with a high potential in that segment. Ministries, Destination Management Organizations (DMOS) and National Tourism Organizations (NTOs), universities, tour operators and wine professionals were among the participants.
“Wine tourism is intimately related to the identity of destinations and comprises cultural, economic and historical values. Furthermore, it constitutes a major driver in diversification strategies helping destinations to enrich the touristic offer and to attract different publics. This Conference tries not only to emphasize these but also to promote exchanges and to build cooperation among destinations with a potential in this field,” said UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai at the opening of the Conference.
“The Conference highlights one of the most cherished and eldest traditions of our culture. Wine and wine-making is an integral part of our history and identity, and has become the key element in the nation’s brand image. With this, the opportunity to host the 1st UNWTO Global Conference on Wine Tourism has once again placed Georgia in the hearts of the world’s wine experts, professionals and enthusiasts,”said Dimitry Kumsishvili, First Vice Prime Minister, Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia:
Particular interest was raised by the presentation of the UNWTO Wine Tourism Prototype, a tool developed by the Organization that introduces an innovative methodology to evaluate the impact of wineries to the cultural, economic, social and environmental frameworks. As Yolanda Perdomo from the UNWTO Affiliate Member Programme explained “this methodological tool that can be adapted and replicated in different regions will help destinations to be promoted through their oenological framework that will also help emphasize other aspects such as culture, history and tradition.”
As an outcome of the Conference, the Georgia Declaration on Wine Tourism identifies a number of recommendations to facilitate the development of wine tourism that would help destinations to implement key actions.
“Wine tourism is a growing segment in continuous update that offers an extraordinary diversity to the consumer as well as business opportunities to producers,” said Gustavo Santos, Minister of Tourism of Argentina where the next Wine Tourism Conference will be held in 2017 (Mendoza province, second week of November).
Tourism contribution to sustainable development addressed at the Bled Strategic Forum in Slovenia
“Safety, security, international cooperation and peace are key factors to ensure the sustainable development of the tourism sector,” said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai, at the Bled Strategic Forum, an annual meeting held in Slovenia. The occasion provided with the opportunity to present the UNWTO/World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Open Letter on Travel and Tourism to Miro Cerrar, the Prime Minister of Slovenia.
The UNWTO/WTTC Open Letter calls on heads of state and government around the world to acknowledge tourism’s key role in delivering more sustained and balanced growth and prioritize the sector higher in national policies in order to maximize its potential. In the presentation of the Letter, UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai and Gerald Lawless, Chairman of the WTTC, discussed the key factors affecting tourism development with the Slovenian Prime Minister.
“A major issue we face in our sector is that tourism is still underestimated by some leaders, particularly in its potential for job creation. My recommendation is to always include tourism in the policy agenda and consider travel facilitation as a key issue,” said UNWTO Secretary-General in the meeting with the Prime Minister.
The potential of Slovenia as a touristic destination guided the discussion and as Gerald Lawless, Chairman of WTTC, said: “Slovenia is a beautiful tourist destination. Currently, the Travel & Tourism sector contributes EUR4.9 billion to the Slovenian economy, which is 13% of the country’s GDP and supports over 13% of total employment. The Slovenian government and its people will see great further benefits from the commitment to the sustainable development of Travel & Tourism as investment in the sector will lead to higher visitor numbers and expenditure, and increased employment opportunities throughout the country”.
The contribution of tourism to the Agenda 2030 and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) was widely discussed in the Bled Forum. As UNWTO Secretary General stated, “it is very clear that security cannot exist without sustainability and vice versa. Indeed, tourism has never been more of an essential component of sustainable growth and stability”.
“Slovenia has become synonymous with sustainability and has also recognised the importance of cooperation in achieving sustainability and security – he mentioned – and UNWTO is convinced that in the present challenging times only by working together current concerns can be overcome and a better future is possible.”
Over the last years, the Bled Strategic Forum, has become a major incubator to debate current issues on development. In its 2016 edition the Summit has tackled tourism as a key driver for growth, job creation and environmental protection.
On the occasion, seven Slovenian companies signed the Private Sector Commitment to the Global Code of Ethics of Tourism expressing their engagement with sustainable tourism practices*.
Tourism in Slovenia
In 2015, the tourism sector in Slovenia saw a rise of 12% in the number of international tourists to reach 2.7 million. Growth was above that of Europe and the world. Revenues from exports of travel services will reach their highest level since 2008, as export growth reaches close to 10%.
Private Sector Commitment to the Global Code of Ethics
* The seven companies that signed the Global Code of Ethics in Tourism are as follows:
1 Turistična kmetija Urška
2 Hotel Park Ljubljana
3 Design rooms
4 Zavod Šouhostel
5 Kamp Koren
6 Terme Snovik – Kamnik
7 Terme Olimia
Additional information:
UNWTO candidate supported by the Portuguese speaking tourism world: Impressive!
UNWTO Secretary General Candidate Dr. Walter Mzembi may have just opened another door in his ambition to be called Secretary General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization. This time it was EU member country Portugal, and in a broader view the entire Portuguese speaking world.
The Zimbabwe’s Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister is seeking the support by this European Union Country and voting member in the UNWTO Executive Council.
The current United Nations World Tourism Organization Secretary General, Mr Taleb Rifai, is due to stand down from the post at the end of 2017. Elections for his successor are due to take place when the Executive Council of the UNWTO meets in Madrid, Spain, in May 2017.
Zimbabwe’s Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister, Dr Walter Mzembi, is in Lisbon, for meetings with senior government officials responsible for tourism policy and development of the tourism industry in Portugal.
“I am here to re-connect Zimbabwe and Portugal at the level of tourism. My mission is to strengthen tourism ties between Zimbabwe and Portugal and to seek to develop strong tourism-based synergies between ourselves and the broader Portuguese speaking world”.
“With our already excellent relations with both Mozambique and Angola -fellow SADC members- and our steadily burgeoning friendship with Brazil, it is only logical that we engage Portugal, a leading European nation with long-standing, historical linkages across the globe. This includes of course the African continent, and indeed also Zimbabwe.”
Shortly after arriving in the Portuguese capital Lisbon, the Minister met with Ms Ana Mendes Godhino, Secretary of State for Tourism at her offices within the Ministry of Economy headquarters building.
Emphasizing the strong historical links between Zimbabwe and Portugal, dating back to the trading days of the Munhumutapa Empire and the excellent relations which had always existed between the two countries since Zimbabwe’s independence, the Minister and the Secretary of State concurred that there was need to build further on the existing base : and that tourism was the perfect vehicle with which to pursue this joint objective.
Tourism is currently experiencing significant growth in Portugal, as security and safety concerns continue to discourage European travelers from returning to hitherto traditional holiday destinations in various parts of the world, including a number of African destinations.
Mzembi impressed his interlocutors with the breadth of his vision, his evident knowledge of and passion for the sector and the unbridled energy he brings to the table.
It was evident from the discussions and the clear chemistry of the meetings that a strong convergence of views exists between the Minister and his Portuguese hosts with regard to the role of the UNWTO and where, moving forward, the Organization should focus its attention.
Stressing the importance of tourism as an essential component of economic development and employment creation, the Minister insisted that tourism was also an effective vehicle to build bridges between peoples of different cultures and beliefs : and a key contributor, therefore, to the promotion and maintenance of global peace.
In a separate meeting with Dr Luis Manuel Patrao, National Secretary for Administration of the governing Socialist Party and a former President of the Portuguese National Tourism Board, Dr Mzembi outlined his vision for the future development of the global tourism industry under the umbrella of the UNWTO.
Paying glowing tribute to the leadership and “enormous contribution” of incumbent Secretary General, Mr Taleb Rifai, Dr Mzembi said his intention, if elected to the post, would be, “to build upon Taleb’s enduring legacy”, and to work tirelessly to ensure that the UNWTO is accorded the recognition it fully merits within the family of UN specialized agencies.
Dr Mzembi noted the expectation of UNWTO member states that, in addition to the technical advice and support provided by the Organization, it could be doing more to foster development of the tourism sector in member countries. In this regard, innovative approaches and identifying effective synergy with other, better resourced developmental agencies of the UN family could provide a workable way forward towards meeting some of those expectations.
“Given the serious challenges which confront tourism today, most specifically the threat of terrorism, which, in recent times, has deliberately targeted tourists and tourist destinations, and from which none of us is immune. It is important, if we are to effectively address that issue and to come up with effective solutions, that those major players should be at the table and participate in the search for an appropriate and effective response.”
With this remark, Mzembi stressed the importance of growing UNWTO’s membership from the current level of 157 to match that of the United Nations itself. “ We need to aim for universality of membership and to reach out to important global players who are not members of the UNWTO, countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada. They should very seriously consider joining us”.
“Hard power responses are probably unavoidable, for sure, but soft power responses, by way of tourism promotion and building understanding and tolerance between and among people, is a valid contribution to the search for a lasting solution”.
Dr Mzembi emphasized the need to broader the current definition of “security” as it relates to the tourism industry, to include issues such as natural disasters, health pandemics and the effects of climate change – which, he noted, often impacted more heavily than terror in terms of lives lost.
“I’m really impressed”, said Secretary of State Ana Mendes Godhino.
During the two meetings, a clear convergence of views emerged on the state of global tourism and on the role of the UNWTO in addressing the challenges currently confronting the industry.
Ms Godinho informed the Minister that, in 2015, tourist arrivals in Portugal are likely to surpass the 10 million mark. Tourism already accounts for 10% of national GDP, contributing some US$ 16 billion to the economy. 8% of total employment in Portugal can be accounted to the travel and tourism industry.
The Portuguese government is finalizing a second 10 year Tourism Development Plan, to run from 2017 to 2026, which is expected to see the tourism sector become an even more important player within the overall national economy.
“We in Zimbabwe can learn from Portuguese experience and expertise in the field of tourism development. And we can certainly benefit from your specialized tourism training and language training institutes”, Dr Mzembi told the Secretary of State.
Dr Mzembi praised the Portuguese community in Zimbabwe for their solidarity with the government of Zimbabwe and for their efforts to actively promote Portuguese culture, art, music and cuisine within Zimbabwe.
“We want to work more closely with the community in Zimbabwe in their activities as an important component of our efforts to strengthen relations with Portugal and with the wider lusophone world”, said Dr Mzembi.
The Ministers agreed to expedite the finalization and signature of a bilateral Memorandum of Cooperation to give practical effect to their common determination to deepen cooperation between the two countries in the tourism sector.
From Lisbon, Dr Mzembi flies to France – another key member of the UNWTO Executive Council – for meetings with senior tourism officials of the French government.
Indonesia Sustainable Tourism Observatories join the UNWTO Network
Indonesia has joined the UNWTO International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO) with the opening of three sustainable tourism observatories, as announced at the PATA Travel Mart 2016 in Jakarta, which position Indonesia as a regional hub for sustainable tourism practices.
The observatories, located in the regions of Sesaot, Senggigi Lombok Barat, Pangandaran and Sleman, will be hosted by the Bandung Institute of Technology, Gadjah Mada University and the Mataram University. The newly created bodies will monitor and ensure sustainable practices of the tourism sector in these regions. They will be looking for examples of evidence-based decision making and timely measurement and management of resources and activities, each indispensable factors of sustainable tourism development.
Together with the opening of the three observatories, Indonesia has endorsed 20 regions to test pilot sustainable tourism projects and chosen ten priority destinations for the projects. “The more we preserve, the more prosperous we become,” said Arief Yahya, Minister of Tourism of Indonesia. “These observatories will contribute to Indonesia’s sustainable practices in other fields,” he added.
UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai welcomed Indonesia’s strong commitment to sustainable tourism: “Institutional support is essential to ensure the sustainable development of the tourism sector and Indonesia is exemplary in coordinating all stakeholders to make these observatories a reality.”
The establishment of the three observatories in Indonesia is timely, coming only a few months before the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development is launched in January 2017. During the celebrations the observatories will be prominently featured as crucial elements for ensuring the sustainable development of the tourism sector.
INSTO provides a framework for the regular gathering, analysis and communication of information on tourism’s environmental, social and economic impacts in destinations. Currently, the Network includes a total of 14 observatories (eight in China, three in Indonesia, one in Greece, one in Mexico and one in Brazil).
WTTC challenges tourism businesses to show how sustainable they are
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) challenges Travel & Tourism organisations to show how sustainable they are by entering their sustainable business initiatives for the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards 2017.
David Scowsill, President & CEO, WTTC said: ?I am pleased to announce that the twenty-eighth annual Tourism for Tomorrow Awards programme is now open for entries. Through the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards 2017 we shall highlight the commitment of the Travel & Tourism sector to the Sustainable Development Goals adopted by all 193 Member States of the United Nations in September 2015.
Companies and organisations that enter for these awards can show governments and other tourism organisations how growth and successful business models go hand in hand with the safeguarding of local communities, the environment and cultural heritage.?
Fiona Jeffery OBE, former Chairman of World Travel Market and Founder and Chairman of the international water aid charity Just a Drop, will be chairing the Awards for the third time. She commented: ?Tourism is a force for good, it connects people from different cultural backgrounds and environments. The WTTC Tourism for Tomorrow Awards celebrate the achievements of ethical tourism businesses around the world that look to give back to local communities by enhancing livelihoods where they operate and protecting the environment and cultural traditions to ensure a sustainable world for the future.?
I am delighted to be chairing again, and hope to again see many inspirational businesses apply for the 2017 programme.?
AIG Travel, Inc., the travel insurance and global assistance division of leading international insurance organisation American International Group, Inc., will be the Official Headline Sponsor of the Awards programme for the second year.
Jeff Rutledge, CEO, AIG Travel, Inc., said: ?AIG is committed to furthering the sustainability efforts of the Travel & Tourism industry, and we are honored to continue our support of the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards in 2017. Through education and the sharing of best practices, I am confident we can all make a difference by implementing eco-friendly business processes.?
Lead judge, Professor Graham Miller, chair in sustainability in business at the University of Surrey, will oversee a rigorous independent judging and on-site evaluation process carried out by an international panel of experts, representing academia, non-profit organisations, government and the private sector.
This year applicants can enter in the following five categories: Community; Destination; Environment; Innovation; and People.
The 2017 Finalists will be announced in January 2016 and the winners will be announced during the WTTC Global Summit 2017 in Bangkok, 26-27 April 2017.
The 2016 award winners were; Community Award: Expediciones Sierra Norte, Mexico; Destination Award: Parkstad Limburg, Netherlands; Environment Award: The Botswana Rhino Conservation Project by Wilderness Safaris, Botswana; Innovation Award: Carmacal Carbon Calculator by ANVR – The Netherlands Travel Trade Association, Netherlands; People Award: Youth Career Initiative, United Kingdom & worldwide
Award applicants can submit an application online via http://wttc.org/tourism-for-tomorrow-awards/apply/ Entries open today and the closing date is 14 November 2016.