Dr. Walter Mzembi: A smile is the most universal expression of hospitality
World Tourism Day in Bangkok concluded yesterday. The last night was a night to remember for delegates to the UNWTO event.
One prominent delegate impressed with Thai Hospitality offered a toast during the Gala Night in Khon Kaen. He was Dr. Walter Mzembi who is running as a candidate to becoming the next UNWTO Secretary General.
Dr. Mzembi said:
-World Tourism Day was conceived 46 years ago, on the adoption of the WTO Statutes in 1970
– It was first celebrated in 1980
– I have participated and celebrated 8 WTDays, with various themes, culture, water, energy, Peace, etc
– I must confess this year’s theme is the most profound
-Tourism for all- Promoting Universal Accessibility
– Why because it celebrates love and humanity
-It is even more profound as it being celebrated through the most universal language
– A smile!
– Smiles are spoken more than any other language, Spanish, English, Arabic, Chinese, Indian, combined.
– A smile is the most universal expression of hospitality, without saying anything, or the spoken word, it exudes warmth and happiness!
– Don’t you think our generation has every reason to smile ?
– Yes we should smile for we are a very lucky people, lucky lot to be placed and raised at this moment in time, whose civilization and technological advancements has allowed this interaction , in peace and happiness
– Generations past were defined by conquest, each time different cultures interacted or met, they would establish supremacy first by fighting and eliminating each other
– At the Airport , several tens of cultures met and celebrated their diversity through song and dance, the smile leading the reception, bar language barriers, we understood that we were welcome through the smiles!
Keep it up Thailand and Hon Minister, my dear Sister once again Congratulations, on behalf of all International Delegates , we are taking very useful lessons with us to our various countries on the virtues of loving one another!
More Love !
I thank you!
God Bless You All!
WTTC calls on governments to agree on global aviation carbon offsetting scheme
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) calls on all nation states to reach an agreement on the Carbon Offset and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) General Assembly in Montreal.
David Scowsill, President & CEO, WTTC, said: “CORSIA is an extremely important, if not mandatory step towards the aviation industry’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions. The scheme embodies the cooperation across the industry and across the public and private sector, something WTTC strongly believes in. We urge all governments to follow the lead of over 60 countries who already indicated their participation in the scheme, and ensure that this global and momentous agreement is reached.”
“In the face of climate change, and increasing demands for the sustainable growth of Travel & Tourism, we need to embrace and act upon this initiative to ensure we preserve the assets the world has to offer.” Scowsill added.”
International tourist arrivals up 4% in the first half of 2016
Madrid, Spain, 29 September 2016, International tourist arrivals worldwide grew by 4% between January and June 2016 compared to the same period last year. Destinations worldwide received 561 million international tourists (overnight visitors), 21 million more than in 2015, according to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer.
Asia and the Pacific demonstrated renewed strength this first half of 2016, receiving 9% more international arrivals, the highest growth across world regions. In the Americas, international arrivals increased by 4%, led by Central America and South America. Europe (+3%) showed mixed results, with solid growth in many destinations offset by weaker performance in others. In Africa (+5%), Sub-Saharan destinations rebounded strongly, while North Africa continued to report weak results. Limited data for the Middle East points to an estimated decrease of 9% in international arrivals this six-month period, though results vary from destination to destination.
“Tourism has proven to be one of the most resilient economic sectors worldwide. It is creating jobs for millions, at a time when providing perspectives for a better future to people of all regions is one of our biggest challenges. But tourism is also creating bonds among people of all nations and backgrounds, bringing down stereotypes and fighting fear and distrust”, said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai.
“Safety and security are key pillars of tourism development and we need to strengthen our common action to build a safe, secure and seamless travel framework. This is no time to build walls or point fingers; it is time to build an alliance based on a shared vision and a joint responsibility.” he added.
Regional Results
Growth accelerated in Asia and the Pacific with international arrivals up 9% through June, driven by robust intraregional demand. Oceania (+10%) led growth, followed by North-East Asia, South-East Asia (both +9%) and South Asia (+7%).
International tourist arrivals to Europe grew by 3% between January and June 2016, with mixed results across destinations. Northern Europe and Central and Eastern Europe both recorded 5% more international arrivals. Though many destinations posted positive results, growth in both Western Europe (+1%) and Southern Mediterranean Europe (+2%) was slow.
International arrivals in the Americas were up 4% in the first half of the year, in line with the world average. Strong US outbound flows continued to benefit many destinations across the region. Central America and South America (both +6%) led growth, while arrivals in both the Caribbean and North America grew by 4%.
Comparatively limited data available for Africa points to a 5% increase in international arrivals, with Sub-Saharan Africa (+12%) recovering vigorously, but North Africa down by 9%. International arrivals in the Middle East decreased by an estimated 9%, with mixed results among destinations.
Positive prospects for the second half of the year
The first half of the year typically accounts for around 46% of the total international arrivals count of the year. For the remainder of 2016 prospects are positive overall. Countries that have already reported results till July or August show continued growth in the current Northern Hemisphere summer peak season. The UNWTO Panel of Experts evaluated the period May-August also favourably and remains confident about the September-December period, in line with the trend of the first half of the year. Confidence is highest in Africa, the Americas and Asia and the Pacific, while experts in Europe and the Middle East are somewhat more cautious.
Demand for travel abroad varies across source markets
China, the world’s top source market, continued to report double-digit growth in expenditure on international travel (+20% in the first quarter of 2016), benefiting destinations in the region and beyond. The United States, the world’s second largest market, increased expenditure on outbound travel by 8% through July, thanks to a strong currency. Third largest market, Germany, reported a 4% increase in expenditure through July. Other markets that showed robust demand for outbound travel in the first half of 2016 were Spain (+20%), Norway (+11%), Australia (+10%) and Japan (+6%). Meanwhile expenditure from the Russian Federation and Brazil continues to be weak, reflecting the economic constraints and depreciated currencies in both markets.