UNWTO and WTTC present Open Letter to Malta Prime Minister
The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) presented the Open Letter on Travel and Tourism to the Prime Minister of Malta, Joseph Muscat. The Open Letter outlines tourism’s value as one of the world’s largest generators of jobs and a powerful driver of socio-economic growth and sustainable development. To date, the Open Letter has been received by 89 Heads of State and Government.
UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai congratulated Malta on its good tourism results and thanked the Prime Minister for placing tourism high in the agenda of the European Union during its current presidency. “Malta is playing a critical role in ensuring that tourism is recognized for the value it has for the economy and employment in the EU,” said Mr Rifai.
The Prime Minister expressed his full support to the sector as a key economic activity for Malta, one of the main drivers of economic growth, creation of quality jobs and overall improvement of Malta’s social fabrics. He said that the Maltese Government has for the last years adopted a new tourism strategy and that a firm commitment to sustainable development is currently high on the agenda. Dr. Muscat reaffirmed that tourism is much more than climate, cultural activities and historical sites, more even than new niches such as diving tourism, conferences and events, wedding tourism, cruise and luxury accommodation. “It is actually one of those areas through which we believe that wealth percolates to all sections of society in a direct manner,” said the Prime Minister.
David Scowsill, President and CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council, said: “Travel and tourism contributed 2,425.5 million euros (2,706.1 million USD) to Malta’s GDP, which is 26.7% of the country’s total GDP, and supported 27.8% of total employment in the country. Our sector is a stimulator of economic growth and a creator of jobs. We commend the Maltese government for its commitment to travel and tourism, and its continuous efforts to drive growth while preserving the assets the beautiful island has to offer.”
Rifai also met the President of Malta, Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, who during the meeting reiterated her belief that the tourism sector has the ability to build peace to create prosperity.
Both meetings were held coinciding with a UNWTO Masterclass on ‘Attracting Chinese Tourism to the Mediterranean Countries’ and an event on ‘Enhancing Europe’s Tourism Competitiveness through New Products’ organized in the framework of the Maltese Presidency of the EU.
On the occasion, UNWTO welcomed six Maltese companies to sign the Private Sector Commitment to the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism: Air Malta, Federation of Associations of Travel and Tourism Agents (FATTA); Gozo Tourism Association; Malta Hotels and Restaurants Associations (MHRA); Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry; and Valletta Cruise Port. By adhering to the Code, signatories commit to implementing and promoting its principles in their business strategies and operations. To date, 514 companies and associations from 68 countries have joined this Commitment.
GVB Receives President’s “E” Award – First tourism office ever to receive the highest export award in the U.S.
Tuesday, May 30, 2017 – Tumon, Guam, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross presented the Guam Visitors Bureau with the President’s “E” Award for Export Service at a ceremony in Washington, D.C., May 22. The President’s “E” Award is the highest recognition any U.S. entity can receive for making a significant contribution to the expansion of U.S. exports.
“The Guam Visitors Bureau has demonstrated a sustained commitment to export expansion. The “E” Awards Committee was very impressed with GVB’s Tourism 2020 strategic plan development and engagement, which resulted in exceptional year-over-year growth in tourism to Guam. The organization’s innovative and broad-reaching program to capture larger segments of the Chinese tourism market was also particularly notable. GVB’s achievements have undoubtedly contributed to national export expansion efforts that support the U.S. economy and create American jobs,” said Secretary Ross in his congratulatory letter to the company announcing its selection as an award recipient.
“The hard workers at GVB are humble, but this really comes at no surprise. It only makes sense that Guam’s tourism officials get national recognition because these folks are at the top of their game in this country. Despite the very rapid increase in the number and quality of tourist destinations in this area, Guam’s market share has sustained and in most cases has even grown. We offer a resort destination that is growing as a second-to-none choice for travelers from a diversifying geographic field. This isn’t a coincidence. This is the result of smart strategy, cooperative development, and an industry of workers who set the standard for quality and service,” said Guam Governor Eddie Calvo.
Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo was present at the awards ceremony and joined GVB Vice President Antonio Muña, Jr. and GVB Director of Global Marketing Pilar Laguaña to receive the award.
“I commend the Guam Visitors Bureau on receiving the President’s “E” Award from the U.S. Department of Commerce,” said Congresswoman Bordallo. “This is the nation’s highest honor recognizing organizations which contribute significantly in the effort to increase U.S. exports. This award is a reflection of GVB’s success in marketing Guam as a world class international destination and the growth in our tourism industry in recent years. I am proud of the success GVB has made to strengthen our visitor industry and attract visitors from new countries to visit and invest in Guam. This is the first time an organization from Guam has received this award, and I congratulate GVB’s management and staff on this accomplishment. I look forward to continue working with them to promote Guam and our vibrant culture to visitors and markets around the world.”
In total, Secretary Ross honored 32 U.S. companies and organizations from across the country with the President’s “E” Award for their role in strengthening the U.S. economy by sharing American ingenuity outside of our borders.
“It is an honor to be the first tourism organization in the United States that received this prestigious award and contribute to the export expansion program of the United States of America. We are proud to represent Guam and accept this award on behalf of our local community and the thousands of people that are working hard in Guam’s number one industry,” said GVB President and CEO Nathan Denight. “As we continue to welcome over 1.5 million visitors annually and evolve as a world class destination, this milestone is a reminder that tourism works to promote our Chamorro culture to the world and better the quality of life for all those that call Guam home.”
U.S. exports totaled $2.21 trillion in 2016, accounting for nearly 12 percent of U.S. gross domestic product. Exports supported an estimated 11.5 million jobs nationwide in 2015, according to the most recent statistics from the International Trade Administration.
Question to you? UNWTO Election – is there a problem?
Will the controversy about the recent nomination of Zurab Polokashvili for Secretary General put UNWTO into Chaos? This is one of the questions we are asking YOU, our readers today.
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CLICK HERE if you believe there is no problem with the reconfirmation of Zurab Polokashvili at the UNWTO General Assembly.
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CLICK HERE if you believe there will be a problem with the reconfirmation of Zurab Polokashvili at the UNWTO General Assembly.
UNWTO nominee Zurab Pololikashvili is not attending the ongoing Regional Commission for the Americas of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) this week. As a matter of fact, and unlike other candidates, Mr.Pololikashvili hardly attended any UNWTO event before and after his election, but he did attend and invite selected delegates to a May 10 football game Atletico Madrid against Real Madrid at the Vicentent Calderon Stadium.
The game was on May 10, 2017 during the Executive Council meeting for UNWTO in Madrid (May 10-12) at the nearby Melia Castilla Hotel. The highlight of the Executive Council meeting was the election of a new candidate to replace Taleb Rifai as the Secretary General in 2018. Executive Council members were the one representing not only their own country but were entrusted to represent a group of five countries to vote for a candidate. Executive council members could be compared to what is known as “Super Candidates” at US elections. This is a responsibility not only for national interests.
Mr.Pololikashvili was one out of the 5 remaining candidates for this post during the voting process.
Of course becoming friends with voting delegates had to be the top priority for any candidate and Mr. Polokasvili who is now the nominee knew this. He also knew attending a football game with someone is a great tool to make friends and to bond. Therefore Zurab handpicked voting executive members that were critical for him to make them feel obligated and impress them with giving them football tickets that are almost impossible to get – all during the ongoing Executive Council conference.
One of the people he invited and who was truly impressed, was Kenya’s Minister of Tourism Hon. Najib Balala. He proudly showcased his attendance and his photos to his Facebook friends.
Watch the slideshow below and see how the Kenyan minister enjoys the game together with other African candidates treated to the game by Georgia and representing executive council countries. See how Hon Najib Balala is showing off his ticket he received from the Georgian candidate. Georgia needed this push from Africa because members of the African Union presented their “African candidate” almost a year ago. This candidate was not Zurab, but the Hon. Walter Mzembi from Zimbabwe.
Ticket issued to the delegate from Kenya
There was the controversy in regards to the African Union Member Country Seychelles withdrawing their own candidate Alain St.Ange last minute and their pledge to vote for Walter Mzembi. There was the “emotional speech” Alain St. Ange was allowed to give at the beginning of the voting process, even though he was no longer a candidate. This speech most certainly influenced some candidates.
There was the rejection of the Cameroon candidate 8 years ago who wanted to speak at the executive council meeting when his country withdrew him last minute and he was not allowed to. There was no time to debate for voters after candidates made their presentation. It seems procedures and rules were interpreted at will – and this caused anger and confusion.
This is only one out of many incidents in a series of bizarre events leading to the election of the Georgian Candidate nominee as the choice of the current executive council. There is a lot more to come and eTN will be reporting about it in due time.
Taleb Rifai is not a person known to enjoy conflicts. He has built his leadership on friendship and trust. It’s almost certain he is not very happy with the current situation but has been showing his unconditional support for the Georgian nominee so far.
Mr. Zurab may be receiving private tourism lessons or consulting by David Scowsill, outgoing president and CEO of WTTC. This information was given to eTN by multiple sources. eTN reached out to WTTC and Mr. Scowsill but was unable to receive a confirmation or denial.
Mr. Rifai may feel UNWTO would jump into chaos if Zurab was not confirmed by the upcoming General Assembly. Rifai may feel UNWTO would jump into chaos if he was unable to lead through this process.
Mr. Rifai dropped a bombshell on May 10, 2016 when he had appointed Marcio Favilla at the Executive Council Meeting in Malaga, Spain.
This “deputy” may no longer be qualified to lead the organization through a possible crisis after Mr. Rifai is scheduled to resign the end of this year. Mr. Favilla had also put his name up as a candidate to become Secretary General and now has a clear conflict of interest.
According to eTN insiders attending the ongoing UNWTO Regional Commission for the Americas conference, many countries had discusd the upcoming re-confirmation hearing in China and voiced their concern openly and privately.
The question remains. What will be bigger chaos?
A) Sorting out a process to confirm a new secretary-general absent of any defined procedures as mentioned in our article discussing the “unlikely scenario.”
OR B) having a Secretary General in charge of UNWTO for the next four years who is full of controversy and hasn’t demonstrated his qualification, communication skills, and interest. Most executive council members may have not had any idea about the circumstances involved when they casted their vote.
Let us not forget: We’re playing with hundred thousands of jobs and our largest industry in the world – tourism. There is still time to establish a procedure for the organization to move forward of there was the “unlikely” scenario.
We would like to hear from you. You don’t have to give us your name, affiliation or contact information.
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CLICK HERE
if you believe there is no problem with the reconfirmation of Zurab Polokashvili at the UNWTO General Assembly. -
CLICK HERE
if you believe there will be a problem with the reconfirmation of Zurab Polokashvili at the UNWTO General Assembly.