News

UNWTO and the JTTA partner to foster gastronomy tourism in Japan

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the Japan Travel and Tourism Association (JTTA) and Gurunavi Inc. have undersigned an agreement to develop a “UNWTO Affiliate Members Report on Gastronomy Tourism: Japan.” The report will contribute to capitalize the potential of this segment in the Nippon country and add to the existing UNWTO research on gastronomy tourism. 

Japanese cuisine has become a world reference and at present, Japan is the country with the highest number of restaurants awarded with 3 Michelin stars. In addition, Japanese gastronomy has been officially designated as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.

The Report will provide a global overview of gastronomy tourism in Japan and explores the potential of this segment as an instrument for inclusive development in the country. The publication will primarily deliver the findings of the extensive research conducted by two UNWTO Affiliate Members, the Japan Travel and Tourism Association (JTTA) and Gurunavi.

Data compilation will include interviews, surveys, research and field work conducted with stakeholders from both the private and public sectors. The publication will also include case studies and best practices in gastronomy tourism in Japan.

JAPAN TRAVEL AND TOURISM ASSOCIATION

The Japan Travel and Tourism Association, serving as a national center for Japanese tourism, is engaged in supporting travel and tourism to promote Japan as a tourism-oriented country. The Association contributes to promoting the growth of regional economies and the tourism industry, enriching Japanese citizen’s lives and culture, and encouraging international goodwill by creating attractive domestic sightseeing destinations, organizing wide-area tourism routes and energizing exchanges through tourism. The Association’s goal is to effectively promote tourism by supporting regionally based tourism promotion activities and through broad coordination between the regions and the tourism industry. The Association has 650 members nationwide engaged in tourism-related activities. They include local governments, tourism associations, tourism industry bodies, railways, airlines and tourism-related companies.

Official Website

GURUNAVI INC.

Gurunavi, Inc. is an Internet search service provider, focusing on the provision of information for restaurants and the service of restaurants through personal computers, cellular phones and smart phones. They also offer marketing promotion services for restaurant operators. In addition, Gurunavi is involved in the sale of food products, the home delivery catering, wedding information and the travel-related businesses. As of April 1, 2016, the site had grown into a major website, with more than half a million restaurant profiles and listings, and 13.97 million members.

Official Website

Ministers & CEO

Regional tourism industry set to take centerstage during UNWTO Global Conference in Montego Bay, Jamaica

NEW YORK, NY – June 6, 2017 – The regional tourism industry is set to take centerstage during the UNWTO, Government of Jamaica and World Bank Group Conference on Jobs & Inclusive Growth: Partnerships for Sustainable Tourism, at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, St. James, November 27-29, 2017. Speaking at a press conference on June 6 at the Consulate General of Jamaica during Caribbean Week in New York, Minister of Tourism, the Honourable Edmund Bartlett noted that given the region’s dependency on tourism, it was important that such a conference provide solutions on how the Caribbean can better leverage this industry.

“The conference programme, though global in nature, is highly significant to the Caribbean. And therefore, we felt that we should incorporate a programme specific to the Caribbean and some of the issues we grapple with. This programme will take place on the first day of the conference on November 27,” noted Minister Bartlett.

With the regional focus on opening day, the Ministry of Tourism received the endorsement of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) from Secretary General Hugh Riley and the Caribbean Hotel and Tourist Association (CHTA) by way of Chief Marketing Officer Matt Cooper.

Minister Bartlett stated that tourism is the single largest generator of foreign exchange in 16 of the 28 countries in the Caribbean and the sector receiving the most foreign direct investment (FDI), adding that the region has a higher proportion of total employment and percentage of GDP derived from tourism than any other region in the world.

According to the Tourism Minister, “It is estimated that 1 in every 4 persons is employed by tourism-related activities and the sector accounts for 41% of all exports and services in the Caribbean and 31% of all gross domestic product”.

Additionally, Minister Bartlett indicated that similar to what was done with the global aspect of the conference, the organizers have included a number of Caribbean themes within the Call for Papers, which cover tourism and sustainability, where the threats, risks and challenges will be discussed; the strengthening of the human capital and human capital trends; the tourism value chain linkages and technology and innovation.

According to Minister Bartlett, one of key expected outcomes from this global conference is the Montego Bay Declaration. “At the end of the conference, there will be the compilation of the Draft Montego Bay Declaration. From this will flow an action plan for tourism destinations to follow, as well as the publication of the second volume of the UNWTO Global Report on Public Private Partnerships”.

The Tourism Minister also announced that the Conference will be used to pay tribute to the current UNWTO Secretary General Dr. Taleb Rifai whose tenure comes to an end. “Although he will have his formal send-off in December, the UNWTO has allowed us to utilize this opportunity for the more emotional and “irie” send-off,” noted Bartlett.

Another feature of the conference will be the presentation of the Caribbean Legends Awards, the first of its kind, which will be a collaborative effort involving the Ministry of Tourism of Jamaica, the CTO and the CHTA, supported by UNWTO. These awards, in the categories of Land, Sea and Air, will be given to individuals that have made an indelible mark on the tourism industry, not just regionally, but globally, enhancing the Caribbean brand.

Minister Bartlett departed the island to attend CTO Caribbean Week on June 5, 2017 and will return on June 11, 2017. He is accompanied by his Senior Communications Strategist, Delano Seiveright.

News

PATA reaffirms support to Paris Accord on Climate Change

BANGKOK, June 5, 2017 – The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is reasserting its commitment to sustainable development across the entire spectrum of travel and tourism with a renewed pledge to support the Paris Accord within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Embedded within this PATA advocacy theme is an acknowledgement and recognition that tourism must play an influential role in preserving the planet’s natural resources by adopting effective, sustainable practices.

“Our members, both public and private sector, are leading by example. They recognise that responsible business practices must embrace practical measures to offset the potentially irreversible damage to our planet caused by climate change,” said PATA CEO Dr. Mario Hardy.

Dr. Hardy has welcomed the responses and statement of leading business figures such as Apple CEO Tim Cook and Tesla Inc. co-founder Elon Musk as well as the Governors of several US states that, together, have also reaffirmed their commitment to combating climate change.

“Now is the time to reinforce our determination for the principles and objectives of the Paris Agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.  This agreement has now been ratified by 147 nations and territories. We encourage more nations to sign and to support practically the efforts to reduce carbon emissions,” added Dr. Hardy.

“The decision of the US government to withdraw from the Paris Accord is highly regrettable but it will not deter us from campaigning vigorously for effective measures to preserve and protect our world. This is an opportunity for tourism to lead by example. Environmental protection and preservation is above politics and way beyond the beliefs of individual politicians. Whether natural or man-made our climate is changing – and not for the better. PATA will continue to advocate responsible tourism development that benefits, rather than destroys, our communities.”

Opinion

Survey result: UNWTO Secretary General Election should have been stopped

Last week Worldtourism Wire asked readers a question: “UNWTO Election – is there a problem?”

Today you, our readers spoke out in full force. Responses came from government officials, many asked to remain anonymous. They came from private consultants and other tourism stakeholders.  The question was to find out if the Georgian nominee Zurab Pololikashvili went too far in inviting key executive council members to a sold out football game during the Madrid Executive Council.

Only 4 out of 142 responses thought it was ok. These four claimed to be from Spain (2x) , France, and Palau.  None of them had any explanation, nor did they give their name or contact information.

More outspoken were more than 100 readers claiming the action by the UNWTO Secretary nominee should be considered bribery, Two readers from France and Spain thought the action was not ethical but acceptable.

Many of those responding were executive council members and did not want to be named.
Here are some comments received:

AUSTRALIA:  (anonymous) The UN and UNWTO are a waste of tax payers money and we see proof of this in the last few weeks first when the African Union tells countries who they must vote for even if the countries candidate comes from that continent.  (We deleted some personal attacks on a candidate following this sentence)

What is the UNWTO? Well, it’s just a big boys club for a bunch of useless ex or current public servants and consultants. What has the UNWTO really done in the last 20 years? Besides chewing through millions of dollars, mostly for meetings and conferences for a few public servants of 3rd world countries. Let the private sector, regional tourism bodies, and IATA get on with the job.

To prove this point how much has the UNWTO wasted on this election process. many countries don’t even belong anymore to UNWTO, including Canada and I believe the USA and many European countries.

I have written to my Prime Minister here in Australia a few months ago to ask if Australia was going to pull out and the reply I received back from the PM office said they were reviewing it. Now that this Georgian has been elected I think you will see a lot of countries not renew and pull out.

CANADA: Bea Broda, TV producer: How can a person be elected as the CEO when there has been evidence that votes were “bought?” This kind of corruption should not exist at this level.

FLANDERS: Two responders say this incident constitutes bribery.

FRANCE: Government official: If he (Zurab)  respect himself he should resign nd the next in line who was elected should be nominated. How we can have such a nominee at UNWTO helm, if he is a cheater. This is unacceptable at all.

GERMANY: One attending government official  commented: “The candidate is tainted.”

FINLAND: Birger Baeckman, former president of UFTAA, board member .travel.  Attending the football game for an UNWTO Executive Council member was wrong and constitutes bribery. Any politicization of the travel and tourism is to the detriment of the travel and tourism industry and thus also to the UNWTO.

GUATEMALA:  I trust that a good choice will be made–someone who is in the business of tourism; who has a good reputation as a person and as an entity–who has nothing to hide; nor has done wrong to anybody within and outside the world tourism family.
May we continue to be transparent!!!

ITALY: Michelina Gabriel Sanquest: I was disappointed that Hon.Minister from Zimbabwe Walter Mzembi did not win.I felt he was the Better Candidate in my opinion.

MACEDONIA:  (government official) The UNWTO needs to correct and adhere the Secretary General Election regulations in order to prevent from unethical acts and wrongdoings. Not necessarily, these are result of purposeful action, but more could be a result of a culture differences.
Also, the deadlines for submissiona and the candidates nominations regulations should also be subject to change.

MOROCCO: James, MA Grogor, government consultant: Thanks for keeping this disastrous and wholly unacceptable situation alive with your excellent journalism. UNWTO can ill afford such controversy. I was finally hoping for a candidate that could represent and work with the private sector to enable the UNWTO to assume the rightful position as an International leader for the entire sect… Obviously Alain St. Ange provided just that creativity and leadership that is needed. But that aside, electing somebody with no tourism industry experience is simply unacceptable in 2017. Will you sure a lack of participation the private sector. The challenges to the tourism industry are too great at this time.

NAMIBIA government official: The ballot paper were shredded so that no evidence is there for the rigging and the African candidate lost because of the system and it is my hope that the Georgina man should not be confirmed in September 201, let’s revisit this election in China if we are fair.
A second responder said:  The whole election was unethical corrupt and unprecedented.

SOUTH AFRICA:  Prof De Wet Marxon : Global tourism is in jeopardy now with this clueless Zurab. The UNWTO risks becoming irrelevant even loosing membership due to the SG elect’s leadership inabilities that are a matter of public record. It is unfortunate for global tourism. Certainly, the irregularities we are reading compels for a re-run of the election. Dr. Rifai has put a dent on his legacy and to say it clearly, he is not a leader to be trusted. We suspect that given the determination he has, Dr Rifai, to impose Zurab as he tricked the whole world, makes himself and Zurab never to be trusted at all.

SPAIN: Joanna Penalver (Internavo)  Attending the football game for an UNWTO executive council was wrong and constitutes bribery.

Another comment from Spain suggests the ticket for Carlos Vogeler and  Young-shim Dho was a winning combination bringing consistency, experience and the private industry to a future UNWTO structure. Allowing Mr. St. Ange to speak to voters and being allowed to ruin the reputation of another candidate and at a time he was no longer in the game was wrong. For the Secretary General Dr. Rifai allowing this to happen plus tolerating the implementation of the football game known to him and many executive council candidates was not only wrong, unfair, but illegal.The election process should have been stopped at that time.

SYRIA: Attending the football game for an UNWTO executive council was wrong and constitutes bribery.

THAILAND: One known responder who wanted to remain anonymous found this incident constitutes bribery.
Another one said:  Shocking behavior from a fellow that the industry hardly knows. Highly risky choice. Could end up a bit like the Trump Presidency …..

TURKMENISTAN: Shohrat Jumayev:  Mr. Zorab Polikashvili (I hope I got his name correctly) should not be UNTO next secretary general as he is not related to tourism, did not campaign for the office and is a non-performance and non-person on the international stage.
It will spell the end of UNWTO remaining resemblance of normality and relevance!

UK:  (government official) The nominee should be disqualified and the contest re-run so as to select a candidate untainted by controversy & with the necessary background & experience of the world of tourism and its myriad aspects.

USA: Pamela Ott, consultant: The nominee should be required to have attended most, a percentage, of meetings in order to be considered for that position. I believe this alone shows a lack of dedication that others, regardless of receiving “gifts” should acknowledge and insist upon for any leader.

Ron S. Mracky, the current Managing Director of the Africa Consult Group wrote: It is a disgrace that type of underhanded obligation bribe has been brought on to an ethical top world tourism office. Reminds one of the FIFA and its downfall and loss of credibility the organization held for many decades -in short, the action of the Georgia government official should be called “dirty politics” and the results of the last UNWTO vote dismissed as an affront to serious international behavior the international tourism industry stands for.

Another respondent from the USA said:  This kind of sub-rosa bribery is both tiresome and damaging to the organization.

ZAMBIA (anonymous ): The elections were not free and fair. The so called elected candidate is not an expert in Tourism issues. His Manifesto was rather clueless please we can not have such an incompetent leader at the helm of such an important organization. UNWTO needs a dedicated and professional leadership with no link to football matches as a means to rise to the top post of Secretary General.

The discussion can go on. Click here to post your comments.

 

News

UNWTO condemns the attack in Manila

UNWTO strongly condemns the attack perpetrated in Manila yesterday.

On behalf of the international tourism community, UNWTO conveys its heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the families and friends of the victims and to the Filipino people.

“The Philippines is one of the most consolidated tourism destinations in the world. We are fully confident that this will continue to be the case and we look forward to meet in Manila next 21 June for 6th International Conference on Tourism Statistics: Measuring Sustainable Tourism, one of UNWTO’s major events. This will be the best expression of support and union against these hideous acts.” said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai.

Opinion

International Coalition of Tourism Partners President on Trump’s Paris Climate announcement

The International Coalition of Tourism Partner (ICTP) President and SUNx Co-founder, Geoffrey Lipman, responded to US President Donald Trump’s announcement regarding the pull-out of America from the Paris Climate Agreement, by saying, “The Emperor has no clothes.”

He further stated:

“Donald Trump’s announcement on the Paris Climate Agreement is an attack on humanity. We spend too much time in the Travel and Tourism sector repeating the same mantras about our sector being a force for good.

“Today, we have a clarion call to put our money where our mouth is and use our strength to resist planetary bullying.

“It’s time to stand up to actions designed to benefit the rich few at the cost of everyone else.

“We should stand behind French President Macron’s clear call to stay the course on the Paris Climate Agreement.

“We created SUNx to help the sector respond to eXistential Climate Change. We intend to use our voice to resist Donald Trump’s self-serving policy approach to the future of humanity.

“If you agree please let me know. [email protected]

Ministers & CEO

Jamaica to Vie for UNWTO Executive Council Candidature

KINGSTON, Jamaica; May 31, 2017: Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, says Jamaica has submitted its candidature to occupy one of five seats allocated to the Regional Commission of the Americas on the Executive Council of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) for the period 2018 – 2021.

“Jamaica is one of the four English-speaking Caribbean Member States of the UNWTO. So it is quite an honour for us to occupy a position that will have us at the helm of the decision making process of the tourism sector — not only in the region but for member states across the globe,” said Minister Bartlett.

The selection of regional representatives is scheduled to take place during the 61st Meeting of the UNWTO Regional Commission for the Americas in San Salvador, El Salvador, and Roatan, Honduras, May 29 – June 2, 2017.

“The confidence placed in Jamaica internationally puts us in a unique position to reap a number of benefits which will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the people of Jamaica. As a result of this, we have been able to form a number of key partnerships, strengthen linkages with other sectors and witness an increase in investments. I am therefore very confident that if successful, this will undoubtedly be multiplied,” he said.

He noted that he will also use the opportunity to further promote the UNWTO, Government of Jamaica and World Bank Group Conference on Partnerships for Jobs & Inclusive Growth through Sustainable Tourism, which will see the country hosting overseas participants from some 157 countries at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in November of this year.

“The spotlight of the world will be directly on Jamaica and the publicity we will get from this conference is invaluable. More than 800 international and local participants are expected to attend the conference to discuss issues that we hope will result in partnerships for sustainable tourism for development and new investments,” he said.

The Minister left the island yesterday (May 30) and is being accompanied by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Jennifer Griffith. The 61st Meeting of the UNWTO Regional Commission for the Americas meeting will also feature an international seminar on New Technologies Applied to Tourism on June 1 in Roatan, Honduras.

The Minister is expected to return to the island on Sunday, June 4, on the inaugural Southwest Airlines non-stop flight from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport to Montego Bay.