WTTC calls for public and private sector collaboration to speed up implementation of biometrics
Implementation of biometric technology to facilitate secure borders is the single biggest opportunity for the Travel & Tourism sector in 2018, according to Gloria Guevara Manzo, President and CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).
Ms Guevara also highlighted the importance of developments in artificial intelligence and machine learning, virtual and augmented reality and changing demographics, particularly the ‘coming of age’ of millennials and growth of Generation Z, for Travel & Tourism.
Speaking at the 9th Exceltur Tourism Leadership Forum in Madrid, Spain, Ms Guevara said, “Biometric technology has been evolving over many years and we have seen gradual implementation across the sector for some time. However, in order for the step change which needs to happen to improve security and create jobs through increased tourism flows, there is an urgent need to speed up implementation.”
“The resolution of the UN Security Council at the end of 2017 which mandates all governments to employ biometric security for counter terrorism activity provides an excellent opportunity for all stakeholders to come together. In line with the work ICAO has been doing over many years, the Travel & Tourism sector needs to work with governments and security agencies to agree a standard approach which can be deployed across the Travel & Tourism system.”
“This will take a huge effort of collaboration with considerable challenges to be overcome, particularly around the security and sharing of data, and privacy issues. However, I believe that now is the time to come together so that, while ensuring our world is secure, people around the world can continue to enjoy the personal, social and economic benefits of travelling.”
Biometrics and travel security will addressed during the upcoming WTTC Global Summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina, 18-19 April 2018.
Jamaica and Mexico Sign MOU on Multi-Destination Tourism
KINGSTON, Jamaica; January 16, 2018: Jamaica and Mexico have today (January 16, 2018) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU), to concretize a multi-destination marketing arrangement which will create ease of travelling between destinations and increase arrivals.
The signing, between Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett and Mexican Secretary of Tourism, His Excellency Enrique de la Madrid Cordero, took place at the Westin Palace Hotel in Madrid, Spain.
In a statement made following the event, Minister Bartlett said that the MOU was historic, as multi-destination agreements have now been signed with the four major partners in the region – Jamaica, Cuba, Dominican Republic and Mexico.
“We anticipate that this agreement will have a major economic impact on the region. Not only is it the first of its kind in the Caribbean but it is a symbiotic arrangement that will allow us to provide a market for close to 33 million people. It will also allow us to develop and exchange partnerships with large airlines and major tour operators,” said the Minister.
His Excellency Enrique de la Madrid Cordero shared in his excitement about the new agreement, stating that the move to market the countries together is strategic as it will also aid both countries efforts to get a bigger share of markets such as South East Asia.
A joint summit is scheduled to take place by March 2018 with high-level representatives from Jamaica, Cuba, Dominican Republic and Mexico to discuss the marketing arrangement in greater detail.
The tourism ministries will also appoint someone at a later date to propel the details outlined in the MOU and provide measurable objectives.
Minister Bartlett is currently in Madrid, Spain on official duties and is scheduled to return the island on January 17, 2018.