Global unemployment is still on a high with over 190 million in 2018, according to the International Labor Organization (ILO). This alarming rate calls for all economic sectors to play their roles in job creation, providing sustainable employment. While the tourism sector currently generates only 10% of the world’s jobs, its potential – if well tapped, could be a major source of employment and entrepreneurship. This represents an important topic of discussion, having been an agenda in the 8th meeting of the Ministers of Tourism of the G20 economies and the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

In a release by the UNWTO, Argentina’s Minister of Tourism Gustavo Santos was quoted saying that, “We need to promote the role that tourism has in shaping the future of our world as the sector that will create more jobs in the coming decade”.

In doing this, there needs to be an integrated approach to the future of work in tourism, including the development and implementation of new policies by the various governments and related stakeholders. These include embracing innovation and technology, adapting advanced digital transformations, and fostering new skills development and education to create new decent jobs.

In line with this, the UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili called upon tourism leaders to “embrace the technological revolution and unleash its potential to create more and better jobs in our sector, making tourism a true pillar of the G20 objectives of inclusive and sustained growth”.

Even so, major challenges continue to hinder the development of tourism as a key driver on the creation of more and better jobs. Emergence of new markets, changing lifestyles, increased competition, demographic transition, technological developments, increased mobility, demand patterns and travel behaviors, as well as pressure to deliver high quality tourism experiences to visitors are just some of these challenges identified in the G20 policy note. Notably, a mismatch between qualifications and workplace reality is a major constraint that cannot be underplayed in achieving tourism’s full potential as an employer.

“As a tourism stakeholder, we believe that job specifications and adoption of the workplace culture is of utmost importance. In addition, we often provide extensive training to our employees and partners to enhance skills development,” says Cyrus Onyiego, Jumia Travel Kenya Country Manager.

Various measures have therefore been proposed by the Ministers of Tourism of the G20 economies, with an objective of turning these challenges into a competitive advantage:

– Encouraging policies that promote full and productive employment and facilitate the progress of innovation in tourism and foster the creation of decent jobs, sustainable enterprises, and entrepreneurship, among women and the youth;

– Establishing favorable frameworks to stimulate innovation, entrepreneurship and connect ecosystems linking start-ups, main companies, investors, and governments along the tourism value chain;

– Creating cooperation mechanisms between educational institutions at all levels, the private sector, governments, and technology partners to review educational programmes and skills development policies

– Considering the importance of SMEs in the tourism, heritage, and cultural sectors due to their contribution to job creation as well as their role in preserving and promoting cultural resources;

– Promoting the use of digital technology to facilitate travel as well as involving technology stakeholders in national tourism policies

Tourism is the third largest export category in the world, after chemicals and fuels. In 2016, international tourism receipts and passenger transport accounted for 30% of the world’s services exports (1,442 billion USD) and 7% of overall exports in goods and services. In the G20 economies, international tourism generated nearly 1,060 billion USD, representing 6.3% of all G20 exports; according to UNWTO.

A 2017 hospitality report by Jumia Travel shows that in Kenya, the sector’s contribution to employment stood at 9.3% in 2015. This is expected to rise by 2.9% pa in 2026, overall contributing to 9.5% of total employment.

He is a good man, and it’s a great improvement for UNWTO, but how he got there may have been part of the game. According to information received by eTN Sources, UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili just appointed Colombian Ambassador Jaime Alberto Cabal as his deputy.
This has not been officially confirmed by UNWTO .

eTN had received information some time ago and called ambassador Cabal in March to confirm or deny the rumors. The ambassador told eTN he had no such plans to work for UNWTO and only talked to SG Zurab one time after the election. He told eTN, he had no reason to give up his post as Colombian ambassador to Austria and move to Madrid to take a post at UNWTO.

The same eTN Source alleged the expected appointment was part of an agreement already quietly made before the recent UNWTO Secretary-General election.  The source had told eTN at that time the only reason ambassador Cabal was running himself for the post of UNWTO Secretary-General was to take away votes from other candidates and to eventually have these votes drop down to Zurab who was running for Georgia.

This move may have very well given the necessary majority to Zurab, so he eventually was able to secure a majority in the second round of the election. In return Zurab had promised the deputy position to Ambassador Cabal. eTN had heard this already since the Executive Committee voted more than a year  ago in Madrid. Cabal had denied this when he talked to eTN in March.

Interesting is also the fact all other candidates who had a position at UNWTO left or were asked to leave the organization, and Ambassador Cabal is now in.

Regardless, Cabal’s appointment should be seen as a good move after all. Cabal is highly qualified and the organization needs a strong deputy to get back on track. “The fact Mr. Cabal is accessable to media alone is a welcoming and fresh breeze coming from Madrid,” said Juergen Steinmetz, publisher of eTN.

Who is Jaime Alberto Cabal? 

The new deputy UNWTO Secretary General  Jaime Alberto Cabal, a former Minister of Colombia and Colombian Ambassador to Austria, Croatia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary, Montenegro, Czech Republic and Serbia occupied different positions in the corporate and business association sector. He has assumed governmental responsibilities as well as diplomatic and academic activities distinguishing himself by his leadership and management, geared towards the creation and transformation of organizations with a high impact on the socio-economic development of the country, and by his entrepreneurship, creation of employment, job and education opportunities.

His expertise and professional competence are related to the design and implementation of public policies for the development of strategic sectors and the socio-economic and sustainable development of the country, especially in the industrial and tourism sector, and are associated with the creation, set-up, restructuring and planning of organizations, business associations and companies as well as with the design and launch of programs, projects and actions that impact different sectors and regions.

Throughout his career, he also served as director of social organizations for the development of NGOs in Colombia, as president of the Colombian Small and Medium Enterprises Business Association – ACOPI, as CEO of the company Danaranjo S.A., and as senior consultant of the former European Economic Community in the field of social projects on business development with residence in Spain and, subsequently, in Switzerland and England.

2. Academic and professional training

Industrial Engineer from the Javeriana University in Bogota with studies in English Language and Economy from Georgetown University and Master’s Degree in Economy from the American University in Washington D.C. He also holds postgraduate degrees in Senior Management from the Los Andes University and Inalde Business School in Bogota D.C. Likewise, he specialized in Entrepreneurship and Management for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises and in Management of Social Companies at the University of South Carolina, the IE Business School in Madrid and the Complutense University in Spain.

In addition to Spanish, through his training and professional experience, he is fluent in English as a business language.

 Professional achievements

He made important achievements throughout his professional career regarding the support of social organizations, entrepreneurs and small enterprises by launching programs like the microcredit, the creation of new companies and the introduction of public policies and their integration on a global level.

As Minister for Economic Development, he promoted and passed important laws for the strengthening of vulnerable sectors and companies, pointing out Law 590 for the Support of Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, Law 550 for the Salvation and Restructuring of Companies, and Law 546 for Social Housing. He also promoted the creation of funds and microcredit programs as well as the international cooperation with important agencies of different countries and the United Nations, like UNIDO and UNPD among others.

In  the field of diplomacy, as Ambassador to South Korea, he contributed to the negotiation of the Free Trade Agreement between the two countries, to the increase of cooperation and business activities in the field of Colombian exports and investments by Korean companies, and to the institutional strengthening of the Embassy. In Austria and the concurrent countries, he has distinguished himself by instigating the reopening and opening of Embassies in Colombia, by driving forward important cooperation projects especially in the business sector of Colombia and by establishing investments in Colombia by companies of these countries.

As Permanente Representative of Colombia to the United Nations Organization and other International Organizations based in Vienna, he represents the country’s interests at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime – UNODC, the International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA, and the United Nations Industrial Development Office – UNIDO, among others.

3.1 In the tourism sector

His achievements and results in the tourism sector are noteworthy. Under his leadership as President of the Colombian Hotel and Tourism Association, he contributed to the generation of new initiatives for the development and strengthening of this sector through Law 1101 on Tourism, through the promotion of Law 788 on Tax Exemption for the Construction and Renovation of Hotels, and by reforming the Colombian Tourism Promotion Fund – FONTUR. He also proposed to link PROEXPORT, today known as PROCOLOMBIA, to the international promotion of tourism.

The initiation of important cooperation programs with more than 15 countries conducting international training programs for more than 950 Colombian entrepreneurs has been highly recognized by leaders of the tourism sector. He has also been the precursor of projects focused on tourism quality, sustainable development, eco-efficient hotels, and social responsibility.

He represented the tourism sector at the executive boards of PROCOLOMBIA, FONTUR and the Country Brand “Colombia es Pasión”. He served as President of the Colombian Chamber of Tourism and the Ibero-American Hotel Association.

Concerning the World Tourism Organization: In his capacity as Minister, he contributed to the insertion of Colombia in the Organization, and as a business leader he contributed to the promotion of Colombia as the host venue for the 17th UNWTO World Assembly, which was celebrated in Cartagena in 2007, and during several years, he held the vice-presidency of the Organization’s Affiliate Members. He also organized and participated as lecturer in important seminars and fora of the Organization.

3.2 Other achievements and accomplishments

He has been invited by different countries as consultant and lecturer and as participant in the boards of Colombian organizations and companies, highlighting the Colombian Stock Market, the Caja Social Bank and, at international level, the Executive Board of the CAF- Development Bank of Latin America. For several years, he was a member of the Colombian National Conciliation Commission for Peace. For his achievements and results he received several recognitions and awards by local and regional governments of Colombia, the Colombian National Government itself, and by international entities.

Those that are considered someone in the global world of travel and tourism got on planes and added their name to the participation list at the 2-day summit at the Hilton Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina. They went home after an action-packed time of sideline meetings, showing face, and announcing new developments or participating on stage.

A WTTC summit is also a place where private industry leaders meet government leaders and of course meet among themselves. It’s a place where ministers of tourism and sometimes even prime ministers go as a matter of a yearly routine.

The host destination is always praised as a shining example of forward-looking activities in tourism. The program itself, even though the high level and lined up with selected invited leaders, is not the most important part of the event. What seems to be more important, is what happens on the sideline of the event.

WTTC  provides an excellent platform for this to happen. WTTC is able to attract CEO of the largest travel, tourism, aviation, and hospitality companies to attend, and ministerial level participation bridges the connection to make it effective for both a public-private partnership and new doors opening among the top level tourism industry leaders.

Of course, the summit is big money as well. It means big income not only for WTTC but also for the host destination having to invest  7 digit numbers for the honor to be a WTTC host.

Destinations are hoping that hosting and bankrolling such a high-level conference will benefit them in a big way and long-term. They share this hope with all the ministers and CEOs attending and are counting this event will help to promote their own destinations and initiatives.

Three days after the event googling “WTTC Summit 2018,” and when looking at Google News you saw less than 20 stories published in International English language media – Almost half of those stories were from eTurboNews.

It can only be hoped media coverage for such a mega event will increase to increase the PR value, considering a large numbers of journalists were hosted or otherwise attending.

This year was special for WTTC. It was the first year a new UNWTO Secretary-General (Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili) showed face for a few short hours during the event as he stood next to the Argentinian President at the opening ceremony and announced UNWTO’s support and took credit for various projects.

It was also the first year WTTC CEO Gloria Guevara Manzo presided over a WTTC summit.

eTN publisher Juergen Steinmetz was excited to see Pololikashvili for the first time at a press conference. The Secretary-General had been shy and unavailable and non-responsive when it comes to talking to media. Knowing this, Steinmetz was the first journalist indicating he had questions for Zurab.

Unfortunately, Zurab and also WTTC CEO Gloria Manzo did not acknowledge eTN’s request to ask questions during the only press conference Zurab attended. After the press conference, Zurab continued to ignore eTN’s attempt wanting to ask a question when approached after the official part of the press conference.

Therefore this publication will have to continue to rely on other sources when reporting about issues close to UNWTO. Transparency and openness in the UN Specialized Agency had become a challenge after the helm went from Dr. Taleb Rifai to Zurab Pololikashvili. The pressing question is: What does UNWTO have to hide?

It should be noted Gloria Guevara Manzo and everyone at WTTC have always been responsive and open to any question by this publication.

The next annual WTTC summit is planned for 2019 in Seville, Spain. This will be another melting pot event for top leaders in the global travel & tourism industry.

It will be an opportunity for Seville, Spain to be a good host and show attending delegates what this Spanish destination has to offer.

Was it worth attending the 2018 Summit?
eTN Publisher Steinmetz concluded: “Absolutely if it’s seen in terms of networking!

In terms of trying to understand UNWTO current role in global travel and tourism, get to know what the new Secretary General plans to do, and evaluate UNWTO’s activities he had tried to explained at the summit, the trip to Buenos Aires was a waste of time and money, full of questions and no answers.

For Argentina, it was a fantastic opportunity to showcase their destination to fellow tourism leaders and country representatives in the world. If there is a long-term advantage for future tourism arrivals that could be directly credited to the summit and would not have happened without the summit waits to be seen of course.

Here is a list of people and events that are actively participated at the WTTC Summit 2018 in Buenos Aires.

VIP Guests:

H.E. Mauricio Macri, President of the Republic of Argentina • Christopher J. Nassetta, CEO, Hilton & Chairman, World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) • H.E. José Gustavo Santos, Minister of Tourism, Republic of Argentina • Gloria Guevara Manzo, President & CEO, WTTC • Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary General, World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)

Our world of today, our world of tomorrow

Greg O’Hara, Founder and Managing Partner, Certares • Fritz Joussen, CEO, TUI Group • Arne Sorenson, President & CEO, Marriott International

Leadership in a digital age

In an industry defined by increasing digital disruption this session will look at what it takes to be an effective leader in an uncertain climate. How will the sector cope with the opportunities and challenges of robotics and Artificial Intelligence? How will the next generation of consumers and workers shape the industry? What kind of leadership will be required in the future? KEYNOTE: • Peter Fankhauser, CEO, Thomas Cook Group PANELLISTS: • Desiree Bollier, Chair, Value Retail • Julián Díaz González, CEO, Dufry AG • Chris Lehane, Head of Policy, Airbnb • Joan Vilà, Executive Chairman, Hotelbeds Group Moderator: Matt Vella, Executive Editor, TIME Magazine

300 Tourism as a partner for climate action

The leader of a global initiative on climate change will explore the linkages between tourism and climate change, and the role of tourism in supporting global action, and a new WTTC initiative on Climate Change will be announced. • Patricia Espinosa, Executive Secretary, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) • Christopher J. Nassetta, CEO, Hilton & Chairman, WTTC 1325 Geoffrey Kent interview Geoffrey J W Kent, Founder, Chairman & CEO Abercrombie & Kent, will hold his annual interview with a well-known personality and recount entertaining stories from an illustrious career in Travel & Tourism. • H.R.H Prince Sultan bin Salman, Chairman & President, Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH) • Geoffrey J W Kent, Founder, Chairman & CEO, Abercrombie & Kent 1345 LUNCH 1515 Tourism – an engine for employment Following the Meeting of G20 Tourism Ministers the previous day, tourism ministers from across the G20 give an overview of the key outcomes of the meeting, and highlight how tourism is contributing to the G20 agenda. • H.E. Derek Hanekom, Minister of Tourism, South Africa • H.E. Kazuo Yana, Parliamentary Vice-Minister, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Japan • H.E. Vinícius Lummertz, Minister of Tourism, Brazil

1540 Secure and seamless travel:

Defining a vision for the future Travel & Tourism has enormous power to create jobs but only if people are able to travel efficiently and safely. How do we ensure that the world remains open to travel and that travel is facilitated in a secure way? What are the opportunities around biometrics? This discussion will look at how we can align technologies, agree and implement processes, and explore ways in which the industry can connect with governments to aid travel facilitation. KEYNOTE: Ge Huayong, Chairman of the Board, China UnionPay 1555 PART 1: identifying technologies • Paul Griffiths, CEO, Dubai Airport • Richard Camman, VP Business Innovation, Vision-Box • Diana Robino, SVP, Travel Industries, Enterprise Partnerships, Mastercard Moderator: Nick Ross, Summit Anchor 1625 PART 2: aligning the processes • Mario Hardy, CEO, Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) • Dr Fang Liu, Secretary General, International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) • John Moavenzadeh, Head of Mobility Industries and System Initiative, World Economic Forum (WEF) • Paul Steele, Senior Vice President Member & External Relations, Corporate Secretary, International Air Transport Association (IATA)

Moderator: Arnie Weissmann, Editor in Chief, Travel Weekly

PART 3: working with governments:

• Isabel Hill, Director, Office of Travel & Tourism Industries, USA • Istvan Ujhelyi, Chair of Tourism Task Force, European Parliament • Earl Anthony Wayne, Former US Ambassador to Mexico Moderator: Kathleen Matthews, Journalist and Broadcaster 1715 BREAK 1745 KEYNOTE: Arnold W. Donald, President & CEO, Carnival Corporation 1800 Readiness, resilience, recovery In the aftermath of a crisis, countries are often at their most vulnerable. How do we ensure that we support the longer-term resilience of those facing the growing threats of external shocks? What can we do as an industry to better prepare against the impact of such shocks? This session will explore different types of crises – health pandemics, security and terror attacks, and natural disasters – and the actions taken to enhance preparedness, management, and resilience. 1800 PART 1: Planning for and managing a crisis KEYNOTE: • Peter Jan Graaff, Director Global Initiatives

WHO Health Emergency Program.

PANELLISTS: • H.E. Najib Balala, Cabinet Secretary for Tourism, Kenya • Sean Donohue, CEO, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport • Cathy Tull, CMO, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority Moderator: Kathleen Matthews, Journalist and Broadcaster 1830 PART 2: Recovery and resilience • H.E. Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism, Jamaica • Miguel Frasquilho, Chairman of the Board, TAP Group • Mark Hoplamazian, President & CEO, Hyatt Hotels • Hiromi Tagawa, Chairman of the Board, JTB Corp Moderator: Nathan Lump, Editor in Chief, Travel + Leisure

DAY 2

0815 – 0915 Cybersecurity:

Are you ahead of the curve? This session will take an executive view and explore the nature of new technologies and the security threats they bring to our Travel & Tourism sector in the context of ensuring the collective safety and resilience of our industry. • Nick Fishwick, Advisor, HSBC • Robin Ingle, Chairman and CEO, Ingle International • Dee K. Waddell, General Manager, Global Travel & Transportation Industry, IBM • Adam Weissenberg, Global Leader, Travel, Tourism and Hospitality, Deloitte and Touche

0930 The voices of experience

Former presidents and prime ministers from the Spanish speaking world will discuss the challenges and opportunities for sustainable tourism development against the backdrop of an ever-shifting political landscape. • José María Aznar, Prime Minister, Spain, 1996-2004 • Felipe Calderón Hinojosa, President of Mexico, 2006-2012 • Laura Chinchilla Miranda, President of Costa Rica, 2010-2014 • Marcos Peña, Chief of Cabinet of Ministers of the Argentine Nation Moderator: Gloria Guevara Manzo, President & CEO, WTTC

1015 Power, politics and policy

In a world where politics is ever more complex, and where political messaging can impact tourism growth both positively and negatively, we hear from players in the USA on how to navigate the challenges successfully. • Caroline Beteta, President & CEO, Visit California • Roger Dow, President & CEO, US Travel Association • Christopher L. Thompson, President & CEO, Brand USA Moderator: Nick Ross, Summit Anchor Tourism for Tomorrow 1045 Travel & Tourism declaration on illegal trade in wildlife Presentation of a new WTTC initiative to support global action to combat illegal trade in wildlife. • Catherine Arnold, Head of Illegal Wildlife Trade Unit, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, United Kingdom • Gary Chapman, President Group Services & dnata, Emirates Group • Gerald Lawless, Immediate past Chairman, WTTC • John E. Scanlon, Special Envoy, African Parks • Darrell Wade, Co-Founder & Executive Chair, Intrepid Group* Moderator: Peter Greenberg, Travel Editor, CBS News 1115 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards WTTC’s annual Tourism for Tomorrow Awards ceremony will showcase and celebrate the very best in sustainable tourism from around the world. • Fiona Jeffery, Founder & Chairman, Just a Drop and Chair, Tourism for Tomorrow Awards • Jeffrey C. Rutledge, CEO, AIG Travel

1245 Sustainable Growth:

Tourism that benefits everyone WTTC work with McKinsey & Company on how to manage tourism growth highlighted the importance of community engagement for sustainable tourism growth. How can stakeholders come together to agree a shared vision for their destination? How can we shift the focus away from numbers of tourists and towards a more quality driven, value focused approach? KEYNOTE: Tourism, development and peace – The story of Rwanda • The Rt. Hon. Prime Minister of the Republic of Rwanda, Dr Edouard Ngirente 1300 Value vs volume: harnessing growth to create a quality product • Jillian Blackbeard, Executive Manager – Marketing, Botswana Tourism Organization (BTO) Ninan Chacko, CEO, Travel Leaders Group • Alex Dichter, Senior Partner, McKinsey & Company • H.E. Ana Mendes Godinho, Secretary of State for Tourism, Portugal • Matthew Upchurch, President & CEO, Virtuoso Moderator: Nick Ross, Summit Anchor

1330 Putting communities at the center of tourism development

• H.E. Nikolina Angelkova, Minister of Tourism, Bulgaria • Fred Dixon, President & CEO, NYC and Company • Katie Fallon, Global Head of Corporate Affairs, Hilton • Gonzalo Robredo, President of the Tourism Entity of the City of Buenos Aires • H.E. Wanda Teo, Secretary of Tourism, Philippines Moderator: Tim Willcox, Presenter, BBC News 1410 Hollywood, hospitality and travel • Five-time Academy Award winning director and hotelier, Francis Ford Coppola, interviewed by Costas Christ, CEO, Beyond Green Travel 1440 Closing remarks • Gloria Guevara Manzo, President & CEO, WTTC • H.E. José Gustavo Santos, Minister of Tourism, Republic of Argentina 1450

Handover to next Summit Host

Sevilla 2019 will be next!

The location of the 2019 World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit was announced at the closing ceremony of the 18th WTTC Global Summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The 2019 WTTC Global Summit will be hosted by Ayuntamiento of Seville, in partnership with Turismo Andaluz and Turespaña on April 3-4, 2018.

Travel & Tourism is one of the leading sectors stimulating economic growth and employment worldwide. In 2017, the global Travel & Tourism sector grew at 4.6%, faster than the global economy as a whole (3% growth during 2017) and generated US$8.3 trillion in GDP (10.4%) and 313 million jobs. Travel & Tourism is a significant contributor to Spain’s economy, accounting for 14.9% of GDP (EUR$172.9bn) and 15.1% of jobs (2.8 million jobs). Spain’s travel sector enjoyed a very successful 2017, overtaking the US to become the second most visited country in the world.

Gloria Guevara Manzo, President & CEO of WTTC, said: “We are extremely excited to bring next year’s WTTC Global Summit back to Europe for the first time since 2015, to Seville, Spain, a welcoming, diverse, and well-connected city, which topped Lonely Planet’s list of best cities to visit in 2018.”

Manzo added: “WTTC’s annual Global Summit brings together the most influential figures from the public and private sector to address the challenges and opportunities facing Travel & Tourism. Hosting the Summit in Seville is a reflection of the commitment and efforts of the Spanish government to growing business and leisure travel, and we are very much looking forward to April 2019.”

Juan Espadas, Mayor of Seville, said: “In Seville, we want to grow sustainably. Without losing our identity as a heritage city, with a lifestyle closely related to gastronomy and the friendliness of people well known around the world. In Seville, we are heavily investing in diversification of the tourism industry. We are a great city to visit, to live and to invest, and it is an honour to host the WTTC Global Summit, as any city would dream of. The Summit will make Seville the world centre of decision making in tourism for the next year. Welcome to Seville. The city of joy”

Matilde Asian, President of Turespaña, concluded: “We are looking forward to welcoming the Summit attendees back to Spain next year. It is an excellent opportunity for the delegates to experience Seville’s cultural life, warm climate, amazing gastronomy, and friendly people.”

Francisco Javier Fernández, Minister for Tourism, Andalucía, said “Hosting WTTC´s Global Summit highlights Andalucía on an international scale, and we are excited to have such a high-level international event in Seville. The 2019 WTTC Global Summit represents an opportunity to showcase the richness of our culture and the opportunities our sector provides.”

The world travel and tourism dream team Taleb Rifai and David Scowsill are back together.

Both men became good friends and worked together constantly for many years when Dr. Taleb Rifai was the UNWTO Secretary-General, and David Scowsill the CEO of WTTC.

This time, both men joined the Tourism Advisory Board of AIRBNB.

Also, today, the current UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili and WTTC CEO Guevara Manzo pledged their support for each other at a press conference in Buenos Aires.

Zurab laid out recent developments for cooperation in Latin America. This was echoed with a billion-dollar cooperation in the private tourism industry reported by Gloria from WTTC. The winner seems to be Argentina tourism, the host of the ongoing WTTC Summit.

Many of the major or not so major hotels and hotel operators think AIRBNB is operating in the shadow of legality and are taking their business. Tax authorities around the globe are giving AIRBNB a hard time, but the online platform is doing fantastic and many travelers love to stay in private homes or apartments to get a personal tourism experience.

According to a notice published on the AIRBNB website:

Airbnb launched the Tourism Advisory Board made up of travel industry leaders from around the world as part of its Office of Healthy Tourism, an initiative to drive local, authentic, and sustainable tourism in countries and cities across the globe. The Tourism Advisory Board is comprised of four members who have set the tone for this dialogue during their years in the industry:

– Professor the Hon Bob Carr, the former Foreign Affairs Minister for Australia and former Premier of New South Wales

– Taleb Rifai, the former Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization

– Rosette Rugamba, Managing Director of Songa Africa and Amakoro Lodge and former Director General of Rwanda Tourism and National Parks

– David Scowsill, Chief Executive of EON Reality Inc. and former President and CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council

The Tourism Advisory Board will help shape the company’s long-term vision and activities promoting healthy sustainable tourism and ensuring that as tourism grows, locals are the primary beneficiary.