The World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) initiative Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism (MST) received a boost last week when its working group met in Madrid (24-25 October). After successful pilot studies to produce credible and comparable data, the initiative is on track with its aim of getting the MST framework adopted as the third international standard on tourism statistics.

The group of experts creating a statistical framework for Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism met to establish the MST initiative’s major goals for 2019. The initiative is creating a draft framework for a data standard for tourism’s impact on sustainability and plans to have it adopted as the third international standard on tourism statistics by the UN Statistics Commission (UNSC).

Among the areas of discussion during the group’s meeting on 24-25 October were summarizing the pilot studies done in Germany, Philippines and Saudi Arabia to test MST’s relevance, and which have shown feasibility of the proposed framework in three different national contexts. This means the MST framework is on track to be prepared for submission as an international standard.

For 2019 the MST working group has tasked itself with refining and documenting three statistically-based tourism indicators to monitor the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their targets. UNWTO is the custodian agency of these three indicators, and coordinates the development of tourism-related indicators with countries and UN agencies. The next step will then be to present this draft framework in UNWTO’s 2019 meetings of its governing bodies.

Background to the MST framework

Statistical frameworks enable countries to produce data that is credible and comparable across countries, time periods and other standards. MST is a UNWTO-led initiative for a statistical framework for tourism, supported by UNSC since March 2017. Its roadmap was set in the 6th International Conference on Tourism Statistics, held in June 2017 in Manila, Philippines.

In order to develop tourism potential, better manage the sector, and support effective evidence-based policy decisions, there is a need to better measure tourism using high-quality official statistics covering economic, social, and environmental sustainability. MST aims to expand existing tourism measurement beyond its primarily economic dimension to also measure social and environmental dimensions.

It aims to link UNSC’s System of Environmental-Economic Accounting with the Tourism Satellite Account framework, which is one of the two existing official frameworks for measuring tourism. The other is the International Recommendations for Tourism Statistics. Both were developed and proposed to UNSC by UNWTO. A similar process is planned for MST.

Passengers will be able to move more efficiently, faster and securely through every part of the travel experience after the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the body which represents the global private sector for Travel & Tourism announced a series of pilot schemes to test the use of biometric technology throughout the end-to-end passenger journey.

In first half of 2019, passengers will be able to trial the application of biometric technology at every stage of the travel process – from the point of booking, check-in, through airports, airline boarding, border management, car hire, hotel, cruise and during the journey.

In a series of pilot schemes being facilitated by WTTC, under its Seamless Traveler Journey initiative, representatives from several industries within the Travel & Tourism sector, such as airlines, airports, hospitality, cruise, car rental, and tour operators, will be able to jointly test different technologies that interconnect and work to improve the experience of the traveler.

The first pilot will see travelers on round-trips between Dallas Fort Worth International Airport or London using biometric technology to conduct all airline security, airport and border processes before accessing car rental and hotel check-in using the same biometric information.

WTTC is working with American Airlines, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, Hilton, and MSC Cruises on plans for this first step towards the immense task of changing how people will travel which will have profound benefits for the traveler and the future of the industry. All of these corporations and the members of WTTC share a commitment to making the travel process safer and more efficient through the use of biometric technology.

WTTC has also invited the United States Customs and Border Protection and UK Border Agency to collaborate on the first pilot.

Consulting firm Oliver Wyman is supporting WTTC with the overall Seamless Traveler Journey program.

Gloria Guevara, President & CEO, WTTC, said: “In 2019 travelers between Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and London will be able to experience the future of travel. Our vision is that the traveler won’t need to provide the same information or passport multiple times. Instead, their experience will be seamless, faster and more enjoyable throughout their entire journey. Biometrics will work at every touchpoint of the journey to make travelling easier for the passenger while providing border services with greater security.

“99.9% of travelers are considered low risk. By using technology to minimize queues, we can give low-risk travelers more time to enjoy the travel experience. These travelers, by using technology, will be able to spend their time enjoying the experience, shopping at airports or more time at destinations rather than worrying about long queues.

“Travel & Tourism employs one in ten people on the planet today and over the course of the next 20 years we will witness a doubling of the number of travelers and the creation of as many as 100 million jobs around the world. We have a responsibility to prepare for the future by transforming the traveler experience while increasing security by working together and with governments.”

Chris Nassetta, Chairman of WTTC, and President & CEO of Hilton, added, “In our industry, our customers are at the heart of everything we do – we are always looking for new ways to offer them exceptional experiences. In the near future, travelers will begin to see biometric technologies that will enhance many elements of their journey from start to finish. Thanks to the support of our partners around the world, WTTC is helping create seamless experiences for travelers, encouraging the sustainable growth of travel and tourism.”

Sean Donohue, CEO of Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, said “As we look ahead to transforming the customer experience through technology and personal touchpoints, we’re pleased that DFW is part of this industry-leading effort. International airports are uniquely positioned in the customer journey, providing a key connection between air and ground transportation, hotels, and government agencies. We’re confident the WTTC pilot program will lead to an even better customer experience and more efficiencies for businesses and agencies across the travel and tourism industry.”

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and the People’s Government of Guilin, China held the 12th UNWTO/PATA Forum on Tourism Trends and Outlook on 25-27 October 2018. This year’s edition – ‘The Future of Tourism: Road to 2030´, aligns with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“Digital advances provide opportunities to tourism in order to enhance inclusiveness, community empowerment and efficient resource management to achieve the SDGs. Yet to do so, we need to better understand where tourism is heading so we can adopt the adequate policies and business strategies.” said UNWTO Executive Director Shanzhong Zhu at the event.

International tourist arrivals in Asia and the Pacific grew 6% in 2017 to reach a total of 323 million. Rapid economic growth in emerging economy markets, rising air connectivity, more affordable travel and enhanced visa facilitation continue to fuel tourism from within and outside the region. Asian destinations earned USD 390 billion in international tourism receipts in 2017, 29% of the global figure, a share that has steadily increased from 17% in 2000. China, the world´s top spender in international tourism and fourth largest destination, has been one of the main drivers behind this growth.

Dr. Ian Yeoman, travel and tourism futurologist, delivered the keynote speech on the future of tourism, highlighting the importance of societal behaviours towards a sustainable future and the distribution of wealth generated by tourism, as main drivers of change.

Furthermore, topics covered at the Forum included how digital advances and data can be used to support sustainable tourism for development. Presentations were made by Google, TripAdvisor, Vynn Capital, STR, the European Travel Commission as well as research and policymakers from across different countries in Asia and the Pacific. The Forum concluded by emphasising the need for transformation and seize the opportunities brought by innovation and technology to move sustainability to the next level.

The 12th UNWTO/PATA Forum on Tourism Trends and Outlook drew more than 220 experts from 22 countries, among which representatives from National Tourism Administrations, National Tourism Organizations, tourism businesses and academics. With the longstanding collaboration of the Hong-Kong Polytechnic University, the Forum has become over the last 12 years a reference platform on global and regional tourism trends.

Modelling inclusive tourism destinations on the capacity of tourism to integrate disadvantaged groups and benefit from its activity, is at the centre of this report. Showcasing how tourism can function as a vehicle for sustainable development, and the reduction of poverty and inequality, in the context of the 2030 Agenda and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Model for inclusive tourism destinations presented in this Global Report contributes directly to SDG 8 – Decent work and economic growth and SDG 10 – Reduction of inequalities; but also SDG 5 – Gender equality and SDG 17 – Global partnership for sustainable development.

“As globalization, interconnectivity and a growing middle class leads to ever more people travelling, the world will continue seeming to get smaller and inclusion will become even more of a priority,” said UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili. He added that this publication “will serve as an important tool for the tourism community to create and promote inclusion in destinations, and a valuable reference for all tourism stakeholders in developing best practices for a more inclusive sector”.

In addition, this report highlights the need to foster discussion on and examine new approaches to inclusive tourism in order to drive tourism’s long-term sustainability.

Various experts from organizations in the field of tourism and the SDGs contributed to this report: the Ashoka Foundation, the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, Google, IE University, PREDIF, the SDG Fund, Airbnb, Vinces, Walhalla DCS and Ekin Consulting. It also features success stories from a variety of stakeholders, such as the Gauteng Tourism Authority, Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office, CENFOTUR, Korea Tourism Organization, VisitScotland, Chemonics and the State of Michoacán, Mexico.

Just a Drop will celebrate its 20^thanniversary and having reached 1.5 million people with safe water and sanitation at World Travel Market 2018 – the event where the charity was launched in November 1998 by Fiona Jeffery OBE, former WTM Chairman.

To mark the occasion, Just a Drop has partnered with Water-to-Go to create Just a Drop-branded eco-friendly water bottles, which provide a solution to two of the biggest problems facing the world at the moment: access to clean, safe drinking water and the pollution caused by single-use plastics.

Containing a filtration system that eliminates over 99.9% of contaminants, the water bottles will be sold exclusively on Just a Drop’s stand at WTM (BL4 on the Main Boulevard, by N4/S4) for the special anniversary price of just £5, ahead of launching online via Water-to-Go’s website. All profits will support Just a Drop’s safe water projects. Free water refills will be available throughout WTM from water stations located around the fair, including at Affordable Car Hire, Air Europa, Atta – African Travel & Tourism Association, Discover the Palm Beaches, and Just a Drop’s stands.

Anniversary celebrations will take place on Just a Drop’s stand throughout WTM. A raffle will be held with prizes including a three-course meal with champagne for two at The Ritz, London, donated by Travelzoo.

Fiona Jeffery OBE, Founder and Chairman of Just a Drop, said: ‘I’m delighted to be celebrating Just a Drop’s 20^th anniversary here at WTM, where it all began. Over the past 20 years Just a Drop has grown from a volunteer organisation providing emergency relief in the wake of natural disasters to a professional NGO working with local communities to deliver comprehensive safe water, sanitation and hygiene programmes that create sustainable, long-term change and empower people to lift themselves out of poverty. Just a Drop has now reached 1.5 million people with safe water and sanitation across 32 countries. This is an achievement I did not foresee when I launched the charity in 1998, and it has been made possible largely thanks to the travel industry’s generous and dedicated support – thank you.’

On World Responsible Tourism Day, Wednesday 7^th November, Just a Drop will host ‘The Changemakers: How Inspiration has Created Life Transforming Reality’. Speakers Holly Budge, Founder of How Many Elephants, Fiona Jeffery OBE, Founder of Just a Drop, Paras Loomba, Founder of Global Himalayan Expedition, and Ben Morison, Founder of The Flipflopi Project, will discuss how they realized their ideas and created organisations that are changing the world we live in for the better. The talk will be moderated by Anita Mendiratta and will take place from 2-3 pm in the Middle East & Africa Inspiration Zone – AF190.

Just a Drop was founded at WTM in 1998 by Fiona Jeffery OBE, as a way of encouraging the travel industry to give back to communities around the world. Fiona chose the cause because water is the most basic of human needs, and she felt that if everyone was encouraged to give a little, then collectively a huge difference could be made.

Just a Drop’s first ever project began in Ethiopia in 1998 and much of the charity’s work during its first ten years involved disaster relief efforts, in partnership with organisations such as the British Red Cross and the Scientific Exploration Society.  By 2008, Just a Drop’s work had contributed to the number of people without safe water dropping to below 1 billion globally, and the charity grew from a volunteer organisation to a professional NGO. The following ten years up to 2018 have seen Just a Drop develop into a community development organisation that today has reached over 1.5 million people across 32 countries with much needed safe water, sanitation and hygiene.

‘UNWTO/GTERC Asia Tourism Trends – 2018’ shows that international tourist arrivals in Asia and the Pacific grew 6% in 2017 to reach 323 million, around a quarter of the world’s total. Of all world regions, Asia and the Pacific, the second-most visited after Europe, has grown the fastest in international tourist arrivals since 2005. Arrivals increased an average of 6% per year, above the world average of 4%.

Rapid economic growth in a region with over half the world’s population, coupled with rising air connectivity, travel facilitation and large infrastructure projects, have boosted international travel in the region. This has had a large impact on Asian destinations’ tourism earnings, which have steadily increased from 17% of the world total in 2000 to 29% in 2017. This is equivalent to US$ 390 billion in tourism receipts.

Asia and the Pacific plays a vital role as a source market as well, fuelling much growth in both regional and long-haul destinations. The region produced 335 million international travellers spending US$ 502 billion in 2017, 37% of the world total. Around 80% of these visits were concentrated in Asia destinations. Outside the region, 56% of the long-haul trips were to Europe.

EU-China Tourism Year

To celebrate the EU-China Tourism Year 2018, the report looks at international tourism between China, the largest economy in Asia, and the block of 28 European Union (EU) countries.

It finds that 5.7 million Chinese tourists travelled to Europe in 2016, of which 3.5 million went to the EU. In reverse, 5.5 million Europeans travelled to China in 2016, 3.1 million of whom from EU countries.

China’s Greater Bay Area – a major outbound area

The last chapter of ‘UNWTO/GTERC Asia Tourism Trends – 2018’ provides an insight into the Greater Bay Area of China, a project to create a large socio-economic zone and tourism area comprising the two Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macao, as well as nine cities in Guangdong Province. According to the report, the Greater Bay Area is China’s fastest-growing tourism region and the Pearl River Delta home to several cities with high tourism development including Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai and Foshan.

With a revamped structure featuring a mentoring breakfast, discussion rounds and workshops, this year’s Global INSTO Meeting focused on offering participants opportunities for interaction. Tourism stakeholders exchanged knowledge on achievements and challenges in measuring social, environmental and economic tourism impacts at destinations. In keeping with UNWTO’s priority of promoting technological innovation that fosters sustainable tourism, attendees took part in three workshops on the potential of geo-referenced information for destination planning.

Guests saw live demonstrations of spatial analysis, brainstormed project ideas using satellite images and learned how to build data dashboards. Such advances in location intelligence can support destinations create more transparent and timely communication and decision-making. The workshops were co-led by the destinations South Tyrol (Italy), Buenos Aires (Argentina) and Portugal in cooperation with private and public sector partners ESRi Spain, SEGITTUR and Vizzuality.

The 2018 Global INSTO Meeting also accepted two new observatories to the network – Panama City, Panama and South Tyrol, Italy – taking INSTO’s membership to 24. “Installing a project of this magnitude will allow us to continually measure the effects of tourism in a particular destination or region. We welcome this initiative with great enthusiasm considering the benefits that the entire tourism sector will receive in the short- and medium-term, and its positive impact on many other economic activities,” said Gustavo Him, Minister of Tourism of Panama, on joining INSTO.

“The decision to join the international observatory network brings with it the responsibility to shape South Tyrol’s development according to sustainability principles. For some years, South Tyrol has been establishing itself as a green region. We see this as another important step in that direction and recognize the value of sharing progress with other pioneer destinations,” said Arno Kompatscher, Governor of South Tyrol.