By Dean Bernardo, eTN Manila.

Measuring Sustainable Tourism is simple according to UNWTO Secretary-General Dr. Taleb Rifai: What is spend in a country stays in the country.
2017 is the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development 2017. The Government of the Philippines and the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) are currently in Manila, Philippines. This Wednesday morning the opening of the 6th International Conference on Tourism Statistics is taking place at the New Port Performing Arts Theater.

Attending are
H.E. Mrs. Wanda Tulfo-Teo, Secretary, Department of Tourism, Philippines
Mr. Salvador C. Medialdea, Executive Secretary, Office of the President, Philippines
Mr. Pali J. Lehohla, special envoy of the United Nations Statistical Commission and Statistician-General, Statistics South Africa
Mr. Taleb Rifai, Secretary-General, UNWTO
Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III, Senate of the Philippines
The UNWTO Secretary-General Dr. Taleb Rifai said: “I feel good here in the Philippines, I respect this place. I have respect for cuisine the animals and the beauty of the islands.

I am worried about the condition of this world, and the trouble surrounding it. We are now all connected one global community. “

We are a tribe of travelers believing in the beauty of the world. Tourism is a human right. Tourism builds peace and understanding.”

“Tourism breaks barriers.”

He continues to say: “Tell the world to come to the Philippines … the Philippines is a wonderful place. You can never have hate for people sharing their home their food. Tourism generates work.

We have to step up tourism for sustainability and move forward to a green economy. We cannot afford waste despite political issues.” Dr. Taleb has a simple solution: “What is spent in a country stays in the country.” if we can not measure we can not manage

If we can not measure we can not manage the negative impact.