An unprecedented travel and tourism industry coalition of associations from around the world has come together in this time of crisis to deliver a manifesto outlining a road to recovery…
An unprecedented travel and tourism industry coalition of associations from around the world has come together in this time of crisis to deliver a manifesto outlining a road to recovery for the industry, at World Travel Market,
The global coalition made up of private sector industry organisations has outlined three key priorities that both governments and industry must address to ensure a fast recovery to the ailing sector:
Promote the Implementation of Enhanced Security Measures;
Encourage People to Travel;
Promote Policies for Sustainable Travel and Tourism.
This manifesto is the first step forward towards rebuilding travel and tourism worldwide, says Jean-Claude Baumgarten, President of the World Travel & Tourism Council, a key initiator of the Global Coalition.
Tourism is one of the biggest industries in the world, and a key economic provider responsible for ten percent of GDP worldwide, continued Mr Baumgarten. It is therefore essential that all stakeholders – governments and private sector – play a part in the recovery of the industry.
The manifesto addresses the need for a multi-government partnership to ensure that measures to strengthen security are effective, harmonised internationally and applied globally, helping to restore consumer confidence in travel and tourism. Restoration of consumer confidence depends on the need for new safety enhancements and security measures to be communicated to the public, the paper continues. The Coalition also recommends short-term initiatives by governments to help stabilise the travel and tourism industry, which has been badly shaken in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks in the United States.
The signatories to the statement represent the major sectors of travel and tourism, one of the world`s largest and most diverse industries. Airlines, hotels, manufacturers, tour operators, convention and visitors bureaux, travel related services, credit card and rental companies, have all been affected by decreased demand in the wake of the terrorist attacks in the United States.
The representatives believe their efforts will demonstrate unity and leadership to help restore public confidence and an early return to business as usual in the travel and tourism industry.
WTTC figures show that the travel and tourism industry generates US$4,494 billion in economic activity; approximately 11% of GDP worldwide, and employs 8.2% of total world employment (207 million jobs worldwide).
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