Osaka: Tourism Leaders of the public and private sectors from all over the world participating in the Millennium Conference of Tourism Leaders held in Osaka…
Osaka: Tourism Leaders of the public and private sectors from all over the world participating in the Millennium Conference of Tourism Leaders held in Osaka, Japan, on 30 September and 1 October 2001 as part of the 14th Meeting of the General Assembly of the World Tourism Organisation, concluded and have endorsed the following declaration:
Convinced that experiencing different cultures and traditions through tourism represents a critical force for peace and understanding among peoples of the world and that to flourish tourism requires peace and security,
Aware of the phenomenal growth of tourism over the past 50 years to become one of the most dominating socio-economic activities at the beginning of the 21st Century,
Expecting tourism to continue to expand and grow significantly over the next two decades contributing to greater product diversification and increased competition,
Convinced that tourism will once again show its resilience to international crises and will soon resume the high growth rates observed until the recent tragic events in the U.S.A.
Encouraged by the enormous positive impact tourism has on the economies of countries and on society in general, and job creation in particular, but also cognisant of its potential negative cultural, environmental and social risks when it is not responsibly planned, managed and monitored,
Convinced that tourism development based on the principles of sustainable development is the only way to effectively manage serious environmental concerns while at the same time creating jobs and contributing to economic growth,
Recognizing that tourism has high potential to enhance cultural and natural resources, if it functions in a sustainable way,
Noting the dramatic changes that information technology is having on tourism, particularly in the fields of promotion, marketing, product differentiation and specialization,
Reasserting its conviction that tourism should not only be of commercial value but should contribute to personal fulfilment and to strengthen the fundamental norms and values of society,
Convinced that the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism provide a sound basis and gives clear direction for the development of the tourism industry in the 21st Century,
Agree to the following:
A – The international tourism market
The tourism industry has developed into a key economic sector. It forms an integral part of consumer habits and social behaviour of a significant proportion of the population of most countries. After a period of remarkable growth it is expected that international tourism will continue to grow by over four per cent every year for the next twenty years.
After 50 years of phenomenal growth the tourism industry has become more complex and sophisticated. It has now reached a stage where more research of traditional and emerging market segments, consumer preferences, information technologies and management techniques are required. The enormous economic impact of the industry as well as its impact on the human, cultural and natural environment, demand that further development of the sector should be guided by accurate statistics, sound research and responsible management based on the principles of sustainable development.
The continued expansion and growth of the tourism industry and the increased competition that it generates has contributed to geographical and product diversity and the emerging of new destinations. Tourists are able to choose from a wider range of destinations and will benefit from more focussed and complete product information as well as from increased competition. At the same time, growth will benefit from more public-private dialogue, co-operation and partnerships.
The continued growth of tourism depends to a great extent on the security and safety of tourists. It is necessary for governments and the travel trade to apply all possible measures to assure a safe environment for travellers and provide them with accurate information on the security situation at tourism destinations.
Tourism has become a powerful ally in the challenge to alleviate poverty. Cross-country evidence indicates that tourism has become the mainstay of the economies of many Least Developed Countries (LDC's). Tourism provides for many of them one of the very few opportunities-if not the only opportunity-for economic development and growth and the concomitant income it generates for job seekers and small scale businesses. Tourism can thus make a meaningful contribution to combat poverty and help to reduce the growing gap between rich and poor countries.
There is an urgent need for technical and financial assistance from developed countries and inter-governmental institutions to LDC governments to strengthen their tourism administration capacities and to develop entrepreneurial capabilities and managerial skills in the private sector. The objective of such assistance should be primarily to improve tourism related infrastructure and enhance competitiveness of tourism products and services.
There is a need for further facilitation of international tourist movements, avoiding unnecessary administrative or fiscal restrictions.
The consequences for the tourism industry and destinations of commercial alliances, acquisitions and mergers must be ascertained and analysed so that maximum benefits can be obtained for all stakeholders. There are concerns that market concentration and regional dominance would reduce choice and competition. Free and fair competition, without undue restrictions on new entrance into the market, provides customers with the best guarantee of value for money.
Small and medium sized tourism operations form the life-blood of the industry and must be encouraged, supported and protected against unfair practices. A large proportion of the jobs in the tourism industry is generated by small and medium sized operations.
The quality of tourism products and services has emerged as an important criterion in consumers' preferences. Destinations that adhere to high quality standards will gain a competitive advantage. To this end, management training and the efficient utilisation of new technologies should be encouraged.
In some countries, shorter but more frequent holidays have become a trend. On the other hand, in many other countries, long working hours and short holidays still remain as barriers to tourism growth and are major causes of demand concentration and congestion. The situation in these countries should be seriously addressed by governments and the private sector.
B – Preservation of natural and cultural heritage through tourism
Tourism development must be firmly based on the principles of sustainability to ensure a balance between the needs of local communities, the protection of natural and cultural resources and visitor satisfaction. Sustainable tourism offers the best and most durable solution to the seemingly conflicting needs for conservation, on one hand, and for development, on the other.
The Global Code of Ethics for Tourism provides a sound foundation for responsible and sustainable tourism and should be widely promoted amongst all stakeholders, especially amongst National and Local Tourism Administrations and tourism companies. They should be encouraged to implement relevant clauses.
Consultation with and participation of the local community in the planning and development of tourism destinations and services are of paramount importance. Sustainable development can only succeed if support and participation at the ground level can be obtained. The understanding, support and participation of local communities have become a key development principle. Local people should also share in the benefits of tourism development.
A significant indirect contribution of tourism is the promotion of community development through the stimulation of entrepreneurial capabilities and development of skills and abilities. This would again contribute to co-operative ventures between members in the community and the development of an openness to other social and cultural environments.
High volumes of tourists can create problems of congestion in modes of travel, over use of scarce natural resources and waste production at popular tourism destinations. All possible measures need to be implemented by governments and companies to reduce these problems. Tourism stakeholders should also contribute to bio-diversity conservation and to controlling sources of global warming since both these factors are essential to a sustainable tourism development. International cooperation and assistance are required in this field.
In order to ensure sustainable tourism development, proven planning processes, tourism management systems, impact studies and performance monitoring must be applied to sensitive destinations such as coastal towns and heritage sites as well as to destinations with high visitor levels. This will also guarantee the quality of visitors' experiences, regardless of large visitor numbers.
A significant proportion of the income generated by tourist visits to cultural and natural heritage sites should be reinvested in the management and preservation of the sites.
In the process of planning and managing tourism development and heritage conservation, tangible resources tend to draw more attention and thus attract more discussions. However, intangible resources such as performing arts and community traditions have no less value, and can be more easily destroyed. Therefore, they should be an integral part of planning for conservation.
The liberalization of the conditions governing trade in services is compatible with sustainable tourism development and the protection of social and cultural values and identities. It should be advanced in a fair and responsible manner.
C – Tourism and information technology
The challenges and opportunities created by information technology and the Internet are critical to the success or failure of many tourism businesses and destinations.
Substantial investment is required to build and maintain comprehensive data-bases to be competitive in the market place. Government institutions, National Tourism Administrations and DMO's in close cooperation with the private sector and Regional and Local authorities should take an active role in creating or facilitating such data-bases as an open infrastructure for tourism e-business.
Government institutions, National Tourism Administrations and Destination Management Organisations (DMOs) are encouraged:
* To prepare strategies and action plans for the adoption of e-business by themselves and by tourism companies, as an integral part of their core work programmes.
* To instigate and support education and training in information technology (IT) and e-business for tourism businesses, especially for small-medium and micro enterprises (SMME)
To this end, further action is required in the following areas:
* Development and promotion of guidelines and best practice.
* Further seminars in the different world regions, to raise awareness of the issues and to fulfil specific local needs.
* Provision of relevant research and intelligence on the use of information technology (IT) and the Internet for tourism.
* Development of methods of benchmarking effectiveness and impact of Internet and other new media activity.
* Collaborative action to ensure that destination Websites are easily identifiable and accessible by the public and the travel trade.
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Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
