18 May 2009

Calls for stronger voice from tourism as downturn kicks in

Real jobs, real lives and a real contribution to the global economy, this is what the tourism industry gives, especially in the wake of the downturn - this was the consensus of the final panel at a global annual tourism summit.

"We have to concentrate on the fact that tourism means jobs…it has not filtered down to the public consciousness," said Taleb Rifai, secretary general, ad-interam of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).

"We need to connect the tourism industry to the lives of everyday people. We have only started to do that…otherwise we will still be seen as a marginal industry," explained Rifai at the World Travel and Tourism Council’s summit in Florianopolis, Brazil.

The panel stressed that the importance of the tourism industry needs to be elevated in the minds of politicians and governments especially with the downturn in the global economy.

Drop-offs in travel stand at up to seven perc ent in Asia, up to 17% down in the US and 25% down globally for business travel.

A Spanish hotelier said that 600 jobs in Spain are being lost every day: "We have a problem if tourism is not elevated in the minds of politicians."

There were also calls for a joint declaration from the UNWTO and the WTTC to say that tourism is one of the most important sectors in the globe and that it should be taken more seriously -- that the sector is suffering and needs support.

"We have to get governments to see travel and tourism as one industry," said Matthew Upchurch, CEO of Virtuoso.

No more unreasonable taxes and no more unreasonable restrictions on visas were also called upon by Rifai.

"We need to push the value of the industry," Rifai said.

by Nick Easen