G20 leaders urged to recognise tourism sector
World leaders are being urged to recognise the ways in which tourism can help support consumer and business confidence, create jobs and put a green economy into action.
In an open letter, the United Nations World Tourism Organisation highlighted the importance of the sector as leaders gather for the G20 Summit in London this week.
“We want to stress the potential for tourism and travel to support short term stimulus actions as well as longer term transformation to a green economy, coherent with development and climate imperatives,†said the letter.
“Action to boost trade promotion, simplify regulation, build infrastructure and rationalise taxes, in turn incites companies to invest, innovate and stimulate demand.
“This kind of public-private sector collaboration should be strongly advanced within and between all states – it will help build resilience and buoyancy across economies.
“Tourism currently drives an estimated 6% of jobs in G20 economies with a strong multiplier effect on related services, manufacturing and agriculture, which depend on travel demand.
“It is one of the largest employment sectors in most countries and a fast entry vehicle into the workforce for young people and women in urban and rural communities.
“Tourism and travel represents some 5% of GDP of G20 countries and 27% of their services exports. It is even more significant for the world’s poorest countries where it is a mainstay of their economies, a key factor in employment and trade, as well as a vital lifeline for their development.â€
By Bev Fearis
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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