Governments must work with travel industry – TravelMole World Travel Market guest comment by World Travel & Tourism Council president Jean-Claude Baumgarten
Making our industry understood, creating awareness of its economic and social importance, forecasting its impact on economies and promoting public-private partnership: this is what the founders of WTTC had in mind when they established the organization 15 years ago.
There have been good times and some very bad times. Yet, Travel & Tourism’s contribution to economies and job creation around the world has continued to grow.
Through a unique dynamism and flexibility, our industry has proved resilient. Business models have been adapted as external forces demand, and, as global political and economic structures shift, so Travel & Tourism reacts with versatility and energy.
But it has not been an easy ride. Versatility often comes hand in hand with tough, and sometimes unpopular, business decisions and in many cases new energies have had to replace more traditional ones.
Looking ahead, it is clear that new challenges and opportunities will continue to present themselves. Avian flu, global warming and the ongoing threat of global terrorism are all issues which the industry will need to address as a matter of urgency.
However, I am confident that Travel & Tourism will continue to adapt, diversify and grow.
In 2005, WTTC’s economic forecasts point to a 4.6% growth per annum for the industry over the next 10 years.
If there is one threat which still remains to Travel & Tourism’s future it will not come from external forces, rather it is that posed by lack of human foresight – insufficient infrastructure capacity to support this growth.
Governments around the world must work with the industry to plan airports, road networks and new hotels to accommodate increasing numbers of travelers and their safety, security and comfort requirements. The industry is ready to act – now governments must do the same.
Phil Davies
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Digital Travel Reporter of the Mirror totally seduced by HotelPlanner AI Travel Agent
Strike action set to cause travel chaos at Brussels airports