Lessons for Australia from Europe’s debt mountain
Taleb Rifai, secretary general of the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), speaking at the Tourism Futures conference in Brisbane, has warned that sovereign debt in Europe is a concern for Australia.
Taxes introduced in other countries to balance budgets could have a significant impact on travel to Australia, he said, offering as an example the escalating UK airport departure tax.
Rifai indicated that jobs lost during the global recession would not be replaced until 2012/13 at the earliest.
“For example, unemployment in Spain, where UNWTO is based, is currently 22 percent overall and 33 percent in the youth demographic.
“This represents a significant reduction in the potential numbers of travelling public,†he said.
Rifai further warned that the GFC hit during a period of rising concern over global warming and the impact of both economic and ecological crises had made tourism an easy target globally for taxation.
A further challenge to world tourism is the widening poverty gap, he said.
“Poor communities in emerging economies are very dependent on tourism for income, much less so than the old world.â€
Rifai said that Australia is ideally positioned to take advantage of a swift recovery in the Asia Pacific area.
“However, this needs to take place without the loss of Australia’s unique identity and with an eye on the long-term goal of sustainability.â€
Ian Jarrett
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