UNWTO/PATA Tourism Updates Issue 2
The Regional Programme for Asia and the Pacific is glad to present the second issue of the bi-monthly “UNWTO/PATA Tourism Updates”, a joint initiative of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) which is an outcome of the Strategic Partnership Agreement signed between the two organizations to synergize their work in the region.
The updates are aimed at summarizing the impacts of external factors on the tourism sector such as information technologies, the social media, and political issues. It also draws on meetings, reports and media conferences held by UN agencies based in Bangkok (UNESCAP, WHO, UNICEF, ILO, UNESCO) as well as the work of inter-related institutions and groups such as ADB, GMS, ASEAN, and APEC. These news items often tend to go unnoticed by the tourism sector and hence the UNWTO/PATA Tourism Updates have the unique advantage of drawing attention to them as they impact on tourism in the Asia Pacific region.
The second issue of the UNWTO/PATA Tourism Updates draws attention to some pressing and current subjects such as the linkage between tourism and the Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs) advocated by the United Nations and its related agencies. These go beyond the post 2015 millennium development goals (MDGs) and set targets for the next 15 years to 2030. The 2015-2016 State of the Future Report dwells on various global challenges that we shall have to face in the near future. Tourism, through its multi-disciplinary connections will be one of the major players of this agenda.
Some of the subjects highlighted in the second issue of the Tourism Updates pertain to SME credit analysis using bank lending data of Thai SMEs, APEC’s initiative in pushing for lifting of Asia-Pacific trade barriers for small businesses, a review of ASEAN socio-cultural community blueprint, developing economic corridors in South Asia, the landmark USD 3 trillion trade deal to reduce tariffs on IT products, WHO’s initiative on good health and well-being for all age groups, and UN’s action to curb rhino poaching and elephant killings. All these, directly or indirectly, influence the tourism sector in Asia and the Pacific. Taking note of them is our duty.
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