PR No.: PR033

Biodiversity is tourism’s natural capital, motivating millions of people to travel the world each year. Yet biodiversity is at risk on a global scale due largely to unsustainable human activities.

“Biodiversity is central to all our lives, yet is being lost at an alarming rate,” said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai. “Through developing sustainable tourism we can help to change attitudes and increase conservation. This particular project will raise awareness of Georgia’s great biodiversity, generate income for nature conservation and preserve precious species and habitats for future generations.”

“Georgia, as part of the Caucasus region, is a biodiversity hotspot. These hotspots are recognized globally as priority sites, based on criteria such as the diversity of species and plant types, and this rich biodiversity increases Georgia’s attractiveness as a tourist destination,” said the Head of the Georgian National Tourism Administration, Maia Sidamonidze. “Ecotourism can fund conservation, contribute to the protection of endangered ecosystems and promote development in poor areas. However, there are also examples of tourism having a negative impact on the environment. In light of these contradictory impacts, this project aims to reduce such conflicts by raising awareness of these areas for protection.”

“Ecotourism has a great future and there is huge potential for the development of ecotourism in protected areas in Georgia. We hope that in the near future Georgia will have an ecotourism country label,” said Giorgi Shonvadze, Chairman of the Agency of Protected Areas.

The project, to be carried out by the UNWTO Consulting Unit on Tourism and Biodiversity, will develop tourism products in mountain and freshwater ecosystems in four protected areas in the country, in order to raise awareness of these areas, as well as generate income for their conservation.

Potential products to be developed include a zip-line route, a canopy rope walk and a canoeing trail. A marketing strategy will also be devised to promote the new products, as well as training workshops for nature protection authorities, tourism officials and other local stakeholders.

Launched in Tbilisi, Georgia on the occasion of World Environment Day (5 June), in the presence of the Georgian Minister for Environment, the Chairman of the Georgian Agency of Protected Areas and the Head of the Georgian National Tourism Administration, the project will run until spring 2014, by which time a number of sustainable, biodiversity-based tourism products will be in place and run by local stakeholders.

The project is supported by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety and will be implemented by the Georgian Agency for Protected Areas, the Georgian National Tourism Administration and the Centre for Research and Sciences (NACRES).

 

Useful links:

UNWTO Consulting Unit on Tourism and Biodiversity

World Environment Day

World Tourism Day 2010 – Tourism and Biodiversity

 

Contacts:

Principal Media Officer: Marcelo Risi

Tel: (+34) 91 567 81 60

 

UNWTO Communications Programme

Tel: +34 91-567-8100

Fax: +34 91-567-8218

PR No.: PR 12023

"Today, our two organizations are conveying a strong message to the world that we will not be party to activities that exploit women and children," said Mr. Fedotov at an event taking place this week during the 21st United Nations Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ). 

Mr. Rifai said: “We are here to reiterate the tourism sector’s commitment to combating human trafficking, an unacceptable affront to human rights and dignity, and to set out clear steps for stronger cooperation in fighting one of the most dreadful crimes of our time.”

Yesterday, UNODC and UNWTO signed a memorandum of understanding to step up cooperation against this form of exploitation. 

A staggering one billion tourists, or one in 7 of the world’s population, will travel abroad in 2012 - and the sector is expanding. While this expansion drives economic growth, job creation and development, there is evidence that the tourism infrastructure is also being used for the exploitation of and trafficking in persons - and children are especially vulnerable.  

Victims of trafficking are most often enslaved for sexual purposes, but they might also be found in kitchens or cleaning guesthouses, restaurants and bars. Tourism infrastructure can, in turn, create markets for forced and exploitative begging and street hawking. Even organs from victims of trafficking are used today to attract people who need a transplant.

The tourism sector can and should play a vital role in preventing human trafficking linked to tourism, including sexual exploitation, said Mr. Fedotov. Codes of conducts for tourism companies have been developed - based on the UNWTO Global Code of Ethics for Tourism approved by the UN General Assembly in 2001 - and laws enacted that allow for the prosecution in their homeland of tourists who engage in sexual conduct with children.  These efforts need to be strengthened and built upon, he added.

In India, for example, the Ministry of Tourism, UNODC, the private sector and Save the Children have jointly developed and adopted a national Code of Conduct for Safe and Honourable Tourism, based on the Global Code. Hoteliers and tour operators have pledged to abide by the Code to make sure that no one involved in the hospitality industry is forced to use drugs or is sexually exploited. The model is ready to be replicated in other countries. 

Hotel companies are carrying out awareness campaigns and providing vocational training for trafficked persons. Marriott International, for instance, has taken a comprehensive approach since 2006 to such human rights abuses through policy commitments and staff training. Marriot also runs community outreach programmes which helps vulnerable young people, including rehabilitated victims of human trafficking, providing them with new life opportunities and training skills at their hotels.

Dr. Thomas Mayr, National Expert in the Austrian Federal Ministry of Economy, Family and Youth, highlighted an initiative by Germany, Switzerland and Austria to fight cross-border child abuse with a tri-national awareness campaign targeting child sex tourism and pornography, while aiming to reinforce the networks that protect minors. 

By enhancing their public image, ethical companies and destinations can ultimately benefit from more business. “We must raise awareness of human trafficking in the tourism sector. Consumers should be able to make an informed choice about where they choose to spend their money- and crucially, how it will be used,” said Mr. Fedotov.

“It is appalling to see tourism infrastructure being used by traffickers to victimize the vulnerable, yet our sector is firmly committed to reclaim this same infrastructure and use it for awareness raising in the fight against trafficking”, said Mr. Rifai.

 

 

Contacts:

UNOCD

Public Information Officer: Preeta Bannerjee

Tel: (+43-699) 1459-5764 | M: (+43-699) 1459-5764

 

UNWTO

Principal Media Officer: Marcelo Risi

Tel: (+34) 91 567 81 60

 

PR No.: PR 12017

By implementing the TSA, the Flemish Community was able to measure exactly how much of the region’s economy is based on tourism. Results show tourism in the Flemish Community and Brussels-Capital contributed 12.6 billion euros, or 5.3% of total gross value added to the economy.

“The results of the TSA have confirmed tourism as one of the region’s most vibrant sectors and a vital contributor to economic growth,” said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai, commending the initiative.

“Over the past few years, UNWTO has been working to address the specific challenges facing regional tourism, including how to analyze tourism flows and measure their economic impact at this level. Adapting the TSA at the regional level is a major step forward in this regard and I congratulate the Flemish Community on becoming one of the first regions in the world to do so,” he added. 

“Flanders is the first region from the European Union with TSA-figures. To determine the value of these figures and percentages it is important to compare them with similar figures from other countries. For the gross added value of tourism, Flanders is above average. Countries with a higher proportion of added value are typical tourist countries such as Spain and Portugal,” said the Flemish Minister of Tourism, Geert Bourgeois.

On the occasion of his visit, Mr. Rifai addressed the Flemish Parliament and gave a guest lecture at the University of KU Leuven. Meeting with Minister Bourgeois, Mr. Rifai praised the Flemish initiative ‘Tourism for All’ which aims to make tourism more accessible, especially for vulnerable groups including persons with disabilities or people living on or below the poverty line.

“Making tourism more accessible for all is at the heart of the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism and the mandate of UNWTO,” said Mr. Rifai. “The Code calls on public authorities worldwide to support the development of social tourism so that all can enjoy traveling. In this respect, the Flemish Community has proved a shining example.”  

 

Useful links:

Tourism Satellite Account

From global to local: Towards the sub-nationalization of tourism measurement

Photos

 

 

Contacts:

Principal Media Officer: Marcelo Risi

Tel: (+34) 91 567 81 60

 

UNWTO Communications Programme

Tel: +34 91-567-8100

Fax: +34 91-567-8218

 

 

 

PR No.: PR12016

Leading experts will discuss the new technologies that have emerged over the past years and their role in revolutionizing tourism marketing, as well as consumer behavior before, during and after a trip. Under the title, Mountain Tourism 2.0: New Strategies for Success, the Congress will outline the strategies needed to attract new visitors and open up mountain destinations to the world market.  

“Snow and mountain tourism is an extremely popular market, but one that faces a number of challenges,” said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai. “Innovation and new technologies can play an exciting role in helping these destinations to remain competitive and diversify their tourism product, ensuring year-round tourism, and should be put to greater use.” 

Mountain resort professionals from 10 countries will share their experiences on integrating new technologies in their marketing strategies to attract and maintain visitors. Key speakers include the Director of Yongpyong Resort, Republic of Korea, Mr. In Jun Park, and the Managing Director of France Montagnes, Mr. Jean-Marc Silva. Technology experts, including the Managing Director of Google Travel Spain, Mr. Javier González-Soria, will present the latest technologies in areas such as web positioning and satellite communications.

Held since 1998, the World Congress on Snow and Mountain Tourism has emerged as the principal forum for addressing the major issues and challenges for mountain tourism in all its forms and seasons. The International Mountain Report, compiling the latest figures and trends in snow and mountain tourism, will be presented at the Congress.

Registration and more information

 

Contacts:

 

Principal Media Officer: Marcelo Risi

Tel: (+34) 91 567 81 60

 

UNWTO Communications Programme

Tel: +34 91-567-8100

Fax: +34 91-567-8218

PR No.: PR12014

“Global challenges demand increased cooperation. Today’s agreement emphasizes the strong synergy between the work of our two organizations and is a step forward towards maximizing our efforts,” said UNWTO Secretary-General, Mr. Taleb Rifai. “Since 2001, UNWTO and ETC have been working closely together to monitor trends in the ever changing tourism marketplace and help their Member countries to be more competitive. Under this new agreement, I am confident we can better respond to the needs of our Members and the tourism sector at large.” 

“We have made significant steps towards increasing competitiveness in tourism over the course of more than ten years of joint research carried out between ETC and UNWTO,” said ETC President, Mrs. Petra Hedorfer. “With a shift in global tourism trends fuelled by the emerging BRIC economies, Europe, as the world’s most visited travel destination, stands a lot to gain from this partnership. Research and market intelligence is of critical importance now more than ever, and today’s agreement not only strengthens the importance of collaboration at European level, but also on a global level.”

One of the major initiatives under the new cooperation agreement is the establishment of the Global National Tourism Organizations (NTOs) Think Tank, launched at the ITB Travel Trade Show in Berlin. The Think Tank will provide a forum for the heads of national tourism bodies from all world regions to identify and collaborate on issues of shared interest, from changing market conditions and trends to new technologies and consumer rights. It will further allow NTOs to speak with one voice on issues of common concern, namely travel facilitation.   

UNWTO and ETC will also combine efforts on issues such as trends and market research, products and segments, marketing methodologies, benchmarking, sustainability and crisis management. The two parties will continue their on-going series of best-practice handbooks and market studies which, to date, cover the most significant source markets for Europe, including China, India, the USA and the Middle East, and the topical issues of branding, e-marketing and product development.

 

Contacts:

UNWTO Principal Media Officer: Marcelo Risi

Tel: (+34) 91 567 81 60

 

European Travel Commission

Nicholas Hall, Acting Executive Director

T: + 32 2 - 548 90 00

www.etc-corporate.org

www.visteurope.com

PR No.: PR 12012

“There are real prospects for tourism development in the Republic of Serbia, especially in thematic routes, city breaks, business and mountain tourism,” said President Tadic. The President highlighted tourism’s significant contribution to GDP and job creation, directly in tourism and in other sectors of the economy.  

“Serbia had some of the best tourism results in Southern Mediterranean Europe in 2011,” said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai. “International tourist numbers were up 12% and tourism receipts, which currently account for 7% of Serbia’s exports of services, increased by 18%, showing that the sector can be a vital instrument in achieving the development goals set by the country.”

David Scowsill, President & CEO of WTTC, said: “Serbia has made huge advances in attracting tourists to the country where the sector now employs 97,000 people. Further investment is now needed to continue advancing this critical industry in Serbia – both marketing funds from the government and infrastructure investment from the private sector.  Recent news of Serbia possibly ascending to the EU will present new opportunities for Travel & Tourism in Serbia. Certainly by the President taking this step today in joining the Global Leaders for Tourism Campaign, Serbia is placing Travel & Tourism at the forefront of its development and job growth as it positions to reap the benefits from potential membership in the EU.”

Meeting with the President, Mr. Rifai expressed his confidence in the future of tourism in Serbia, in particular in the development of tourism products such as wellness, cultural and rural tourism, given that “tourists are increasingly looking to experience the countryside, engage in local activities and learn about traditions.”

Rural tourism provides opportunities outside of major cities, he said, generating employment and income for people where they live and stemming rural flight, as well as supporting the preservation of local traditions and economic activities such as agriculture or handcrafts.

The potential of rural tourism for development was the central theme of a conference held in the framework of the Belgrade International Tourism Fair. The conference highlighted the on-going US$4 million Millennium Development Goals Achievement Fund (MDGF) project “Sustainable Tourism for Rural Development”, which joins five UN agencies (UNDP, UNEP, FAO, UNICEF and UNWTO) and national authorities to support the diversification of the rural economy in Serbia through tourism. The MDGF was established in December 2006, with a generous contribution of US$ 710 million from the Spanish Government. UNWTO is currently involved in eleven MDGF projects, promoting the potential of tourism to achieve the Millennium Development Goals around the world.

On the occasion, Serbia also became the first country to adopt the UNWTO Crisis Communications Toolbox, a step-by-step guide to effective crisis communications in tourism that helps destinations prepare their crisis communications plans and limit the impacts of crises on their tourism sectors. The Toolbox, which includes templates for press releases and other crisis communications formats, covers issues from interviews and press conferences to the use of social media, and is fully adaptable to individual country needs.

Note to Editors:

Through the Global Leaders for Tourism Campaign, UNWTO and WTTC are jointly presenting heads of state and government around the world an Open Letter which calls on them to acknowledge tourism’s key role in delivering more sustained and balanced growth and to prioritize the sector higher in national policies in order to maximize its potential. The Open Letter outlines Travel & Tourism’s value as one of the world’s largest generators of jobs, a powerful driver of socio-economic growth and development and a key player in the transformation to the Green Economy.

To date, over 20 heads of state and government have received the Open Letter from UNWTO and WTTC: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Brunei, Burkina Faso, China, Colombia, Croatia, Gambia, Hungary, Indonesia, Ireland, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, Mozambique, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, Romania, Serbia and South Africa.  

 

Useful links:

Open Letter to Heads of State and Government

Further Information on the Joint Campaign

The UNWTO Crisis Communications Toolbox

 

 

Contacts:

Principal Media Officer: Marcelo Risi

Tel: (+34) 91 567 81 60

 

WTTC Media Relations Manager: Anja Eckervogt

Tel: (+44) 20 7481 6484

www.WTTC.org

 

 

PR No.: PR 12008

Tourism is one of Armenia’s fastest growing economic sectors highlighted President Sargsyan on joining the UNWTO/WTTC joint campaign, which calls on world leaders to recognize tourism as a force for economic growth and development.

“Tourism is a reliable generator of employment and an irreplaceable tool for economic growth and territorial development,” said President Sargsyan. “Apart from being an important economic sector, tourism is for us an unparalleled means for intercultural dialogue and an effective catalyst for good international relations and mutual respect, a matchless tool for building tolerance and peace worldwide,” he added.

“Armenia clearly understands the need to actively support its tourism sector and we are most pleased to have Armenia joining the campaign as well as partnering with UNWTO on holding this conference on tourism’s contribution to cultural diversity,” said Mr. Rifai. “The Conference is, moreover, a good moment for the country to progress in its objective to increase its share of the meetings industry market,” he added.

UNWTO and Armenia further agreed to work together to promote the South Caucasus Tourism Development Initiative. This initiative links up the four countries of the region – Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia and part of Turkey – to jointly capitalize on their shared tourism assets and boost the strategic positioning of the region. The initiative is part of UNWTO’s strategy to strengthen regional cooperation in Europe as a means to increase tourism competitiveness. 

 

Relevant links:

Open Letter to Heads of State and Government

Further information on the Joint Campaign

 

Contacts:

Principal Media Officer: Marcelo Risi

Tel: (+34) 91 567 81 60

 

UNWTO Communications Programme

Tel: +34 91-567-8100

Fax: +34 91-567-8218

 

PR No.: PR 12007

Congratulating Minister Soria of his recent appointment, Mr. Rifai spoke of the relevance of basing UNWTO, the United Nations specialized agency for tourism, in Spain, one of the world’s leading tourism destinations.

Discussions focused on the role of tourism in facing economic, social and environmental challenges, as well as areas of future cooperation between Spain and UNWTO.

Minister Soria congratulated UNWTO on the Global Leaders for Tourism Campaign, which, since early 2011, has been gaining continued support from heads of state and government for tourism as a key economic sector. “I am willing to present this initiative to the Prime Minister of the Spanish Government, Mariano Rajoy, and I am confident that he will gladly join, given his strong interest in this strategic sector as a motor for economic recovery,” said the Minister.

Minister Soria and Mr. Rifai also discussed Spain’s role as the official host of the 2012 World Tourism Day celebrations, around the theme Tourism and Sustainable Energy: Powering Sustainable Development. Spain, and in particular the Canary Islands, is the “ideal setting” to hold the 2012 celebrations, said Mr. Rifai, as a country leading the way in both tourism and sustainable energy. Minister Soria highlighted the event as the perfect opportunity to strengthen the relationship between both parties, advance the international tourism agenda and further the United Nations presence in Spain.

“UNWTO headquarters have been based in Spain for nearly forty years and the relationship between the Organization and its host country has gone from strength to strength,” said Mr. Rifai. “Given our discussions today, I am more than confident that they will continue to do so under the leadership and engagement of Minister Soria.”

 

Relevant links:

Global Leaders for Tourism Campaign

 

Contacts:

Principal Media Officer: Marcelo Risi

Tel: (+34) 91 567 81 60

 

UNWTO Communications Programme

Tel: +34 91-567-8100

Fax: +34 91-567-8218