The UNWTO/Chimelong Sub-regional Capacity Building Workshop on Sustainable Tourism and Biodiversity Conservation for the Mekong Subregion Member States was held on 19-21 February 2019 in Pakse, Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao DPR).

Organized under the framework of the UNWTO/Chimelong Initiative and in line with UNWTO’s priority on fostering knowledge, education and capacity building, this sub-regional workshop focused on enhancing the quality of human capital in the field of sustainable tourism and wildlife conservation within the Mekong river area.  

The event aimed to motivate local tourism employees and communities to act as champions of biodiversity conservation and environmental protection along the Mekong, which will help ensure sustained income generation for the local people as a result of tourism activities. Also it aimed to raise awareness among local tourism stakeholders and the communities of the importance of biodiversity conservation along the Mekong and how to address environmental issues while undertaking tourism activities.

The workshop was attended by tourism officials from Lao PDR at the local and provincial level, and selected local people who are self-employed in the tourism sector. Representatives from the national tourism administrations of the Great Mekong Subregion Countries (Cambodia, People’s Republic of China, Myanmar, Thailand and Viet Nam) also attended the workshop, shared their experiences and explored opportunities to replicate the workshop in their countries.

For further information, please contact Ms. Hyeon-Jin Lee: hjlee@unwto.org  

 

 

Vanuatu, one of UNWTO’s key member States in the Pacific has recently made history by becoming the first nation in the world to ban the use, manufacture and importation of drinking straws, polystyrene takeaway boxes and single use plastic bags.

This historic initiative is in line with the 10-Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production (10YFP) which as of February 2018 has been rebranded as One Planet network - a collaborative platform, that brings together existing initiatives and partnerships and facilitates new projects and activities to accelerate the shift towards sustainable consumption and production (SCP) in tourism in both developed and developing countries.

According to the UN Environment, Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) is about inter alia, producing less waste and pollution and sustainable practices for the industry as well as consumers. Resolution 66/288 of the United Nations General Assembly reaffirmed that the promotion of SCP is among the general objectives and essential requirements for sustainable development and is essential to achieve fundamental changes in the way societies consume and produce, to achieve global sustainable development.

It is in light of this that Vanuatu’s complete ban of the use of plastic on its islands becomes a great achievement with global significance. Together with other Pacific nations, Vanuatu has also committed to banning imports of products containing plastic micro-beads - the first steps towards the complete ban of all plastic including plastic bottles.

The global importance of plastic pollution of the oceans rests on its devastating effects on the environment and the threat it poses to food security as well as the health and wellbeing of people of all nations. For example, heavy metals and other toxic components attached to pieces of plastic in the Oceans are being eaten by tuna and other kinds of fish and marine animals that are being caught and exported without checking their toxicity levels. Moreover, the burning of plastic bags releases dioxin – a chemical that affects the human immune system and is associated with causing cancer.

Consequently, the legislation regulating this historical ban was introduced by the joint effort of the Government and the people of Vanuatu when the citizens started the ‘No plastic bag, plis’ campaign and presented a petition with almost 2000 signatures expressing their support to the new law.

Presently, Vanuatu is also working together with the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environmental Programme (SPREP) on a communication strategy and an implementation plan regarding the plastic ban that will benefit not only Vanuatu but the whole Pacific region. 

On a global level, and with the financial support of United Kingdom, Vanuatu leads the Commonwealth Clean Oceans Alliance (CCOA) – an initiative that has already attracted the interest of Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Ghana. The main aim of CCOA is to work together to stop more plastic ending up in the Oceans by introducing various initiatives and boosting global research on the matter - including preventing plastic and other environmental pollution from being manufactured in developing countries.

Vanuatu’s drastic move of completely banning the use of plastic is not without some challenges stemming from its condition as an island nation and the economic unviability of recycling. Yet Vanuatu is determined to look for sustainable solutions to the issue of plastic pollution and has made it an integral part of its National Ocean Policy.

One of these sustainable solutions includes the re-discovery of traditional practices deeply rooted in the culture of Vanuatu such as the baskets woven by the ‘Mamas of Vanuatu’. These baskets are both sustainable and beautiful and the art of making them is a great way of showing elements of Vanuatuan culture to tourists and, in many cases, teaching them how to implement similar solutions at home.

The making of these traditional bags and baskets as well as the use of natural and perennial plant-based materials to create cutlery, plates and other food containers creates jobs, while opening doors for more creativity and innovative ways of looking at waste management to prevent plastic and other waste from ending up in the Ocean. 

The people of Vanuatu are proud to share the beauty of their culture and their commitment to sustainable tourism with visitors to their islands; and the plastic ban is one way of fostering this as it does not only protect the terrestrial and marine environment but also makes it possible for tourists to feel more responsible and engaged in the country’s traditional and sustainable ways.

All things considered, Vanuatu’s plastic banning initiative exemplifies a strong advocacy of the achievement of the 17 SDGs and the 2030 agenda for sustainable development and beyond. This is because its implementation is closely linked to SDG12 (ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns), with the potential to advance other SDGs as well (among them SDG8 which focuses on decent work and economic growth, or SDGs14 and SDG15 on marine and terrestrial resources).

 

 

UNWTO Asia Pacific Newsletter 47 Issue

• Asia and the Pacific
• 24 Jan 2019

The UNWTO Asia-Pacific Newsletter 47th Issue, sponsored by Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) and Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) of the Republic of Korea, was produced in collaboration with the Kyung Hee University in Republic of Korea which is one of the UNWTO Affiliate Members.

In the 47th Edition, current tourism related activities of UNWTO, news from our Member States and Affiliate Members, destination report of Bhutan and other issues have been featured. The UNWTO Asia Pacific Newsletter is available at our website. 

Additional information:

Link to the UNWTO Asia Pacific Newsletter 47 Issue

 

 

For the first time in its history, the Pacific island nation of Papua New Guinea is hosting the 2018 edition of the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit meeting in Port Moresby.

This meeting will bring Papua New Guinea into the global spotlight as it welcomes some of the world’s most powerful leaders along with some 7,000 participants from Papua New Guinea’s fellow 20-member economies. The high-profile calibre of the summit and huge number of participation it has attracted could translate into increase in the flow of tourists to the biggest island nation in the world as news about the APEC meeting is transmitted through media channels across the world including those of UNWTO.

Also, being in the world’s limelight as host of this year’s APEC meeting will be a great opportunity for Papua New Guinea to promote each of its twenty provinces as well as its huge wealth of ecology, with amazing landscapes and fascinating fauna and flora, towering mountain peaks, golden beaches, fertile valleys, coral islands and some of the best diving locations in the world. These natural treasures of PNG coupled with traditional celebrations of songs, dance, feasting and gift-giving are some of the tourist attractions UNWTO discovered when its delegation was warmly received by the Government on the occasion of UNWTO’s 11^th Executive Training Programme for Asia-Pacific region, which also took place in Port Moresby in March 2017.

Papua New Guinea is one of UNWTO’s youngest members in the Asia-Pacific region. Along with Timor Leste – a sister island nation in the Pacific – its membership was ratified during the 16^th General Assembly of UNWTO in Dakar (Senegal) in 2005. PNG’s membership of UNWTO and that of APEC are 2 examples that testify to the country’s involvement in the affairs of world bodies to further global causes with impacts on national affairs. 

 

 

For more information about the event, click here. 

The UNWTO.TedQual Programme is pleased to announce that the following Tourism Education Programme at Mahidol University International College has been awarded the UNWTO.TedQual Certification.

First Certification:

• BBA in International Hospitality Management

List of Institutions with UNWTO.TedQual certified tourism education and training programmes

 

Category tags

PR No.: PR 18056

The Summit, the first of its kind in North-East Asia, is designed to encourage new strategic approaches to the challenge of a growing tourism sector and its impact on urban destinations, through sharing of innovative ideas and experiences.

Innovative approaches to competitiveness in urban destinations, technology’s impact on urban tourism, rejuvenation of cities, and increasing inclusion in city development are among the topics to be featured.

BBC support

UNWTO is proud to announce the support of the BBC to the Summit, with the lead presenter of the Travel Show, Rajan Datar, moderating the “High Level Panel: Urban Tourism in 2030” with ministers and mayors from around the world.

This year’s edition will feature B. Joseph Pine II, author of the best-seller ‘The Experience Economy’, who is known for first using the term to describe the major shift in motivation for people to undertake many economic activities, including travel. Other planned speakers include city mayors and representatives of tourism administrations from destinations such as Amsterdam, Barcelona, Cape Town, Osaka, San Sebastian, Singapore and Seoul, companies such as MasterCard, Google and Amadeus, and the World Bank.

The Summit also embraces the growing segment of youth travel through the UNWTO Global Youth Summit on Urban Tourism side-event (18 September).

Seoul as a backdrop

Seoul is a world-class urban tourism destination, with tourism sites ranging from full heritage sites, including traditional palaces or markets, to state-of-the-art architecture and museums. Recent urban regeneration projects have seen an oil depot turned into a culture park and increased tourism interest to venues used for 2018 events the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics and inter-Korean summit.

Seoul as host destination will feature its fair and inclusive tourism initiative in the conference programme, promoting the importance of building inclusive cities for all.

The Summit is jointly organized by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the Seoul Metropolitan Government with the support of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Republic of Korea, the Korean Tourism Organisation and the Seoul Tourism Organization.

Useful links:

Conference website

 

Contacts:

UNWTO Communications & Publications Programme

Tel: (+34) 91 567 8100 / Fax: +34 91 567 8218 / comm@unwto.org

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PR No.: PR

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will spearhead the marketing push of the area with the focus on generating tourism revenue for the residents, communities and local businesses in four coastal provinces also known as the “Thailand Riviera.”

Under a comprehensive Master Plan prepared by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the provinces of Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon and Ranong will be upgraded to tap their full potential for natural, cultural, historical, gastronomic, sports and community-based tourism.

The Thai government and related agencies will be closely involved in all aspects of tourism management, conservation and restoration in line with the policy direction of the National Tourism Development Plan to more equitably distribute income nationwide, upgrade the rural areas, provide them better accessibility, and improve facilities and services for visitors.

The Master Plan shows that the four provinces have diverse tourism assets, as follows:

• 25 national parks and water parks;
• 528 Kms of coastline;
• 37 beaches, 10 bays, and 25 islands;
• 70 Royal Projects and Royal Initiatives;
• 6 community-based tourism projects.

Man-made attractions include several golf courses, theme parks, numerous community malls/outlets and a variety of Sports Tourism facilities for triathlons, marathons, swimming, biking, mountain climbing and canoeing.

Hua Hin, the best known beach resort in the region, also holds an annual Jazz Festival, alongside a boundless choice of culinary fare and gastronomic delights.

There is also more than adequate transportation access:

• Land: Highway No. 4 (Phetchkasem Road);
• Sea: Ferry Service linking Khao Takiap pier in Prachuap Khiri Khan and Bali Hai Pier, Chon Buri.
• Air: Hua Hin Airport, Chumphon Airport, and Ranong Airport.
• Railway: Southern route.

On 13 June, 2018, H.E. Mr. Weerasak Kowsurat, Minister of Tourism and Sports, met with Mr. Chotenarin Kerdsom, Deputy Governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan, Mr. Somchai Bumrungsap, Deputy Governor of Phetchaburi province, and representatives from various government agencies to move ahead with the next steps.

The Minister stressed that the entire development process must be implemented in a comprehensive, coordinated manner that pays equal attention to economic and ecological issues.

For example, infrastructure development will be especially important to ensure proper fresh water supply and prevent water conflicts between the agriculture and tourism sectors. The platform of the Hua Hin Railway Station, a local heritage site dating back to the days when it was used by members of the Royal Family visiting the Mrigadayavan Summer Palace of King Vajiravudh (Rama VI), will be upgraded to reflect its unique design and architecture.

The plan also mentions opportunities for visitors to enjoy the local seafood, adventure activities and ecotourism, and the development of night markets, especially for local artists to showcase their works.

Specific niche-market projects will include development of the Thailand Riviera as a “Global Health Tourism Hub”, organisation of world-class sporting events for golf, tennis, shopping festivals, and world-class summer education courses.

The visitor experience will be enhanced by upgraded stops at petrol stations with clean toilets, lockers, luggage storage, CCTV and Wi-Fi.

The plan has long been in the cards, but implementation was delayed due to successive changes in governments. It was originally approved by the Thai Cabinet on 7 February, 2006, and again on 26 August, 2014, when the Ministry of Tourism and Sports was given the responsibility of executing the plan in an integrated and coordinated matter.

Under the current Prayut Chan-ocha Government, the plan was again approved on 6 March, 2018, at the mobile Cabinet meeting in Phetchaburi province.

One important part of the project has been construction of a scenic 680 kms highway from Bangkok, which runs directly along the coastline. The world-class highway, which will include bike lanes, is expected to be completed in five years. About 200 kilometres have been completed. A 49-kilometre stretch is under construction.

In 2017, the four provinces received a total of 14,023,347 Thai and foreign visitors, a rise of 4.52% year-on-year. The average expenditure per trip per person was 5,141 Baht, generating an estimated 72.105 billion Baht in tourism income (+8.85% year-on-year).

On 1 June, 2018, Mr. Weerasak also enlisted the support of the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) in a meeting with Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili, the UNWTO Secretary General. The UNWTO has undertaken to provide technical and marketing support.

Mr. Weerasak also notes that the Riviera project will have nationwide benefits thanks to the launched ferry service from Hua Hin to Pattaya, which has cut travelling time by more than six hours between the West and East coasts of the Gulf of Thailand.

Photo gallery of attractions in the four “Thailand Riviera” provinces:

Khang Khao Island, Laemson National Park, Ranong

Mrigadayavan Palace, Phetchaburi

Langa Jew Island, Chumphon

Hua Hin Beach, Prachuap Khiri Khan

Hua Hin Beach, Prachuap Khiri Khan

Thailand International Kite Festival at Cha-am Beach, Phetchaburi

Ngao Waterfall, Ngao National Park, Ranong