PR No.: 15078

During the same day, UNWTO will present the first Global Conference on Wine Tourism, in cooperation with the Georgian National Tourism Administration to be held in Georgia in 2016. The activity is part of the UNWTO Gastronomy Network plan of action. The platform was officially presented in September 2015 during the UNWTO General Assembly in Medellin, Colombia and aims to promote information and knowledge to further develop Gastronomic Tourism.

Experiential travel and the booking revolution will also be tackled during the Social Silk Road seminar that will take place on the 4 November, an activity which will be conducted in partnership with Travel Perspective, supported by WTM. The seminar, under the title ‘The rise of experiential travel and the booking revolution’ aims at analyzing how new trends are shaping the booking process and how emerging destinations are transitioning into a digital context.

Finally, UNWTO will join PATA at a side event to discuss ‘How do young Asian travelers step out of the crowd’. As the rise in global tourism will be driven by young travelers, particularly from the Asian continent, the session will try to provide strategies to destinations in order to cope with this phenomenon.

Useful links:

UNWTO Programme of Activities at WTM 

Contacts:

UNWTO Media Officer Rut Gomez Sobrino
Tel: (+34) 91 567 81 60 

UNWTO Communications & Publications Programme
Tel: (+34) 91 567 8100 / Fax: +34 91 567 8218

PR No.: PR15072

The Awards were created in the framework of the partnership between UNWTO and JATA signed in 2013 and aim to promote the principles and implementation of the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism among Japanese government authorities, the tourism industry and local communities.

In parallel, UNWTO and JATA organized the International Tourism Forum on ”Tourism and Culture,” with the presence of the Chair of the World Committee on Tourism Ethics, Pascal Lamy.

“Culture is of immeasurable value to host communities, while tourism can be a considerable force for the promotion and safeguarding of tangible and intangible heritage” said Mr Lamy. “Tourism also represents a vital force for peace, as is stated in the UNWTO Global Code of Ethics for Tourism,” he added.

The link between culture and economic development was also underlined by UNWTO Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, Xu Jing, who offered to the audience examples of opportunities for stronger cooperation between the two fields, one of the priorities of action of UNWTO work.

Under the theme “Move. See. Feel” the second edition of the JATA Tourism Expo offered an overview of the current trends in world tourism with a focus on the Japanese market. With more than 1,600 exhibition booths, and nearly 200,000 visitors the JATA Tourism EXPO 2015 included the International Tourism Forum, the Travel Showcase, and Japan Night.

Contacts:

UNWTO Media Officer Rut Gomez Sobrino
Tel: (+34) 91 567 81 60

UNWTO Communications & Publications Programme

Tel: (+34) 91 567 8100 / Fax: +34 91 567 8218

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.

More details:

UNWTO/PATA Tourism Updates 

PRESS RELEASE

Philippine Department of Tourism

06 October 2015

PH leads the East Asia and the Pacific

towards a new era of tourism development

At the 21st United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) General Assembly in Medellín, Colombia on 12-18 September 2015, the six Regional Commissions elected new chairs and vice-chairs for the period 2015-2017.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) is pleased to announce that the Philippines was unanimously elected as Chairperson of the Regional Commission for East Asia and the Pacific (CAP) with Cambodia and Japan as vice chairpersons. The Philippines will also sit as member of the Committee on Statistics and Tourism Satellite Account (TSA) owing to its efforts of institutionalizing the implementation of the TSA in the Philippines, the first in the ASEAN region which is in consonance with the UN system of satellite accounting.

Mr. Taleb Rifai, UNWTO Secretary-General lauded the Philippines for taking the Chairmanship that will greatly contribute to the global travel and tourism agenda of increasing competitiveness and promoting sustainable development in the region.  Asia and the Pacific region is now the fastest global tourism destination with 263 million international arrivals in 2014 with a growth rate of 5.3%.

The five other commissions and their respective chairs (C) and vice-chairs (VCs) are:  Africa – Zimbabwe (C) and Cameroon and Cote d’Ivoire (VCs); the Americas - Haiti (C) and Paraguay and Chile (VCs); Europe - Switzerland (C) and Montenegro and Lithuania; South Asia - India (C) and Bangladesh and Afghanistan (VCs); and the Middle East - Lebanon (C) and Egypt and Jemen (VCs).

“We are very happy about the strong confidence of countries in the Asia Pacific for the Philippines to lead the region.  It is an affirmation of the Philippines’ leadership to pursue reforms and address key issues to enhance travel and tourism development in the region, to include, among others, domestic tourism, air connectivity, and travel facilitation,” DOT Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez, Jr. said.

CONTACT:           EVELYN A. MACAYAYONG

                               Media and Communications Service

                               459-5200, loc. 509, 510

                               eamacayayong@tourism.gov.ph; eamacayayong@yahoo.com.ph

                            (Photo courtesy of DOT)

DOT Assistant Secretary Rolando Cañizal and Mr. Xu Jing, UNWTO Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific

PR No.: PR15067

Tourism is one of the most dynamic economic sectors, with significant global reach, and can make an important contribution to the achievement of the SDGs, particularly in the areas of job creation, sustainable consumption and production and the preservation of natural resources.

“Issues such as climate change, effective resource management, poverty reduction and inclusive growth need to be at the center of tourism development. Now that the Goals have been approved, it is time to step up our action, time to advance policies and business strategies that monitor and minimize the negative effects of tourism development and maximize its positive impacts, namely through the distribution of its benefits among host communities” said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai.

The SDGs are a universal 17-goal plan of action for people, the planet and prosperity for all countries and require all stakeholders to act in collaborative partnerships. The SDGs were approved by the 70^th Session of the United Nations General Assembly on 25 September 2015.

Tourism is included in the SDGs as a target in Goal 8, Goal 12 and Goal 14:

– Goal 8, on the promotion of “sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all includes as Target 8.9 "By 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products".

– Goal 12 aimed to “ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns” includes as Target 12.b to "Develop and implement tools to monitor sustainable development impacts for sustainable tourism which creates jobs, promotes local culture and products".  

– Goal 14 set to “Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development”  includes as target 14.7 "by 2030 increase the economic benefits of SIDS and LDCs from the sustainable use of marine resources, including through sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture and tourism".

Useful Information

Brochure: Tourism and the Sustainable Development Goals (available in English) 

Tourism and the SDGs at unwto.org

PR No.: PR15068

Considering the relevance of Asia and the Pacific as the second most visited region in the world and one of the fastest growing in tourism, this new agreement will allows UNWTO and UnionPay to provide new insights into the consumption patterns of tourism in the region while promoting a closer relationship between tourism and financial services, essential feature of destinations’ competitiveness.

Currently, the global acceptance network of UnionPay cards extends to more than 150 countries and regions, covering 26 million merchants and 1.9 million ATMs. There are over five billion UnionPay cards which provide a significant basis to conduct consumer research, namely on the Chinese outbound market in which UnionPay is a preferred means of payment when travelling abroad.

Among the first activities within this new agreement, UnionPay collaborated with UNWTO in a series of side events during the recent 21^st UNWTO General Assembly held in in Medellin, Colombia, 12-17 September 2015. 

Contacts:

UNWTO Communications & Publications Programme

Tel: (+34) 91 567 8100 / Fax: +34 91 567 8218

PRESS RELEASE

Philippine Department of Tourism

24 September 2015

Tourism Philippines Australia and New Zealand set to promote the Palawan in the world first Instagram Relay

celebrating World Tourism Day on September 27

#helloworldRELAYshowcases magic moments all over the globe

from sunrise to sunset to celebrate World Tourism Day

The Philippine Department of Tourism in Australia and New Zealand is partnering with Australia’s leading integrated travel group, helloworld, to markthe United Nations World Tourism Day on September 27, 2015 with an innovative and world first social media initiative. 

Together with over 60 countries and more than 75 Instagram influencers, helloworld is creating an Instagram relay entitled #helloworldRELAY,that will capturecountries, cities, people and places, through creative and inspiring images on the same date across our incredible planet.

The Philippines will be part of this history-making relay, featuring the stunning eco-friendly islandarchipelago of Palawan.

Consuelo Garcia Jones, Tourism Attache, Australia & New Zealandat the Philippine Department of Tourism, says: "It’s great to be part of this exciting Instagram first, giving us the opportunity to introduce one of our 7,107 Philippine islands along with its stunning beaches and crystal blue waters, and the UNESCO World Heritage sitethe Underground River in Palawan, to the 300millionInstagrammersaround the world. Whether it be island hopping, diving, or trekking, we hope to showcase the many adventures that make travelling more fun in the Philippines!"

We are also delighted to have engaged top Australian Instagrammer and photographer, Rob Mulally, as our lead Instagrammer for this exciting world first. Working with leading Instagrammers in the Philippines, Rob will capture some of the most stunning locations in Palawan which was named the most beautiful island in the world recently by Conde Nast Traveller. As the sun rises in the Palawan, Rob will commence posting until the sun sets and will also host asunrise Instameet at Sabang Beach, Puerto Princesa.

World Tourism Day in 2015 aims to raise awareness of the important impact tourism has on countries and communities around the world and its potential as a force for good, creating a better world for all.

For more information or toparticipate in our RELAYin the Philippines follow :

Instagram:                 @tourismphilippines and @robmulally

Official hashtag:     　#morefuninthephilippines

Facebook:                 TourismPhilippines.anz

Twitter:                      @PhilippinesANZ