UNWTO Executive Director Zoltan Somogyi visited Japan in December to attend the relocation ceremony of UNWTO´s Regional Support Office (RSO) for Asia and the Pacific from Osaka to Nara.

Seventeen years after its establishment in Osaka as a center of regional collaboration and support of UNWTO´s activities in the Asia Pacific Region, the RSO was relocated to Nara at the end of 2012, with an opening ceremony held at the new headquarters on the 13^th of December.

The ceremony, attended by UNWTO Executive Director Mr. Zoltan Somogyi as well as Mr. Tadaaki Asanuma, Chief of the RSO and Mr. Norifumi Idee, Commissioner of the Japan Tourism Agency, was a great success.

¨Our friends in Japan, particularly the Governor of Nara Prefecture and the Mayor of Nara provide great support to the Regional Support Office, UNWTO is continuously grateful for the close collaborations we have with the Regional Support Office and now with its new location in Nara, we are confident that UNWTO´s close working relations with Japan will be even stronger.¨ said Mr. Somogyi.

After the opening ceremony he also met with JTA Commissioner and its top management team in Tokyo to discuss with the particular issues of organizing TSA and Statistics Conference in Japan, the programme of work of UNWTO´s Regional Programme for Asia and the Pacific for 2013 and in particular the Maritime Silk Road project, involvement in the Tourism Satellite Account (TSA) and sharing of tourism expertise between UNWTO headquarters and the RSO.

Mr. Somogyi also met with Mr. Jungo Kikuma, Chairman of JATA as well as Mr. Masafumi Nakamura, President of JATA and reconfirmed that UNWTO will support the JATA by co-organizing a seminar on the challenges of the Asian tourism market during the JATA World Travel Fair and invited JATA Chairman to the 25^th Joint Commission Meeting being held on 12 – 14 April in Hyderabad, India. 

Interesting Links

• Regional Support Office: http://www.unwto-ap.org/english/index.html

 

PR No.: PR13004

Meeting Mr. Rifai, Chairman Shao stressed the importance of collaboration with UNWTO in achieving the new objectives of China’s tourism policy, a sector identified by the Central Government of China as one of the pillars of the country’s economy. “The focus in China is now on quality and sustainability. That is, while the tourism sector has grown significantly over the past years in terms of volume, the future of the sector should focus on the diversification of tourism products, on environmental protection, on the quality of the workforce and overall quality over quantity. In this respect UNWTO support and guidance is of the utmost importance,” said Chairman Shao.

“UNWTO is very supportive of China’s tourism strategy and is committed to supporting its tourism administration,” said Mr. Rifai. “There can be no tourism growth without responsibility and sustainability and thus we are extremely pleased to see that China, one of the world’s major tourism destinations and source markets, is putting quality and sustainability at the heart of its tourism policy objectives.”

Since 2006, UNWTO has supported the establishment of five Sustainable Tourism Observatories in China which are at the forefront of efforts to convert UNWTO theoretical criteria on sustainable tourism into practice at the destination level.

Meeting with Minister Soria of Spain, Mr. Shao further stressed that in spite of the current deficit in China’s tourism balance due to slower growth in inbound tourism compared to outbound in 2012, the Chinese Government has not changed its strategy of encouraging outbound tourism. “With 148 countries now included in the list of ‘Approved Destination Status’ (ADS), the Government, and particularly CNTA, will continue to promote the traveling of Chinese people abroad as we believe in the mutual benefits of collaboration – by continuing to send Chinese travellers to Europe, the benefits will eventually flow back to China.” In 2012, 80 million Chinese travelled abroad, while 2.9 billion domestic trips were registered.

Attending the historic meeting, Mr. Rifai highlighted the role of UNWTO in bringing together two world tourism leaders. “Spain is a reservoir of tourism experience and know-how built over more than 150 years of tourism history and China is an emerging tourism ‘giant’. Spain can share its knowledge and experience with China and China can share its opportunities with Spain and through its tourists benefit not only Spain, but the entire European region,” he said.

 

Contacts:

UNWTO Principal Media Officer: Marcelo Risi

Tel: (+34) 91 567 81 60

 

UNWTO Communications Programme

Tel: +34 91-567-8100

Fax: +34 91-567-8218

 

 

 

 

 

MEDIA RELEASE

28 December 2012

 

PH ‘More Fun’ welcome greets One Millionth Korean Visitor

            With less than a week before the year ended, the country's tourism industry clinched a significant milestone as it welcomed its one millionth Korean visitor on the 27^th of December.

            The Department of Tourism (DOT) partnered with the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) and the Bureau of Immigration (BI) in marking this major feat for Philippine tourism at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal II. 

            Selected randomly among passengers aboard PAL flight PR467 that arrived on 27 December at 11:45AM in Manila from Seoul, Mr. Kook Nam Han was the one millionth Korean visitor for 2012. Immigration Officer Ernest Michael Aure rang the bell at his counter upon receiving the travel documents of Han. Music from the Banda Kawayan of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines consequently drumbeat the exciting news. 

            The 37-year old businessman from Seoul, South Korea has been a frequent visitor in the country since 1995, while his wife and other family members are already based here.  In an interview, he expressed, in all candor, his gratitude for this wonderful surprise. But it was Han who actually amazed everyone when he greeted Maayong Hapon or Good Afternoon in the Visayan language. He, in fact, studied Theology at the Adventist University in Bacolod back in 1995 and has made many Filipino friends ever since. 

            When asked about what brings Koreans to the Philippines, Han candidly responded, "It's the people who are smiling all the time.  Filipinos do not hurry and are more laidback, and they definitely know how to enjoy life.  I feel so much at home here, I consider this as my second home." 

            The DOT, Philippine Airlines, EDSA Shangri-la, and Shangri-la Mactan guaranteed Han a pleasant stay in the country this holiday season, gifting him with a local tour package to a destination of his choice complete with roundtrip business class tickets and hotel accommodation, among other complimentary tokens. 

            Tourism Undersecretary Daniel G. Corpuz underscored the importance of the event as South Korea is the first source market to hit the one million mark this year.  According to Corpuz, Korea remains the largest source of inbound tourists to the Philippines.     

            Culled from the latest DOT passenger exit survey, the usual purpose of visit for Koreans is for holidays, followed by business and studies/ education.  The average length of stay is six days, and the preferred destinations include Bohol, Boracay, and Cebu. Koreans are big spenders, pulling out an average of US$126 a day with a big chunk spent on shopping and sightseeing.  Majority are also repeat visitors, and almost fifty percent have friends or relatives in the Philippines who most likely serve as the main sources of information on destinations to visit or activities to do.

            Tourism Assistant Secretary Benito Bengzon, Jr. remarked that the DOT will not stop at one million tourist arrivals from Korea. "We are confident that the country will hit the two million Korean tourist arrival mark by 2016." The tourism and service sectors stand at the forefront of this boom. “We will continue to step up our tourism marketing and promotions in Korea and in other market sources," Assistant Secretary Bengzon further stated. 

            The new tourism campaign which the DOT rolled out early this year has already started to yield positive outcomes for the country, including today's milestone.

            "In our aim to drive in more foreign tourists to visit the country, we must also gear up for our topmost and crucial job for 2013 and the years ahead. That is market development. To realize this goal, we will tap into non-traditional markets, expanding the potential for new users, new geographic to new demographic segments," Tourism Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez enthused.

            "What drives tourism today is the country’s unique offering. What else, but the Filipino people -- our distinct hospitality, renewed confidence, and hope for a better Philippines," Secretary Jimenez positively concluded.

            Also present during the awarding rites were BI Commissioner Ricardo David, MIAA General Manager Jose Angel Honrado, NAIA Terminal II Manager Cecilio Bobila, and other DOT officials.

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CONTACT:    EVELYN A. MACAYAYONG

                        Office of Marketing Communications

                        525-1805

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mr. Kook Nam Han, the country’s one millionth Korean visitor, flanked by DOT officials (L-R) Assistant Secretary Benito C. Bengzon, Jr., Undersecretary Daniel G. Corpuz, Assistant Secretary Rolando Canizal and Tourism Attache to Korea Maricon Ebron.  (Photo by Nestor Dionido, DOT)

  

Department of Tourism, Philippines

MEDIA RELEASE

20 December 2012

 

The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has pledged its full support to the Department of Tourism (DOT) in light of the aftermath of Typhoon Pablo (international name: Bopha) that recently hit the Philippines.

In his letter dated 11 December 2012 addressed to DOT Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez, Jr., UNWTO Secretary General Taleb Rifai offered his “sincere and heartfelt sympathies to the people of the Government of the Philippines, particularly those who have lost loved ones.”

“UNWTO stands ready to support you and your Department, and I would like to personally assure you and the tourism sector of the Philippines of [our] readiness to assist in whichever way is considered appropriate in order to support you during this difficult time,” Mr. Rifai added.

Typhoon Pablo is considered as one of the most devastating typhoons to hit the country. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported last week that the death toll from the typhoon is already at 902. This number could get higher as the search and retrieval operations for the 635 missing still continue.

Secretary Jimenez said he is grateful for the UNWTO support and is looking forward to secure its help in rebuilding the sectors that were badly hit. “The recent events make us think of our most valuable resources. Our environment and our people are of utmost importance. The Department of Tourism is one with the country in offering prayers for those whose homes and livelihood have been destroyed, and more so for those who have lost their loved ones,” the Secretary expressed.

Meanwhile, the DOT has initiated its own relief operations and encouraged all industry members to join in.  Tourism-oriented establishments may send their contributions to the Office of the Undersecretary for Tourism Regulation, Coordination and Resource Generation (TRCRG) at Room 205, DOT Building, T.M. Kalaw St., Ermita, Manila. They may also call 524-98-41 and 5238411 local 179 or 185.

 

 

  

UNWTO´s relationship with Cambodia was further strengthened last month as Deputy Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific Harry Hwang delivered a keynote presentation on Optimizing Sustainable Green Tourism to Cambodia´s Minister of Tourism, the Governor of Siem Reap Province and other high-level participants in the East Asia Inter-Regional Tourism Forum (EATOF) in Siem Reap on 29^th November.

The Forum, established in Korea´s Gangwon Province in 2000, was this year held under the theme of ¨East Asia to Further Strengthen with Sustainable Green Tourism Sector.¨ EATOF, whose aim is to provide a platform for the discussion of common issues and the joint promotion of East Asia in the world market, is also the only international tourism association in East Asia led by local governments.

¨EATOF provides an invaluable framework to promote destinations and encourages cooperation rather than competition; ¨ said Mr. Hwang during his presentation.

¨The goals of sustainable green tourism and balanced development constitute a most urgent agenda for East Asia. I take great pride saying that East Asia is on its way to firmly establishing itself on the tourist map of the world and as a result, will change the pattern of world tourism. But the region also needs to adapt to new concepts of green tourism and to strike its own balance between development and protection of resources. ¨

Mr. Hwang´s presentation took stock of the work UNWTO has done in the field of green tourism, from hosting international conferences on climate change and tourism in Tunisia and Davos (Switzerland) in 2003 and 2007, signing the Davos Declaration and hosting a Ministerial Summit on Tourism and Climate Change during the World Travel Mart in London in 2007 including ´Roadmap for Recovery´ which aims to draw the attention of governments and policymakers to its call for a transition to a green economy.

More recently, UNWTO held the Regional Conference on Green Tourism in conjunction with its Joint Commission Meeting for East Asia and the Pacific and South Asia. UNEP´s recently launched Green Economy Report, which includes a chapter on tourism compiled by UNWTO, was also presented, as was the publication ´Best Practices and Recommendations for Ecotourism in Asia and the Pacific´.

As the world stands set to witness 1 billion international tourists travelling in 2012, the impact of these tourists on the countries, cultures and environments they visit are a major topic of discussion in many countries.

EATOF, by providing an arena for the exchange of tourism policy and industry information, the development of joint programmes, opportunities for education and knowledge exchange for both the public and private sector and other areas of mutual cooperation, is a key event in the region´s annual calendar.

This year´s host country, Cambodia, has planned further cooperation with UNWTO by considering hosting its Regional Conference on Cultural Heritage Site and Tourism Management in 2013 as well as the UNWTO General Assembly in 2015.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UNWTO´s Regional Programme for Asia and the Pacific (RPAP) in collaboration with the National Tourism Administration of the Democratic People´s Republic of (DPR) Korea organized a workshop on tourism marketing in the country´s capital Pyongyang on 8 October with the aim of enhancing the country´s competitiveness as a tourism destination in the ever changing Asia Pacific Region.

Harry Hwang, Deputy Director RPAP, along with UNWTO consultant Jens Thraenhart travelled to DPR Korea to provide suggestions and recommendations to the country´s tourism leaders.

After participating in a three day organized technical tour of Pyongyang, Nampo and Kaesong, Mr. Hwang and Mr. Thraenhart held a workshop for National Tourism Administration officials and travel agency representatives on how to best develop efficient tourism policies to attract high-end tourists from Europe and South East Asia.

Areas of discussion during the workshop were simplifying visa-issuing procedures, attracting foreign carriers to Pyongyang, and promoting the attractiveness of the rail trip from Beijing to Pyongyang. There were also suggestions for DPRK’s government at the highest level to consider formulating a National Tourism Policy Statement underlining its support for tourism development and growth as a key industry within the overall economy and identifying the preferred means of implementing this policy.

The UNWTO task force also suggested DPRK to keep close relationships with international organizations like UNWTO and PATA in particular as many destinations engage in cooperation to achieve their tourism objectives.

¨This trip was a great opportunity for UNWTO to support DPR Korea in enhancing its competitiveness as a tourism destination, ¨ said Mr. Hwang. ¨There are quite a few tourists currently visiting DPR Korea, especially from Chin,a and UNWTO was able to not only share the latest data on global tourism trends but also outline UNWTO´s upcoming programme of work in the region, including possible further collaboration with the country and ways that DPR can be involved with UNWTO´s events.¨

The workshop also included productive Q&A session.

 

 

 

UNWTO welcomed a high-level delegation from Vietnam to its headquarters in Madrid last week which included the Vice Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr. Ho Anh Tuan. The Vice Minister´s inaugural visit marked a ´landmark´ occasion in the strong relationship between UNWTO and Vietnam as they discussed plans for future collaboration.

¨UNWTO is proud to have Vietnam as a Member State, ¨ noted UNWTO Executive Director Márcio Favilla, emphasizing that the country is recognized around the world for being one of tourism´s ¨rising stars.¨

Indeed, tourism arrivals in Vietnam have risen from under 3.5 million in 2005 to 5 million in 2010 and 6 million in 2011, with an estimated 6.5 million to arrive in the country by the end of 2012.

¨Tourism is one of the pillars of the Vietnamese economy,¨ said Vice Minister Tuan. ¨In recent years we have seen fast tourism development in our country, and we must thank UWNTO for its strong support, which has strongly contributed to the success of tourism in Vietnam.¨

Xu Jing, the Director of UNWTO´s Regional Programme for Asia and the Pacific, noted that UNWTO and Vietnam have always enjoyed very good relations: ¨We assisted Vietnam in the formation of its Tourism Development Plan as well as the tourism law for the country. Since then, we have provided technical support in developing the Ho Chi Min Convention Centre, we held the Regional Commission Meeting in Hanoi two years ago, and Vietnamese officials have attended many recent UNWTO events including the Tourism Satellite Account Capacity Building Programme, the Asia Pacific Executive Training Programme and the UNWTO/HTC High-Level Asia Pacific MICE Symposium,¨ he said.

The coming months of collaboration are already being planned: An event on spiritual tourism in Vietnam´s Nin Binh Province in the first half of 2013, a Vietnamese gastronomy week in Spain and the development of a multicultural village showcasing Vietnam´s extensive ethnic diversity.  

Vietnam is also being showcased as an example of successful tourism in a new study commissioned by the European Union.

The importance of domestic tourism, opportunities for regional collaboration and the possibility of rural community tourism development were also discussed during the meeting.

MICE Tourism (i.e. Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions) was on the agenda for UNWTO Asia Pacific Member States this month, with participants from 16 countries attending the first ever UNWTO/HTC High-Level Asia Pacific Symposium on MICE Tourism in Hangzhou, China from the 15^th-19^th of October.

The importance of the event was noted by Hangzhou´s Deputy Mayor Mr. Zhang Jianting, who opened the four-day event and later treated participants to a welcome dinner hosted by Hangzhou Municipal Government.

Other high-level attendees of the symposium included Mr. Li Hong, Director of Hangzhou Tourism Commission and his deputy Mr. Wang Xinzhang, UNWTO Tourism Expert Madam Xu Fan and consultant Mr. Gary Grimmer of GainingEdge Australia.

Keynote presentations were given by Mr. Xu Jing, UNWTO Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, Mr. Gary Grimmer, Madam Xu Fan, Ms. Nancy Tan of ACE:Daytons Direct (Int´l) Pte Ltd and Ms. Jennifer Ma, Deputy General Manager of Grand China Express. Complementing these, representatives from six countries in the region (India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Republic of Korea and Vietnam) presented country-based best practice case studies of MICE tourism on the ground.

¨Asia and the Pacific will be a strong growth region in the future, ¨ noted Madam Xu Fan, ¨but this comes with challenges. While some challenges (and opportunities) can be closely linked with regional patterns, all countries and cities face their own unique obstacles in developing their MICE industry.¨

This advice comes at a time when countries around the world are again facing economic downturns, as well as continuing socio-economic and environmental challenges.

However, tourism, as noted by Director Xu Jing, and specifically MICE tourism, can bring a broad spectrum of benefits to a host destination, including jobs, trade linkages and new business. Beyond this, MICE, or the meetings industry, can enable knowledge-building, network development, progress in research, a platform to showcase innovation, investment, exports and an opportunity to share ideas.

 

As World Tourism Day celebrations abounded in this year´s host country, Spain on the 27^th September, countries in the Asia Pacific including Sri Lanka held their own events to mark the annual UNWTO occasion.

The main programme of events in the country, organized by the Ministry of Economic Development and the Sri Lanka Development Authority, included a seminar on the theme of this year´s World Tourism Day, ¨Tourism and Sustainable Energy¨ in Ramada Hotel, Colombo on the 27^th September.

Other events being held around the country included awareness programmes for tourism stakeholders, facilitators and service providers, exhibitions on new energy sources, children´s competitions and practical activities such as tree planting and beach cleaning.

Next year´s World Tourism Day celebrations will be held in the Maldives under the theme 2013 ¨Tourism and Water – Protecting our Common Future.¨

 

 

Nepal Tourism Board

Press Release

Kathmandu, September 27, 2012

 

The Government of Nepal, Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and the Private Sector, which form a tripod of the Nepalese tourism industry, celebrated the 33^rd UNWTO World Tourism Day on September 27, 2012 amidst a grand function graced by the presence of Honorable Tourism Minister Mr. Post Bahadur Bogati, dignitaries from tourism sectors, governmental officials and media representatives of Nepal at the premise of Nepal Tourism Board, Kathmandu.

Addressing the function, the HonorableMr. Post Bahadur Bogati, who serves as Nepal´s Minister of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, said, ¨Since tourism has been earmarked as a priority for the country, the government is making policy departures in opening some of the previously restricted areas and in encouraging foreign investment in tourism in Nepal."

Speaking in the same program, Officiating Chief Executive Officer of Nepal Tourism Board, Mr. Kashi Raj Bhandari, focused on the context of the  UNWTO´s tourism slogan of this year: 'Tourism and Sustainable Energy-Powering Sustainable Development.' Mr. Bhandari noted that in countries like Nepal which are facing energy crises, service providers should be encouraged to "economize the consumption of fossil energy as well as hydro-electricity and maximize the use of renewable energy for sustainable development of the  tourism industry".

As a symbolic gesture for the promotion of sustainable energy and in the spirit of the UNWTO slogan that buttresses the UN campaign for this year, "Sustainable Energy for All," a solar panel was installed in the NTB premise on the same occasion.

In addition, several programs were organized all over the nation to coincide with the event. Some of the important programs were as follows:

• A tourism stakeholder rally at Thamel, a World Heritage Monument in Kathmandu Durbar Square
• The launch of the "Alkapuri (abode of gods in Hindu mythology) Heritage Trail" in Kathmandu Metropolitan City
• Cultural programmes organized by the ethnic community, Jyapu Maha Guthi
• Patan Festival, Thamel and Pokhara Mini Street Festivals
• A " Blood Donation Program¨ organized by Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agency (NATTA)
• An exhibition of traditional but disappearing musical instruments at Tistung, in the central part of the country
• A number of interaction programs on tourism, held across the nation
• The welcoming of tourists with traditional cultural gestures at all entry points of Nepal
• The organization of a cycle Rally named as "Eco-Ride" in the Central Region of Nepal with an aim to promote ecotourism/sustainable tourism.

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Related to: World Tourism Day