On Thursday 9 April 2015, the UNWTO team of experts carried out the first group of inspections as part of the activities of the World Bank-funded project for Implementation of the Hotel Classification Scheme for Ethiopia.

Opening Ceremonies were organized in this respect, receiving the participation of H.E. Mr. Amin Abdulkadir, Minister of Culture and Tourism, and H.E. Mrs. Tadelech Dalaclo, Minister of State for Culture and Tourism. This included ribbon-cutting ceremonies at each of the three hotels, speeches by the Ministers, the General Manager and the President of the Hotel Association.

During his speech and in all the interviews that the Hon. Minister has conducted, he refers to this project as an "historic event" for Ethiopia.

The project activities commenced in January 2015 with the setting  up of the entire scheme for implementing hotel classification - being done for the first time in Ethiopia - and the training of inspectors which was completed in March 2015.

A team of six international assessors, in three teams of 2 international assessors each, will now assess up to 400 hotels in Ethiopia and give them their first official rating.  They will be accompanied by the national inspectors who have been previously trained, on a rotational basis, so as to further strengthen their capacities.

PR No.: PR15027

“I am appalled by this atrocious act of violence on innocent people. Our thoughts at this tragic moment are with the families and friends of the victims and the people of Kenya” said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai.

“Kenya is facing a threat of international nature. We must stand by the Kenyans in these testing times and reinforce our solidarity and commitment to work side by side with them to ensure that violence and terrorism do not win over our values and the will of Kenya to progress and live freely."

"The resilience of the Kenyan people, supported by the solidarity of their friends in the international community, will surely lead the country to overcome this terrible act."

"Despite the aims of the terrorists to damage the image and the economy of Kenya, we are confident that the country will continue to be a preferred destination for people all around the world", Mr Rifai added. 

PR No.: 15026

Meeting with President Beji Caid Essebsi and Prime Minister Habib Essid, Mr Rifai recalled the role of tourism in creating prosperity and jobs in Tunisia and the importance of having the sector supported at the highest political level, expressing his full confidence in the fast recovery of tourism to Tunisia. Both dignitaries reiterated their full believe and support to tourism.

“Tourism employs 400.000 people in Tunisia and is a key driver of the economy. With the political support I have testified today and a national tourism policy coordinated among all Ministries I trust that we will see a swift recovery of tourism to Tunisia and the sector playing a fundamental role in this new era of country”, said Mr Rifai.

“We are determined to move forward and there is a political will to revive this sector, as shown by the numerous measures undertaken by the Ministry of Tourism. In addition to the promotional activities such as the organization of the support march and meetings with the foreign tour operators, we will also focus on domestic tourism and tourism from the Maghreb to overcome this situation”, said the Minister of Tourism of Tunisia, Salma Elloumi Rekik.

UNWTO and Tunisia agreed on a new cooperation framework which includes the areas of communications, education and training and hotel classification. “Tunisia is open to receive all tourists. Tunisia is and will continue to be a leading tourism destination” said Rifai. “It is time to look into the future and consolidate the sector by investing in quality and human resources development and UNWTO is very pleased to be here to support Tunisia in this regard”, he added.

Tunisia will also host the 5th edition of the UNWTO Tourism and the Media Conference during the last quarter of 2015.

Contacts:

UNWTO Senior Media Officer: Marcelo Risi
Tel: (+34) 91 567 81 60 

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

PR No.: 15023

“This act of violence deserves the condemnation of the international community. As part of the global tourism family, we are shocked by these horrible attacks. The relatives and friends of the victims are in our thoughts and we once more convey our solidarity with the people and the Government of Tunisia” said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai.

“Tourism is a lifeline for the economy of Tunisia and we will continue our support to ensure that tourism continues to provide development opportunities to its people," he added.

Contacts:

UNWTO Senior Media Officer: Marcelo Risi
Tel: (+34) 91 567 81 60 

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

PR No.: 15017

In support of international efforts to tackle unprecedented levels of poaching and to strengthen the role of tourism vis-à-vis wildlife crime, UNWTO is spearheading efforts to increase knowledge on the economic value of wildlife watching in Africa. Towards Measuring the Economic Value of Wildlife Watching Tourism in Africa, provides a first overview of this segment, its economic impact and the current involvement of tourism in anti-poaching measures.

“Poaching is not only destroying precious ecosystems, it also poses a serious threat to socio-economic development. The loss of biodiversity is directly linked to lost development opportunities in the African tourism sector, which provides livelihoods for millions of people”, said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai in his message on the occasion of World Wildlife Day.

UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon said “Illegal wildlife trade undermines the rule of law and threatens national security; it degrades ecosystems and is a major obstacle to the efforts of rural communities and indigenous peoples striving to sustainably manage their natural resources.”

According to UNWTO's findings, wildlife watching represents 80% of the total annual sales of trips to Africa, with safari as the most popular product. The species most threatened by poaching such as elephants and rhinos, are among the most popular in wildlife watching tours.

The research also brings further insights into the economic significance of wildlife watching tourism. Alongside generating crucial income for protected areas through entrance fees, a typical wildlife watching tour costs on average US$ 433 and captures an additional US$ 55 in out-of-pocket expenses per person, per day. In addition, tours often include locally hired services such as accommodation, transportation, tour guides and cultural performances, creating important job opportunities for the local population.

Tourism authorities are only involved to a minor extent in anti-poaching efforts and there is room for improvement, the paper indicates. Around 50% of the participating tour operators are funding anti-poaching initiatives and/or engaging in nature conservation projects, however only a few are so far proactively informing and engaging their customers on the issue.

“Given its economic importance, the tourism sector can and should play a key role in raising awareness among both policy makers and tourists on the devastating impacts of wildlife crime, and help finance anti-poaching initiatives. UNWTO remains deeply committed to mobilizing the international tourism community on this critical issue, which requires our immediate action“, added Mr. Rifai.

In order to advance knowledge of the economic importance of wildlife watching and its potential to directly contribute to conservation efforts, the paper recommends a number of actions for national tourism authorities, including increased involvement in anti-poaching initiatives, systematic integration and evaluation of available data, and capacity building for a more consistent monitoring of protected areas visitors and receipts.

Towards Measuring the Economic Value of Wildlife Watching Tourism in Africa builds on a survey of 48 African tourism and conservation authorities from 31 countries, as well as 145 international and African-based tour operators. The survey has been complemented with available statistics, case study reviews and in-depth interviews with governments and international organizations.

Note to editors:

Wildlife watching tourism relates exclusively to non-consumptive forms of wildlife-based activities such as observing and sometimes touching or feeding of animals, in contrast to consumptive forms like hunting and fishing.

Towards Measuring the Economic Value of Wildlife Watching Tourism in Africa was prepared by UNWTO in collaboration with the Convention on Migratory Species of Wild Animals (UNEP/CMS), and released on the occasion of the second annual World Wildlife Day (3 March).

Useful links:

UNWTO Briefing Paper: Towards Measuring the Economic Value of Wildlife Watching Tourism in Africa 

Message by UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai on the occasion of World Wildlife Day 2015 

Press release: UNWTO, UNODC and African Tourism Ministers to join forces to fight wildlife crime 

UNWTO Sustainable Development of Tourism Programme

UNWTO Regional Programme for Africa

World Wildlife Day

Photos: UNWTO is #seriousaboutwildlifecrime 

Contacts:

UNWTO Senior Media Officer: Marcelo Risi
Tel: (+34) 91 567 81 60 
UNWTO Communications & Publications Programme
Tel: (+34) 91 567 8100 / Fax: +34 91 567 8218 

PR No.: PR 14078

WHO does not recommend general bans on travel or trade

The Travel and Transport Task Force, established in August 2014, calls for international cooperation of governments and the transport sector in following the recommendations of the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee on Ebola, convened by WHO.

WHO does not recommend general bans on travel or trade, or general quarantine of travellers arriving from Ebola-affected countries, as measures to contain the outbreak.

Such measures can create a false impression of control and may have a detrimental impact on the number of health care workers volunteering to assist Ebola control or prevention efforts in the affected countries. Such measures may also adversely reduce essential trade, including supplies of food, fuel and medical equipment to the affected countries, contributing to their humanitarian and economic hardship.

Exit screening for Ebola

Current exit screening of all persons departing affected countries through international airports, seaports and major land crossings is recommended by WHO and can reduce the numbers of people with symptoms from travelling from the countries with high levels of Ebola transmission.

While screening upon entry into non-affected countries may provide an opportunity to further increase public awareness about Ebola, such screening also can require significant resources including staff, facilities and systems to care for ill travellers who might be suspected of having Ebola.

Preparedness for non-affected countries

The best protective measures for non-affected countries are adequate levels of preparedness, including heightened surveillance to detect and diagnose cases early and well prepared staff and operational planning to ensure that suspect cases of Ebola are managed safely and in ways to minimize further spread.

Communication campaigns should be conducted to inform travellers, airlines, shipping crews, staff working at points of entry, and health workers everywhere about the symptoms of Ebola virus disease and what to do if a person has symptoms. Data on the efficiency of exit screening should be made available.

Advice to travellers

People who have travelled to 1 of the 3 West African countries currently affected by Ebola virus disease (Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone) should take the following precautions for 21 days after returning:

• stay within reach of a good quality health care facility
• be aware of the symptoms of infection (sudden fever, intense weakness, muscle pain, headache, vomiting, diarrhoea, rash, and sometimes bleeding)
• immediately report a fever of 38° C or higher to their local medical emergency service (ideally by phone) and mention their travel history.

Note

• Early treatment improves the chance of recovery.
• To catch Ebola requires direct contact with the body fluid of an Ebola-infected person.
• Asymptomatic individuals are not infectious, even if they are incubating the disease.

Attending international meetings

The IHR Emergency Committee agreed that there should not be a general ban on participation of people from countries with transmission of Ebola from attending international meetings and events. The decision of participation must be made on a case by case basis by the host country. This country may request additional health monitoring of participants.

The Travel and Transport Task Force, which includes WHO, is working together to:

• develop guidance on exit screening recommendations for affected countries
• provide a set of considerations and steps for planning entry screening at point of entry for countries that wish to introduce this as part of their preparedness plan
• inform the aviation and maritime sectors on procedures for caring safely for travellers who are suspected to be infected with Ebola on board an aircraft or ship, or at arrival points
• provide information on Ebola to travellers arriving at or leaving airports, ports or other transit points
• develop protocols for the passenger shipping sector
• collect data and work with authorities to reduce restrictions to port arrivals and ship and aeroplane movements.

The Task Force is concerned about reports of denial of medical care for ill seafarers on board ships that had previously called at ports in the Ebola-affected region.

About the Travel and Transport Task Force

Members of the Travel and Transport Task Force include the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Airports Council International (ACI), International Air Transport Association (IATA), World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) International Maritime Organization (IMO), the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).

The Task Force was set up in August 2014 to support the global efforts to contain the spread of Ebola virus disease and provide a coordinated international response for the travel, trade and tourism sector.

About Ebola virus disease

The risk of transmission of Ebola virus disease during travel is low. Unlike infections such as influenza or tuberculosis, Ebola is not spread by breathing air (and the airborne particles it contains) from an infected person. Transmission requires direct contact with blood, secretions, organs or other body fluids of infected living or dead persons or animals, all unlikely exposures for the average traveller.

People are only infectious after they have started to have symptoms, which include fever, weakness, muscle pain, headache and sore throat. This is followed by vomiting, diarrhoea, rash and, in some cases, bleeding. If a person, including a traveller, may have been exposed to the Ebola virus, he/she should seek medical attention at the first sign of illness. Early treatment improves chance of survival.

Contacts:

UNWTO

Senior Media Officer: Marcelo Risi

Tel: (+34) 91 567 81 60

WHO

Communications Officer: Tarik Jasarevic 
Telephone: +41 22 791 50 99
Mobile: +41 79 367 62 14