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

PR No.: PR 14072

The UNWTO/WTTC Open Letter calls on government leaders worldwide to acknowledge tourism's key role in delivering a more sustainable and balanced growth and to prioritize the sector in national policies in order to maximize the sector’s potential for development.

Prime Minister Benkiran received the Open Letter as a sign of further committment by the Moroccan government to prioritize tourism development in line with the country’s Vision 2020 tourism strategy. Tourism is Morocco’s top earner of foreign exchange, its second biggest contributor to GDP and the second biggest job creator.

“Morocco has done remarkable work in making tourism a national priority and as a result, it is now one of the driving forces of the country’s economy”, said Mr. Rifai. ”By accepting this Open Letter, the Government of Morocco is reinforcing its exemplary commitment to the development of the sector, in Morocco and around the world”, he added.

David Scowsill, President and CEO of WTTC, added; “Travel and Tourism contributed 8.6% of Morocco’s economy last year at MAD76.1bn and this contribution is forecast to rise by a further 8.1% in 2014. The growth prospects for the sector in Morocco are excellent and it is great to see the country focusing on social and economic policies, including excellent sustainable tourism initiatives.”

The Open Letter was presented by UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai to H.E. Mr. Benkiran on the occasion of the 11th edition of Morocco’s Tourism Conference in Rabat, in the presence of Mr. Lahcen Haddad, Minister of Tourism of Morocco, José Manuel Soria Lopes, Minister of Industry, Energy and Tourism of Spain, Amal Karboul, Minister of Tourism of Tunisia, and a wide range of Moroccan tourism stakeholders.

In 2013, Morocco received 10 million international tourists up from 4.8 million in 2003. International tourism generated US$ 6.9 billion in receipts in 2013, more than double the value registered a decade ago (US$ 3.2 billion).

Note to Editors:

The UNWTO/WTTC 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, the Open Letter has been received by 68 Heads of State and Government.

Useful links:

UNWTO/WTTC Open Letter on Travel and Tourism

World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC)

Contacts:

UNWTO

Senior Media Officer: Marcelo Risi

Tel: (+34) 91 567 81 60 

WTTC

Head of Communications: Emma Coulthurst
Tel: (+44 ) 207481 6483 

www.wttc.org

Dear Members,

On behalf of the Government of Seychelles, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), we would like to inform you that the UNWTO/ICAO Ministerial Conference on Tourism and Air Transport in Africa, planned to be held in Seychelles, from 13 to 15 October 2014, has now been rescheduled to 22-24 April 2015, in the framework of the Regional Commission for Africa, the annual ministerial meeting of UNWTO African Member States. 

We thank you very much for having confirmed your participation in this important event and we look forward to seeing you in Seychelles in April next year.

Please accept the assurances of our highest consideration