Tourism is a massive creator of jobs, as well as being a leading services export for developing economies.
• Tourism represents some 5% of GDP and 6% of jobs in G20 countries.
• Global tourism services exports amount to US$ 3 billion per day.
• Tourism is the main growth & trade driver for the world’s poorest countries.
• The travel sector can be a leader in the response to climate change.
Due to its strong economic multiplier effect as a sector dominated by
small and medium enterprises, tourism and travel, if properly
encouraged, can play a more important role in economic stimulus and
building consumer confidence than is generally recognized. Travel fuels
business growth, makes sport and entertainment possible and sustains
rural destinations. It also strengthens trade by boosting income for
the poorest countries as well as for global suppliers who are mainly
from G20 member states.
“Tourism and travel mean jobs, infrastructure, trade and development.
These are the issues that world leaders are emphasizing in coordinated
recovery actions. What we need is recognition of the value of travel in
this mix and most importantly its capacity to generate jobs” says UNWTO
Secretary-General ad interim, Taleb Rifai. He added “Some countries
have already begun to develop stimulus measures to minimize the impact
of the crisis, including fiscal incentives, travel facilitation and
increased marketing support. Others should follow suit.”
At the same time UNWTO stressed the fact that the tourism and travel
sector can be a leader in the transformation to a new green economy and
encourage investment in green infrastructure –airports, high speed
rail, roads and ports.
for more information
http://www.unwto.org/index.php
