World Tourism Organization Sees Tourism Role in Recovery

World Tourism Organization Sees Role for Tourism in Recovery

World Tourism Organization’s Interim Secretary-General Taleb Rifai said the tourism industry should play a critical role in the recovery from the global economic crisis. “It is not possible to asses how long the economic crisis will last, nor the extent of the downturn and its full impact on tourism,” Rifai said. “What is clear is that tourism can play a critical role in the recovery process as a sector with a unique resurgence capacity and an immense potential in terms of employment creation and sustainability. World Tourism Organization’s Tourism Resilience Committee will precisely monitor the evolving economic situation and its effects on tourism. The Committee’s second meeting at ITB Berlin will provide further guidance to the sector.”

World Tourism Organization highlights the relevance of keeping in mind the long-term benefits of tourism, such as its capacity for job creation, contribution to local economies and poverty reduction. Tourism can also play a key role within the framework of the green economy and climate challenges. In the face of the economic downturn, the tourism industry is expected to continue its decline, at least in the short to medium term.

The World Tourism Organization expects international tourism to stagnate (0 percent) or even decline slightly (down 1 to 2 percent) throughout 2009. Among those most affected are the Americas and Europe as most of their source markets are already in, or entering, recession.

In Asia and the Pacific, the industry is expected to grow however at a slower rate than in previous years. Africa and the Middle East find themselves in a similar situation. The World Tourism Organization Tourism Resilience Committee is a platform for World Tourism Organization Members to receive and share information on the current economic downturn and its impact on the tourism sector. The TRC will support the tourism industry in the face of global economic slowdown; collect and analyze economic and industry data to provide real time marker information; and encourage the exchange of information, experience and good practice regarding response measures. For more information, visit www.unwto.org.