“Climate emergency is a greater threat than Covid,” UNWTO Secretary-General
Zurab PololikashviliThe UNWTO Secretary-General said the pandemic has hit tourism more than any other sector. Tourism needs government support through stronger public-private partnerships and more and better targeted financial investment to rebuild in a sustainable and inclusive way.
He made his comments during the UNWTO, WTTC and WTM Ministerial Conference, held on the second day of WTM London, and tourism ministers from around the world discussed investing in the sustainable future of tourism.
“This summit will allow us to strengthen our position on sustainable development,” Pololikashvili said.
He told representatives that the recent G20 Rome Declaration by leaders highlighted in particular the need to restore tourism and tourism, which in turn could help emerging economies.
He said public investment “encourages and promotes” private investment around the world and added: “Tourism can benefit if governments provide the right support.
This summit will enable us to strengthen the defense of sustainable development
“Restoring to the old normal is not an option.”
He also said that tourism is a risk-free investment opportunity and stressed the need to invest in education and youth on the road to zero.
The UNWTO, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and other tourism and tourism stakeholders will formally publish the Glasgow Declaration on Tourism Climate Action at the UN Climate Change Conference COP26 on Thursday (4 November).
The WTTC also plans to launch the Net Zero Roadmap for Travel & Tourism, which will support the industry in the fight against climate change as part of the industry’s quest for zero by 2050.
The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and Accenture, an expert service and consultant.
Julia Simpson, The CEO of WTTC, said at the summit: “We have no choice; we have to go green. “
He said sustainable growth is a top priority for the WTTC and added: “Investors and the public demand that we invest to protect the planet and people.
“We need to invest in making sure the destinations are great places to live and not just great places to visit.”
Nigel Huddleston The Member of Parliament, the UK Minister for Tourism, agreed, saying: “The public-private partnership is consumer-driven.”
He said his government could provide tax breaks to promote sustainable development, such as reductions in solar energy and charging points for electric vehicles.
Rita Marques, The Portuguese Secretary of State for Tourism, told how his country is investing in green services and new ways to develop tourism in different seasons.
Massimo GaravagliaThe Italian Minister of Tourism spoke about how Italy combats over-tourism in places such as Venice and Florence to encourage visitors to explore other parts of Italy and its diverse attractions.
DR Khaled El-Enany, Egypt’s minister of tourism and antiques – who will host the Cop27 climate conference next year – highlighted Egypt’s sustainable initiatives, such as the Red Sea Reef Protection Project.
Memunatu Pratt, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Tourism and Culture, spoke about tourism in the West African country recovering from the Civil War and the Ebola and Covid-19 epidemics.
He said investment in infrastructure, transport, health and education will be integrated into the need to develop sustainable tourism.
Federico González, CEO of Radisson Hotel Group, stressed the need to ensure that smaller hotel owners understand how they make their properties more sustainable, and David LavorelThe CEO of SITA, an airport technology company, spoke about how the technology can help the aviation industry optimize its existing assets in a more environmentally friendly direction.
UNWTO is also collaborating with Arabian Travel Market, WTM London’s sister event to be held from 8-11. May in Dubai.
Source: World Tourism Organization