Climate change and green economy on world ministers agenda

UNWTO ministers summit to debate tourism opportunities in the face of global economic and environmental challenges

Tourism representatives from the public and private sector will convene at the 4th annual UNWTO Ministers’ Summit at the World Travel Market to debate the best course of action for the tourism sector in the face of global economic and environmental challenges (London, UK, 9 November 2010). Tourism Ministers and private sector experts will devise business models and public policies best suited for fostering tourism growth. 

The 2010 UNWTO Ministers’ Summit at World Travel Market is expected to be the largest ever, providing a vital platform for public and private tourism stakeholders to collectively determine the course of the sector for the next 12 months.

“Public-private partnerships are crucial for maximizing tourism’s contribution to sustained economic growth and job creation, major concerns of today. It is greatly encouraging to see the public and private spheres coming together to strengthen tourism’s role and address global challenges,” said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai.

The Summit – Shaping a Stronger Travel and Tourism Industry – Governance and business models for the future – will focus on three key issues challenging the sector:

• Climate Change and the Green Economy – how to develop a Green Tourism Economy.  
• Mainstreaming Tourism in the Political and Economic Agendas – how to increase recognition of tourism’s role in job creation, economic growth and development.
• Creating a Competitive Framework for Tourism Development – how to bring the public and private sector together to create a more competitive business environment for tourism.     

Speakers from the public sector include the Ministers of Tourism of the United Kingdom, South Africa, Mexico, Egypt, China the Bahamas and Portugal. The private sector will be represented by, among others, the Vice Chairman of Sol Meliá Hotels & Resorts (Spain), Sebastián Escarrer, the Managing Director of the Tourism and Transport Forum (Australia), Christopher Brown, the Managing Director of the Co-operative Travel Group (UK), Mike Greenacre, and the Managing Director for Northern Europe of TUI Travel, Johna Lundgren.

A wide range of representations from countries is expected including participation by Croatia, Cyprus, Gambia, Ghana, India, Israel, Kenya, Malaysia and Paraguay.

Further information: www.UNWTO.org
 

Valere Tjolle

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Valere Tjolle is editor of the Sustainable Tourism Report Suitewww.travelmole.com/stories/1143624.php