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Governments must work with travel industry – TravelMole World Travel Market guest comment by World Travel & Tourism Council president Jean-Claude Baumgarten
Making our industry understood, creating awareness of its economic and social importance, forecasting its impact on economies and promoting public-private partnership: this is what the founders of WTTC had in mind when they established the organization 15 years ago.
There have been good times and some very bad times. Yet, Travel & Tourism’s contribution to economies and job creation around the world has continued to grow.
Through a unique dynamism and flexibility, our industry has proved resilient. Business models have been adapted as external forces demand, and, as global political and economic structures shift, so Travel & Tourism reacts with versatility and energy.
But it has not been an easy ride. Versatility often comes hand in hand with tough, and sometimes unpopular, business decisions and in many cases new energies have had to replace more traditional ones.
Looking ahead, it is clear that new challenges and opportunities will continue to present themselves. Avian flu, global warming and the ongoing threat of global terrorism are all issues which the industry will need to address as a matter of urgency.
However, I am confident that Travel & Tourism will continue to adapt, diversify and grow.
In 2005, WTTC’s economic forecasts point to a 4.6% growth per annum for the industry over the next 10 years.
If there is one threat which still remains to Travel & Tourism’s future it will not come from external forces, rather it is that posed by lack of human foresight – insufficient infrastructure capacity to support this growth.
Governments around the world must work with the industry to plan airports, road networks and new hotels to accommodate increasing numbers of travelers and their safety, security and comfort requirements. The industry is ready to act – now governments must do the same.
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