London — Rising from the 2014 World travel market held in London, the world leaders in tourism sector have launched a new international programme that will focus more on sustainable tourism over the next decade.
According to the joint press release issued at the end the meeting and sent to The Guardian, the Sustainable Tourism Programme of the Ten-Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production Patterns (10YFP) will be led by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) of the United Nations and the Governments of France, the Kingdom of Morocco and the Republic of Korea, with the support of United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), which hosts the 10YFP Secretariat.
UNTWO reports identifies tourism industry as one of the largest economic sectors in the world accounting for 9 percent of global GDP and one in eleven jobs.
By 2030, UNWTO forecasts that there will be 1.8 billion international tourism arrivals annually.
The report predicts depletion of natural resources if tourism is not sustainably manage, leading to water shortages, loss of biodiversity, land degradation and contribute to climate change and pollution, among other impacts. Tourism's contribution to global warming is estimated at 5 per cent of global CO2 emissions.
According to Green Economy Report published by UNEP in 2011, a 'business-as-usual' scenario, projected tourism growth rates to 2050 will result in increases in energy consumption by 154 per cent, greenhouse gas emissions by 131 per cent, water consumption by 152 per cent, and solid waste disposal by 251 per cent.
The statement quoted the UN Under-Secretary-General and UNEP Executive Director Achim Steiner, saying "As tourism continues to grow, so too will the pressures on the environment and wildlife. Without proper management and protection, as well as INVESTMENTS
in greening the sector, ecosystems and thousands of magnificent species will suffer.
in greening the sector, ecosystems and thousands of magnificent species will suffer.
"Tourism has been identified by UNEP as one of the ten economic sectors best able to contribute to the transition to a sustainable and inclusive green economy. This important initiative is about steering the industry onto a truly sustainable path -- one that echoes to the challenge of our time: namely the fostering of a global Green Economy that thrives on the interest, rather than the capital, of our economically important nature-based assets."
UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai said, "As the leading organization for tourism, the World Tourism Organization seeks to maximize tourism's contribution to development while minimizing its negative impacts. UNWTO is pleased to be at the helm of such an important initiative and to be collaborating with governments and institutions to implement the 10YFP Sustainable Tourism Programme."
UNWTO and the Adventure Travel Trade Association release global report on adventure tourism.
In a related development, UNWTO and the Adventure Travel Trade Association have released a global report on adventure tourism.
"This report signifies UNWTO's recognition of adventure tourism's contribution to the sustainable future of tourism," said ATTA President Mr. Shannon Stowell, who provided a summary for the report.
Meanwhile, experts at the WTM 2014 have dispelled fears that Ebola disease in some parts of West Africa might affect the growth of travel and tourism in the continent.
Speaking Monday at the official opening of this year's WTM holding in Excel Centre, London, Head, Travel and Tourism Research, Euromonitor International, Caroline Bremner, said that despite the numerous challenges, the continent has recorded a three per cent increase in the influx of tourists into Africa. According to her, the percentage growth is not a very bad development.
She said: "At the moment, there is a three per cent growth in the influx of tourists into Africa. This is not very bad considering the outbreak of Ebola and conflicts in the continent. However, Ebola is an isolated health challenge in West African region".
"There are always diseases but travelers will always adjust. Ebola has so far a minimal impact on travels and tours in Africa", Travel and Tourism Futurologist, Ian Yeoman said.
Bremner noted that for Africa to further boost its tourism industry, governments in the continent need to work towards promoting health and safety measures; and the messages have to be very positive.
She added that African governments must also engage potential visitors on different media platforms, including social media while ensuring that they provide warm welcome when they come.
As the leader of Nigerian delegation to the Market, Director General, Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Dr. Sally Mbanefo, enlightened participants at the Fair on the measures adopted by the country to contain the virus.
Supported by the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Ogun State, Mrs. Yewande Amusan, the DG narrated to the audience measures adopted by Nigerian government and other stakeholders in tackling the virus.
She also listed cultural festivals of international dimension, which held during the period of Ebola and how government rose against the spread of the virus.
She therefore urged potential tourists to consider Nigeria a destination of choice.
Source: The Guardian
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