General Travel News

UNWTO estimates 5 million new jobs in tourism

UNWTO welcomes the Declaration issued by the Tourism Ministers of the G20 economies (T20) calling for priority to be given to facilitating travel as a means to boost economic growth and create jobs.


“To ensure that tourism can play a key role in creating employment opportunities, both directly and indirectly through linkages to the local economy, raising national income, improving the balance of payments and boosting economic growth, priority should be given to facilitating travel and tourism,” says the Declaration.


Preliminary research prepared by UNWTO and the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) estimates that certain improvements to visa processes could create an additional five million jobs for the G20 economies by 2015 and generate an additional US$ 206 billion in international tourism receipts.


In light of the role of visa facilitation in supporting economic growth and job creation, and given the current economic climate, the Declaration encourages the G20 to leverage new technologies to make travel “more accessible, convenient and more efficient without a diminution of national security.” It further proposes countries look into increasing cooperation on bilateral, regional and international travel facilitation regimes.


“UNWTO applauds the commitment of the G20 Ministers of Tourism to visa facilitation,” said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai, on the occasion of the 4th Meeting of the T20. “This Declaration is an extremely positive signal to the international community that we are moving ahead on this issue of vital importance to the tourism sector and the global economy.”   


The Ministers of Tourism and Heads of Delegations of the G20 countries met with the President of Mexico and current G20 Chair, Felipe Calderón, as well as with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mexico, Patricia Espinosa (Mérida, Mexico, 16 May 2012). President Calderón congratulated the T20 on its focus on visa facilitation and assured Ministers he would take their message forward to the G20.


Russia, which holds the 2013 Presidency of the G20, will host the 5th T20 Ministers’ Meeting.   
 

More General Travel News
Korean Air sends special World Expo 2030 Busan livery charter flight to Paris
Art Jameel - Poetry to Politics on display in Dubai through Jan 7 2024
Visit Vaud in Switzerland this summer
Latest Travel News
Art Jameel - Poetry to Politics on displ...
Visit Vaud in Switzerland this summer...
Abu Dhabi Festival Co-production of The ...
Featured Sights To See
Amed

Amed

Bali, Indonesia

A small town, Amed is the perfect place if you’re looking to get away from the crowds. You can either shop of relax at one of the beachfront restaurants watch the dolphins or snorkel. There is also a small dive centre in the town if you’re interested in going deep sea diving. Amed Karangasem Indonesia Phone: +62 361 23 5600(Tourist Information  ...

Venice Oceanfront Walk

Venice Oceanfront Walk

Los Angeles, United States

The ocean front walk is a must visit for any first time tourist.  A bohemian hotspot, the walkway has stalls and stands selling sunglasses, Mexican blankets, and more random goodies.  You’re bound to see weight lifters, break dancers, jugglers, talking parrots and more.    Website: www.venicebeach.com ...

The story of Berlin

The story of Berlin

Berlin, Germany

this multimedia presentation gives a good background to the city and is recommended if you are not one for reading. Open daily 10am-8pm, Telephone: 887 20 100. Admission is about €10 per person but cheaper fares for groups can be sought. Very clear and informative  ...

Karasay Batyr Garden

Karasay Batyr Garden

Almaty, Kazakhstan

Address: Karasay Batyr Street, 3 blocks up the intersection at Tole Bi, Almaty Small community park, with grassy patches, large shade trees, and a pleasant variety of flowering shrubs. Makes for romantic winter evenings.  ...