World Tourism Bodies Announce Joint Statement On Industry

Leading travel and tourism industry associations from around the world have collaborated on a joint statement asking governments to work together in partnership to address concerns facing the global travel and tourism industry.

The statement calls for a multi-government partnership to ensure that measures to strengthen security are effective, harmonized internationally and applied globally, helping to restore consumer confidence in travel and tourism.

Travel and tourism is one of the world’s biggest industries and a major generator to the world economy. “No single government or private sector can provide all the answers,” says Jean-Claude Baumgarten, President of the World Travel & Tourism Council and key signatory to the statement. “Let us share our experience with others to ensure the whole world benefits from the enhanced security measures,” he says.

The signatories to the statement represent the major sectors of travel and tourism, one of the world’s most diverse industries. Airlines, hotels, manufacturers, tour operators, convention and visitors bureaus, travel related services, credit card and rental companies, have all been affected by decreased demand in the wake of the terrorist attacks in the United States.

The representatives believe their efforts will demonstrate unity and leadership to help restore public confidence and an early return to “business as usual” in the travel and tourism industry. Council figures show the travel and tourism industry generates $4,494 billion in economic activity; approximately 11% to GDP worldwide; and employs 8.2% of total world employment (207 million jobs worldwide).

Leading associations from around the world have come together to form a global coalition for travel and tourism to work collectively to promote the interests of the global economy, our industry and the millions of people involved in travel and tourism.

Coalition Partners include: European Travel Action Group; European Tour Operators Association; International Air Transport Association; International Federation of Tour Operators; International Hotel & Restaurant Association; National Tour Association; Pacific Asia Travel Association; The Travel Business Roundtable; United States Tour Operator Association; Universal Federation of Travel Agents Association; World Travel & Tourism Council; Airports Council International; American Hotel & Lodging Association; Association of European Airlines; Business Enterprises for Sustainable Travel; The Caribbean Tourism Organization.