Preliminary UNWTO figures for the first months of 2009 indicate a continuation of the negative growth already experienced in the second half of 2008. Destinations all around the world have suffered from a decrease in demand in major source markets. With the exception of Africa and both Central and South America, who all posted positive results in the range of 3-5%. So far, Northern, Southern and Mediterranean Europe, North-East Asia, South Asia and the Middle East are amongst the most affected sub-regions.
In this context, UNWTO expects international tourism to decline between 2% and 3% in 2009.
Many countries are already developing stimulus measures within
their fiscal and monetary packages to mitigate the effects of the
crisis on tourism, realizing that the sector can be a key driver of
economic recovery. Some destinations are reducing taxes and improving
travel facilitation, recognizing that it is now crucial to remove all
obstacles to tourism, especially taxation and over regulation. Others
have developed financial systems to support tourism enterprises,
maintain/increase employment in the sector and develop infrastructure.
UNWTO encourages others to follow suit.
Secretary-General ad interim Taleb Rifai stressed that “One of the
major challenges amidst the current crisis is the imperative of not
losing sight of the longer-term challenges of poverty alleviation,
employment and climate change”.
UNWTO response
Historically, tourism has demonstrated remarkable resilience and has
emerged from past crises stronger and healthier. The current economic
juncture, however, might be different. This crisis is truly global and
its parameters are still in many ways unclear.
Against this background, UNWTO has increased its efforts to provide its
Members with the necessary support on a consistent basis in order to
endure these challenging times:
- Resilience: the Tourism Resilience Committee (TRC) provides a framework for better market analysis, collaboration on responses and medium-term policymaking.
- Stimulus: UNWTO urges governments to put tourism at the core of their stimulus packages - jobs and trade are engendered through a strong tourism sector, as well as business and consumer confidence in travel which can play a big part in economic recovery.
- Green Economy: tourism must be placed at the forefront of the transformation towards the Green Economy; contributing with carbon-clean operations, jobs in environmental management and energy-efficient constructions.
UNWTO’s Roadmap for Recovery will lead to a unique positioning of the
sector with respect to the economic crisis, its role in the stimulus
programme , in the recovery, future sustainability and competitiveness
of tourism.
Influenza preparedness
Adding to the consumer and business uncertainty and the loss of
confidence, the potential Influenza A (H1N1) pandemic has created an
increasing degree of confusion around the issue of whether it is safe
to travel. UNWTO has been very active in pressing for a clear WHO
position and is working closely with the International Civil Aviation
Organization (ICAO) to ensure a balanced decision making process.
Within the UN system, UNWTO has a direct line to express the interests
of tourism and travel. At this stage, the extent of the spread,
sustainability and the complete health implications of the virus remain
uncertain. Given the increased public awareness, engagement and the
resulting elevated concern, calls for the urgent need for response must
be viewed in context – awareness is key, not abrupt and uninformed
reactions.
Until now, WHO has seen no reason to close borders or restrict travel.
This stance is supported by similar past experiences, which provide no
evidence that doing so would stop the spread of the virus. Furthermore,
the economic cost would be enormous. WHO goes further and urges states
to resist unilateral action and to consult with them before undertaking
any such initiative.
UNWTO strongly supports this position and is prepared to face this kind
of situation. The Organization has formed a dedicated Risk and Crisis
Management Section (RCM), established influenza contacts in every
Member State, launched regional simulation exercises, created the
Tourism Emergency Response Network (TERN) with some 20 peak industry
organizations and launched sos.travel as a portal for emergency
information for the industry and travellers. In addition UNWTO is
continuing to issue guidance material.
Note to editors:
As part of its response activity, UNWTO has created a web resource with
information on the work of its Tourism Resilience Committee, including
a first assessment on tourism and economic stimulus with information on
the measures implemented by over 50 countries worldwide.
Tourism and the G20 Summit - A Message from UNWTO.
Contact information:
Assistant Secretary-General & Spokesperson: Geoffrey Lipman
Media Officer: Marcelo Risi
T: +34 91-567-8178 / +34 91-567-8100 / F: +34 91-567-8218
comm@UNWTO.org - www.UNWTO.org