Press Release: World Travel & Tourism Council
November 13, 2001
LONDON -- The following was issued yesterday by the World Travel & Tourism Council:
An unprecedented travel and tourism industry coalition of associations from around the world has come together
in this time of crisis to deliver a manifesto today outlining a road to recovery for the industry, at World Travel
Market in London.
The global coalition made up of private sector industry organisations has outlined three key priorities that both
governments and industry must address to ensure a fast recovery to the ailing sector:
1. Promote the Implementation of Enhanced Security Measures;
2. Encourage People to Travel;
3. Promote Policies for Sustainable Travel and Tourism.
``This manifesto is the first step forward towards rebuilding travel and tourism worldwide,'' says Jean-Claude
Baumgarten, President of the World Travel & Tourism Council, a key initiator of the Global Coalition. ``Tourism
is one of the biggest industries in the world, and a key economic provider responsible for ten percent of GDP worldwide,''
continued Mr. Baumgarten. ``It is therefore essential that all stakeholders -- governments and private sector --
play a part in the recovery of the industry.''
The manifesto addresses the need for a multi-government partnership to ensure that measures to strengthen security
are effective, harmonised internationally and applied globally, helping to restore consumer confidence in travel
and tourism. Restoration of consumer confidence depends on the need for new safety enhancements and security measures
to be communicated to the public, the paper continues. The Coalition also recommends short-term initiatives by
governments to help stabilise the travel and tourism industry, which has been badly shaken in the aftermath of
the September 11 attacks in the United States.
The signatories to the statement represent the major sectors of travel and tourism, one of the world's largest
and most diverse industries. Airlines, hotels, manufacturers, tour operators, convention and visitors bureaux,
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. WTTC figures show that the travel
and tourism industry generates US$4,494 billion in economic activity; approximately 11% of GDP worldwide, and employs
8.2% of total world employment (207 million jobs worldwide).
Notes:
The Global Coalition will launch the manifesto at a Centre Stage event at World Travel Market, London, 1630h, Monday,
November 12, 2001.
A copy of the Manifesto is available upon request, or available at: http://www.wttc.org
Global Coalition Partners:
Airports Council International
American Hotel & Lodging Association
American Society of Travel Agents
Association of European Airlines
Caribbean Tourism Organisation
European Travel and Tourism Action Group
European Tour Operators Association
International Association of Convention and Visitors Bureau
International Air Transport Association
International Federation of Tour Operators
International Hotel & Restaurant Association
National Tour Association
Pacific Asia Travel Association
Travel Business Roundtable
Universal Federation of Travel Agents Association
United States Tour Operators Association
World Travel & Tourism Council
SOURCE: World Travel & Tourism Council