UNWTO pushes tourism role in stimulus packages
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The UNWTO has called upon global leaders attended this week’s G20 Summit in London to heighten its efforts in stimulating travel and tourism as a means of lifting the world from its economic slump. The organisation stressed that tourism can play an integral role in any stimulus package and the shift towards a green economy, highlighting the fact that tourism is a massive creator of jobs, representing 6% of total employment in G20 countries.
“Tourism and travel mean jobs, infrastructure, trade and development. These are the issues that world leaders are emphasising in coordinated recovery actions. What we need is recognition of the value of travel in this mix and most importantly its capacity to generate jobs” said interim UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai. “Some countries have already begun to develop stimulus measures to minimise the impact of the crisis, including fiscal incentives, travel facilitation and increased marketing support. Others should follow suit.”
At the same time UNWTO stressed that the tourism and travel sector can be a leader in the transformation to a new green economy, through investment in green infrastructure - airports, high speed rail, roads and ports.
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