The tourism sectorÕs role and responsibility in contributing to sustainable development on a global scale was the central message delivered at the opening of the 2018 edition of the ITB Berlin travel trade show by Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Speaking in the presence of German Chancellor Angela Merkel, tourism ministers from around the world and the leaders of the tourism sector, Mr. Pololikashvili stressed how tourism not only needs to consolidate current growth rates, but Òto grow betterÓ.
In 2017, international tourist numbers grew a record 7% to reach 1.3 billion. UNWTOÕs message underlines the need to turn these figures into benefits for all people and all communities. ÒLeaving no one behindÓ is the benchmark for true sustainability, which must also decouple growth from resource use and place climate change response at the heart of the tourism sectorÕs agenda.
ÒTourismÕs sustained growth brings immense opportunities for economic welfare and developmentÓ,
said the UNWTO Secretary-General, while warning at the same time that it also brings in many challenges. ÒAdapting to the challenges of safety and security, constant market changes, digitalization and the limits of our natural resources should be priorities in our common actionÓ, he added.
Speaking at the opening were the Federal Chancellor Dr. Angela Merkel, the Governing Mayor of Berlin Michael Mller, the President of the Federal Association of the German Tourism Industry (BTW) Dr. Michael Frenzel, the Minister-President of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Manuela Schwesig and Dr. Christian Gke, CEO of Messe Berlin.
ÒTourism is an example of the opportunities of globalisation. Tourism brings people closer together and creates the foundation for growthÓ said Chancellor Angela Merkel. ÒWe are committed to the Agenda 2030. We are committed to sustainable tourism.Ó she added stressing the role of tourism in the sustainability agenda
The UNWTO Secretary-General stressed education and job creation, innovation and technology, safety and security; and sustainability and climate change as the priorities for the sector to consolidate its contribution to sustainable development and the 2030 Agenda, against the backdrop of its expansion in all world regions and the socio-economic impact this entails.
To address these issues, Mr. Pololikashvili concluded that Òpublic/private cooperation as well as public/public coordination must be strengthened, in order to translate tourism growth into more investment, more jobs and better livelihoodsÓ.
Speech by UNWTO Secretary General delivered during opening ceremony
