One billion tourists key to stimulating the economy

Berlin, Germany,March 7 – “By the end of 2012, one seventh of the world’s population will have crossed international borders as tourists in a single year,” said Mr. Rifai in his keynote speech at the official opening of ITB.

This “extraordinary number” will contribute to more jobs, higher income possibilities, and countless opportunities for development, so critical at this time of economic uncertainty, he added.

“With growth comes responsibility,” continued Mr. Rifai. Tourism, if properly planned and managed, can be one of the most promising sectors for achieving a more economically, environmentally, and socially-sustainable future, he said.

“Imagine how business models would be transformed if one billion people demanded sustainable practices from hotels and tour operators. Imagine how many would benefit if one billion people bought local produce or hired a local guide. These are small actions, but given the size of our sector, their impact would be huge,” Rifai added.

Referring to the challenges facing international tourism as it reaches one billion, the Secretary General spoke of the many people still facing barriers to travel. “Complicated, lengthy, and overpriced entry formalities are making it extremely difficult for tourists, especially from emerging economies, which are leading growth in terms of outbound markets, to travel,” said Mr. Rifai, adding that obstacles such as burdensome visa processes are not just a barrier to travelers, but to “growth, job creation, and free trade.”

The Secretary General called on the tourism sector to unite around the issue of travel facilitation as a means to stimulate demand and, as a result, create jobs. “Travel facilitation must top our agenda, and we must speak together on this if we are to be heard at the highest levels of decision-making,” he said. “It is in this belief that UNWTO has joined the voices of the sector such as the World Travel&Tourism Council (WTTC), the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and the World Economic Forum (WEF), to advance this important issue.”

Governing Mayor of Berlin Klaus Wowereit and Federal Minister of Economics and Technology Dr. Philipp Rösler opened this year’s ITB Berlin in Berlin.Raimund Hosch, CEO Messe Berlin GmbH, welcomed around 4,500 international industry representatives at the opening event.

ITB Berlin 2012 will be open to trade visitors from 7 to 11 March. ITB Berlin is the global travel industry’s leading trade show. In 2011 a total of 11,163 companies from 188 countries displayed their products and services to 170,000 visitors, who included 110,791 trade visitors.