WTTC and UNWTO appeal international community to assist Nepal
TravelBizNews —
London – World Travel and Tourism Council ( WTTC ) has appealed international community to assist Nepal in aftermath of devastating earthquake of April 25, 2015.
David Scowsill, President & CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council, said: “The thoughts of all those in the Travel & Tourism industry are with Nepal at this terrible time. Our hearts go out to families of the victims of this devastating natural disaster.”
“Nepal’s economy and Travel & Tourism industry will in the short term be greatly affected by the earthquake. It will take time and great support to re-open trekking routes and rebuild the tourism infrastructure.”
“We all hope that the seismic activity settles down soon, so that the popular trekking and pilgrimage destinations can be designated safe again and tourists continue to visit this important and beautiful tourist destination.”
In 2014, Travel & Tourism contributed NPR171.6bn, to Nepal’s GDP (8.9% of total GDP) and was forecasted to rise by 5.8% to NPR181.6bn in 2015. The industry supports 1.1 million jobs in Nepal. Prior to the earthquake, WTTC ranked Nepal 26th out of 188 countries on the list of fastest growing Travel & Tourism economies in 2015.
WTTC studies have shown that average recovery time from these natural disasters lies in the region of 8-26 months. It is not only the extent of devastation, but also the political support to rebuild infrastructure and to promote the image of the country being open for Travel & Tourism, that determines the speed of recovery from a disaster.
UNWTO deeply saddened by the tragic earthquake in Nepal
UNWTO is deeply saddened by the tragic earthquake that struck Nepal on 25 April. On the behalf of the international tourism community, UNWTO conveys its heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the victims, to the people and the government of Nepal in this moment of distress.
“I would like to convey to the families and friends of the victims, to the people and the government of Nepal, our heartfelt condolences and solidarity in this tragic moment.” said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai.
“Nepal is one of the world’s tourism success stories and UNWTO will work alongside the Nepalese people and authorities to ensure that tourism continues to be a pillar of the country’s socio-economic progress,” he added.
May, 2015
