Spread the love

Post Views: 29

Thriving Travel: Unveiling Tourism’s Potential and Blueprint for Sustainable Growth at WTTC-G20 Summit.

In a recent, monumental Public-Private Dialogue organized by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and G20 Ministers in Goa, distinguished attendees gathered to dissect, discuss and devise strategic plans to harness the burgeoning potential of the global Travel & Tourism sector as well as mitigate its pressing challenges. The event was graced by industry stalwarts, including India’s Minister of Tourism, Hon. G. Kishan Reddy, and UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili. Spearheading the dialogue was the charismatic WTTC President & CEO Julia Simpson.

The central theme of the dialogue revolved around the invaluable contribution of the Travel & Tourism sector to the global economy and employment. Currently, the industry represents 9.2% of the world’s GDP and supports one in every 11 jobs globally. Simpson emphasized the symbiotic relationship between governments and the private sector, which, when working in tandem, can build a robust, resilient, and burgeoning Travel & Tourism sector. The summit discussed the necessity of streamlined visa processes, digital borders, and a focused approach to sustainability.

One of the conference’s highlights was the unanimous praise for India’s rapid growth in Travel & Tourism. The Indian Travel & Tourism sector is projected to contribute a whopping INR 16.5TN to the country’s economy this year and create 1.6 million new jobs. By the end of this decade, Travel & Tourism is forecast to contribute approximately 7% of India’s GDP.

Simpson underscored three significant challenges within the industry. Visa backlogs remain a persistent hurdle, with waiting times stretching up to a year for specific destinations. Investment in digital visas and biometrics, as showcased by Dubai Airport’s “smart gates,” emerged as a powerful solution. Furthermore, the dialogue highlighted the critical role of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in reducing carbon emissions and the industry’s responsibility in scaling its production.

The discussion also acknowledged staff shortages as a residual impact of the pandemic. This concern calls for collaborative efforts between governments and the private sector to enhance training programs and provide targeted support for women, young people, and high-wage jobs.

In a first-of-its-kind research endeavour, WTTC, in collaboration with the Saudi-based Sustainable Global Tourism Center, explored the environmental and social impact of the sector. The research aims to steer progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by tracking data on wages, age groups, and gender.

One demographic particularly spotlighted was the youth. With 65% of India’s population under 35, Simpson emphasized the sector’s potential to alleviate youth unemployment. WTTC and Sustainable Global Tourism Center data reveal a 27.6% growth in youth employment between 2010 and 2019. Despite the drop in 2020, it appears to be bouncing back rapidly. The sector’s share of youth employment has risen from 6.4% in 2010 to 8.2% in 2021, reflecting its growing attractiveness for young individuals seeking long-term career opportunities.

The Public-Private Dialogue saw attendance from significant businesses, including VFS, VISA, Marriott, IHG, Airbnb, CLIA, The Oberoi Group, Indian Hotels Company Limited, and MakeMyTrip, creating a powerhouse of ideas and strategies aimed at unlocking the potential of the Travel & Tourism sector.

This groundbreaking summit underscored the relevance, potential, and challenges of the Travel & Tourism sector, paving the way for its sustainable and inclusive growth in the years to come.