Int’l tourists rise by 4% in 9months of 2016; as destinations receive 956m

Destinations around the world welcomed 956 million international tourists between January and September 2016, according to the latest United nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) World Tourism Barometer. This is 34 million more than in the same period of 2015, representing a four per cent increase.

Demand for international tourism remained robust in the first nine months of 2016, though growing at a somewhat more moderate pace. After a strong start of the year, growth was slower in the second quarter of 2016 to pick up again in the third quarter of the year. While most destinations report encouraging results, others continue to struggle with the impact of negative events, either in their country or in their region.

“Tourism is one of the most resilient and fastest-growing economic sectors but it is also very sensitive to risks, both actual and perceived. As such, the sector must continue to work together with governments and stakeholders to minimize risks, respond effectively and build confidence among travellers,” said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai.

“No destination is immune to risks. We need to increase cooperation in addressing these global threats, namely those related to safety and security. And we need to make tourism an integral part of emergency planning and response”, added Mr. Rifai ahead of the Ministerial Meeting on Safe, Secure and Seamless Travel to be held at the World Travel Market in London on 9 November.

Rifai also recalled: “Real crises are often magnified or distorted by misperception and affected destinations are facing important challenges, although at the global level demand remains strong. We need to support these countries in restoring confidence, as doing so will benefit the entire tourism sector and society as a whole.”

Regional results

Asia and the Pacific led growth across world regions, with international tourist arrivals (overnight visitors) up 9% through September. All four subregions shared in this growth. Many destinations reported double-digit growth, with the Republic of Korea (+34%), Vietnam (+36%), Japan (+24%) and Sri Lanka (+15%) in the lead.

In Europe, international arrivals grew by 2% between January and September 2016, with solid growth in most destinations. Nonetheless, double-digit increases in major destinations such as Spain, Hungary, Portugal and Ireland were offset by feeble results in France, Belgium and Turkey. As a consequence, Northern Europe grew by 6% and Central and Eastern Europe by 5% while results were weaker in Western Europe (-1%) and Southern Mediterranean Europe (+0%).

International tourist arrivals in the Americas increased by 4% through September. South America (+7%) and Central America (+6%) led results, followed closely by the Caribbean and North America (both +4%).

In Africa (+8%), sub-Saharan destinations rebounded strongly throughout the year, while North Africa picked up in the third quarter. Available data for the Middle East points to a 6% decrease in arrivals, though results vary from destination to destination. Results started to gradually improve in the second half of the year in both North Africa and the Middle East.

The great majority of leading source markets in the world reported increases in international tourism expenditure during the first three to nine months of 2016.

Among the top five source markets, China, the world’s top source market, continues to drive demand, reporting double-digit growth in spending (+19%). Likewise, robust results come from the United States (+9%), which benefited many destinations in the Americas and beyond. Germany reported a 5% increase in expenditure, the United Kingdom, a 10% increase, and France, 3% growth.

In the remainder of the top ten, tourism spending grew notably in Australia and the Republic of Korea (both +9%), and moderately in Italy (+3%). By contrast, expenditure from the Russian Federation declined 37% and from Canada a slight 2%.

Beyond the top 10, eight other markets reported double-digit growth: Egypt (+38%), Argentina (+27%), Spain (+19%), India (+16%), Thailand (+15%), Ukraine (+15%), Ireland (+12%) and Norway (+11%).

Prospects remain positive

Prospects remain positive for the remaining quarter of 2016 according to the UNWTO Confidence Index.

The members of the UNWTO Panel of Tourism Experts are confident about the September-December period, mostly in Africa, the Americas and Asia and the Pacific. Experts in Europe and the Middle East are somewhat more cautious.

Marriott Kigali in Hotel officially opens; as Rezidor plans Radisson Blu Beach Resort Cape Verde 2019

Marriott International has now officially opened its first Marriott Hotel in Rwanda.

The 254-room facility in Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, which opened for business in October is set to create approximately 500 jobs.

“Rwanda is going through an economic transformation and we are proud to be a part of it,” said Marriott International President and CEO Arne Sorenson, who attended the Kigali Marriott’s opening ceremony with political dignitaries and executives including Alex Kyriakidis, Marriott’s President and Managing Director, Middle East and Africa region. “Coupled with that transformation is a mutual promise for opportunity — both for Marriott as a hospitality company and for the associates and partners who will help us succeed in this market.”

Marriott has been working with community-based organizations to help staff the hotel and supply it with locally produced goods. It has partnered with the Akilah Institute for Women to recruit and train Rwandan women for supervisory positions at its Kigali location. Marriott International has invited nearly 40 Akilah graduates to work and train in Marriott hotels in Africa and the Middle East. After receiving on-the-job skills and leadership training, the first wave of graduates have returned to Rwanda to join the management team at the Kigali Marriott where they will help welcome guests from the around the world.

Marriott International has also been working with Women for Women International and the Relationship Coffee Institute, both of which are supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, one of the largest investors in the region. The local Women for Women Opportunity Center is equipping Rwandan women with the skills needed to apply for entry-level hotel positions or to supply the hotel with goods such as baskets, cheese and honey. The hotel has hired more than 25 women from the training centre.

The Relationship Coffee Institute provides women with a new marketplace for locally sourced premium coffee, including the hotel. The Kigali Marriott’s Question Café serves the locally sourced coffee, grown by local smallholder farmers and served by graduates of this economic development training program.

The Kigali Marriott is weaving in an array of local goods throughout the property, including in the retail store and on menus. The hotel sources locally grown products such as beef, poultry and produce, and incorporates more sustainable materials to ultimately help reduce the hotel’s overall footprint.

Meanwhile, Rezidor Hotel Group has formally announced its first resort on the Cape Verde island of Sal.

The 240-room Radisson Blu Beach Resort, Sal will open in Q3 2019 and will be designed by DSA Architects.

Balogun harps on professionalism; as NIHOTOUR ends training workshop on Brand Nigeria for travel writers, security operatives in Lagos

Mrs Balogun (second from left) and former director of the institute and resource person, Abdulhamid Sheriff (second from right), at the one-day training workshop for travel writers and security operators in Lagos, penultimate Tuesday

Director General of the National institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Mrs. Chika Balogun, has urged journalists and security operatives in the travel and tourism industry to strives for professionalism in the discharge of the duties as it relates to the promotion and showcase of the Brand Nigeria product.

Balogun, said this while declaring open the one-day training workshop for travel and tourism journalists as well as personnel of select para-military organizations involved in the industry, organized by her institute, which concluded in Ikeja, Lagos, penultimate Tuesday.

Held under the theme of; ‘Global tourism ethics and ethics on brand Nigeria,’ the event was attended by security operatives from the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC), Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), the police, and tourism journalists.

According to her, if the task of making Nigeria one of the top 20 destinations in the world is to be achieved Nigeria needed to be promoted in positive light and branded accurately in line with global tourism ethics.

Continuing, Balogun stressed there is the need to equip journalists and security agents on the appropriate ethics that would help in the branding of the country, adding that this informed her agency, NIHOTOUR in deciding to bring together both the journalists and security agents together in one forum ‘to promote Nigeria for a better day ahead.’

Balogun, therefore, appealed to the travel journalists to make the necessary effort to promote Nigeria tourism in positive light while she called on the security agents to cooperate with tourism operators in protecting the country and ensuring that the right controls and measures are put in place to secure the country.

Remarking, Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, represented by the Director of Domestic Tourism and Control in the ministry, Mrs. Ada Okoli, commended the institute for organizing the event, even as the minister further reiterated the importance of the media towards promoting Nigeria tourism as a marketable brand.

The training workshop was divided into two technical sessions with one session devoted to the training of the security agents and the other to the travel journalists with resource persons and experts on security, branding and destination promotion, tourism ethics and other related topics.

While distributing the Certificates of attendance to participants, Balogun, charged them to put to good use the knowledge acquired at the workshop, just as she assured that her agency would on a regular basis hold such training sessions for the different segments of the society in accordance with its mandate.

CSR: Sheraton Lagos Hotel extends care to orphanage in Ogun State

Led by its General Manager; Mr Barry Curran, the management if Sheraton Hotel, Lagos, on the 22nd of October, 2016, paid a visit to Ijamido Orphanage in Ogun State in a show of care and love to communities around its area of operations.

Sheraton Lagos Hotel decided to give back to the community and strengthen it by contributing to a cause they felt strongly about – bettering the lives of the little ones in the community.
Curran, who led the team from the hotel helped the orphanage with various repair works needed. The team painted the building, carried out plumbing, wood work in the kitchen and dining room and also assisted in electrical works and repairs.

They also listened to the children, played with them and just enjoyed the company of watching the kids continue to strive for greatness. It was a joy for the team to see how hard the children were working and how the orphanage ensured they made them as comfortable as possible despite their limited funds.

The team was glad to have made a difference in their lives and promised to do more for them in the coming weeks.

Sheraton Lagos believes that it is their responsibility to help make a difference in the community that it has found itself in as it embodies what hospitality is truly about. They hope to continue make an impact to the society and help build a stronger and greater community.

Sheraton Lagos believes that it will be cementing its place as a hotel not just business travelers but or a property that creates experiences leisure seekers too but also as a hotel that cares, through action not words.

Westin Cairo Golf Resort & Spa Katameya Dunes opens for business

Westin Hotels and Resorts, part of Marriott International, Inc., Friday, announced the opening of Egypt’s best kept secret, The Westin Cairo Golf Resort & Spa Katameya Dunes. Owned by New Cairo for Real Estate Investment Company, the resort and spa is located in the prestigious, residential community of Katameya Dunes, anchored by a 27-hole championship golf course designed by world-renowned Nick Faldo and Brian Curley. With Westin’s signature wellness initiatives offered for global travelers and local residents alike, the hotel is poised to set a new standard for well-being in Cairo.

“The global demand for wellness continues to propel Westin’s growth momentum around the world, including our debut in new markets like Doha and Dubai and our expanded presence in destinations like Spain, Germany and now Egypt,” said Brian Povinelli, Global Brand Leader, Westin Hotels & Resorts. “As the second Westin hotel to open in Egypt this year, we are thrilled to introduce the brand in Cairo and inspire a new level of well-being for our guests’ before, during and after their stay.”

“We are extremely proud to extend Westin’s global reach into Cairo,” said Alex Kyriakidis, President and Managing Director, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International “The serene setting of this resort, food and beverage offerings as well as the amenities will bring to life the brand’s commitment to guests’ well-being through a local lens.”

With 135 guestrooms and suites, the thoughtfully-designed resort and spa feels residential and intimate, yet open and airy: designed with a biophilic-focus, suggesting that a connection to nature enhances well-being. Colors found in nature inspired the sophisticated palette coupled with natural materials and patterns that add textural layers to the interior design. Each of the well-appointed guestrooms offers views of the lush landscape that surround the grounds, from verdant fairways to meandering lagoons. Taking center stage, and illustrative of the resort’s overall design, an art installation of white doves suspended from the ceiling is located in the serene and inviting lobby.

“The Westin Cairo Golf Resort & Spa Katameya Dunes provides a restorative retreat in the heart of the bustling city with genuine service, complemented with the Westin signature well-being offerings that fuel and energize our guests’ every move,” Eben Nel, General Manager, The Westin Cairo Golf Resort & spa Katameya Dunes added.

“Westin is the ideal brand for the Katameya Dunes development and we are excited to create a holistic wellbeing inspired lifestyle experience here in Cairo,” said the Abou Taleb brothers, Khaled and Tarek, owners and developers of Katameya Dunes.

The Westin Cairo Golf Resort & Spa Katameya Dunes features three dining options, including a pool bar, golf club bar and Paloma – an all-day Mediterranean restaurant that features an open-kitchen in its center as well as the brand’s signature Vertical Garden, which brings the benefits of nature into the hotel’s public space. The restaurant offers variety of culinary options alongside Westin’s nutrient-rich and delicious SuperFoodsRx™ and Fresh by the Juicery menus.

With the brand’s mission to be a partner in guests’ well-being while traveling, The Westin Cairo Golf Resort & Spa Katameya Dunes features an idyllic, naturally-lit indoor plunge pool as well as a sprawling, heated outdoor pool located at the center of the resort. Additionally, the 3000 square meter Heavenly Spa by Westin boasts 10 therapy rooms and two couple suites as well as state-of-the-art facilities, including a high-tech steam room, “Rain Shower” and sauna – all designed to soothe the spirit, rejuvenate the body, and enrich the mind.

The hotel also offers the renowned RunWESTIN™ program with three- and five-mile jogging routes through the residential neighborhood, as well as a WestinWORKOUT® fitness studio with state-of-the-art exercise equipment from world-class brands in an open, airy and well-designed space.

W Hotels partners Mixcloud to launch ‘Future Rising’

W Hotels Worldwide, Friday, announced an industry-first collaboration with leading music streaming platform Mixcloud to create FUTURE RISING, a creative platform which identifies, cultivates, and champions emerging artists worldwide. Vetted up-and-coming artists will perform live in seven W Hotels and destinations across Europe and the Middle East during the month of November. Music lovers that will not make it to the events will have the possibility to hit repeat on the original content available on the W Hotels Mixcloud Channel available on mixcloud.com/whotels
“FUTURE RISING celebrates both a new generation of budding talent and our guests’ endless appetite to discover what’s new/next in music. Combined with our recently announced W Sound Suite music studios and the newly launched WAKE UP CALL music festival, this prorgamme is affirming W’s passion for music.” said Jenni Benzaquen, Vice President, Luxury Brands EAME. “With the breadth and reach of their platform, Mixcloud is the perfect partner to build this with us.”

FUTURE RISING identifies and provides a boost to future creative innovators, by cultivating talent across the artistic sphere – from musicians and DJs, to visual artists and videographers to creative entrepreneurs. The new platform will not only act as a showcase, but also provide a go-to resource to collaborate and network with like-minded creatives on a global scale.
“Championing talent of the future – in the broadest sense – is in our DNA. It is exciting to be working with a partner as innovative and inspiring as W Hotels to build this platform to both celebrate and accelerate creative talents.” said Mixcloud Cofounder Nikhil Shah.

This initial group of artists has been carefully curated by Mixcloud and W Hotels’ Music Director for EAME, leading DJ Becky Tong, supported by a select panel of independent curators and influencers in each local market to ensure this programme has relevance, impact and supports the local creative community. Local Curators include party promoters 264 Cru in Dubai, This is Underground Magazine in Barcelona, DJ Mercedes Benson in London and forward thinking club promoter Roots UTD in St. Petersburg.

To launch the initiative, FUTURE RISING will be hosting a month-long series of exclusive happenings at W Hotels across Europe and the Middle East. Kicking off in Doha on the 3 November, and other dates confirmed in Dubai (4 Nov.), Istanbul (5 Nov.), Amsterdam (9 Nov.), Barcelona (17 Nov.), St. Petersburg (19 Nov.) and London (24 Nov.), the audience can expect a lineup of artists and DJs such as Kim Ann Foxman of Hercules & Love Affair and Jengi Beats in Amsterdam, Jarreau Vandal and Hannah Faith in Dubai and Doha, Krystal Klear and Alizzz in Barcelona and many more

Each event location will also host a FUTURE RISING Suites Session – W Hotels’ up-close and personal music conversation series with industry visionaries and emerging stars within the intimate environment of the participating hotel’s Extreme WOW suite (the brand’s sensational take on the Presidential Suite). Both the upcoming performances and discussions will be recorded and made available on the W Hotels Mixcloud Channel with a special edition compilation of entirely new music from the artists.

FUTURE RISING will also serve as a platform to showcase creatives in other fields beyond music. For this launch, visual artist, Joe Cruz, has been commissioned to take on the role of resident Art Director for year one, while short films about the project will be produced by rising filmmaker, Hamish Stephenson, which will be shared via the website.

To attend these exclusives events and be selected to join a FUTURE RISING Suites Session check out the programme and register on futurerisingnow.com.

ANA 35th Int’l Convention: Living up to its hype

(From Left): Mrs Lizzy Iheanacho, Director, National Council for Arts and Culture, Prof Akachi Ezeigbo, Prof Femi Osofisan, Dr Jerry Agada, Hon Wale Okediran, Mallam Denja Abdullahi, Mrs Nneoma Okorocha, Senator Shehu Sani, Prof Isidore Diala

The 35^th Anniversary International Convention of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) could well be said to have lived up its hype as being one of the most attended and in relative terms a better organized convention of the body, in a country mile.

This is all the more remarkable, as despite the present economic recession in the country, Abuja’s central district, for the entire duration of the ANA International Convention came alive for a literary, not political event.

Re-visiting Abuja, the country’s administrative and political capital and emerging M.I.C.E hub on the sub-region of Africa, for the second time (the first being in 1997), this 2016 edition’s four-day programme gathered over three hundred of the country’s finest writers as they thronged the National Centre for Women’s Development’s expansive complex for the opening ceremony and also for the grand finale of the landmark annual event which spanned from October 27 through to 30.

The packed National Centre for Women Development, Abuja

The opening ceremony which held at the jam-packed centre’s main hall gathered hundreds of authors, students, literary enthusiasts, public government representatives, and those from the private sector, in an event that had wife of the Imo State Governor and a member of the state’s chapter of the association, Mrs Nneoma Okorocha, in attendance as Special Guest, as well as serving senator representing Kaduna state Central Senatorial District, Mallam Shehu Sani, as Host, in addition to three past presidents of the association; Hon. Wale Okediran, Dr Jerry Agada and Prof Femi Osofisan.

Also, to add to the international colour of the event, the Ghana Association of Writers (GAW) was fully represented by its scribe in reciprocation of an earlier visit by an ANA delegation led by Mallam Denja Abdullahi, its president.

The 35^th International Convention which held under the theme; Re-Contextualizing African Literature for the African Renaissance: Emergent Trends, Realities and Strategies for the 21st Century,” had its events spread across the National Centre for Women Development, National Universities Commission (NUC) Auditorium, Thought Pyramid Art Gallery, all in Abuja.

Remarking, in his opening address, Abdullahi, who was elected president of the association at the 34^th edition of the convention, while thanking members and guests alike for honouring the invitation, reiterated his administration’s commitment to repositioning the over three decade-old body.

According to him, this has informed decision to embark on projects like the documentation and digitalization of data on the association, which he noted, was aimed at providing a proper historic background for the body as well charting a veritable platform in the way-forward for the association.

In addition, Abdullahi stated that the plan informed the constitution of a National Advisory Council for ANA, which he said includes past presidents of the body, in a bid to ensure a higher level of continuity in the association’s administration.

While officially launching the 2017-2022 ANA Strategic Plan Document, which was produced by a committee inaugurated by his administration and included Prof Sunday Ododo, as chairman, Prof. Akachi Ezeigbo, Prof. Anthony Alichie, Mr. Eriata Oribhabor, Mallam Al Bashak and Dr. Ofonime Inyang, the president noted that such a material was intended to set the records straight on activities and plans of the association.

On his part, Senator Shehu Sani expressed worry over the declining level of academic and literary activities in the country, which he noted was also a concern for the quality of discourse by politicians on the floor of the House of Assembly. This, he noted, had become a challenge to literalists, even as he decried the disinterest towards academic exercise by public officials in the country.

“In time past, a politician had his own personal library stocked with materials from across all genres and this showed on the floor of the House during plenary as the quality of discourse was elevated. Today, however, the opposite is the case. It is such that a politician is too lazy to even read the manuscripts of his own ghost writer. All because he does not have time,” Sani said.

He, however, urged Nigerian authors to strive to swim with the current of public discourse and not against it and also strive to add value to issues of public discourse in order to better the Nigerian society.

Describing the 35^th International Convention as a testament of hard work, Sani maintained that hardwork had its own reward both in and outside the literary circle.

Also remarking, Mrs Okorocha described the theme of the convention as ‘apt’ adding that the changing times in the society meant that writers needed to explore other themes away from the colonialism, imperialism and neo-colonialism subject matters of the independence and post-independence era in the country.

According to her, social-economic realities of the times had thrown up issues such as terrorism and economic conditions into the Nigerian literature as writers continue to explore themes for their works to affect their audience.

Keynote speaker, Prof Isidore Diala of the Imo State University, Owerri, Imo State, noted that though contemporary writers may have assumed freedom of expression to mean a freedom to confront cultural and even religious values of the society, terrorism, corruption, sexuality, civil rights have, however, formed the preoccupation of present-day Nigerian writers.

For him, that successive administrations of ANA have preserved the tenets of the association which is to platform freedom of expression and literary excellence as envisioned by its founding fathers like late Prof Chinua Achebe and others, is worthy of commendation.

Prof Diala, a renowned literary scholar and critic of African literature won 2015 NLNG Prize for Literary Criticism. He was also on the judging panel for the prestigious 2016 NLNG Prize for Literature.

Other major programmes which were on the card at the convention was a guided tour of the Writers’ Village in in Mpape, Abuja, a trip that afforded members the opportunity to assess progress of work being done on the property owned by ANA, as well as a tour of the Art & Crafts Village.

The ANA documentary which marks a huge milestone in the history of the association also premiered during the convention courtesy of a collaborative effort by the Pan African Writers Association (PAWA) and the Box Office Studios Ltd.

With the traditional book exhibition also on show at the event, past president Okediran and former Executive Secretary of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation, Dr Barclays Ayakoroma, all presented their works in the course of the convention.

Highlights of the grand finale was the formal investiture of a Fellowship on three deserving members of the association; former Member of the House of Representatives and past president of ANA, Dr Wale Okediran, a former Minister of State for Education and now Head of the Benue State Civil Service Commission, Dr Jerry Agada; as well as late Captain Elechi Amadi (post-humous).

This is in addition to the installation of the Justice Mustapha Akanbi Foundation as an Honorary Corporate Member of the association, and that of Senator Shehu Sani as Patron of ANA.

Okediran, Agada, Amadi all join other literary icons like late Prof Chinua Achebe, Prof Wole Soyinka, T.M Aluko, Prof J.P Clark, Mabel Segun, Prof Kole Omotoso, Prof Femi Osofisan, late Ken Saro-Wiwa, Odia Ofeimum, Abubakar Gimba, late Gen Mamman Vatsa, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, late Prof Dora Akunyili, and Prof Olu Obafemi, as Fellows of the body.

UNWTO Executive Council meeting opens in Luxor, Egypt

The city of Luxor in Egypt is hosting the 104th meeting of the Executive Council of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) between 31 October and 1 November. The Meeting will discuss the three priorities of the Organization for 2016-2017: safe, secure and seamless travel; the impact of technology in the tourism sector and sustainability.

Attending the session are some 170 representatives from 40 countries, including 11 ministers and vice ministers of tourism (Argentina, Azerbaijan, Brazil, Costa Rica, Egypt, India, Japan, Republic of Korea; Serbia, Sudan, Zambia and Zimbabwe). The opening ceremony was presided over by UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai and the Minister of Tourism of Egypt, Mohamed Yehia Rashed.

“Egypt is a worldwide leader in tourism and will continue to be so. The high level of attendance at this meeting is a confirmation of the confidence of the international tourism community in Egypt. Supporting tourism to Egypt is supporting its future and that of the Egyptian people” said Mr Rifai.

“In many our nations, tourism employs a large part of our labour force and helps to create immense benefits to our communities. The International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development 2017 is a unique opportunity to work together in maximizing the contribution of our sector to protect the environment and cultural heritage” said Minister Yehia Rashed.

Speaking on the importance of promoting a safe, secure and seamless travel framework, the Minister said “We must commit to global efforts and work on restoring confidence in destinations affected by any crises namely by working with the media.“

The Council will also discuss the programme of work of the Organization and the agenda for the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development 2017.

The Executive Council session will be followed on 1-2 November by the 5th UNWTO City Tourism Summit dedicated to the the theme of ‘Cities: Local Culture for Global Travellers’.

The 105th Session of the UNWTO Executive Council will take place in May 2017 in Spain, host country of the Organization.

Rifai advocates ‘positive-impact’ tourism as 4th World Tourism Conference ends

taleb rifai, the secretary general of unwto

The 4th edition of the World Tourism Conference (WTC) jointly organized by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the Ministry of Tourism and Culture in Malaysia (MOTAC), has concluded the country, which is also the second most visited destination in South East Asia.

Under the theme ‘Tourism Delights: Delivering the Unexpected’, the conference focused on strategies to enhance the visitors experience under the principle of “tourists first”. The round tables on ‘Tourism a Sunrise Industry?’ and ‘Tourism Experiences: Breaking New Grounds’ debated tourism trends beyond 2030 as well as how to reinvent the sector with a customer-oriented focus.

“We have witnessed two revolutions: on technology and on travel. The confluence of these has resulted in a new traveler who is technology-savvy, connected and informed who increasingly desires authentic, unique and valuable travel experiences and who is also more responsible and conscientious. Our sector needs to harness the emerging desire for ‘positive-impact’ tourism to contribute to a better world,” said UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai at the Opening of the Conference.

“A key element to advance tourism is creativity and innovation (…) in that regard, Malaysia has enhanced its tourism products by packaging “local community’s daily life” into a touristic offer – the “homestay experience” – providing travelers the opportunity to immerse in the traditional village lifestyle and to interact with local hosts, as well as other initiatives such as Villagestay, Visit MyFelda and Visit MyLonghouse,” explained the Minister of Tourism of Malaysia, YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Nazri bin Abdul Aziz.

Additional sessions were dedicated to the endless opportunities that tourism brings to communities, where the relevance of sustainable practices, rural and youth tourism were underlined.

Malaysia has recently presented the Economic Transformation Program (ETP) which has prioritized tourism as a catalyst for economic prosperity. Ecotourism, family-friendly destination, business tourism, and events, entertainment and sports have been emphasized within this strategy. With this Program, Malaysia hopes to reach 36 million tourist arrivals by the year 2020. In 2015, Malaysia received 27.5 million international tourist arrivals.

2016 UNWTO & WTM Ministers’ Summit to focus on promoting safe, seamless travel

Tourism is one of the fastest growing and most resilient economic activities of today. Over the past decades, international tourist arrivals have more than doubled, from 528 million in 1995 to 1.184 million in 2015.

At a global level, tourism has proven to be quite resilient and constantly growing; the sector is however regularly challenged by natural and man-made risks and crises. These crises have a great impact at the destination level, threatening to destroy their economy and social structures. Considering that tourism is predominantly ‘immaterial’ and often depends on perceptions, the sector is, thus, highly sensitive to both objective and subjective risks.

In order to manage these challenges adequately, relevant structures and processes have to be designed in a robust and resilient, but also flexible manner, with clear understanding of the special needs and concerns of the tourism sector, whilst maintaining a balance between security and seamless travel.

Building resilience within the tourism sector requires a realignment and full integration of tourism within the national and local disaster risk and emergency management structures. It further requires this responsibility to be shared amongst all relevant stakeholders.

Furthermore, current security concerns threaten the recent advances registered in travel facilitation and seamless travel around the world. According to the UNWTO’s latest Visa Openness Report, the share of tourists requiring the obtainment of a traditional visa prior to travelling continues to decline and is currently at its lowest recorded level. In 2015, 39% of the world’s population could travel without having to obtain a traditional visa prior to departure, as compared to only 23% in 2008.

In 2009, the UNWTO General Assembly approved a Declaration on the Facilitation of Tourist Travel with a set of principles, including the use of modern information and communication technologies, in relation with travel advisories and visa facilitation. Developing more innovative technologies in facilitating seamless travel and in creating a more resilient tourism sector is a collaborative responsibility between the tourism sector and security structures.

Considering that:

1.The current safety and security situation is a global problem and, as such, requires a global response;

2.Countries affected need collective support to get through difficulties and to build the recovery;

3.Clear communication is critical, including adequate crisis communication preparedness and management;

4.Public and private sectors must plan, work, communicate, and respond together;

5.Accurate and constantly updated travel advisories are critical; and

6.Experiences and best practices must be shared, so that countries can learn from each other.

The 2016 edition of the UNWTO/WTM Ministers’ Summit will focus on the following issues:

• What are the major safety and security challenges facing the tourism sector and how to address them?
• How to foster the dialogue between the tourism and security to strengthen effective coordination, information sharing, and communication in crisis preparedness, management and recovery?
• How to advance the integration of tourism and security and develop a resilient tourism sector through adequate mechanisms, resources and technical skills
• How can destinations and source markets work closer together through their public and private sector to promote safe and seamless travel?
• How to maximize the use of technology to enhance national and economic security.

Moderator: Becky Anderson, Managing Editor & Anchor, CNN International

Speakers:

H.E. Mr. Nabi Avci, Minister of Culture and Tourism, Turkey

Hon. Najib Balala, Cabinet Secretary for Tourism, Ministry of Tourism, Kenya

Ms. Nina Brooks, Head, Security, Airports Council International (ACI) World

H.E. Mrs. Selma Elloumi Rekik, Minister of Tourism and Handicrafts, Tunisia

Ms. Isabel Hill, Director National Travel and Tourism Office, Unted States Department of Commerce

Mr. Fritz Joussen, Chief Executive Officer, TUI

Mr. Aldo Lale-Demoz, Deputy Executive Director and Director of the Division for Operations, UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)

Mr. Ryoichi Matsuyama, President, Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)

Mark Tanzer, Chief Executive, ABTA

Mr. David Scowsill, President and CEO, World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC)

H.E. Mr. Mohamed Yehia Rashed, Minister of Tourism, Egypt

Hon. Edward Zammit Lewis, Minister of Tourism, Malta.