LONDON, 7 November 2018: Strengthening cooperation between tourism players in both public and private sectors is the key to success according to a World Travel & Tourism Council global industry leaders’ panel hosted at the World Travel Market in London, Monday.
WTTC’s session, ‘Social Contract: Expired’, focused on how the industry can continue to drive growth, integration and prosperity in a climate of increasing isolationism and protectionism.
WTTC president & CEO, Gloria Guevara, emphasised that public and private sector cooperation strengthens the perception of Travel & Tourism globally.
“Today we look to the leaders of our industry who can share best practices for competitiveness and regional integration. These discussions are critical to the ongoing collaboration and development across our sector, and we welcome the opportunity to bring together these voices.”
Echoing this sentiment Minister of Tourism, Greece, Elena Kountoura articulated how tourism is the original export product, and growth must be supported by a broader strategy that is friendly to business and investors.
Panellists articulated examples of best practice for successful growth. Minister of Tourism Egypt, Rania Al-Mashat, shared details of the Egypt Tourism Reform Programme through which the government is working to promote a culture of home-grown tourism through shared ownership.
Guevara continued, “The world is realising the value of Travel & Tourism and the economic opportunities it provides. Following today’s discussion, it is clear that public-private-community partnerships are at the heart of Travel & Tourism and must be meaningfully engaged in order to maximise these growth opportunities.”
We sincerely hope that many Thai tourism government representatives who are at WTM could participate and use this arena to create something good for Thailand and that international tourism will benefit from cooperation.