WTTC calls for governments to better coordinate policy-making for Travel and Tourism

Governments that adopt a fully coordinated approach to the development of Travel & Tourism policies are the most successful in maximising the economic and social potential of the sector, according to a new report from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). 

Speaking to the United States Travel Association at its Fall Board Meeting in Washington DC today, David Scowsill President & CEO, WTTC, said:

“Travel & Tourism drives economic growth, creates jobs and sustains investment throughout the world. It drives almost 10% of global GDP and supports one in eleven of all jobs on the planet. Many governments are still not adopting a holistic approach to the maximising the potential of this sector. Our newly released report, ‘Governing National Tourism Policy’, concludes that for the sector to thrive and to develop in a sustainable manner, governments need to fully integrate Travel & Tourism into the national economic agenda and coordinate development across the public and private sector.”

The different country examples studied by WTTC suggest that if the consultation process is backed up by legislation – if a tourism policy council or committee has statutory powers – the sector’s economic importance and priority through different government administrations is much more secure.

Scowsill continued: “For many heads of state, the starting point is the recognition that our sector is a key pillar of economic development, and that it suffers from a lack of co-ordination between different ministries and agencies. 

This results in conflicting policy decisions – such as protecting and supporting national carriers instead of promoting open skies access to markets; funding promotional campaigns, whilst not facilitating visa automation; imposing unfair taxes on departing airline passengers, whilst not investing in necessary long term infrastructure - in summary a completely incoherent approach to tourism governance and commerce.” 

WTTC research shows that those governments which seek to adopt a holistic approach to the development of Travel & Tourism are far more likely to make co-ordinated policies across ministries to support this sector. Countries which welcome and encourage the input of the private sector into strategic planning and policy-making are those that will plan successfully for future growth. 

For specific case studies and the full report, please visit: http://www.wttc.org/research/policy-research/governing-national-tourism-policy 

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About WTTC

The World Travel & Tourism Council is the global authority on the economic and social contribution of Travel & Tourism. It promotes sustainable growth for the sector, working with governments and international institutions to create jobs, to drive exports and to generate prosperity. WTTC’s annual Global Summit brings together over 1,000 delegates to discuss the opportunities, challenges and issues facing the industry, while its Tourism for Tomorrow Awards recognise the industry’s power to be a positive force in sustainability.  

The sector is a key driver for investment and economic growth globally. By the end of 2015, Travel & Tourism will contribute US$7.8 trillion or 10% of global GDP, once all direct, indirect and induced impacts are taken into account. The sector will account for 284 million jobs, 9.5% of total employment, or one in eleven of all jobs on the planet.

For 25 years, WTTC has been the voice of this industry globally. Members are the Chairs, Presidents and Chief Executives of the world’s leading, private sector Travel & Tourism businesses. These Members bring specialist knowledge to guide government policy and decision-making, raising awareness of the importance of the industry as an economic generator of prosperity.