Peace for Growth of Tourism - New Agenda

PATWA International Seminar at WTM London.

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Tourism in Asia and the Pacific continues to grow above expectations, advancing the economies, helping to preserve diverse cultures and environments, and contributing to efforts at lasting peace in the region. I commend the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA) for organizing this timely seminar and for their longstanding efforts to promote tourism in regional development agendas within Asia and the Pacific and internationally.” said, Taleb Rifai, Secretary General, World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)

He further said “Globally, tourism is a pillar of peace and a cornerstone of development – creating jobs, reducing inequality, creating more prosperous and stable societies, and improving lives. It is a powerful transformative force that broadens minds, builds bridges between people, communities and nations, and like few other economic sectors helps communities value themselves, their cultures and traditions, their environment, and their place in the world.

He also added that “However, we must work together, across sectors and borders, to ensure that tourism contributes to sustainable social, economic and environmental development while continuing to promote global citizenship, tolerance and understanding. With 1.8 billion international arrivals expected in 2030, and the world working to reach the universal Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in that time, all of us must work together to ensure that tourism leads in providing opportunities for a sustainable and equitable planet.”