World Travel & Tourism Council CEO calls for easing visa application procedures amid recovery of international tourism

KIGALI, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) — World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) CEO Urges Governments to Ease Visa Procedures

The recovery of the travel and tourism sector from the COVID-19 pandemic is well underway, according to Julia Simpson, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). Simpson, who is also the President of the council, emphasized the need for governments to further ease visa application procedures in order to support international tourism. This call was made during the 23rd WTTC Global Summit held in Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, from Nov. 1-3.

Global Travel Recovery and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Latest data from WTTC and its partner Oxford Economics indicates that global travel is rebounding faster than previously expected, with all regions experiencing a faster recovery. The Asia-Pacific region is leading the way in this recovery. Simpson stated that by 2023, the industry is projected to reach or even exceed the levels of 2019. The growth rate of travel and tourism is more than double that of global GDP, highlighting its significance as a growth sector.

WTTC Global Summit: Building Bridges to a Sustainable Future

The 23rd WTTC Global Summit, co-hosted by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), focused on the theme “Building Bridges to a Sustainable Future.” The event brought together thousands of industry leaders, experts, and government representatives to support the growth of the sector and work towards a safer, more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future.

Regenerative Tourism: Key to the Future

Simpson emphasized that the future of tourism lies in “regenerative tourism,” which promotes a more sustainable way of traveling. This approach aims to conserve cultural heritage, local traditions, and the environment for future generations. By adopting regenerative tourism practices, the industry can contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

About WTTC

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), founded in 1990, is a global authority on the economic and social contribution of travel and tourism. As a nonprofit organization based in London, it represents over 200 CEOs, chairpersons, and presidents of the world’s leading private-sector travel and tourism businesses.

WTTC Global Summit 2024

The WTTC announced that its 2024 global summit will be held in Perth, the capital and largest city of Western Australia.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

The article discusses the recovery of the travel and tourism sector from the COVID-19 pandemic and emphasizes the need for sustainable and inclusive growth. This aligns with SDG 8, which focuses on promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. The mention of “regenerative tourism” also connects to SDG 12, which aims to ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns. Additionally, the article mentions the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and its partnerships with governments, highlighting the importance of partnerships for achieving the goals, as emphasized in SDG 17.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 8.9: By 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products.
• Target 12.8: By 2030, ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature.
• Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships.

The article highlights the importance of sustainable tourism that promotes local culture and products, aligning with Target 8.9 under SDG 8. It also mentions the concept of “regenerative tourism,” which emphasizes the need for awareness and sustainable lifestyles in harmony with nature, connecting to Target 12.8 under SDG 12. Furthermore, the article mentions the partnerships between the WTTC and governments, emphasizing the importance of effective partnerships, which relates to Target 17.17 under SDG 17.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator for Target 8.9: Number of jobs created in the tourism sector that promote local culture and products.
• Indicator for Target 12.8: Level of awareness and understanding of sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature among tourists.
• Indicator for Target 17.17: Number of effective public-private partnerships established to support sustainable tourism.

The article does not explicitly mention indicators, but based on the identified targets, potential indicators can be derived. These indicators can measure the progress towards the targets by tracking the number of jobs created in the tourism sector that promote local culture and products (Target 8.9), the level of awareness and understanding of sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature among tourists (Target 12.8), and the number of effective public-private partnerships established to support sustainable tourism (Target 17.17).

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: english.news.cn

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