Climate Emergency is a BIGGER THREAT than …

The head of the United Nations World Tourism Organization has warned that the ‘climate emergency is a bigger threat than Covid’ .

During the WTM Tourism Ministers Summit, Secretary-General of UNWTO, Zurab Pololikashvili said the pandemic has hit tourism harder than any other sector and it needed support from governments, through stronger public-private partnerships and with more and better-targeted financing investments, to rebuild in a sustainable and inclusive way.

He said the recent Rome Leaders Declaration issued by the G20 specifically emphasized the need to restore travel and tourism, which in turn can help developing economies. He also advocated that public investment will “encourage and leverage” private investment all over the world, adding: “Tourism can benefit if governments deliver the right support.

“Going back to the old normal is not an option.” Urging that tourism represents a risk-free investment opportunity and it was vital to invest in education and youth helping to reach net zero.

The UNWTO and other tourism and travel stakeholders launched the 'Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism' at the COP26 Conference in Glasgow.

The WTTC is to launch its Net Zero Roadmap for Travel & Tourism, to support the industry in battling climate change, as it aims to be net zero by 2050.

The initiative is being run in collaboration with the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and professional services and consulting experts Accenture.

WTTC President told the summit: “We have no alternative; we have to go green.” Sustainable growth is a key priority for WTTC, adding: “Investors and the public demand that we invest to protect the planet and people.

“We need to invest in making sure destinations are great places to live and not just great places to visit.”

Dr Khaled El-Enany, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities of Egypt, who will host the COP27 climate conference next year, highlighted Egyptian sustainable initiatives, like Red Sea reef protection projects.

2021 AFRICA TOURISM LEADERSHIP FORUM SET FOR KIGALI - RWANDA

The 4th edition of Africa Tourism Leadership Forum & Awards (ATLF) will take place from 24-27 November in the Rwandan capital Kigali. This years’ hybrid event will incorporate Rwanda Travel Week. Held in collaboration with the Rwanda Development Board, Rwanda Convention Bureau, Rwanda Chamber of Tourism, Mastercard Foundation, and BDO South Africa, ATLF 2021 is themed, “Harnessing intra-Africa travel for innovative recovery in Africa’s travel and tourism sector”.

ATLF is a flagship event on the Africa tourism calendar that has played a key role in advancing intra-Africa travel growth, youth and women empowerment, intra-Africa travel facilitation and business-to-business networking. It is the only Pan-African public-private tourism leadership annual gathering convened and hosted in Africa, by Africans and for Africans. Merged with the Rwanda Travel Week, this year’s Forum will provide another Pan-African platform for in-person exhibition as well as the Gala Dinner for the annual Africa Tourism Leadership Awards Ceremony. This will bring together Africa Tourism industry players together to network and discover new opportunities in a changing world.