As a result of the challenges posed by the global economic crisis and the upcoming G20 meeting in London, UNWTO stresses that tourism and travel can play an integral role in any stimulus package and the shift towards a green economy. Tourism is a massive creator of jobs, as well as being a leading services export for developing economies.


# Tourism represents some 5% of GDP and 6% of jobs in G20 countries.
# Global tourism services exports amount to US$ 3 billion per day.
# Tourism is the main growth & trade driver for the world’s poorest countries.
# The travel sector can be a leader in the response to climate change.


Placing Tourism and Travel in Global Stimulus Packages and the Green Economy
London, UK / Madrid, Spain, 31 March 2009

As a result of the challenges posed by the global economic crisis and the upcoming G20 meeting in London, UNWTO stresses that tourism and travel can play an integral role in any stimulus package and the shift towards a green economy. Tourism is a massive creator of jobs, as well as being a leading services export for developing economies.


# Tourism represents some 5% of GDP and 6% of jobs in G20 countries.
# Global tourism services exports amount to US$ 3 billion per day.
# Tourism is the main growth & trade driver for the world’s poorest countries.
# The travel sector can be a leader in the response to climate change.

Due to its strong economic multiplier effect as a sector dominated by small and medium enterprises, tourism and travel, if properly encouraged, can play a more important role in economic stimulus and building consumer confidence than is generally recognized. Travel fuels business growth, makes sport and entertainment possible and sustains rural destinations. It also strengthens trade by boosting income for the poorest countries as well as for global suppliers who are mainly from G20 member states.

“Tourism and travel mean jobs, infrastructure, trade and development. These are the issues that world leaders are emphasising in coordinated recovery actions. What we need is recognition of the value of travel in this mix and most importantly its capacity to generate jobs” says UNWTO Secretary-General ad interim, Taleb Rifai. He added “Some countries have already begun to develop stimulus measures to minimise the impact of the crisis, including fiscal incentives, travel facilitation and increased marketing support. Others should follow suit.”

At the same time UNWTO stressed the fact that the tourism and travel sector can be a leader in the transformation to a new green economy and encourage investment in green infrastructure –airports, high speed rail, roads and ports.

UNWTO Assistant Secretary-General and Spokesperson, Geoffrey Lipman, said “The industry – transportation; hospitality and travel services - is increasingly committed to climate response. Our carbon emissions at some 5% of the total are significant but manageable, with adaptation and new technology. Poor countries, who need more visitors for their development agenda, will also need special financial support to help them make the changes necessary to become climate neutral. Investment in Green Tourism – climate proofing hotels, clean biofuels for transport and widespread education/training programmes will pay massive dividends and send positive signals to consumers around the world.”

Tourism and the G20 Summit: A Message from UNWTO.

Note to editors on related UNWTO Action

    * The Tourism Resilience Committee monitors short-term market trends and best practice public and private sector response.
    * “The Roadmap for Recovery” is being developed to assist the sector in its engagement in Stimulus and the Green Economy.
    * “The Davos Declaration Process” continues more than 5 years of analysing the interaction of Climate Change and Tourism and encouraging collaborative response.