WTTC recommends focusing development strategy on sustainable practices

The president and director of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), Julia Simpson, pointed out the importance of this sector orienting its practices towards sustainable models, since it is one of the industries most affected by climate change.

During a press conference with journalists from the region, Simpson said that tourists are choosing destinations and brands that have environmentally friendly practices, where, in addition, they have a minimal impact on ecosystems.

“Tourists do not want to go to places that do not take care of the environment,” he said, recommending that governments and the private sector contribute decisively to stop the deterioration of the planet, the loss of biodiversity and climate change.

“The actions that the sector must take are urgent, only in this way can biodiversity loss and climate change be controlled,” he said, adding that “to achieve this, invaluable coordination between both sectors is required to generate initiatives based on sustainable tourism and national strategies for the benefit of biodiversity.”

The executive, who spoke on the sidelines of Climate Week in New York, said the travel and tourism sector has a crucial role to play in decarbonizing and protecting the environment. “We must ‘rebuild’ ourselves sustainably, with positive growth for society, the ecosystem and cultural heritage, elements on which we depend.”

He assured that all actors have an important role in the process so that the growth of the tourism sector is “sustainable, respectful and that contributes positively to communities and ecosystems”

Impact

According to WTTC data, it is estimated that by 2024 the sector will recover pre-pandemic levels. So far in 2022, the tourism industry shows a growth of 23% in the region.

In addition, they estimate that by 2032 tourism will generate some 20.5 million jobs in Latin America. As for the Caribbean, it could grow at an average rate of 5.5% per year over the next decade. “Jobs in the region could increase at an average rate of 4.5% per year, creating 1.34 million new jobs by 2032,” he said.

However, to achieve these figures, WTTC understands that greater collaboration is needed throughout the Caribbean region; investment in infrastructure, and improving air connectivity and investment in labour.

Source: El Dinero