AusLeisure

The World Travel and Tourism Council has today launched a significant new report – ‘Investing in Travel and Tourism’ - providing investment recommendations for governments and destinations, as they aim to rebuild and grow their Travel and Tourism sector following the COVID pandemic.

According to the report, governments and destinations should invest and attract investment from the private sector in areas such as physical and digital infrastructure, as well as in travel segments such as wellness, medical, MICE, sustainable, adventure, cultural or targeted – including women, LGBTQI, and accessible – tourism.

The report also offers key recommendations for governments and destinations and highlights those segments which could be most attractive to investors.

The report demonstrates how crucial it is for both destinations and governments to attract investment through an effective enabling environment, including incentives such as smart taxation, travel facilitation policies, diversification, integration of health and hygiene, effective communication, and a skilled and trained workforce.

With the pandemic bringing international travel to an almost complete halt, the global Travel and Tourism sector suffered more than any other due to severe mobility restrictions.

The sector’s contribution to global GDP fell from nearly US$ 9.2 trillion in 2019, to just US$ 4.7 trillion in 2020, representing a loss of almost US$ 4.5 trillion. Furthermore, as the pandemic ripped through the heart of the sector, a shocking 62 million Travel and Tourism jobs were lost while many still remain at risk.

The report reveals that capital investment dropped by almost one third (29.7%) last year, plummeting from US$ 986 billion in 2019, to just US$ 693 billion in 2020 and now, as we head towards recovery, investment in Travel and Tourism has never been so critical.

WTTC President and Chief Executive, Julia Simpson notes “WTTC data has laid bare the devastating impact the pandemic has had on the Travel & Tourism sector.

“It is crucial for stakeholders to focus on travel facilitation to achieve a safe and seamless traveller journey, and diversification of revenue-generating activities, amongst other opportunities.

“As this sector heads towards recovery, it is essential to understand the priorities to drive public and private investment in order to rebuild the economy and unlock the full potential of the Travel and Tourism sector.”

WTTC’s report showcases the importance of investment in the Travel and Tourism sector as a pathway to recovery, and how crucial it is to forge a public-private-community partnerships (PPCP).

Mark Harms, Bespoke Capital Partners, Managing Partner advised “clear and consistent government policy is key in attracting investors’ interest.

“To accelerate the resumption of international travel and attract investment, governments need to work together on the organised and coordinated response.”

Steven Siegel, KSL Capital Partners, Chief Operating Officer added “we are delighted to have contributed to this important report, which we hope will help Travel and Tourism businesses attract critical investment post-pandemic.

“Destinations and governments should focus on safety and security, alongside political stability and well-established rule of law, as we look for these qualities as pre-requisites for investment.”

Access the report here

https://wttc.org/Portals/0/Documents/Reports/2021/Investing%20in%20Travel%20and%20Tourism%20100921.pdf?ver=2021-09-16-112521-367

Image: Cover of WTTC September 2021 report ‘Investing in Travel and Tourism'

Related Articles

25th July 2021 - New WTTC report launches framework for achieving Destination Stewardship

16th July 2021 - WTTC highlights need for international recognition of all approved COVID-19 vaccines

14th July 2021 - WTTC and It’s a Penalty partner to raise awareness of human trafficking and exploitation

6th July 2021 - New WTTC Economic Trends Report reveals Asia Pacific region hardest hit by COVID-19 pandemic

18th June 2021 - WTTC insight papers released to help drive sustainability in tourism

8th June 2021 - WTTC campaign launched as global call for governments to restart international travel

18th May 2021 - WTTC Global Summit highlights how major live corporate events and conferences can be staged safely

17th May 2021 - Thailand joins more than 275 destinations in adopting WTTC Safe Travels stamp

13th May 2021 - WTTC announces Julia Simpson as new Chief Executive

28th April 2021 - Martina Navratilova helps launch Women Initiative at WTTC 2021

25th April 2021 - WTTC’S summit to be world’s first face-to-face post-pandemic global tourism event  

12th February 2021 - WTTC new paper showcases tourism industry’s role in in enhancing social progress

6th February 2021 - WTTC says governments should abandon notion of ‘high-risk countries’ and instead focus on ‘high-risk travellers’

20th January 2021 - WTTC predicts over 100 million global tourism jobs could be recovered during 2021

17th December 2020 - WTTC releases major new guidelines for Inclusion and Diversity to aid tourism sector

26th November 2020 - WTTC hosts inaugural virtual AGM highlighting importance of international collaboration for COVID recovery

14th October 2020 - WTTC recognises Australia’s COVID Clean Practicing Business Program

1st October 2020 - WTTC releases guidelines for safe return to work

28th September 2020 - WTTC launches new report on tourism’s future in the wake of COVID-19

21st September 2020 - ATEC aligns with WTTC Safe Travel protocols  

19th September 2020 - The Philippines revealed as 100th destination to receive WTTC Safe Travels stamp

4th September 2020 - WTTC launches Safe Travels protocols for adventure tourism

16th August 2020 - WTTC calls for leadership from Australian Government to save tourism

25th July 2020 - Dubai and Indonesia are latest recipients of WTTC Safe Travels stamp

9th June 2020 - Global tourist destinations sign up to the WTTC  global safety and hygiene stamp

28th May 2020 - WTTC launches world’s first global safety stamp

13th May 2020 - Trip.com Group to oversee WTTC initiative to help revive tourism sector

1st May 2020 - WTTC outlines ‘the new normal’ when travelling resumes

23rd April 2020 - WTTC calls on G20 leaders to coordinate recovery for the tourism industry

17th April 2020 - WTTC commends global tourism industry for helping during COVID-19

---

Asking a small favour
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

The news we publish at www.ausleisure.com.au is independent, credible (we hope) and free for you to access, with no pay walls and no annoying pop-up ads.

However, as an independent publisher, can we ask for you to support us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine - if you don't already do so.

Published bi-monthly since 1997, the printed Australasian Leisure Management differs from this website in that it publishes longer, in-depth and analytical features covering aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues management.

Subscriptions cost just $90 a year.

Click here to subscribe.