WTTC, UNWTO jointly to promote Travel & Tourism ahead of Asia Summit in Seoul on 10-11 September 2013

2013-06-11 — /travelprnews.com/ — World Travel & Tourism Council President & CEO, David Scowsill, speaking at the UNWTO Regional Conference on Tourism Partnerships in Seoul on 01 June, outlined the themes that will feature at the Ministerial Roundtable and inaugural WTTC Asia Summit to be held in Seoul on 10-11 September 2013.

Mr Scowsill told the assembled guests, including Mr Charm Lee, CEO, Korea Tourism Organization, and UNWTO Secretary General, Dr Taleb Rifai, that the WTTC Asia Summit will address what needs to be done to harness the enormous growth potential of the Travel & Tourism industry.

Mr Scowsill said: “With Asia set to dominate world economic growth, Travel & Tourism will play a key role showing 5-7% average increases in the industry’s total contribution to GDP over the next ten years, generating over 47 million new jobs in the region. This regional growth will impact Travel & Tourism around the world, with expanding numbers of Asian travellers making their mark in the global marketplace. The challenges in meeting this growth command the attention of all the global players in the industry, as well as the top political leaders worldwide.”

Mr Scowsill added that it was appropriate that the WTTC Asia Summit would be held in Seoul: “This Summit of industry leaders from the private and public sectors will take place in South Korea where total contribution to the Korean economy from Travel & Tourism grew by 10% in 2012. South Korea is a recognised world leader of a creative economy, as well as home to many of the largest conglomerates of familiar household brands across the globe.”

While in Seoul, Mr Scowsill had a number of top-level private sector meetings relating to the Asia Summit. From the government, he met with H.E. Mr Yoo Jinryong, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

The WTTC Asia Summit will provide the opportunity for an exchange between private and public sector, and it will tackle some of the critical pressing issues facing Travel & Tourism in the region today. The Asia Summit will be attended by some of the region’s most influential business leaders and decision makers, joined by speakers who will talk about global trends and key issues that impact the region from other parts of the world.

ENDS-

About WTTC:

The World Travel & Tourism Council is the global authority on the economic and social contribution of Travel & Tourism. It promotes sustainable growth for the industry, working with governments and international institutions to create jobs, to drive exports and to generate prosperity. In 2012 Travel & Tourism accounted for 260 million jobs globally. At US$6.6 trillion (9.3% of GDP) the sector is a key driver for investment and economic growth. For more than 20 years, the World Travel & Tourism Council has been the voice of this industry globally. Members are the Chairs, Presidents and Chief Executives of the world’s leading, private sector Travel & Tourism businesses. These Members bring specialist knowledge to guide government policy and decision-making, raising awareness of the importance of the industry as an economic generator of prosperity.

For further information, please contact:
Toby Nicol
Communications Director
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7481 6484
Email: toby.nicol@wttc.org

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