WTTC Report Advocates Sustainable Tourism
With the global travel and tourism sectors peaking during the northern summer travel season, the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has released a new report urging a balanced approach to tourism management in popular destinations.
Released on July 7, the report entitled Managing Destination Overcrowding: A Call to Action identifies significant pressures on the tourism sector stemming from issues like insufficient infrastructure investment and poor planning.
Key Challenges
These ongoing challenges impact both local residents and tourists, requiring comprehensive solutions particularly because travel and tourism support one in ten jobs globally, contributing nearly 10% to the world’s GDP. Moreover, the sector is positioned to facilitate one in every three new jobs created in the coming decade.
If well-managed, travel and tourism can enhance cultural exchange, global awareness, and environmental conservation. However, the potential benefits could be jeopardized if global authorities neglect responsible planning.
No Easy Fixes
The report emphasizes that there is no single solution to the issue. It calls for collaborative efforts from governments, local authorities, and businesses to foster support for both communities and tourists.
In 2024, travel and tourism are projected to contribute nearly $11 trillion to the global economy, supporting around 357 million jobs. This is not just a metric of success, but also a signal to manage growth responsibly.
Annually, governments globally generate over $3.3 trillion from travel and tourism businesses, accounting for about 9.6% of total tax revenues worldwide. In light of this, the WTTC advocates for reinvestment into crucial infrastructure to alleviate pressure on heavily frequented destinations.
Practical Steps for Management
The report provides six essential steps for effective tourism management:
- Get Organised: Form task forces that include the right stakeholders.
- Make a Plan: Create a shared vision and develop a strategic plan for the destination.
- Gather the Evidence: Conduct data-driven analyses tailored to specific challenges.
- Stay Vigilant: Monitor conditions proactively and respond accordingly.
- Invest Wisely: Transparency in funding allocations for infrastructure.
- Empower Residents: Ensure local voices are included and recognize the benefits of tourism in their communities.
Conclusion
A rising number of destinations have implemented tourism taxes in reaction to pressures; however, the WTTC warns that these could jeopardize jobs and local services without addressing actual concerns. The report stresses that managing visitor numbers could lead to a loss of $245 billion in GDP and nearly three million jobs within three years.
It features successful initiatives from various destinations, such as:
- Turisme de Barcelona: Operates under a public-private partnership framework catering to sustainable development goals.
- VisitFlanders: Reframes tourism as a mechanism for supporting local community goals.
- Dubrovnik: Collaborates with cruise companies to reduce congestion.
- Iceland: Invests tourism fees directly into environmental conservation.
The WTTC’s president, Julia Simpson, stated, “Travel & Tourism brings huge benefits including jobs, investment, and deeper cultural understanding. But growth needs to be managed carefully. We’re encouraging all decision-makers to work together for long-term advantages for both residents and visitors.”
