Accolades for the WTCF

By David Scowsill

President & CEO of the World Travel and Tourism Council

On the occasion of the inauguration of the World Tourism Cities Federation, I would like to extend the warmest congratulations on behalf of the World Travel and Tourism Council and in my own name.

WTCF is the first international tourism organization for cities. The vision of WTCF - "Tourism Makes Cities Even Better" - strikes a deep chord with me. That is also why I have proudly joined the federation as one of its first individual members.

I am convinced that given time WTCF will establish itself as a platform for high-level inter-city dialog and play a positive role in facilitating exchanges between tourism cities around the world.

According to The WTTC Progress & Priority Report 2010-2011, tourism is already one of the biggest industries in the world, accounting for $6 trillion dollars a year and contributing to over 9 percent of the global GDP. In other words, for every 12 people on this planet at least one must be working in a tourism related job.

WTTC is an international organization that takes leading tourism enterprises as its members and stands committed to promoting our core ideas such as "Freedom to Travel" and "Policies for Growth and Tourism for Tomorrow".

As a sponsor of WTCF, we will work with the federation to further facilitate the exchanges between tourism cities and tourism operators while contributing to the sustainable development and prosperity of the tourism industry.

I wish you complete success with your conference and for the tourism industry as a whole to continue to thrive and prosper.

By Taleb Rifai

Secretary-general of the UN World Tourism Organization

On this exciting and auspicious occasion of the inauguration of the World Tourism Cities Federation, I would like to congratulate Beijing, on behalf of the World Tourism Organization for leading the initiative to increase recognition of tourism as a key contributor to the economies, societies and cultures of cities around the world.

The tourism sector, which provides one in every 12 jobs and 30 percent of global service exports, is particularly important in today's cities.

The rapid growth of metropolitan centers and growing global linkages - along with economic instabilities worldwide - tourism again and again proves to be not only a significant driver of growth and development, but also an industry that is resilient in times of crisis.

The World Tourism Cities Federation, whose mission is serving tourism cities, recognizes the importance of tourism for cities and is working to raise awareness of "better cities through tourism" around the world.

The World Tourism Cities Federation thinks tourism is a major influence on the quality of life in cities - providing jobs, helping diversify industries, investment and infrastructure.

Tourism can also contribute to cultural, social and environmental preservation, and be a key tool in the fight against poverty. All of these are in line with the mission of the World Tourism Organization of the United Nations.

The future of humanity and the sustainability of the planet are intrinsically linked to the fate of the world's cities, especially as 1 billion tourists are expected to cross international borders in 2012.

Through initiatives like the World Tourism Cities Foundation, tourist cities around the world will develop to deliver the most benefits to visitors and residents alike.

By Marin Craiges

Chief executive officer of the Pacific Asian Travel Association

In hearing of the inauguration of the World Tourism Cities Federation, I would like to express on behalf of the Pacific Asian Travel Association and in my own name the warmest congratulations on the launch of the federation.

All of us here at PATA are convinced and assured that the WTCF, as a non-profit, individual organization, will gather the various strengths of tourism cities, organizations and individual practitioners from both the public and private sectors to develop the clear vision that "tourism makes cities even better" as well as boosts the socio-economic development of international tourism cities, and enhances destination branding through mutually positive collaboration and exchange.

For those reasons I am honored to join the federation as one of the first individual members.

As the first international travel association to have a representative office in China, we are deeply impressed to witness that China has increased the significance of tourism in State planning and recognizes tourism to be an economic pillar for growth as specified in the latest Five-Year Plan.

According to PATA's own forecasts, international arrivals to China will reach a record high of close to 146 million by 2014, generating some $50 billion for the country.

On the other hand, China's outbound travel to Asia-Pacific destinations is projected to reach just over 78 million during that same period, creating a significant number of job opportunities for the region.

It is perfect timing and brilliant decision to launch the federation and locate its headquarters in China's capital and tourism hub city - Beijing.

PATA is a membership association acting as a catalyst for the responsible development of the Asian-Pacific travel and tourism industry.

In partnership with our private and public sector members, we enhance the sustainable growth, value and quality of travel and tourism to, from and within the region.

PATA's rich heritage spans over 60 years, and now we have repositioned the association to face the challenges of the nest generation. A supporting organization of the WTCF, we look forward to working closely with the federation to facilitate collaboration and exchanges between tourism cities, operators and industry professionals, to boost sustainable growth of the tourism industry in the Asia-Pacific region.

Once again, congratulations on the launch of WTCF - we will celebrate it with you in spirit, if not in person.