UNWTO Chief Calls for Safe, Seamless Travel in 2016

Security should be one of the key priorities in the tourism industry, declared Taleb Rifai, United Nations World Tourism Organization Secretary-General.

“Safety and security are priorities for all and we need to ensure tourism is fully integrated into national and international security agendas. Enhancing security and enabling more seamless travel should always go hand-in-hand,” Mr. Rifai declared during the opening ceremony of ITB Berlin.

According to his opinion, technology is the one of the main ways to ensure travel safety. The tourism sector also needs to take advantage of new opportunities and better manage its natural resources to increase sustainability, support the environment and social causes and boost national economies.

Moreover, UNTWO experts forecast a 4 per cent increase of the industry for 2016.

For 2017, the “International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development”, the 2030 Agenda program will promote a strategic plan to help industry representatives reach the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) the UN agency advocates for.

“Climate change mitigation, effective resource management, poverty reduction and inclusive growth need to be at the center of tourism development. As we embrace a new sustainable development agenda let us ensure that while we build a more competitive sector we are also contributing to a better world,” Taleb Rifai added.