Tourism industry discusses climate issues at World Travel Market

Channel NewsAsia 18 Nov 07

LONDON: The World Travel Market in London is one of the tourism industry's biggest gatherings, where companies large and small get together to do business and discuss trends.

For the first time this year, a meeting of government ministers was held alongside the trade show, to discuss how the tourism industry can play its part in halting climate change.

Not surprisingly, South Asian countries were out in force at the show, as many seek to promote their valuable tourism industries.

Around 60 government ministers arrived at this year's World Travel Market, one of the most important industry gatherings.

At a special session, they were asked to discuss and ratify a declaration put together by environmental experts.

The declaration, which urges government, industry and consumers to play their part in halting tourism's contribution to global warming, will be submitted to the United Nations Bali Climate Summit in December.

Francesco Frangialli, Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation, said: "Tourism is both a contributor to the phenomenon of climate change – maybe something like five percent of the emission of carbon – and also a victim, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa where a lot of destinations are suffering."

That harsh reality seems to be a concern for many involved in the tourism industry, even as operators and companies vie to increase their market share.

However, developing countries which are counting on their tourism industries to generate economic growth are likely concerned that consumers may chose the green option of not getting on a plane, and therefore holidaying at or nearer their home countries.

"If the message is 'don't travel in order to reduce the emission', there will be suffering so we have to make compatible the reduction of the emissions that is necessary and the achievement of the Millenium Development goals, and the reduction of poverty. This is absolutely part of our message and is very important," said Mr Frangialli.

He also said while developing countries in Africa and Asia have done far less than industrial nations in creating the problems of climate change, they must play their part in tackling global warming, or face being the victims of it.

For many operators, from small to established companies, concerns about climate change are real and must be tackled with a sense of urgency by the governments.

Jonathan Pereira, Kenya Wildlife Trails, said: "If I am doing my bit and someone else is not doing their bit, then obviously I'm just a drop in the ocean, but if it's a regulation from the top then it has to be done. It'll work."

While tourism development and environmental concerns are at odds with each other, those at the World Travel Market are taking steps to try to resolve the two, amid an increasing awareness of the seriousness of global climate change.- CNA/so