UNWTODaily
www.UNWTO.org
Committed to Tourism, Travel and the Millennium Development Goals
THE DAILY OF THE 18th SESSION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY -
Taking a growing role
in the United Nations
Systems
PAGE 4 Seeking Finance
Taleb Rifai appointed Secretary-General
The UNWTO General Assembly
yesterday voted by acclamation for Taleb
Rifai of Jordan to be the next Secretary-
General, ratifying the recommendation
of the Organization’s Executive Council
at its 85th session meeting in Mali earlier
this year. Mr Rifai will begin his four year
mandate in January 2010, becoming
the fifth Secretary-General of the UN’s
tourism agency.
Mr Rifai is no stranger to UNWTO having
served as Secretary-General ad interim
since March 2009 after Francesco
Frangialli’s decided to leave before the
end of his third term.
He had previously been Deputy
Secretary-General since February 2006,
although his with the Organization
extends back to his time as Minister
PAGE 5
Highlights of the 18th
Session of UNWTO’s
General Assembly
PAGE 5 Assembly Debate
Президент Н. Назарбаев открывает Генеральную Ассамблею в Астане
of Tourism and Antiquities for Jordan
during which period he served as
Chairman of the Executive Council.
In his Statement of Intent and
Management to the Assembly, Mr Rifai
said: “Tourism is at a crossroads.”
With current economic realities
intensifying long-term global challenges
such as poverty alleviation and climate
change, UNWTO, as the leading global
tourism organization should: “take
stock of its strengths, consolidate
its achievements, acknowledge its
shortcomings and move to address the
challenges ahead”.
In this way, UNWTO can continue to
provide leadership and support its
Member States while adapting to the
current global situation.
Русская версия статьи на стр. 5
Дневник Генеральной Ассамблеи
UNWTO support for
climate change accord
in Copenhagen
PAGE 6 Combatting Flu
Впервые сессия Генеральной Ассамблеи
Всемирной туристической организации
проводиться в середине Евразии –
молодой столице Казахстана Астане.
Мы надеемся, что сегодняшняя встреча
станет важным шагом на пути развития
Астаны, как одной из туристических столиц
мира.
По прогнозам экспертов, к 2020 году
ежедневные расходы на туристические
поездки в глобальном масштабе
увеличатся до 5 миллиардов долларов.
Примерно втрое возрастет количество
международных туристических посещений.
Таким образом, туризм является одним из
двигателей мировой экономики.
Для многих стран – это один из важных
инструментов экономического роста и
достижения важных целей Тысячелетия по
борьбе с бедностью.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Дневник ЮНВТО
ЮНВТО – на службе туризма и Целей развития тысячелетия
The 18th Session of the UNWTO General Assembly will
bring together tourism ministers and senior officials
from national tourism organizations, as well as public,
private and academic Affiliate Members
Astana, Kazakhstan, 5 – 8 October 2009
President Nazarbayev opens General
Assembly in Astana
The UNWTO General Assembly was welcomed to the middle of Eurasia
for the first time when the President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev
performed the official opening at the Palace of Peace and Concord in
Astana on Monday.
And while Astana is still a young capital, he added: “We hope that today’s
meeting will be an important step for the development of Astana as one of
the tourist capitals of the world”.
The president pointed out that with worldwide daily expendture on tourism
set to grow to US$5 billion by 2020, and international travel to grow
threefold, “tourism is one of the drivers of the world economy.
“For many countries tourism is one of the key instruments for economic
growth and for the Millennium Development Goals to eradicate poverty.
This sector ensures a significant inflow of foreign investment, creates
PAGE 5
World Tourism Organization
Calle Capitan Haya 42
28020 Madrid (Spain)
+34915678100 - Fax: +34915713733
comm@UNWTO.org
Эта отрасль обеспечивает солидный что на 17 процентов больше показателя
приток иностранных инвестиций, предыдущего года.
создает новые рабочие места, помогает
Растет интерес к Казахстану со
экономическому возрождению многих
стороны иностранных туристов. По
стран и регионов планеты.
данным маркетинговых исследований
Одновременно с этим туризм является казахстанских туристических фирм, около
одним из факторов сближения стран и 14 миллионов туристов из Европы и Азии
народов, распространения в мире культуры планируют в ближайшие годы побывать в
толерантности и согласия. Казахстане. Особенно большой интерес к
нашей стране наблюдается в Германии,
Сегодня в отечественном туристическом
Великобритании, Китае, Японии, США.
секторе страны задействовано около 1200
предприятий малого и среднего бизнеса. Большой поток туристов мы связываем
с проведением в 2011 году в Астане и
Туризм – это, прежде всего, бизнес,
Алматы Азиатских игр.
требующий постоянных инвестиций. А для
этого в Казахстане созданы благоприятный Убежден, что проведение Азиады станет
инвестиционный климат и все возможности мощным стимулом для развития туризма в
для развития бизнеса, которые с каждым нашу страну.
годом улучшаются.
Я уверен, что Казахстан заинтересует
В 2008 году совокупный доход от многих туристов, а так же потенциальных
туризма составил 74 миллиарда тенге, иностранных инвесторов.
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www.UNWTO.org
I nterview UNWTO Daily - General Assembly 2009 . 3

Presenting Kazakhstan
to the international tourism community

Minister of Tourism and Sport of the Republic of Kazakhstan Temirkhan Dosmukhambetov

Tourism is one of the most rapidly and dynamically developing industries in the world. Today
tourists are seeking new ideas and travel destinations, such as the original culture and
history of nomadic civilizations, and ecological and active tourism. Kazakhstan has a special
advantage due to its strategic geographical position - at the crossroads of Europe and
Asia -, and its rich cultural and natural potential. Not by chance did Kazakhstan gain the
privilege of hosting the 18th session of the General Assembly of the UNWTO.
In this interview the Minister of Tourism and Sport of the Republic of Kazakhstan Temirkhan
Dosmukhambetov talks about the initiatives of Kazakhstan and its tourism potential.
How is the relationship between Kazakhstan and UNWTO?
Since Kazakhstan joined the Organization in 1993, we have developed a successful
relationship that has been strengthened with the Kazakh Ambassador to Spain also being
nominated as permanent representative of the Republic to UNWTO. This step also broadens
the opportunities for mutual work. Kazakhstan is a participant on several UNWTO Committees
and Work groups of UNWTO and, since 2007, has been a member of the Organization’s
supreme body - the Executive Council. Our hosting of the 18th General Assembly will be a
milestone event with the election of a new Secretary-General and the setting of new strategic
perspectives for the development of the tourism industry.
How have you prepared for the General Assembly?
long-term. In 2007 we began a five year Government programme for tourism development
that was approved by an Edict of the President of the Republic.
Until 2020 we are focusing on attracting investments for the construction of modern
international standards tourism centres such as Burabay, Zhana Ile and Aktau-city.
Within the framework of preparations for the 7th Asian Winter Games of 2011 in Astana and
Almaty, well-known sports complexes (Medeo and Chimbulak) are being renovated; and a
number of modern sports and tourism facilities are being constructed to host delegations
from the Asian and Pacific regions.
Space tourism plays an important role. Kazakhstan has been a space hub ever since the
cosmonaut, Yuryi Gagarin, made the first ever space flight and Dennis Tito became the first
space tourist from the Baikonur cosmodrome. The Ministry is now planning an international
space centre for tourists, along with a planetarium, entertainment and retail centre.
I think the realization of these major investment projects will create an appealing tourism
brand for Kazakhstan and enhance the growth of services in the tourism sector, helping to
improve the welfare of the people of this country.
Is there a Kazakhstan brand?
Modern tourism centres such as Burabay, Kenderli and Zhana Ile and, of course, the great
Silk Road, in my opinion, will all become a new brand for Kazakhstan. Also, Astana’s biggest
attraction, Baiterek, is gaining popularity among foreign tourists.

What is your wish for participants at the General Assembly?

We set up an inter-ministerial Organization Committee chaired by the Prime-Minister Karim
Massimov. Security questions were worked out with the Ministry of Internal Affairs and The General Assembly is a major image event, which is very important for our country, one
Foreign Affairs helped us with visa support. The Ministry of Culture and Information designed that enhances its prestige and uncovers new investor and tourism possibilities. I am sure we
the measures for media coverage of the Assembly; Health dealt with the issues of medical will excel in presenting Kazakhstan to the world community and demonstrate our beautiful
assistance, and all worked together closely with the Mayor of Astana.
It is important to mention that the initiatives of Kazakhstan have been strongly supported by
the international tourism community, as can be seen in the convening of a special meeting on
put on the best General Assembly in the history of the UNWTO. .
and wonderful country to participants. Together with the Secretariat we will do our best to

the Silk Road at the General Assembly. From this meeting will come the Astana Declaration,
which will help Kazakhstan attract interest from the world tourist community and potential
investors in its tourism industry This will be our contribution to the preservation and revival of
world cultural heritage and the development of international tourism.

Tourism is considered as one of the priority clusters of economic

activity. How successful is it in your country?

In 2005, in a message to the people the President of the Republic said that “Kazakhstan
is on the path of accelerated economic, social and political modernization” through market
sectors such as oil and gas, engineering, food, textiles and metallurgy, and that a leading role
is being given to the formation of a system of local clusters of non-primary economy sectors
like tourism.
President Nursultan Nazarbayev considers tourism a priority of sustainable development
for diversifying the economy of the country and its competitiveness. Tourism is one of the
biggest industries in the world, after oil and automobiles, and every dollar pays three back.
That is why the government has adopted a strategy for developing the tourism industry,
taking into account the competitive advantages of Kazakhstan and cluster initiatives over the
4 . UNWTO Daily - General Assembly 2009
A ssembly News www.UNWTO.org

ЮНВТО в структуре ООН

Taking a growing role in the United Nations Systems
The growing importance of tourism to the
global development and climate agenda was
recognized in 2003 when UNWTO became
the UN specialized agency for tourism. Since
then awareness of the importance of tourism
has continued to grow with the Organization’s
participation in various UN Inter-agency
mechanisms and networks.
As an engine for job creation and economic
growth, tourism has an important role to play
in poverty alleviation. It is also well positioned
to help raise the profile of environmental
issues and to be a lead change agent in
the shift towards a Green Economy. This
gives tourism a direct link with issues at the
very top of the UN agenda, especially those
connected with achieving the Millennium
Development Goals.
UNWTO’s involvement with the UN system
has been in three main areas: statistics,
sustainable development and climate change.
The UN has recognized UNWTO as the
appropriate organization to collect, analyse,
publish and standardize the statistics of
tourism and to promote their integration in
the United Nations system.
In line with this mandate, the Organization is an
active member of the United Nations Statistical
Commission, the two joining together with the
International Labour Organization to stage
the fifth International Conference on Tourism
Statistics earlier this year.
With sustainable development, UNWTO
has consistently promoted the growth of
responsible, sustainable and universally
accessible tourism.
As an active collaborator in the International
Marrakech Task Force on Sustainable
Tourism, it has worked with the UN
Commission on Sustainable Development
and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP)
to encourage sustainable consumption and
production patterns.
In partnership with UNEP and the UN
Foundation, the Organization launched the
Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria, a set of
standards for tourism businesses aimed at
protecting and sustaining the world’s natural
and cultural resources.
UNWTO is also preparing a guidebook
on Heritage Interpretation for Sustainable
Tourism, with the support of UNESCO, the
World Heritage Centre and the World Bank.
In the run-up to the UN Climate Change
Conference in Copenhagen, in December,
the Organization continues to play an active ЮНВТО и Организация
Объединенных Наций (ООН)
part in positioning tourism on the UN climate
сотрудничают в трех главных
change agenda. областях: статистика, устойчивое
развитие и изменение климата.
This has included participation in the UN
Conference on Climate Change in Bali in ООН признал, что ЮНВТО как
соответствующая организация
2007 and preparing a joint report entitled
собирает, анализирует, издает
“Climate Change and Tourism: Responding
и стандартизирует статистику
to Global Challenges” with UNEP and the туризма, а так же продвигает их
World Meteorological Organization. интеграцию в системе ООН.
The same UN agencies are currently С устойчивым развитием ЮНВТО
developing guidebooks on Disaster Risk стал развиваться ответственный,
жизнеспособный, а главное
Management for Coastal Tourism and Climate
доступный туризм.
Information Services for Tourism.
При подготовке к приближающейся
Another of the many examples of UNWTO’s декабрьской конференции
active role in the UN framework is its work on ООН по изменению климата,
the influenza A(H1N1) pandemic, participating которая состоится в Копенгагене,
ЮНВТО продолжает активно
in the UN System Influenza Coordination
позиционировать туризм в ракурсе
System and maintaining close links with the изменения климата.
World Health Organization.
Другой пример активной роли
Collaboration with other agencies in their ЮНВТО в структуре ООН - это
работа над гриппом А(H1N1), в
respective fields has ensured that tourism’s
составе Специальной Комиссии
potential as a sector capable of contributing to
по борьбе с гриппом в тесном
economic growth; sustainable development сотрудничестве со Всемирной
and poverty reduction is getting an ever Организацией Здравоохранения.
higher profile at international level.

How to seek
finance for
tourism development
Member countries will be able
to raise their awareness on how
best to seek UNWTO’s technical
assistance and external financial
support for tourism projects when
the Secretary-General a.i hosts a
lunch on Tuesday.
Ever since setting up its own
specific Development Assistance
Department, UNWTO has been
extending its technical support
to help countries develop their
economies through tourism.
But as the Organization is not a
funding agency, that is only part of
the battle. Countries then have to
find sources of financing to carry
the projects through to conclusion,
and most of them do not have the
requisite information or expertise
on how to approach multilateral
and bilateral sources for funding.
At the lunch, heads of
delegation and international
of approaching international
organizations such as the UNDP,
the World Bank, and individual
donor countries.
Members will be advised on
how to formulate their projects,
especially those that link tourism
with initiatives such as
environment, climate change and
poverty alleviation.
Among those speaking at the
lunch will be Mrs Young-Shim
Dho, Chairperson of the Korea-
based STEP (Sustainable Tourism
Eliminating Poverty ) Foundation,
which has become one of the
major donor organizations since
it was set up with the support of
the Government of the Republic of
Korea and UNWTO.
UNWTO has already begun
work on a pan-African study
on financing that is due to be
completed by the end of the year
Vanuatu joins the family
the
Как привлечь деньги под проекты The Republic of Vanuatu was approved as the latest
member of the UNWTO family on Monday, the tiny
Во время обеда, во вторник источники финансирования island nation having applied for membership in July
6 октября Исполняющий для реализации своих
2008.
обязанности (и.о) Гене­ проек­тов извне. При
рального секретаря рас­ этом многие из стран не
Situated around 1,750 kilometres east of northern
ска­жет странам-участни­ обладают информацией
Australia, Vanuatu was originally inhabited by
цам о том, как лучше или соответствующим
исполь­зовать техническую опытом для привлечения Melanesian people before European settlement
поддержку ЮНВТО наряду средств из мировых или began in the 19th century and won independence
с финансовой поддерж­кой двусто­ронних источников from a Franco-British condominium in 1980.
для реализации туристи­ финансирования.
ческих проектов. It is made up of more than 80 islands stretching over
В этой связи, странам-
a distance of some 1,300 km. and with a total land
С созданием собственного участницам будут даны
Департамента по поддержке советы как реализовать area of 12,274 square kilometres. Only 14 of the
развития, ЮНВТО увеличила подобные проекты. islands measure more than 100 square kilometres.
техническую поддержку Особое внимание будет
для развития экономики уделено проектам, With its sub-tropical climate, Vanuatu has seen big
стран посредством туризма. соединяющим туризм с increases in tourism in recent years, thanks mainly
Однако, стоит отметить, что такими инициативами, to the archipelago being used as the location for
организация не является как защита окружающей

.
tourism community leaders will and provide a blueprint for other reality-TV shows, notably both US and Australian
спонсором, что означает, среды, изменение климата и
be discussing the best ways regions. что странам придется искать снижение уровня бедности. versions of the Survivor series.
www.UNWTO.org
Assembly Debate UNWTO Daily - General Assembly 2009 . 5

Charting the Roadmap for Recovery

The Roadmap for Recovery set the stage for
kick-starting the 18th session of the UNWTO
General Assembly, with a lively debate which
will be concluded today.
Overall, discussion is focusing on both
the endorsement of and adding further
contributions to the document.
Opening the discussions, UNWTO Assistant
Secretary-General and Spokesperson,
Geoffrey Lipman, stressed that the Roadmap
was developed with short and long term
perspectives, that had already been expanded
upon through direct engagement with Member
States and via the UNWTO Tourism Resilience
Committee.
The document further benefited from the
participation of other stakeholders and partner
organizations who had helped identify key
tourism issues for stimulus on one hand, and in
mapping the socio-economic impact on other
related sectors.
The first day of the debates outlined the areas
where the travel and tourism sector can have
a positive impact on economic recovery, such
as jobs, partnerships and infrastructure. This
provides a bridge between crisis management
today and future challenges.
Common themes among the presentations
included tourism regulation, fiscal measures,
and promotional initiatives.
Put together, these will help provide the
framework for a common message for the
industry to add to national, regional and
international initiatives to combat the overall
economic challenges.
It’s the economy
There was overall consensus that the sector
faces an economic crisis and its effect on
tourism. “But this is not a crisis of tourism”, was
a point stressed by several delegates.
Contemplating tourism in the context of fiscal
and monetary policies is therefore vital in order to
preserve jobs and maintain tourism operations,
according to the Egyptian delegation. It was
further stressed that travel and tourism still has
some way to go to be acknowledged as a key
job creator, export generator, and contributor to
the overall economy.
While the impression of an incipient global
economic recovery seems to be gaining
strength, delegates also stressed a word of
caution, as global unemployment is still on
the rise and consumers have yet to regain
confidence.
Against this backdrop, tourism authorities in
some countries such as India have introduced
direct capital support, lowered interest rates
and provided tax rebates, to boost tourism
activity.
India has also underscored the importance of
keeping long-term challenges, such as climate
change response, on top of the agenda, and
calling for the direct support of UNWTO to help
developing countries through financial and
technological transfers.
Montenegro said it was counting on UNWTO
as a firm voice to advocate for a stronger
political positioning of travel and tourism, and
to contribute with the right framework for
public-private-partnerships, as well as pushing
forward with a climate change response within
the sector.
While the world economy moves towards new
stability, private-public-partnerships should be
regarded not as a choice but as a need by
stakeholders.
This sort of cooperation can also contribute to
raising awareness among governments and
keeping travel and tourism in the mainstream
of the global economic agenda, according to
countries such as Korea and Turkey.
One voice
Up to 50 interventions by Members are
expected to be presented before the end of the
General Debate today, reflecting a wide range
of possible action areas for governments and
the industry.
The main outcome of the Debate will provide
new elements to further support the positioning
of the travel and tourism sector in discussions
with national decision makers, and provide
action ideas aimed at stimulating the economy.
The conclusions will allow the sector to move
forward with a common message and a
concrete contribution to sustain the vitality
and resilience of the industry. They will also
contribute to the overall recovery and help
in fostering the transformation to a green
economy. Even on country roads, Kazakh people learn
about the General Assembly

Taleb Rifai appointed Secretary-General

President Nazarbayev opens
General Assembly in Astana
CONTINUATION FROM PAGE 1
work, and helps economic revival in many countries
and regions of the world. At the same time tourism
unites countries and nations and spreads a culture of
tolerance and agreement.”
The president told delegates that there are some
1,200 small and medium size enterprises in the
tourism sector in Kazakhstan. With such a business
that requires consistent investment, Kazakhstan
has created a favourable investment climate offering
increasing opportunities for businesses to grow every
year.
CONTINUATION FROM PAGE 1
Among various areas of action, Mr.
Rifai called for the need to consolidate
and expand UNWTO membership at
the same time as ensuring that the
value of UNWTO be clear and evident.
He also said he would be introducing
a major revision of the structure of
Affiliate Members to enable them to
become “meaningful representatives
of non-governmental stakeholders”.
Further efforts will be made to link
tourism to the three global challenges
of climate change, poverty alleviation
and employment. To achieve this
Agenda &
UNWTO will continue to strengthen its
integration within the UN system and
its global development agenda.
Mr Rifai ended by stressing the need
for UNWTO to explore alternative
funding models and a general
revision of practices and procedures
on the way the different parts of the
Organization interact and operate.
Having served as Deputy Secretary-
General of the UNWTO for the last
three years, Mr. Rifai is indeed qualified
to navigate UNWTO through these
difficult times.
Timetable for
Талеб Рифай назначен
Генеральным секретарем
Генеральная Ассамблея ЮНВТО вчера, назначила
Талеба Рифая из Иордании на должность
Генерального секретаря путем голосования,
ратифицируя рекомендацию Исполнительного
совета Организации на 85-ой сессии в Мали
в этом году. Г-н Рифай, пятый генеральный
секретарь агентства туризма ООН, начнет свой
четырехлетний мандат в январе 2010.
Талеб Рифай связан с ЮНВТО с марта 2009
года, когда Франческо Франджали покинул пост
до истечения трехлетнего срока и Рифай был
временно назначен Генеральным секретарем.
Служа Представителем Генерального секретаря
ЮНВТО в течение прошлых трех лет, Талеб Рифэй
зарекомендовал себя как человек, способный
служить на благо ЮНВТО в такое трудное время.
ONLINE: www.UNWTO.org/ga

In 2008 total revenue from tourism reached 74 billion
tenge (US$500 million), 17% higher than the same
figure in 2007.
President Nazarbayev said that Kazakhstan was
gaining interest among foreign tourists, with market
research conducted by Kazakh companies showing
about 14 million tourists from Europe and Asia
planning to come to the country in the near future.
He said much of this interest iis linked to the staging
of the Asian games that are to be held in Astana and
Almaty in 2011.
“I am confident that hosting ASIADA will be a strong
stimulus for tourism development in our country, and
that Kazakhstan will awake interest among many
tourists and potential foreign investors.”
Press programme 6 – 8 October 2009 Social Events
Tuesday 6 Tuesday 6
9 a.m. – 1 p.m. 3rd session: general debate 6.45 p.m Korea Night hosted by the Ministry of Tourism
10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Agendas items 9 to 12 and Sports of the Republic of Korea.
10 a.m. – 12.30 p.m. Meeting of the Affiliate Members Palace of Concord (Pyramid)
12.30 a.m. – 1.30 p.m. Affiliate Members Board meeting
4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Seminar Affiliate Members: The Role of the Pri- Wednesday 7
vate Sector in UNWTO: how can we contribute to organizing a 7.00 p.m Official reception hosted by the Ministry of
meaningful model of global tourism governance? Tourism and Sport of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Wednesday 7 Saltanat Saray.
9 a.m. – 1 p.m. 5th session: agenda items 15 to 17 Buses will run from the Palace of Independence
3 p.m. – 5.30 p.m. 6th session: agenda items 18 to 23
6 p.m. – 7 p.m. Meeting of the ST-EP Foundation / Working Thursday 8
Group 7.00 p.m Official reception hosted by the Mayor of the
City of Astana.
Thursday 8 Bagration Restaurant.
9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Resilience Committee Buses will run from the Palace of Independence
2 p.m. – 5 p.m. 7th session:item 24 + Adoption of draft resolutions
5.30 p.m. – 7.30 p.m. Silk Road Meeting
6 . UNWTO Daily - General Assembly 2009
A ssembly News www.UNWTO.org

UNWTO support for climate

change accord in Copenhagen
In 1992, nearly 200 countries came together to sign the United
Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Almost 20
years later the framework continues to set the guidelines for
reducing global warming and adapting to inevitable temperature
increases.
From December 7-18, world leaders will meet at the United
Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen to
reinforce their commitment to tackle the issue and seek an
ambitious new global agreement that includes all countries.
. developing countries are largely dependent on tourism for
The need for a new accord to update the Kyoto Protocol
negotiated in 1997 has become evident with increasing
greenhouse gas emissions.
As both a victim of and contributor to changing climate
conditions, tourism is closely linked to the subject. It generates
some 5% of C02 emissions, which, although significant, is a
manageable figure that can be progressively reduced thanks to
evolving global agreements, public-private partnerships and the
industry embracing new forms of technology.
At the same time, tourism suffers the negative impact of climate
change, in particular from its effect on certain destinations in
mountain regions and coastal areas.
It has become a dilemma for the industry; for while many
economic growth, increase in demand contributes directly to
climate change, which in turn is usually felt most by those same
countries.
Just as climate change is being addressed globally under UN
leadership, UNWTO has the responsibility of formulating how
tourism can adapt to and mitigate the challenge.
Since the turn of the century, the Organization has been
raising awareness of the urgent need for the industry, national
governments and international organizations to develop and
implement strategies and to take preventive action, as well as
countering the effects of tourism’s environmental impact on
climate change.
A first International Conference on Climate Change and Tourism
was convened by UNWTO in Djerba, Tunisia, in 2003, since
when it has been building up knowledge to address the complex
relationships between tourism and climate.
This work was highlighted in the Davos Declaration, which
committed the tourism sector to take a long-term strategic
position on the issue of climate change in close coordination
with global action on Poverty Alleviation and the Millennium
Development Goals.

Honorary title for

Mr Frangialli
Francesco Frangialli is to become Honorary Secretary-General
of the UNWTO in accordance with a proposal put forward by
host nation Kazakhstan and approved by the General Assembly
on Monday.

In accepting the offer Mr Frangialli, stressed that he has left the

Organization in very good hands for the future with Taleb Rifai
taking over.

Mr Frangialli stepped down at the end of February before the

end of his third consecutive term as Secretary-General.

Preparing to combat flu Опережая A(H1N1)

Пандемия гриппа А(H1N1)

The world suffered three flu
pandemics in the last century -
1918, 1957 and 1968 - and the
World Health Organization has
pointed out they usually appear
every 30 to 40 years.
The spread of the viruses occurs in
waves, up to four in previous cases.
Most countries are currently on the
first wave of the current pandemic
and WHO estimates it could last at
least another 12 to 18 months.
To combat the threat of the flu to
tourism and travel, UNWTO has
drawn up a review and started
preparation exercises involving
Member States, Influenza Focal
Points, the Tourism Emergency
Response Network (TERN) and
international organizations to identify
gaps, exchange best experiences
and correct assumptions to better
prepare for further waves.
The first simulation exercise, held
in Madrid in August, emphasized
the interactive content of the
programme in providing a collective
experience to help the sector deal
with global challenges.
Since the first outbreak in April
2009, the exercises have helped
to make individual roles clearer, to
improve coordination and to clear
up inconsistencies.
While the virus has been relatively
mild so far, and caused only limited
impact on the sector, there is no
room for complacency. As WHO
stresses: Mild can turn virulent, and
the influenza virus is ‘notoriously
unstable’.
Absenteeism is seen as a potentially
big issue for the highly labour
intensive travel and tourism sector,
while the ‘fear factor’ of possible
quarantine or infection could also
cause unnecessary hardship for
tourism.
Work carried out so far has
demonstrated the importance of
harmonizing counter measures
where possible. Inconsistencies,
especially where they affect
personal freedom, as in the case of
quarantine, are likely to attract the
interest of the global media, and
could have a big impact.
As the UN lead agency on tourism,
UNWTO has given strong support
to WHO’s effort to issue case
management guidelines and
played an active part in top-level
coordination efforts with the UN
System Influenza Coordinator
(UNSIC).
It believes any limits on travel would
have little effect on stopping the
virus from spreading, yet would
be highly disruptive to the global
community.
UNWTO also points out that new
assumptions on combating the flu
have to take into account that there
was far less international travel
заставила ЮНВТО принять
дополнительные меры по
and tourism at the time of the last подготовке туристического
сектора к предстоящим случаям
pandemic, and that this one has заражения гриппа, которые
ожидаются в этом месяце, в
spread as much in six weeks as the
преддверие зимнего периода в
last did in six months. северных странах.
Will continue to keep its Members Напомним, что впервые вирус
охватил большинство стран мира
up-to-date on the rapidly в апреле этого года и поставил под
changing situation. The next угрозу и туризм, и путешествия.
review and preparation exercise Кроме того, для борьбы с вирусом
is scheduled for the Americas гриппа на высшем уровне
ЮНВТО активно сотрудничает
and takes place on the 16 and как со Всемирной Организацией
17 September in the Bahamas. Здравоохранения (ВОЗ), так и
поодерживает тесные контакты
The findings will form part of a со специальной комиссией по
briefing session taking place at the борьбе с гриппом при Организации
Объединенных Наций (ООН).
General Assembly in Kazakhstan.
В этой связи, ЮНВТО продолжает
предостерегать людей, которые
намереваются отправиться в
путешествие и советуют больше
внимания уделять своему
Read more здоровью, прислушиваться к
поступающей информации извне
и соблюдать меры личной гигиены
Further informationcan be (такие как частое мытье рук), а так
obtained at UNWTO’s emergen- же с осторожностью относится к
cy response portal:
окружающим людям, которые могут
http://www.sos.travel/
быть разносчиками инфекции.
8 . UNWTO Daily - General Assembly 2009
Members’ News www.UNWTO.org

Republic of Korea fights the

economic crisis

Visit India Year pulls in

the tourists

India has been alluring tourists this year with a wide choice of
attractive extras and bonus offers as part of its Visit India Year
2009 promotional campaign.

Incentives for visitors have ranged from free sightseeing tours

to bonus accommodation and flights, to trips to the countryside
including free accommodation.

Participating airlines Air India, Jet Airways and Kingfisher Airlines

have been offering free flights on international and internal flights,
while hotel chains and leading Indian resorts have offered big
price reductions, bonus nights and other added extras.

For their part, the Indian Travel Agents Association has played
its part by arranging free sightseeing tours for customers in
cities of their choice, and to the countryside with attractive
programmes giving people the opportunity to see the traditional
India with its local artists and craftspeople.

KTO President Lee Charm

The Korea Tourism Organization
(KTO) has taken a series of measures
to counteract the downward trend in
international travel.
Among these is a discount promotion
scheme with Visa Card which started
in April 2009 and ends in March next
year, offering card users from all over
the world discounts on a range of
merchandise, hotel stays, eating out
at restaurants, leisure activities, and
at many other Korean attractions.
This comes on top of the gains
already being made by visitors
thanks to the downward trend in the
Korean Won against other foreign
currencies.
Another initiative follows up the
meetings industry (MICE) being
designated a value-added service
industry by the Korean government,
which prompted KTO to reorganize
its organizational structure in this
sector to give it more autonomy.
This has involved the upgrading of
existing bureaus and the doubling of
the 2009 budget over the previous
year.
Projects this year have been mainly
divided into three categories:
development of meetings industry
infrastructure; promotion of the
country as a meetings destination,
and additional projects to attract
more international events.
Specific measures have included
a statistical survey to obtain
comprehensive information about
the MICE industry; the establishment
of a five-year development plan;
training of meetings experts and
specialists; and the creation of
an integrated information system
designed to be a source of
information and networking among
related businesses.
In an effort to further develop and
promote Green Tourism, Korea has
been active in tackling its energy and
environmental shortcomings under
a programme entitled Low-Carbon,
Green Growth.
As well as extending greenhouse gas
reductions to the tourism sector and
adopting environmentally friendly
measures, KTO launched its own
Green Tourism Team in December
2008.
oversee and enforce
The Team’s goals are to oversee and
enforce environmental protection and
preservation, the promotion of green
tourism in Korea, and to fight against
unsustainable tourism practices
that lead to the degradation of the
nation’s environmental resources.
KTO is proactively promoting
existing green tourism attractions
such as the Korean Demilitarized
Zone, Suncheon Bay, the Upo
Wetlands, the Tidelands of the
West Sea and Damyang, and
is working on developing new
environmental friendly products such
as the Gyeongin Canal, a waterway
designed to link Incheon to Seoul.
Comprehensive leisure facilities will
be located near these attractions
with funding from the Korean
government. In addition, new
historical walking routes are being
developed.
With the government committed
to the sustainable development of
the tourism industry, KTO has been
active in outlining its Green Growth
Policy (GGP) for the industry with
the support of the Korea Culture and
Tourism Institute.
Long-term objectives of the GGP
are to unify tourism with green
technology, transform the industry’s
structure and create an eco-friendly
value chain for tourism. A series
of short-term plans have been
proposed under the GGP framework
including:
- Development of low-carbon
energy-saving accommodation;
- Establishment of an eco-system for
the green travel industry;
- Application of green technology in
the theme park sector;
- Support for zero energy green
events;
- Promotion of eco-friendly tourism
projects; and
- Enhancement of the understanding
of green tourism through PR activities
and education. •

SOUNDBITE From interviews carried out for the UNWTO broadcast campaign
Rio Olympics win is boost for South
America
The selection of Rio de Janeiro to host the 2016
Olympic Games should prove a big boost not
only for Brazilian tourism but for South America
as a whole says Mário Moysés, Vice Minister of
Tourism for Brazil.
Infrastructure and revenues from tourism
look set to increase in a region that has seen
international arrivals drop by one percent from
January to July this year.
“For Rio it will mean a lot, a lot of investment,
public investment. In transportation, private
investment in hotels, in new buildings, in
security, in the airports,” says Mr Moysés. “I
think Rio will change a lot from now until 2016.”
“Rio represents the whole of South America to
a certain extent. It is the first time that South
America is getting the Olympic Games. It is
great news for Brazil.”
Following on from Brazil staging the 2014 World
Cup football, the Olympics will give another
opportunity to “work with other South American
countries to build up visitors.
“We will do a lot of promotion,” he promised.
News that Rio beat Chicago, Madrid and
Tokyo in the competition to host the games
was met with jubilation by the South American
THE GLOBAL EDITION OF THE
UNWTO DAILY
delegations at
the General
Taleb RIfai Secretary-General ad
Assembly.
interim
Rio had the Geoffrey Lipman Assistant Secre-
tary-General and Spokesperson
least-prepared
Eugenio Yunis Director of Programme
i n f r a s t r u c t u re and Coordination
of the four cities, but now the city is looking
to invest around US$ 10 billion in building the UNWTO Daily Team:
Marcelo Risi (UNWTO Media Officer)
Olympic Village and other related developments.
Editor
Security issues are improving as the city and Kate Holmes, DAVID ING Journalists
Brazil’s economy develops, with more than 20 Beatriz Cordero del Val (UNWTO
million people rising out of poverty in the last five Web Developer) Design and Layout
years, according to the Vice Minister. Alla Peressolova (UNWTO Fairs and
Communications Assistance Officer)
Brazil gets around five million visitors a year, with Advertisements
a 0.5 percent rise between 2007 and 2008. ZHARKYN Co, Printers
 10 . UNWTO Daily - General Assembly 2009
PhotoGallery www.UNWTO.org

Assembly Spotlight
Astana 2009
www.UNWTO.org
PhotoGallery UNWTO Daily - General Assembly 2009 . 11

Astana 2009