UNWTO, Griffith Institute for Tourism launch Global Report on Public-Private Partnerships in tourism

The UNWTO Global Report, produced in collaboration with the Griffith Institute of Tourism, highlights how Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) among tourism stakeholders drive socio-economic development (Madrid, Spain, 10 November 2015).

Through a wide range of case-studies, the UNWTO Global Report on Public-Private Partnerships: Tourism Development, provides a solid evidence base for the importance of effective PPPs in tourism, illustrating how partnerships across different destinations and market segments can be used as development tools.

The Report, a collaboration between UNWTO and its Affiliate Member the Griffith Institute for Tourism (GIFT), a world leading tourism research institute from Australia, was launched this week in Madrid, Spain, in the presence of UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai, Virginia Greville, Ambassador of Australia to Spain, and Noel Scott, Deputy Director of GIFT.

“This Report clearly demonstrates that public-private collaboration plays a key role in advancing tourism’s contribution to inclusive development, particularly in emerging destinations where the sector can make a significant positive impact in local communities. I am confident that the findings will inspire effective cross-sector partnerships that can help maximize tourism’s development potential” said Mr. Rifai on the occasion.

Ambassador Greville highlighted Australia’s experience in building tourism capacity in the Asia-Pacific region, and emphasized the need of a partnership approach to tourism development: “truly sustainable tourism involves all stakeholders”.

Presenting the main findings of the report, Professor Scott noted that through PPPs, stakeholders can come together to achieve remarkable results in areas such as product development and capacity building.  In order to succeed long-term, PPPs often require an external party or well-positioned stakeholder to lead partnership development and provide benefits to all stakeholders involved: “To demonstrate tangible outcomes is not only important in encouraging participation, but also for maintaining momentum and ensuring the sustainability of the project”, said Mr. Scott.