Tourism
can transform our world and build better understanding in a world
living a deficit of tolerance said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb
Rifai, at the opening ceremony of the 2017 edition of ITB Berlin
(Berlin, Germany, 7 March 2016).
“We
live the worst of times and the best of times. Times when we wake up
every other day with the threat of terrorism at our doorstep and the
glooming numbers of unemployment. Times of isolationism and
ill-conceived actions like travel bans, which do not lead to
increased security but just to growing tension. Despite all these
complex and interlinked challenges, despite acts against the freedom
of travel, the power of tourism continues to shine through the
darkness” said Mr Rifai.
Quoting
the United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, he said,
“Beyond the measurable advances that tourism can make possible, it
is also a bridge to better mutual understanding among people from all
walks of life.”
In
this context, Mr Rifai recalled the declaration of 2017 as the
International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development by the
United Nations is a clear recognition of the potential contribution
of tourism to social progress, equality and prosperity and peace and
that tourism must be at the forefront of the 2020 Agenda for
Sustainable Development.
“In
a world that seems increasingly short of tolerance and generosity, we
should cherish tourism as a precious pillar of peace amongst
communities and nations.“ he said.
“We
all need to ensure that, as our sector grows, it contributes to the
wellbeing of the world and not to its peril. Tourism must fulfil its
responsibility to contribute to all 17 universal Sustainable
Development Goals” he added.
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