Tourism accounts for 10% of all jobs in the world and according to the latest statistics announced by the UN World Tourism Organization, tourism grew by 5% in the first half of 2013 showing that tourism can be a major engine of growth for the world economy.
“The fact that international tourism grew above expectations confirms that travelling is now part of consumer patterns for an increasing number of people in both emerging and advanced economies” said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai. “This underlines the need to rightly place tourism as one of the key pillars of socio-economic development, being a leading contributor to economic growth, exports and jobs.”
Held once every two years, the UNWTO General Assembly is being held from August 24-29 in Victoria Falls Zambia/Zimbabwe where decisions are expected to be made regarding visa facilitation, connectivity and accessibility which are the key topics at this Assembly.
