Long term planning, placing communities at the centre of the sector, has been highlighted during the first European Leaders Forum, organised by the World Travel & Tourism Council.
Also on the agenda were plans for increasing resilience by preparing for crises and transitioning to a seamless traveller journey through the use of technology.
All three are necessary if the sector is to remain competitive, the WTTC argued
The first forum took place in Lisbon, Portugal, and was hosted by Turismo de Portugal and the Portuguese ministry of tourism.
In her opening address to the 150 leaders present, WTTC president, Gloria Guevara, said: “Tourism accounts for 10.4 per cent of the world’s GDP and one in ten jobs and has consistently outperformed the economy as a whole.
“Here in Europe, which attracts over half of global international arrivals, tourism contributes 9.9 per cent to GDP and in 2017 the sector grew more than twice as fast as the rest of the economy.
“IATA is forecasting an additional 1.5 billion passengers a year in Europe by 2036.
“The challenge for the future is to ensure that growth is maintained and is sustainable, providing benefits for local communities, be they in large cities or remote rural areas, and ensuring a great experience for the traveller.”
Guevara highlighted three areas of opportunity for Europe :
Growth needs to be sustainable, planned for the long term and with communities at the centre of planning, to ensure that growth is inclusive and positively benefits the people of Europe.
Crisis preparedness, where destinations and the private sector work together to learn from previous experience and ensure an integrated approach to dealing with crises such as extreme weather events, health pandemics and terrorism.
Improve efficiency and travel security through the use of technologies such as biometrics, which put a seamless traveller journey at the centre and expand capacity to capitalise on growth opportunities.
“WTTC calls for action in these areas so that Europe maintains competitiveness and maximises future job creation through tourism.
“Europe is a large and important tourism market, but it is important that its leaders do not take this for granted.
“WTTC is delighted to pledge our support to European tourism in this journey,” added Guevara.
Guevara congratulated host country Portugal on impressive growth and a focus on investment and long-term planning.
“Portugal is a great example of one of Europe’s mature yet growing destinations.
“Last year tourism contributed 17 per cent of Portugal’s economy and supported one in five jobs.
“Tourism grew three times faster than the country’s economy as a whole.
“The focus on investment, as showcased by the ‘Invest in Portugal’ programme and long-term planning evidenced in the country’s Tourism Strategy 2027, shows the Portuguese government’s commitment to our sector and I am delighted that we have been able to showcase that through our first WTTC Europe Leaders Forum.”