UNWTO Secretary General ThalibRifai has stated that global support for Maldivian tourism has been on the rise.
He made the statements speaking in the 27th Joint Meeting of the UNWTO Commission for East Asia and Pacific (CAP) and the UNWTO Commission for South Asia (CSA) & UNWTO Regional Ministerial Conference on Positioning Tourism in a Wider Socio-economic Context presently being held in Bandos Island Resort.
Thalib stated that tourists preferred a destination that was eco-friendly, centered on eco-conservation and conservation of culture. Thali noted that Maldives had been working on this path and that UNWTO commends the Government for the dedicated work.
Thalib added that Asia will expand as a market for outbound tourists in the next 15 years by 300 million and outbound tourists will increase by around 700 million globally. “Statistics show that the 1.1 billion tourists travelling will increase to 1.8 billion by 2030,”
Thalib said that the rise in numbers posed no room for concern and that this rise could not be stopped. He urged all to reflect on sustainable, responsible ways to maintain the sector and called this the “biggest responsibility” facing the industry.
He added that UNTWO was continuously to compile guidelines for the future based on extensive research. He appealed all nations to follow the guidelines. Thalib said that UNTWO placed strict emphasis on proper management and welcomed expansion and development.
Thalib stated that there were many external factors pressing the industry globally. However, he expressed confidence that such factors would not hamper the growth of the industry, as the world was a developed place. He said that this was reason why organizations such as Islamic State had not been able to expand their reign of terror. Thalib added that major conflicts occurred due to lack of information and stressed on the importance of information and carefulness.
Thalib said that inspite of the external situation, tourism sector is expanding with more tourists seeking outbound tours. He added that this had no connection to the decisions of the leaders of the nation and wholly was dependent on the decisions taken by the customers.
Thalib stated that tourists are taking more planned approach towards planned holidays with tourism becoming a basic human right.
Global support for Maldivian tourism is increasing: ThalibRifai
