Speaking during a recent G20 meeting, WTTC president and chief executive Julia Simpson addressed 20 of the world’s tourism ministers in Bali.
During her speech, Simpson said while travel and tourism is recovering following "more than two years of pain", enhanced collaboration between the public and private sector is "needed now more than ever" if the sector is to achieve a full recovery and ensure a sustainable future.
She said travel and tourism is "central to the world’s economic recovery" as – according to the association – it is set to grow at "double the speed" of the global economy over the next 10 years.
As the current holder of the G20 presidency, Indonesia is focussing on the need to create a more inclusive and sustainable foundation for growth, carrying the theme "Recover Together, Recover Stronger".
WTTC’s latest research shows while Covid-19 had a "devastating effect" on travel, "the future looks bright" with the creation of more than 126 million jobs globally over the next decade. Two thirds of these jobs will be created in G20 countries, producing 82 million roles in travel by 2032.
However, while travellers are beginning to travel again and demand is on the rise, WTTC said challenges still remain. "Travel and tourism is seeing green shoots of recovery," Simpson added. "The world, with some exceptions, is travelling again.
"However, the recovery could be hampered by economic headwinds. Rising energy prices, cost of living, labour shortages, airspace restrictions, and, of course, climate change, all threaten the full of recovery of our sector."
The ministers from Saudi Arabia, Korea, US, Canada, Spain and Indonesia took part at the dialogue, joined by the UNWTO secretary-general Zurab Pololikashvili.
