UNWTO Joint Meeting in PH to Discuss Air Connectivity

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Legazpi City, Province of Albay is a proud host to the 26th United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Joint Meeting of the Commission for East Asia and the Pacific (CAP) and the Commission for South Asia (CSA). UNWTO Secretary General Dr. Taleb Rifai will lead the discussions focused on air connectivity and its impact on the tourism sector in the Asia-Pacific reigon.

The discussion will commence with a presentation on the salient features of the UNWTO and Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) regional study on Air Connectivity and its Impact on Tourism in Asia and the Pacific.

Anita Mendiratta, senior consultant of CNN TASK, will moderate the remaining discussion where participating countries and delegates will be asked to make brief interventions. Among the topics that will be covered include air connectivity and economic regulation; the role of airports and regional hubs in tourism development, security, and visa facilitation; consumer protection and visitor satisfaction; impact of low cost airlines; policy on open sky; taxation and levies; and the role of aviation within the Green Economy and its impact on tourism safety, taxation, and consumer protection.

“The Philippines is privileged to be hosting this very important meeting which will result in a collective vision for aviation and tourism. This will be another landmark event for our country, but more importantly, the discussions and agreements ought to encourage harmonization of policies and more convergence initiatives to further strengthen these two closely related sectors,” DOT Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez, Jr. said.

Another milestone activity is the signing ceremony to celebrate the commitment of selected Philippine private companies to the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism. By signing, these companies pledge to observe the principles of the Code, i.e respect for human rights and cultural heritage, protection of the environment and working towards social inclusion, gender equality, and accessibility. They will serve as ambassadors to promote the Code among their respective business partners, staff, and clients. They are likewise expected to submit reports on implementing the Code.

The 14 signatories include the Tourism Congress of the Philippines, the Philippine Exhibits and Themeparks Corporation, Hijo Estate Resorts, Rajah Travel Corporation, Amarela Resort Corporation, Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort, Donsol Eco Tour Inc., Misibis Bay Resorts and Casino, El Nido Resorts, The Oriental Hotel, The Avenue Plaza Hotel, DIVELINK Cebu, Southland Events, Inc., and South Palms Resort.

“We are pleased to state that as of May 2014, 243 companies and associations from 35 countries all over the world have signed the Private Sector Commitment to the Code of Ethics. They have been chosen for their strong Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs and sustainability initiatives,” UNWTO Secretary General Dr. Taleb Rifai shared.

“The DOT acknowledges the support of these 14 operators who have been our faithful partners in tourism promotion. Today, they not only commit to continue their CSR programs, but also join our advocacy for responsible, ethical, and sustainable tourism. We hope to encourage more establishments and companies to share their passion and belief for tourism as a great social and economic equalizer. For the DOT, the importance of sustainable tourism cannot be overstated. Hence, it becomes imperative upon all tourism stakeholders to be responsible and accountable for these beautiful tourism wonders in order to make it sustainable for generations to come,” Secretary Jimenez concluded.