WTTC praised Saudi based Sustainable Global Tourism Center at G20 Meeting in Goa

The center of sustainable tourism today is in Goa at the G20 meeting. WTTC, UNWTO and Tourism Ministers had a public, private discussion.

Businesses from the private sector attending the Public-Private Dialogue included VFS, VISA, Marriott, IHG, Airbnb, CLIA, The Oberoi Group, Indian Hotels Company Limited, and MakeMyTrip attended a public-private meeting today at the G20 in Goa.

The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) organized the meeting in cooperation with UNWTO and the Government of India.

Staff shortages resulting from the pandemic continue to be a challenge. Collaborative efforts between governments and the private sector, enhanced training programs, and targeted support for women, young people, and high-wage jobs will be crucial in addressing this issue WTTC CEO Simpson also highlighted the groundbreaking environmental and social research conducted by the new Saudi-based Sustainable Global Tourism Center in cooperation with WTTC.

This research offers comprehensive insights into the sector’s environmental and social impact, tracking data on wages, age groups, and gender; the research aims to drive progress toward the SDGs.

WTTC CEO Simpson underscored the potential of young people as a talent pool. With 65% of Indians under 35, India’s G20 presidency recognizes the need to address youth unemployment and create opportunities for this demographic. 

New data from the Sustainable Global Tourism Center publicized by WTTC reveals that the sector experienced a 27.6% growth in youth employment between 2010 and 2019. 

Despite dropping in 2020 to almost the same level it was a decade before in 2010, sector youth employment appears to be rebounding quickly. 

The data also shows that Travel & Tourism’s share of youth employment has grown since 2010, from 6.4% in 2010 to 8.2% in 2021.

WTTC highlights the importance of high-quality jobs that provide dignity to make the sector an attractive industry for young people to develop their long-term careers. 

However, current production levels fall short, and WTTC called on all G20 countries to conduct feasibility studies on SAF to further facilitate decarbonization.