Business Council to set strategy for restoring consumer confidence at World Tourism Organization General Assembly

Although the highlight of the upcoming World Tourism Organization (WTO) General Assembly will be the Organization's transformation into a United Nations specialized agency, the event will also be a crucial moment for public-private partnership in tourism worldwide, says the WTO Business Council.

According to WTOBC Chairman Mr. Martin Brackenbury, there are several important reasons for industry leaders to attend the WTO General Assembly in Beijing. "In this decisive year, in which global tourism has been seriously challenged, we must examine the recent changes in the marketplace and identify ways in which industry, destinations, media and governments can cooperate in reducing volatility and restoring growth."

WTOBC will hold a seminar on 21 October, at which representatives of both the private sector and governments will highlight issues such as changes in the market behaviour, restoring consumer confidence, the response of emerging markets and destinations to the new and challenging business environment.

"Furthermore," adds Mr. Brackenbury, "it is high time for tour operators to explore China's immense inbound and outbound potential, for hotel managers to exchange experiences, and for the media to see how China is poised to join the ranks of the world's tourism leaders".

The Business Council will also elect its Board of Directors for the next period and introduce its new Chief Executive Officer replacing Mr. José Antonio Ferreiro, who ended his mandate on 31 August. "We want to give special thanks to José Antonio Ferreiro for his outstanding contribution to the promotion of public-private partnership," said Mr. Brackenbury.

Mr. Ferreiro has carried out more than a dozen technical cooperation projects in developing countries throughout the world over the past three years. Highlights during his tenure as CEO of the WTO Business Council include the publication of the studies "Public-Private Sector Cooperation: Enhancing Tourism Competitiveness", "E-Business for Tourism - Practical Guidelines for Destinations and Business" and "Cooperation and Partnerships in Tourism - A Global Perspective". 

WTO is unique among international intergovernmental organizations in that it is open to membership by the operating sector and promotes various  methods of cooperation amongst its Members. Airlines, hotel chains, tour operators, trade associations, consultants, promotion boards and educational institutions make up the approximately 350 Affiliate Members.

WTOBC aids Members in expanding their tourism businesses through seminars, publications and industry networking, by forming contacts with the necessary government officials, strengthening the relationship between industry and education, and conducting specialized research projects.

The World Tourism Organization (WTO) General Assembly will be held from 17 to 24 October 2003 in Beijing, China.