Views On Tourism » Africa

Inspiration: ReGreen the world with Green World Campaign

Majbritt Thomsen — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:02:43 +0000

The Green World Campaign works to reforest our planet, raise the living standards of the rural poor, and combat global climate change. Watch the video and be inspired …

This information is quoted from Green World. The Green World Campaign is adopting new programs from Kenya, Mexico, Ethiopia, India and Philippines read more on the here

The article is uploaded by Majbritt Thomsen, administrator on ‘Views On Tourism’. Please join the online Views On Tourism network and discussion group in order to achieve personal goals as well as encourage a sustainable tourism development in Bangladesh and South Asia. Read more about this group and how to become a member here.

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A billion international tourists next year

Majbritt Thomsen — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 11:30:25 +0000

International tourism hits new records in 2011 South America, Europe winners – receipts up too
International tourist arrivals grew by over 4% in 2011 to 980 million, according to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer. With growth expected to continue in 2012, at a somewhat slower rate, international tourist arrivals are on track to reach the milestone one billion mark later this year.

International tourist arrivals grew by 4.4% in 2011 to a total 980 million, up from 939 million in 2010, in a year characterised by a stalled global economic recovery, major political changes in the Middle East and North Africa and natural disasters in Japan. By region, Europe (+6%) was the best performer, while by subregion South-America (+10%) topped the ranking. Contrary to previous years, growth was higher in advanced economies (+5.0%) than in emerging ones (+3.8%), due largely to the strong results in Europe, and the setbacks in the Middle East and North Africa.

“International tourism hit new records in 2011 despite the challenging conditions,” said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai. “For a sector directly responsible for 5% of the world’s GDP, 6% of total exports and employing one out of every 12 people in advanced and emerging economies alike these results are encouraging, coming as they do at a time in which we urgently need levers to stimulate growth and job creation,” he added.

Despite persistent economic uncertainty, tourist arrivals to Europe reached 503 million in 2011, accounting for 28 million of the 41 million additional international arrivals recorded worldwide. Central and Eastern Europe and Southern Mediterranean destinations (+8% each) experienced the best results. Although part of the growth in Southern Mediterranean Europe resulted from a shift in traffic away from the Middle East and North Africa, destinations in the Mediterranean also profited from improved outbound flows from markets such as Scandinavia, Germany and the Russian Federation.

Asia and the Pacific (+6%) was up 11 million arrivals in 2011, reaching a total 216 million international tourists. South Asia and South-East Asia (both +9%) benefited from strong intraregional demand, while growth was comparatively weaker in North-East Asia (+4%) and Oceania (+0.3%), partly due to the temporary decline in the Japanese outbound market.

The Americas (+4%) saw an increase of 6 million arrivals, reaching 156 million in total. South America, up by 10% for the second consecutive year, continued to lead growth. Central America and the Caribbean (both +4%) maintained the growth rates of 2010. North America, with a 3% increase, hit the 100 million tourists mark in 2011.

Africa maintained international arrivals at 50 million, as the gain of two million by Sub-Saharan destinations (+7%) was offset by the losses in North Africa (-12%). The Middle East (-8%) lost an estimated 5 million international tourist arrivals, totalling 55 million. Nevertheless, some destinations such as Saudi Arabia, Oman and the United Arab Emirates sustained steady growth.

Available data on international tourism receipts and expenditure for 2011 closely follows the positive trend in arrivals.
Among the top ten tourist destinations, receipts were up significantly in the USA (+12%), Spain (+9%), Hong Kong (China) (+25%) and the UK (+7%). The top spenders were led by emerging source markets – China (+38%), Russia (+21%), Brazil (+32%) and India (+32%) – followed by traditional markets, with the growth in expenditure of travelers from Germany (+4%) and the USA (+5%) above the levels of previous years.

UNWTO forecasts international tourism to continue growing in 2012 although at a slower rate. Arrivals are expected to increase by 3% to 4%, reaching the historic one billion mark by the end of the year. Emerging economies will regain the lead with stronger growth in Asia and the Pacific and Africa (4% to 6%), followed by the Americas and Europe (2% to 4%). The Middle East (0% to +5%) is forecast to start to recover part of its losses from 2011.

These prospects are confirmed by the UNWTO Confidence Index. The 400 UNWTO Panel of Experts from around the globe, expects the tourism sector to perform positively in 2012, though somewhat weaker than last year.

As destinations worldwide look to stimulate travel demand under pressing economic conditions, UNWTO is urging governments to consider advancing travel facilitation, an area in which in spite of the great strides made so far there is still much room for progress. UNWTO advises countries to make the most of information and communication technologies in improving visa application and processing formalities, as well as the timings of visa issuance, and to analyze the possible impact of travel facilitation in increasing their tourism economies.

“Travel facilitation is closely interlinked with tourism development and can be key in boosting demand. This area is of particular relevance in a moment in which governments are looking to stimulate economic growth but cannot make major use of fiscal incentives or public investment,” said Mr. Rifai.

More information follow the link to UNWTO World Tourism Barometer

This article is written by Valere Tjolle, editor of the Sustainable Tourism Report Suite. The article is quoted from TravelMole and published January 2012.

This article is uploaded by Majbritt Thomsen, administrator on ‘Views On Tourism’.

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The World’s Best Ethical Destinations – 2012

Majbritt Thomsen — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 17:25:29 +0000

Want your travels to have a positive impact? Find out how you can support countries working to maintain strong environmental, human rights, and eco-tourism values by “voting with your travel budget.” Our “Developing World’s Best Ethical Destinations” reports help you choose countries you can feel great about visiting.

Looking back from a few decades in the future, 2011 may seem like a turning point in social history. This was the year when “people power” became a global phenomenon: from the Arab Spring to the reforms in Burma; from the Occupy movements in North America to the grassroots fight against female circumcision in Africa. In China, thousands of citizens tweeted their solidarity with activist artist Ai Weiwei, while bloggers from Havana to Moscow shared their belief in freedom of expression and social justice.

There are many ways to deliver a message and take a stand for human rights and the health of our planet. Social networks are critical—but travel is also a powerful communicating tool. Travel and tourism are among the planet’s driving economic forces, and every journey we take makes a statement about our priorities and commitment to change. (Even the choice to fly must be weighed carefully, as jet aircraft release an astonishing amount of carbon dioxide).

Ethical Traveler believes that mindful travel is a net positive for the planet. By choosing our destinations well and remembering our role as citizen diplomats, we can create international goodwill and help change the world for the better.

Every year, Ethical Traveler reviews the policies and practices of all the nations in the developing world. We then select the ten that are doing the best job of promoting human rights, preserving their environment, and creating a sustainable, community-based tourism industry. By visiting these destinations, we use our economic power—our travel dollars—to support these countries.

We urge you to explore these ethical destinations, and enjoy the wonderful sights, cultures and activities they offer.
Our best efforts go into creating this list, but remember: No country is perfect. All have their shortcomings. These ten, however, have made a determined effort to “do the right thing” in the many areas we take into consideration.

Please note that Ethical Traveler is an all-volunteer non-profit organization, and a project of the Earth Island Institute. No money or donations of any kind were solicited from any countries, governments or individuals in the creation of this list.

The Winners
Ethical Traveler congratulates the countries on our 2012 list of The Developing World’s 10 Best Ethical Destinations. The winners, in alphabetical order (not in order of merit), are:
• Argentina *
• The Bahamas
• Chile *
• Costa Rica *
• Dominica *
• Latvia *
• Mauritius
• Palau *
• Serbia
• Uruguay *
( * = also appeared on our 2011 list).

This article is quoted from Ethical Traveler , read more information in the original article here.
Follow this link to download the report Download the full 2012 Ethical Destinations Report (PDF) written by Jeff Greenwald, Christy Hoover & Natalie Lefevre / EthicalTraveler.org.

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DID YOU KNOW VIDEO on Tourism’s Role in Global Economy

Majbritt Thomsen — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 11:14:03 +0000

In September 2011, the Planeterra Foundation released an important video on the role of tourism in developing countries.
In the video you will learn that tourism support 10% of all economic activity on the planet. It supports 8% of all global employment, and 1/3 of all commercial exports in the world.

This article is quoted from EcoClub Newsletter . Follow this link to read the original article published on 2011-11-27 by Megan Epler Wood.

This article is uploaded by Majbritt Thomsen, administrator on ‘Views On Tourism’.

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Nominate your favorite city in the world!

Majbritt Thomsen — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 20:00:02 +0000

New7Wonders Cities is the third campaign organized by New7Wonders, following the man-made New 7 Wonders of the World and the New7Wonders of Nature.

Nominations can be submitted until December 31, 2011. Follow this link to fill the form and suggest the city that should be one of the New7Wonders Cities.

The nominations will be announced on January 7, 2012 and these participants will then be put to popular vote to choose the New7Wonders Cities.

This article is quoted from New7Wonders , read the original article here posted on the 13th of November 2011.

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The New7Wonders of Nature are…

Majbritt Thomsen — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 20:33:29 +0000

Amazon, Halong Bay, Iguazu Falls, Jeju Island, New7Wonders of Nature, New7Wonders of the World, Puerto Princesa Underground River and Table Mountain.

Article by Eamonn Fitzgerald on November 11, 2011

The first count of the global vote to elect the New7Wonders of Nature has been announced. In alphabetical order, they are: Amazon, Halong Bay, Iguazu Falls, Jeju Island, Komodo, Puerto Princesa Underground River and Table Mountain.

Announcing the results at the headquarters of the New7Wonders Foundation in Zurich, Switzerland, Bernard Weber, Founder-President of New7Wonders, said: “I would like to thank the many champions, citizens, voluntary organisations, public bodies and governments that have helped promote the New7Wonders of Nature campaign over the past four years, starting with over 440 locations from over 220 countries and all the way to the 28 Finalist candidates from whom the New7Wonders of Nature have been chosen.”

The results announced this evening are provisional and based on the first count of votes completed since voting ended at 11:11 GMT this morning. The results will now be checked, validated and independently verified. Once the voting validation process is completed, in early 2012, New7Wonders will then work with the confirmed winners to organise the Official Inauguration events.

Note: It may happen that one or more of the provisional winners announced today will not be confirmed during the validation process, New7Wonders will issue a media update should this happen.

“We congratulate each of these participants on achieving their provisional New7Wonders of Nature status, and look forward to completing the confirmation process to celebrate each one in their own Official Inauguration ceremony early in 2012,” said Bernard Weber, adding, “When the New7Wonders of Nature are confirmed they will join the man-made New 7 Wonders of the World in becoming part of Global Memory for humankind for ever.”

Read more about the New 7 wonders of nature ,

This article is quoted from New7Wonders , read the original article here posted on the 11th of November 2011.

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WTTC: 2011 North Africa

Majbritt Thomsen — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 11:29:44 +0000

KEY FACTS AT A GLANCE

GDP: Direct Contribution
The direct contribution of Travel &Tourism to GDP is expected to be USD36.8bn (5.8% of total GDP) in 2011, rising by 5.4% pa to USD62.3bn (6.0%) in 2021 (in constant 2011 prices).

GDP: Total Contribution
The total contribution of Travel &Tourism to GDP, including its wider economic impacts, is forecast to rise by 5.4% pa from USD77.8bn (12.3% of GDP) in 2011 to USD132.5bn (12.8%) by 2021.

Employment: Direct Contribution
Travel & Tourism is expected to support directly 3,043,000 jobs (6.0% of total employment) in 2011, rising by 2.9% pa to 4,068,000 jobs (6.4%) by 2021.

Employment: Total Contribution
The total contribution of Travel & Tourism to employment, including jobs indirectly supported by the industry, is forecast to rise by 2.9% pa from 6,593,000 jobs (12.9% of total employment) in 2011 to 8,762,000 jobs (13.7%) by 2021.

Visitor Exports
Travel & Tourism visitor exports are expected to generate USD25.4bn (10.7% of total exports) in 2011, growing by 8.2% pa (in nominal terms) to USD44.8bn (11.2%) in 2021.

Investment
Travel & Tourism investment is estimated at USD10.9bn or 7.3% of total investment in 2011. It should rise by 5.9% pa to reach USD20.0bn (or 7.8%) of total investment in 2021.

World ranking (out of 12 regions):
Relative importance of Travel & Tourism’s total contribution to GDP
• 11 ABSOLUTE size
• 3 RELATIVE contribution to national economy
• 4 GROWTH forecast

The North African Region includes Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia

Download the Travel & Tourism report on North Africa here

About WTTC
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is the forum for business leaders in the Travel & Tourism industry. With Chief Executives of some one hundred of the world’s leading Travel & Tourism companies as its Members, WTTC has a unique mandate and overview on all matters related to Travel & Tourism.
WTTC works to raise awareness of Travel & Tourism as one of the world’s largest industries, supporting more than 258 million jobs and generating 9.1 per cent of world GDP.

This article is quoted from WTTC . Follow the links and get an overview of 2011 WTTC region reports or country reports.

This article is uploaded by Majbritt Thomsen, administrator on ‘Views On Tourism’. Photos from Egypt by Casper Magnussen.

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WTTC: 2011 Africa

Majbritt Thomsen — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 19:25:09 +0000

KEY FACTS AT A GLANCE

GDP: Direct Contribution
The direct contribution of Travel &Tourism to GDP is expected to be USD76.5bn (4.0% of total GDP) in 2011, rising by 5.3% pa to USD129.1bn (3.7%) in 2021 (in constant 2011 prices).

GDP: Total Contribution
The total contribution of Travel &Tourism to GDP, including its wider economic impacts, is forecast to rise by 5.3% pa from USD171.0bn (9.0% of GDP) in 2011 to USD289.1bn (8.4%) by 2021.

Employment: Direct Contribution
Travel & Tourism is expected to support directly 7,806,000 jobs (3.0% of total employment) in 2011, rising by 2.7% pa to 10,203,000 jobs (3.1%) by 2021.

Employment: Total Contribution
The total contribution of Travel & Tourism to employment, including jobs indirectly supported by the industry, is forecast to rise by 2.7% pa from 18,173,000 jobs (7.0% of total employment) in 2011 to 23,801,000 jobs (7.2%) by 2021.

Visitor Exports
Travel & Tourism visitor exports are expected to generate USD53.4bn (8.2% of total exports) in 2011, growing by 8.3%pa (in nominal terms) to USD92.5bn (8.9%) in 2021.

Investment
Travel & Tourism investment is estimated at USD24.0bn or 6.4% of total investment in 2011. It should rise by 5.2% pa to reach USD40.6bn (or 6.1%) of total investment in 2021.

The African Region includes Sub Saharan and North Africa
Download the Travel & Tourism report on Africa here

This article is quoted from WTTC . Follow the links and get an overview of 2011 WTTC region reports or country reports.

This article is uploaded by Majbritt Thomsen, administrator on ‘Views On Tourism’. Photos from Egypt by Casper Magnussen.

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Sustainable travel at the highest mountain in North Africa

Majbritt Thomsen — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 18:39:10 +0000

A tale of two sisters (or what a difference the wholehearted involvement of the local community and a mule or two makes)

Within 20 km two tourism developments have evolved from the same raw material to create such utterly different market offers they could be in separate galaxies.
It takes an hour or so to get from Marrakesh to the Atlas Mountains and the Toubkal National park, where Mount Toubkal – at 4,200mt the highest mountain in North Africa – stands serenely surrounded by other lofty peaks.

Ideal trekking territory, ideal get up and away from the grueling Moroccan summer heat territory, an ideal day trip from Marrakesh.

Anyway that’s what local ruler Caid Souktani, must have thought when, in the 1940’s he built both the Kasbah de Toubkal and the Kasbah de Tamadot as alternate luxury summer mountain getaways. He must have thought again in 1956 when Morocco got its independence and he left them both to rot. That could have been the end of our story.

Except for… looking for a little luxury himself (and a place to store his vast and eclectic art collection), Californian antique dealer Luciano Tempo spotted the opportunity to acquire a grand mountain mansion on the cheap. So he bought and set about restoring the Kasbah Tamadot to the height of opulence, comfort and luxury.

A little later and further up in the mountains, the brothers McHugo, (Chris and Mike) spotted the other Kasbah, fell in love with it (who wouldn’t) and bought it (who wouldn’t if they could afford it and had a use for it? – in the McHugo’s case as a base for school expeditions into the high Atlas).

Said Chris “When I first suggested to Mike that we look into buying the Kasbah it was because I felt that sooner or later, based on its dominant position for access to the High Atlas someone would try and develop it and that we could be a safe pair of hands to help develop international tourism without ignoring the impact on the fragile environment and traditional culture”.

The Toubkal project was also motivated by the fact that the McHugo Brothers had long links with the area and in particular the Ait Bahmed family where trust and respect had been built over many years. Doing business and projects successfully in such a remote area requires great patience and trust.

So the brothers McHugo and Luciano Tempo bought a heap on a mountain each.

What do you do if you have a heap in an exquisite position in one of the world’s great mountain ranges on the one hand and you have groups of English schoolkids intent on mountain trekking on the other? Thought the McHugos

Create one of the world’s best 100 hotels? Amazing, but true – that is exactly what they did.

Part of the Kasbah du Toubkal story is the old estate agents mantra ‘Location, location, location’. And it is true, the Kasbah is in a sensational place with sensational views.

But the rest is sheer responsible tourism good business, combined with the McHugo’s, and the local Berbers’, wonderful sense of true style and exquisite hospitality.

From your arrival in Imlil, the little village at the bottom of the mountain, to your following your baggage-carrying mule through the massive gates to the domain, to your warm welcome at reception, you get the sense that the Kasbah Du Toubkal is very different.

This Shangri la differs from most other hotel developments that are funded from abroad in that the whole establishment is run by local Berbers. Not staffed by locals and run by bosses flown in from abroad. The local community (of fiercely proud and independent Berbers, the original inhabitants of North Africa) have been utterly central to the Kasbah’s creation, reconstruction, development and ethos.

The local community is involved to the extent that, at the opening of the Kasbah in 1995, over 700 local villagers took part in the festivities. Luciano Tempo (the then owner of Kasbah Tamadot) toasted the brothers McHugo remarking that he had seen the site but it was too difficult to acquire. He said gratefully that he was pleased he had not succeeded as at Tamadot he had spent over $200,000 getting electricity or water, what he might have spent in Imlil he could only imagine!

So, how does this unique sustainable, responsible co-operation now affect the guests’ experience?

As in hospitality all over the world, it’s the little things that are memorable, the little things that make the difference.

Little things like the certificate in reception guaranteeing the quality of the well water that guests have the alternative of drinking instead of water muled in in plastic bottles. Little things like the expensive, locally ground and pressed Argon oil provided with breakfast pancakes and amazing jams. Little things like the book of biographies and pictures of every single one the hotel’s staff.

Little things like the smell of the smoke from the wood fire made before every meal by the baker, Khadija Benjaa, to bake each meal’s bread fresh. Little things like the local shampoo, soap, and henna in each room – and for sale to swell the villages funds. Little things like the 5% extra on every payment for villagers.

There are big things too – big things like solar panels, high up in the mountains getting even more effect – big things like the Kasbah’s support for the education of local girls and its commitment and determination to eradicate poverty in the area.

But the biggest thing of all is the effect of this immense, thoughtful cocktail of sustainable practice on the quality of the guest experience. Here, at the Kasbah du Toubkal, you understand just why super luxury establishments all over the world are taking sustainable practices on board. The extra quality that guests get is simply…serenity. Combine this with an extraordinary location, thoughtful, comfortable accommodation and superb food and you have more than a holiday – you deliver a real life-enhancing experience.

And the other Kasbah? The Italian-American antique dealer sold it to Richard Branson and it’s now part of the Virgin Limited Edition brand. Sensational, super luxury, as good as any other 5 star establishment in the world. You know you’re getting international standard service the same as you would in St Tropez or Mustique. Will it change your life in the same way that Kasbah du Toubkal will? Possibly not.

Note: One reason that the Kasbah du Toubkal is able to manage its whole operation sustainably is its level of vertical integration. Customers get McHugo treatment from the first contact to the last. The brothers even operate a joint venture incoming business in Marrakesh see Mountain Voyage Morocco.

Writer, Valere Tjolle, is editor of the Sustainable Tourism Report. This article is a quoted from Travelmole newsletter from 2010-09-26. To read the original article please follow this link .

This article is uploaded by Majbritt Thomsen, administrator on ‘Views On Tourism’

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Integrating Biodiversity into the Tourism Sector

Majbritt Thomsen — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 20:41:58 +0000

Background to the Case Study
The United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) Biodiversity Planning Support Programme (BPSP) has a mandate to provide assistance to national biodiversity planners as they develop and implement their national biodiversity strategy and action plans, or equivalent plans, programmes and policies.

The integration of biodiversity into other sectors of the national economy and civil society has been identified as a critical indicator of successful implementation of sustainable development practices and objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

Tourism is one of the fastest growing economic sectors and has an ecological footprint that reaches to almost every part of the Earth. As such, it has great potential to influence biodiversity conservation and sustainable use, in both positive and negative ways.

Sustainable tourism has been highlighted recently as an area of major concern both within the CBD and was the focus of attention at the recent Conference of parties in Nairobi. In its final decisions, the CoP requested parties to submit case studies of best practise in sustainable tourism

Outside the of the mechanism of the CBD, a large number of other initiatives linking biodiversity and tourism have been undertaken by other organisations, ranging from the World Tourism Organisation and UNESCO to numerous private tourism companies.

Whilst these initiatives are welcome, there is a danger that the sheer volume and diversity of initiatives on biodiversity and tourism becomes a barrier to effective implementation of the right policies at the national level. It has been observed that national biodiversity planners will value any
guidance to assist them to rapidly ‘sift’ through the available information and find that which best suits their particular requirements.

BPSP therefore commissioned this study of the integration of biodiversity into the tourism sector with a specific focus on how best to incorporate ‘global best practice’ into national biodiversity strategy and action plans (NBSAPs). The study has included 12 case studies in selected countries to guide biodiversity planners to the best global information on biodiversity and tourism.

This report presents the findings of the South African Case Study. Download the full report here .

This article is quoted from Tourism ROY Newsletter published on 2010-04-21. Follow the green link to read the original article .

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