PHL to host WTTC 2021; quicker rebound projected
THE World Travel and Tourism Council ( WTTC) is looking forward to a quicker rebound in global tourism with recent innovations in inbound tourism and border controls by a growing number of countries amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
At the opening ceremony of the virtual Philippine MICE Conference 2020 on Monday, WTTC Regional Director for Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa Nigel David said, “I’m delighted to say that we’re finally starting to see some signs of progress with a move away from border closures and blanket quarantines with a range of pre- departure testing and travel corridors starting to be implemented.”
He noted the announcement by the “Singapore government this week of their plan to roll out rapid Covid-19 tests for events such as weddings, sporting events and business conferences to help the reopening of the economy. They will use the rapid antigen test with a digital technology with contacttracing arms.”
Because of Covid-19, close to 198 million travel and tourism jobs will have been lost by the end of 2020, with world economies suffering some $ 5.54 trillion in gross domestic product, according to WTTC’S latest forecast.
The Depar tment of Tour - ism ( DOT) has been trying to encourage more local government units to reopen their destinations to tourism, and has funded, through the Tourism Promot ions Board ( TPB), its marketing arm, the pilot test of SD Biosensor’s antigen test in Baguio City, in a bid to fasttrack the revival of domestic tourism. Inbound tourism, however, is still being discussed by the Inter- Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases, although outbound travel has already been permitted since October 21.
David also formally announced Manila’s hosting of the WTTC Global Summit next year. “[We are] reaffirming our commitment to the key MICE industry with the news that in 2021, WTTC will host two global summits a rearranged summit held over from this year from Cancun, Mexico, and more excitingly the global summit to be hosted in Manila later in the year.”
The announcement was welcomed by Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat, whose opening remarks was read by TPB Chief Operating Officer Ma. Anthonette Velasco- Allones during the MICECON event.
“The Philippines is honored to have been selected as the host country for the WTTC Global Summit, as it strengthens our MICE campaign and affirms our continuing strategies to position the Philippines as the MICE hub in Asia,” said the DOT chief.
The WTTC Global Summit is an annual event that gathers some 1,000 participants composed of chief executive officers, presidents and chairpersons of the largest and most prominent international travel and tourism companies from airlines, hotels and resorts, travel agencies, tour companies, global distribution system, transportation, and allied enterprises; as well as Tourism Ministers and officials from international organizations, such as the United Nations World Tourism Organization.
In 2018, the DOT launched an ambitious MICE Roadmap 2030 to raise the country’s MICE revenues to some P25 billion by 2030, from P4.6 billion in 2016. Its targets have been somewhat derailed, however, by the Covid-19 travel restrictions around the world.
(See, “Long Road Back,” in the BusinessMirror, August 30, 2020.)
“Hosting the WTTC Global Summit allows the Philippines to demonstrate its commitment in the midst of current global concerns on health and safety, environmental sustainability, and local community engagement in tourist destinations. The country also hopes to share success stories on the rehabilitation of tourist sites and contribute to shaping future policies, directions and programs to better manage tourism destinations and create opportunities for community livelihood and sustainable jobs, such as farm and rural tourism,” the DOT chief added.
The event creates an avenue for the private sector and local tourism industry stakeholders to consider bigger markets, and wider market segments, and presents them an immense opportunity to network and link with international partners and global distribution networks.
“We hope that hosting this major event will make us the center for a global exchange of knowledge, culture, investment and tourism. Most importantly, the event is set to generate substantial investments as CEOS and presidents attending the summit are looking for investment areas and opportunities to expand their businesses and strengthen their market presence in the region,” emphasized Romulo Puyat.
MICECONLINE 2021, an annual event meant to energize the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions industry, is ongoing until October 30, with a host of global experts and guest speakers discussing ways for the sector to adapt to the “new normal,” while living with Covid-19.