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������Ӣ�Z(y��)���g��(sh��)��(w��)�̲�ͬ��Ӗ(x��n)����2��(j��)����������Today, nearly half of the one billion international tourist arrivals in the world are to emerging and developing economies, where those arrivals create and maintain jobs and income for those most in need. And UNWTO expects emerging economies to grow at double the pace of advanced ones over the coming 20 years ��4.4% versus 2.2%��. At this rate, emerging economies will be receiving over one billion arrivals by 2030. Tourism is thus a fundamental pillar of the current and future socio-economic progress of developed, emerging and developing economies alike. In this context, today I ask you to join me in asking ourselves what this global force, tourism, can do to help us navigate through current challenges. Allow me to highlight five key reasons why tourism will be a strategic pillar of any truly sustainable economic future.����1. Tourism creates jobs at a higher rate than many other sectors. We all know tourism is one of the most labor intensive sectors, yet it is also one that creates jobs at a comparatively higher rate. Data shows that in the EU, during the last decade, the annual growth rate of employment in the tourism sector has almost always been higher than the growth rate of total employment. Furthermore, tourism creates wealth and jobs not just in tourism, but in other sectors as well. At a time in which many economies face domestic constraints on consumption, international tourism brings not only direct export revenues, but also a very significant indirect impact through its enormous value chain. At their destinations, tourists travel by local bus or taxi, taste the local gastronomy and wines, buy local produce ensuring jobs and sleep in a hotel which buys linen from the factories of the country.����2. Tourism is one of the most resilient economic sectors. If there is one characteristic that is critical in facing today's challenges that is resilience - the flexibility and capacity to adapt to changing conditions and recover from setbacks. Indeed, looking back on past decades, we see that international tourism decreased on only three occasions: in 2001 ��-0.4%��, following September 11, in 2003 ��-1.6%�� due to the SARS outbreak and in 2009 ��-3.8%�� in the middle of one of the worst global economic crises of our time. More importantly, international tourism demand always bounced back stronger with growth rates much above the average. If tourism is important in the good times, during a crisis it is vital.����3. Tourism reduces poverty and supports development. Tourism accounts for 45% of the exports of developing countries and is often one of the sectors in which developing countries enjoy a competitive advantage given their abundant natural resources. In this respect, tourism is increasingly an important and effective tool in aid for development.����4. Tourism is a major contributor to a more environmentally sustainable economy. A recent report by the United Nations identified tourism as one of 10 sectors that are vital to greening the global economy. With the right investment, tourism can be a lead change agent in the move to a Green Economy by driving economic growth and job creation while simultaneously improving resource efficiency, minimizing environmental degradation and raising environmental awareness among travelers.����5. Tourism can contribute to world peace and understanding. Quoting a Spanish journalist: "travel makes us better people". Tourism brings people of all backgrounds together and has immense potential in conflict prevention and crisis resolution. At the same time, it can be essential in bringing countries back to the international economy following a conflict, guaranteeing their stability and prosperity.����Growing political recognition is a key condition to harnessing tourism's potential to spur growth. As tourism numbers continue to rise, alongside jobs, trade and development, tourism is gaining increasing recognition at national and international levels.��������