ICPT (International Council of Tourism Partners) called for increased support for the aviation sector on the occasion of the 17th World Route Development Forum in Berlin today. Professor Geoffrey Lipman ICTP President said that:

• We believe that aviation, airlines, and airports are the key focal points of our sector and for international travel they are fundamental. We consider that they will be strong positive drivers of the green economy and that over time they will be leading edge low carbon change agents.

• We support streamlined travel using modern electronic technology and adequate staff for visas, check-in, security, and border control – to treat travelers as people and not dehumanize them as captive sheep.

• We also oppose the increasing, indiscriminate, incoherent taxes and charges that are a growing feature of modern air travel – particularly unfairly allocated climate-related taxes and so-called green taxes that never go near environmental solutions.

ICTP Chairman Juergen Thomas Steinmetz, attending the forum, noted that:
“Routes has always been an original, practical, and successful way of bringing airlines and airports together to expand markets profitably. Its recent inclusion of tourism ministries is a good way to help break down traditional silos and help create wealth and jobs where it matters - in the visitor economy.”

Steinmetz added: “ICTP is a new travel and tourism coalition, building its base in destinations/communities and helping to engage all of their stakeholders. Our members are committed to quality service and green growth.”