The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) today released case studies showing some of the world’s best examples of its ‘Blueprint for new Tourism’ in action. The case studies feature successful development and delivery initiatives of leading organizations, which ensure benefits for customers, shareholders and hosting communities.
Jean-Claude Baumgarten, President WTTC said “Like many other key sectors of the economy, external events of the past few years have placed the Travel & Tourism industry under economic pressure. Our industry has worked hard to stay on top of events and to drive change, rather than being driven by it”. He continued “Unlike many other sectors, in light of short term challenges, Travel & Tourism businesses have remained focused on long-term success and on ensuring benefits to all stakeholders, including host communities and their natural, cultural and social environments”.

The Blueprint for New Tourism, launched in October 2003, issued a call to action to both governments and the industry, to make several long term commitments to ensure the prosperity of Travel & Tourism - one of the world’s largest industries, accounting for more than 200 million jobs worldwide and over 10 per cent of global GDP.

At the 4th Global Travel & Tourism Summit, which took place in Doha, Qatar in May 2004, Ministers of Tourism - speaking on the ‘Ministers Panel’ - concluded that the private sector is better placed to initiate successful models of Travel & Tourism development, than governments. They also concurred that it was up to the private sector to drive such initiatives forward and up to the public sector to support these initiatives and work in synergy with the industry.

Case studies released by WTTC today answer directly to this call and are an important first step in WTTC’s aim to promote public/private synergy in sustainable Travel & Tourism development across the world. Jean- Claude Baumgarten commented that “From 2005 onwards, WTTC will attract examples of case studies from around the world, and with the help of select judges, we will reward and promote the world’s leading examples through our new Tourism for Tomorrow Awards programme”.

The Case Studies released today can be viewed on www.wttc.org. Featured examples come from the organizations listed below:

Abercrombie & Kent Global Foundation


Emirates Al Maha Desert Resort


InterContinental Hotels Group PLC


Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Bangkok


Mexico Tourism Board


Qatar Tourism Authority


Taj Group of Hotels


TUI A.G.


Wilderness Safaris
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