World Tourism Organization Research Articles

Sri Lankan Travel and Tourism Industry: Recent Trends and Future Outlook towards Real Estate Development

Tourism is considered as an important economic activity around the world due to its direct economic impact as well as it is significant indirect and induced impacts. Granting to the World Travel and Tourism Council, Travel and Tourism Industry is one of the world’s most significant economic sectors accounting for 10.4% of global GDP and 313 million jobs, or 9.9% of total employment, in 2017. The direct and indirect impact of the industry on real estate development in the world is tremendous in terms of accommodation, catering to food and beverages, leisure, pleasure and relaxation. In Sri Lanka, tourism is the third-largest export earner in the economy, and during the past five years, there has been an unprecedented growth in the industry. However, tourism in Sri Lanka has much more untapped potential; thereby, the sector is poised to generate a range of growth and investment opportunities. However, it is only through the right policies and investment decisions; Sri Lanka can leverage the economic prospects of the Travel and Tourism Industry. This study analyses the importance of the Travel and Tourism Industry in terms of real estate development. It reviews significant trends that are shaping the growth and development of the Travel and Tourism Industry in Sri Lanka and aim to produce useful inputs for policy implications. The analysis is based on modified Tourism Satellite Account: Recommended Methodological Framework 2008 published by World Travel and Tourism Council, and carried out analyzing both academic and non-academic publications, including published journal articles, annual and quarterly reports published by United Nations’ World Tourism Organization, World Travel and Tourism Council, World Economic Forum and Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority and through the raw data obtained by World Travel and Tourism Council for Sri Lanka. As per the analysis, the future outlook is bright for the tourism sector in Sri Lanka, and the country is expected to maintain a high rate of growth well into the next decade.

DEVELOPMENT OF FOOD TOURISM PERSPECTIVES IN UKRAINE

Topicality. The development of domestic tourism is relevant today around the world, and Ukraine is no exception. One of the domestic tourism types for the country can be food tourism, which is still unequally developed within tourist destinations. Aim and tasks � to assess the condition of food tourism development in Ukraine and to outline the prospects for its further development on the basis of the European experience. Research results. A promising area of tourist services market development is food tourism - a specialized type of tourism, focused on learning about the history, technology and culture of national dishes and products consumption, as well as training and professional development in cooking. Trends in the modern tourism market show a growing interest among consumers in these types of travel. According to the UNWTO (World Tourism Organization), most tourists mark the food aspect as the main reason for visiting a country, and argue that the gastronomic features of the country are one of the three main reasons in determining the place of tourist travel. Wine tours in Zakarpattia, Odessa, Kherson and Mykolayiv regions are gaining the most popularity in Ukraine among the actively demanded directions of tourist and gastronomic activity. Deep cultural traditions, in particular in food, for which Ukraine is famous, create preconditions for the formation of numerous interesting gastronomic tours for both domestic and foreign tourists. Conclusion. Current trends in the development of food tourism in Ukraine indicate its significant potential and opportunities for professional development, because now this area of tourism is engaged in a limited number of tourism companies; Most trips are organized to Lviv, Zakarpattia and Poltava regions, where there are strong national traditions, the formation of their own gastronomic brands and geographical indications, a strong authentic culture and specific culinary preferences. The combinatorial capabilities of gastronomic tourism, which are actively used in European practice, open its perspectives in the domestic tourism sector, in particular, increasing employment of local people and strengthening the competitiveness of agro-industrial, recreational and agricultural regions and multinational areas of our country.

Возврат денежных средств по аннулированным заявкам в период пандемии

The issue of money back in connection with the coronavirus pandemic for acquired tour packages is very relevant today. Most companies offer transfer tours or deposits, there are almost no returns. The Federal Tourism Agency explained how operators can use the funds from the personal liability fund (FPO); the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has published an updated assessment of the likely impact of coronavirus on international tourism. The article discusses ways to return money for canceled applications.

Indicators of Low-Carbon Management in the Leisure Industry: Research Using Examples in Taiwan and China

This study aimed to establish indicators of low-carbon management in the leisure industries in Taiwan and China to meet the demands of saving energy, reducing carbon emissions and slowing global warming. The Pushin Ranch in Taiwan and Lishan Farm in China were targeted as examples. Quantitative indicators were identified through interviews and questionnaire surveys with experts from the industrial, governmental and academic sectors, as well as data integration and statistical analysis using the Delphi method and a paired-samples t test. On the basis of 11 major sustainable tourism indicators proposed by the United Nations World Tourism Organization and the relevant literature, three dimensions were selected for investigation, namely organizational management and operation, ecotourism and social collaboration, along with five operational indicators and 42 assessment indicators. After the expert questionnaire and t test, a set of selection criteria was constructed based on the approval of more than 80% of the experts; 36 indicators were retained for Taiwan (Pushin Ranch met 17) and 29 were retained for China (Lishan Farm met 13). This allows industrial, governmental and academic units to establish management models and assessment indicators for the leisure industry to meet the demands of energy conservation and carbon reduction.

Ways of Tourism Development in Uzbekistan

Over the past decades, tourism has become an important sector of the economy. The importance of tourism is important not only for the economy, but also for human development in the social and cultural aspects. The active tourism sector is considered to be youth. According to the World Tourism Organization, the number of tourists among young people is growing among tourists around the world. The UNWTO predicts that by 2020 there will be nearly 370 million international youth trips per year. The tourism industry in Uzbekistan has significant development potential. Uzbekistan has a very large tourism and recreational potential. On the territory of the country there are more than 7400 monuments of architecture and art of different eras and civilizations, many of which are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. This article describes the measures taken to develop the tourism industry in Uzbekistan over the past 3 years, as well as gives tips on the development of youth tourism in Uzbekistan.

Introduction: Special Issue on Domestic Tourism in Asia

Although there is some variation in the ratios between domestic and international tourism reported by organizations such as the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), it is generally agreed that domestic tourism represents around 80% of world tourist arrivals. In terms of tourist spending, it is estimated that domestic tourist spending contributes between 71% to 75% of total travel spending worldwide. The WTTC (2018) reported that in 2017 domestic tourism accounted for 73% of the global tourism spending of USD3.971 trillion, a clear testament to the importance of domestic tourism to the global economy. Since these numbers are based on historic data and domestic tourism is growing faster than international tourism, the actual number of domestic tourist flows and its economic impact could be much higher. There has been a large surge in domestic tourism in Asia in the last few decades, which has been attributed to a rise in the middle class, particularly in populous countries like China and India, the region being the fastest growing economy in the world, and a high cultural value of travel (Chan, 2006; Skanavis & Sakellari, 2011; UNWTO, 2012; Wu, Zhu & Xu, 2000). China is now the global leader in domestic tourism spending, surpassing the United states. Over the past decade, China’s domestic tourism spending has quadrupled to more than USD800 billion (WTTC, 2018).

El El turismo rural sostenible en Holguín. Estudio prospectivo panorama 2030

El estudio sobre el turismo panorama 2030 por la Organización Mundial de Turismo refiere que el reto de los países está en diversificar sus productos y desarrollar un turismo más competitivo para captar la atención de turistas internacionales. Atendiendo al panorama antes descrito, el turismo rural por sus características se convierte en un producto con muchas ventajas. El objetivo de la investigación es analizar qué posibilidades de futuro existen en lo concerniente al turismo rural en la provincia de Holguín. Se pondera el empleo del método DELPHI desde un enfoque cualitativo. La importancia del estudio radica en impulsar el turismo rural con la creación de un destino competitivo y sostenible y proveer beneficios a los actores involucrados según los intereses de la región con miras al 2030, con la propuesta de acciones necesarias para garantizar su futuro. En la investigación se revela que el turismo rural en Holguín busca nuevos escenarios para su desarrollo y que a su vez este requiere de una mejor gestión.

A Preliminary Study of Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Outbreak: A Pandemic Leading Crisis in Tourism Industry of Nepal

The aim of this paper is to explore and illuminate the preliminary impacts of novel coronavirus disease (COVID- 19) in tourism industry of Nepal. The spillover impact of pandemic has been seen in almost every sector globally. Many scholars and practitioners have already started rethinking and researching in different disciplines based on issues regarding COVID-19. Some of the disciplines are International tourism, health sector, international economy, global politics, human civilization, sustainability and so on. The United Nation World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and World Health Organization (WHO) are closely cooperating for understanding the severe impact of escalation of coronavirus on the human health and damage in the world economy as well as tourism sector (UNWTO, 2020). There are uncountable job losses recorded in tourism industry due to stranded traveller’s mobility after many nations including Nepal declared lockdown as a strategy to control the spread of virus Therefore, devastating Airlines, shuttered borders, halt of transportation means and cancellation of rooms in hotels have a vigorous impact on tourism industry than the COVID-19 outbreak itself. It is obvious to experience changes in tourism industry; tourist’s behavior and their reluctance to travel for few years. However, travel of humans for any motives will provide spectrum to tourism mobility. The epidemic has drastically turned into pandemic as the virus has transferred to almost all the nations of the globe without visa so far.

DEVELOPMENT OF TOURISM IN CENTRAL ASIA (ON THE EXAMPLE OF UZBEKISTAN AND KAZAKHSTAN)

The article reveals the relevance of cooperation of Central Asia in the field of tourism during the years of independence, using the example of the Uzbek and Kazakh peoples. The rich historical, cultural and spiritual heritage of the Central Asian people, which has accumulated from ancient times to the present day. An interchange that can be traced back to the ancient Great Silk Road, which contributed to the enrichment of nationalities’ cultures, the establishment of diplomatic relations between states, the establishment and development of trade relations and the spiritual enrichment of peoples. And nowadays the invaluable heritage of the Central Asian peoples contributes to the establishment and development of a new industry - tourism in the period of independence, as historical, sanitary, sports, gastronomic as well. KEY WORDS: Tourism, culture, cooperation, World Tourism Organization, Tourism Fair Agreement.

Sustainable Development Goals localisation in the tourism sector: lessons from Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, South Africa

There is increasing concern over the sustainability of the tourism industry, which is blamed for contributing to several environmental challenges, including carbon emissions that lead to global warming and ultimately climate change. The industry is further blamed for causing ocean plastic pollution and associated negative impacts on the marine environment including fish deaths. Consequently, the United Nations World Tourism Organisation and other key role players have been calling for the tourism industry to embrace and localise the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) so as to address some of the concerns and in the process ensure buisness sustainability. However, since the Declaration of 2017 as the Year of Sustainable Tourism, very few studies have reviewed the role of tourism in the localisation of SDGs. Using primary, archival and secondary data, the paper presents an example of how a private nature reserve in the Cape Floral Kingdom (a World Heritage Site) has localised SDGs. The study shows that the Grootbos Foundation, Grootbos Private Nature Reserve has localised 16 SDGs through various initiatives targeting several aspects of business operations, including commerce, conservation, community, and culture. In addition, the study also highlights some critical challenges that are being faced by tourism companies in the localisation of SDGs which calls for greater scientific engagement and research so as to find innovative solutions. The study recommends the replication of the model by similar tourism businesses located near and in protected areas, to ensure tourism sustainability.

EVALUASI ASPEK LINGKUNGAN TEBING BREKSI MENGGUNAKAN INDIKATOR SUSTAINABLE TOURISM UNWTO

Endowed with stunning natural beauty, Sleman has become a destination increasingly flooded by tourists from year to year. The rapid development of tourism does have a positive impact, especially on the economic side, but on the other hand, it can have a negative impact if the management does not prioritize the principles of sustainable tourism. The type of tourism that can be affected is tourism that relies on nature as its main attraction, Cliff of Breksi is one of them. Cliff of Breksi has experienced rapid development in terms of the number of tourist visits, but it has never been examined whether its management is following the principle of sustainability. The objectives of this research are: a) to identify the management of the environmental aspects of Cliff of Breksi, whether it is following the indicators of sustainable tourism from The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and b) determine what things need to be improved so that management can be more optimal. The research method used is a descriptive qualitative method. Research data were collected through in-depth interviews and observations. The results of the study indicate that the manager has so far had awareness and understanding in applying the principles of sustainable tourism as in the indicators of UNWTO sustainable tourism.
 Keywords: evaluation of nature tourism, indicator, sustainable tourism

Spatial Diversity of Tourism in the Countries of the European Union

The aim of the article is to present the spatial diversity of tourism in the countries of the European Union (EU). The main objective of the article can be divided into three immediate goals, each of which is to determine countries that are similar by means of: (1) accommodation base; (2) tourism traffic; and (3) tourism-related expenditures and revenues. In order to group countries, Ward’s cluster analysis method is used. The aim is verified with the use of 2017 United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and Eurostat data. The analysis covers all EU member states. The research conducted confirms, inter alia, the key role of the accommodation base in the development of tourism in those countries.

Carbon Footprint Evaluation Based on Tourist Consumption toward Sustainable Tourism in Japan

The importance of the contribution of tourism to climate change has been noted by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). By combining a process-based life cycle assessment (LCA) and input–output analysis, several researchers have attempted to evaluate the impacts of the tourism industry, as well as its products and services. Indeed, the tourism sector has a wide range of industries, including travel and tours, transportation, accommodation, food and beverage, amusement, souvenirs, etc. However, the existing cases do not show a breakdown of the impact on climate change. In this paper, the carbon footprint (CFP) of the Japanese tourism industry was calculated based on tourist consumption, using the Japanese input–output table and the Japanese tourism industry. We demonstrate that the total emissions were approximately 136 million t-CO2 per year. The contribution ratio of each stage is as follows: Transport 56.3%, Souvenirs 23.2%, Petrol (direct emissions) 16.9%, Accommodation 9.8%, Food and Beverage 7.5%, and Activities 3.0%. Then, in the breakdown, the impacts are in the following order: Air transport 24.7%, Petrol (direct emissions) 16.9%, Accommodation 9.8%, Food and Beverage 7.5%, Petrol 6.1%, Textile products 5.3%, Food items 4.9%, Confectionery 4.8%, Rail transport 3.9%, Cosmetics 1.9%, and Footwear 1.8%. In addition to transportation, this research also highlights the contribution from souvenirs, accommodation, and food and beverages.

Gamification Impact on Enhancing Visiting Entertainment Destination: The Case of Siwa Oasis

In order to anticipate, address and overcome the new challenges and trends of the Tourism sector, the World Tourism Organization is currently focusing on a strategy on Innovation and Digital Transformation. Gamification can be a key element Digital Transformation and one of AR (Augmented Reality) and VR (virtual reality) applications. gamification has gained up growing attention from researchers of multiple fields including health care, education, marketing, and tourism. It is believed that gamification of tourism can contribute to a richer experience and higher level of satisfaction. This paper discusses how game designs elements can be enhancing destination visiting process (before, during and after the visit) through 6D framework design (it is a design process with 6 steps including, define business objectives, delineate target behavior, describe your players, devise activity loops, do not forget the fun, and deploy appropriate tools). This study consolidates three dimensions of gamification elements (game design, brand app experience, and consumer–brand satisfy aaaction) to explore the impact of gamification at purchase intentions. The results indicated that there is no correlation between the mentioned dimensions and gender. It also indicated that game design, and brand applications experience were critical factors for influencing the purchase intention of clients while consumer–brand satisfaction has no influence on purchase intention.

El enfoque de ciencia, tecnología y sociedad en los estudios turísticos

En la era del conocimiento son evidentes las fuerzas productivas de la ciencia y tecnología, así como la generación de transformaciones en las relaciones humanas. La presente investigación, tiene como propósito, presentar una visión sobre el enfoque de la ciencia, tecnología y sociedad y su importancia en los estudios turísticos, así como los beneficios derivados de asumir retos para promocionar un destino con el uso de las tecnologías de información y comunicación. Desde este enfoque las autoras exponen el papel fundamental de la sociedad como sistema dinamizador, que puede establecer objetivos y contenidos de la ciencia y la tecnología, de acuerdo a los valores que desea satisfacer.
 La obtención de resultados lleva a importantes conclusiones, establecidos sobre una base teórica fundamentada, en el sentido de que no se trata solo de aplicar las tecnologías de información y comunicación, sino de reflexionar sobre cómo podrían contribuir a estudios turísticos, para atender adecuadamente necesidades de turistas y gestionar los recursos adecuadamente tal como menciona la Organización Mundial de Turismo (OMT).

Tourism, inclusive growth and decent work: a political economy critique

This paper interrogates the ideas of ‘sustained’ and ‘inclusive’ growth that are intrinsic to one of three UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 8 - Decent Work and Growth) adopted by the UN World Tourism Organisation’s (UNWTO) 2030 sustainable tourism agenda. It provides a Marxian-inspired political economy critique of the UNWTO’s embrace of SDG8 and highlights the blind spot within the UNWTO’s inclusive growth-led SDG agenda with respect to questions of equity and social justice. The paper contends that the UNWTO’s SDG-led agenda is contradicted by the logics of growth, competitiveness and profit-making that drive the continued expansion and development of tourism. Rather than addressing the structural injustices that entrench inequalities and reproduce exploitative labour practices, the notion of sustained and inclusive growth reinforces the primacy of capital and market notions of justice and continues to perpetuate a growth driven tourism development model. The paper contributes to a critical theorization of sustainable tourism and offers an informed critique of the current political agenda for sustainable tourism and its potential outcomes.

The contradictory politics of the right to travel: mobilities, borders & tourism

ABSTRACTThe freedom of movement and right to travel are intrinsic to the growth of international tourism. Notwithstanding the inchoate nature of the right to tourism, the entitlement to travel and to pursue tourism without hindrance is firmly established in advanced capitalist societies. Moreover, the right to tourism has been recently enshrined in the 2017 United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Framework Convention on Tourism Ethics. Tourists’ ease of mobility contrasts starkly with the movements of less privileged forms of mobility that may be variously constrained by racism, xenophobia and restrictive border controls. This paper contends that rather than a mere reflection of accumulated political rights (citizenship), such unequal and differentiated mobilities are conditioned by a complex assemblage of discursive frameworks and structural forces that are played out in specific historical-geographic contexts. Accordingly, we argue that the rights associated with global tourism must be analysed in the context of the contradictory politics of global mobility, or indeed in terms of the ‘mobility crisis’. This ‘crisis’ is one that is rooted in and shaped by the cumulative legacy of past colonial orders, global capitalism and geopolitical realignments, in addition to multi-scalar systems of governance through which borders are constituted, managed and policed.

How Effective are the COVID-19 Fiscal-Support and RestartingTourism Policies Taken by the Top 3 European Destinations?

We are facing a most unexpected situation in the travel & tourism industry. In this research, we want to check from an empirical perspective, the suitability and perspectives of different policies implemented among different governments, private companies, and stakeholders, who are thinking about useful policies to strengthen destinations. Countries all over the world have adopted a wide range of economic and social measures to respond to the crisis, in many cases supported by international and regional institutions. A closer look at some concrete measures adopted across the top-3-Europeandestinations, Spain, Italy, and France, (World Tourism Organization, 2020), will demonstrate the achieved effectiveness, and the suitability to be implemented and replicated in more territories.

Dünya turizm bazarının tənzimləmə sistemi

This article the general characteristics of the United Nations system activity in the field of international tourism. International tourism is regulated on a multilateral basis and is carried out, first of all, within the United Nations system, which is tasked with adjusting international cooperation in solving the problems of economic, social, and cultural character. The main international law documents on issues of international tourism regulations were elaborated and adopted within the framework of the United Nations system. International Union of Official Travel Organizations was engaged in processing and forming tourism terminology and definitions after World War II. In 1974 International Union of Official Travel Organizations was transformed into the United Nations World Tourism Organization. The main aim of the World Tourism Organization today is promoting tourism development, as well as elaborating general rules and provisions contributing to international tourism development and tourist exchange in the world community.

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF THE TOURISM INDUSTRY: ENVIRONMENTAL AND STATISTICAL DIMENSION

Introduction. Tourism is an important area of socio-economic activity and makes a significant contribution to the state budget revenues of many countries. The growing importance of tourism and the exacerbation of problems associated with its development, make us talk about the need for change and the search for new vectors of development. This has led to numerous attempts to adapt the main provisions and principles of the concept of sustainable development in the context of the functioning of tourism. It should be noted that the first attempt to define sustainable tourism was made in 1988 by the World Tourism Organization. Sustainable tourism was seen as a direction that leads to the management of all resources in such a way that economic, social and aesthetic needs can be met while preserving cultural identity, basic environmental processes, biodiversity and life support systems. Goal. The purpose of the study is to introduce aspects of sustainable development of tourism as a purposeful influence on the processes of formation and maintenance of the tourist and recreational environment in the interests of society. Method (methodology). The methodological basis of the study were interdisciplinary and systematic approaches to the study of the functioning of the tourism industry. Results. This article reveals the features of the tourism industry from the standpoint of sustainable development.