IHRA #28: Francesco Frangialli, Secretary General, World Tourism Organization (WTO), Addresses IH&RA and WTO Common Concerns

IH&RA 41st Annual Congress: Highlights > Istanbul Conference Programme Highlights > Francesco Frangialli, WTO, at IH&RA Congress

Francesco Frangialli, Secretary General, World Tourism Organization (WTO), Addresses IH&RA and WTO Common Concerns

Secretary General of the World Tourism Organization, Mr. Francesco Frangialli, addressed IH&RA Congress delegates at the 19 November Opening Ceremony and Dinner. He discussed issues of common concern between IH&RA and WTO such as:

1. Access to data and market intelligence, supported by dynamic information systems: Access to WTO's statistical data base on the internet allowing multi-dimensional combination of variables. 2004 issues of Barometer providing recent data on the structure and evolution of international tourism and on the main factors shaping it together with short-term forecasts: 2005 edition of the compendium to include new indicators on accommodation, expenditure and economic impact of inbound tourism. Access to most recent publication titles through e-library.

2. Global Code of Ethics: Implementation process provides opportunity to incorporate CSR plans for corporate governance of hotel chains. IH&RA participation in World Committees meetings.

3. New guide book on sustainability indicators: WTO has been working in the field of sustainability indicators for more than a decade. Its new guidebook, published in October 2004, is based on a world-wide review of indicators initiatives. The guide is focusing on indicators application at the local destination level, and it contains a specific section directed to tourism businesses and establishments, and many other parts with direct relevance. The numerous case studies include examples of accommodation facilities, from international hotel chains to small lodges. The guide also recognizes that hotels and other tourism businesses are key sources of information to obtain destination-level indicators.

4. Safety and security: WTO's risk management guidelines provide opportunities for public-private sector cooperation at destination level with WTO acting as facilitator (task force on safety and security).

5. Quality related standards: As a result of the joint study on Hotel Classification Systems, a joint project between WTO and IH&RA, it was determined that no international hotel classification system would be developed. Instead, a methodological guidance in the harmonization of quality-related standards for hotel classification at the regional level will be developed to be used by governments and the private sector at the national and/or regional levels. WTO is fielding advisory missions to Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

6. Tourism Labour Market Observatory (TLMO) aimed at providing a permanent assessment of tourism labour market conditions and exploring and analysing the market's present and future needs is now developed and ready to be launched in 2005. A particular issue of interest to hotel chains, seems to be labour mobility across borders and the role WTO can play in addressing this issue with governments.

Outgoing IH&RA CEO, Mr. Alain-Philippe Feutré, has been appointed to serve as the Special Advisor to the IH&RA President and the representative to international organizations such as the World Tourism Organization. Mr. Feutré currently represents IH&RA as the Chairman of the World Tourism Organization Business Council.

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