With a new year unfolding and economic recovery under way across the globe, the UNWTO/South Africa International Summit on Tourism, Sport and Mega Events, which took place on 24 to 26 February 2010 in Johannesburg, was aimed at bringing together leaders of the global tourism community (one of the world's leading sectors capable of fuelling global economic activity, employment and confidence) to explore the impact of Sport and Mega-events on tourism
Conscious of the vital role of tourism in supporting resilience, stimulus and transformation to a green economy, the UNWTO introduced a "Roadmap for Recovery" identifying how the travel and tourism sector can more effectively contribute to international and national actions in these three interconnected areas.
Globally, sport and mega-events play a powerful role in stimulating the tourism economy, and 2010 will be no exception, seeing major sport and cultural events hosted around the world. Starting with the 2010 Winter Olympics in February in Vancouver, Canada, mega-events will occur each and every month of 2010 in different global locations, showcasing sporting, cultural and economic excellence and opportunity.
Moreover, it is increasingly apparent that these events will not only have to respond to the changing global sustainability norms and development imperatives, but can themselves be powerful communicators and drivers of change.
The world's leading experts, industry leaders and tourism ministers who attended the inaugural International Summit on Tourism, Sport and Mega-events intensifed the emphasis on the global need for tourism sector success to boost global economies.
The OPENING ADDRESS was delivered by
PRESIDENT JACOB ZUMA. |
A GOODWILL MESSAGE was delivered by
Archbishop Desmond Tutu. |
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