With locals taking to the streets last weekend in destinations such as Barcelona, Mallorca, Lisbon, Venice and other popular southern European cities to protest against the phenomenon of over-tourism, the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) took a stand with a simple but comprehensive statement defending the industry.
More specifically, WTTC referes: “Travel & Tourism brings significant economic benefits, not just for large travel corporations, but for local businesses and small companies that supply them.
The sector creates employment and revenue from international and domestic visitors.
It should not be blamed for wider issues like housing shortages, which often have complex, deep-rooted causes beyond the sector’s influence.
Travel & Tourism generates substantial tax revenues. Governments must engage with communities to ensure these funds are reinvested to meet local needs like improved infrastructure.
WTTC supports responsible Travel & Tourism that benefits people and works with governments to help achieve it”.
