UNWTO Manila Conference picks MST as topic of discussion

With over 1,000 experts from 88 countries, the 6th International Conference on Tourism Statistics: Measuring Sustainable Tourism (UNWTO Manila Conference), defined the guidelines on sustainable tourism. Ministers, policy experts, statisticians, corporates and academics dedicated to sustainable development and tourism united to lay the groundwork for an expanded statistical framework for Measuring Sustainable Tourism (MST) in its economic, social and environmental dimensions. Global leaders spoke strategically and politically on the need for statistics to credibly substantiate tourism in the national and international agendas and as a lever for improved policies and practices. The Conference discussed the first draft of the Statistical Framework for Measuring Sustainable Tourism, explored emerging issues and showcased pioneering country experiences.

“We are starting something really big. When the Tourism Satellite Account was introduced, its impact was tremendous. It became possible to show tourism’s impact on the economy, on jobs,” said UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai. “Now we need to move this ahead to measure tourism’s impact on making this world a better place for all. MST can lead tourism into a new era of sustainable and inclusive development”.