The Hotel Times - June 2008 - (Page 6) IN THE NEWS WTTC event talks tourism trends BY S T E P H A N I E R I C C A M A N A G I N G E D I TO R T Norbert Walter [right], chief economist of Deutsche Bank Group, cautioned attendees at the Global Travel & Tourism Summit that shifts in local economies have far-reaching effects. he sky outside was blue, but the agenda was green at this year' s Global Travel & Tourism Summit, presented April 20-22 in Dubai by the World Travel & Tourism Council. Events Russia and CIS Hotel Investment Conference Dates: Oct. 21-22 Venue: Ritz-Carlton, Moscow Hosts: Questex Media Group, The Bench For more information: www.russia-cisconference.com The Hotel Investment Forum India Dates: Jan. 14-15, 2009 Venue: Taj Palace Hotel, Delhi, India Host: Burba Hotel Network For more information: www.hifi-india.com More than 1,000 leaders from more than 70 countries and all travel and hospitality sectors gathered to talk about trends affecting tourism around the world, raising questions about the environmental, economic and even political impacts on travel and tourism. ª Responsibilityº was the buzz word, as speakers refined their ideas of how to build global tourism while encouraging travelers to pay special attention to their ecological, social and economic footprints. On the hotel side, J.W. Marriott Jr., chairman and c.e.o. of Marriott International, set the scene for the conference with his openings remarks: ª Although globalization evokes different feelings, the mark of a true global economy is a symbol of freedom,º he said. ª The bottom line? Travel is trade.º While Marriott gave a nod to the fact that the U.S. increasingly attracts fewer tourists, the mood of his speech and the conference was global. Peter Greenberg, travel editor of American morning news program NBC ' s ª Today Show,º moderated a panel including Stephen Holmes, chairman and c.e.o. of Wyndham Worldwide, that sought to clearly define socially, economically and politically responsible tourism. ª We follow where the consumer is taking us,º Holmes said. ª We can advertise standards and allow the consumer to make the decision.º Norbert Walter, chief economist of Deutsche Bank Group and c.e.o. of Deutsche Bank Research, further defined the United States' role in the economic impact of travel and tourism. ª The world economy is in very different shape this year,º he said. ª The U.S. is close to recession. Japan is suffering from modest domestic demand. Europe is so-so. The one country that has been strong is China, but there we' re in the middle of a confrontation, not a feast,º he said, referencing recent protests to the Beijing Olympic Games because of China' s relationship with Tibet. ª Regarding climate change, the U.S still sets the pace, regulatory-wise,º he said. ª The U.S. will set the standards, and they will have implications.º sricca@questex.com 6 The Hotel Times June 2008 www.TheHotelTimes.com WTTC http://www.russia-cisconference.com http://www.hifi-india.com http://www.TheHotelTimes.com
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