【Summit Senior Figures Interview】Interview with Tegegnework Gettu, Under-Secretary-General of the UN and Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme: Tourism Industry Makes a Positive Contribution to Development of the City

Tegegnework Gettu，Under-Secretary-General of UN and Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme, said, the United Nations is supportive of the development of tourism because it has significant positive influences on the development of the world economy, the welfare of people, and global peace. China is one of the largest populated countries and the second largest economy. So it will have a significant impact on the world. A large number of Chinese will go out of the country as tourists to visit other countries. The more their economy develops, the more they will be going out to explore the world. Meanwhile, a large number of people will come into China. On the small aspect, the tourism industry helps development of many other industries, increases employment and maintains stability of national economy. On the big aspect, tourism industry will benefit development of the world economy, cultural interaction, and world peace.

Stable and peaceful political situations are necessary for healthy development of the tourism industry. There are temporary hiccups with the current terrorist activity in the globe, which cause great losses for the national economy, let alone development of tourism industry. But I think we’ll overcome it. Mayor of New York said, “We’ll never give up such a freedom of life, such a kind of interaction and free movement just because someone has explosives.” Peace is the trend and the fundamental element for development of the tourism industry.

Mr. Gettu said, tourism industry makes positive contribution to development of the city. A large number of countries in the world, including smaller countries, benefit more from tourism than what they produce to export. Tourism industry brings wealth and peace to them, with no pollution to local environment. Tourism is not only about revenue creation. It also brings knowledge, technology, and exchange of cultures, so that people will have a better awareness, understanding, and exposure of how other parts of the world are going. Smaller countries can benefit more from development of the tourism industry.

When talking about his trip to China, Mr. Gettu said, “This is the seventh time I have come to China on various business trips from my organization and this is the first time I’m coming to Chongqing. It is a very beautiful city, very vibrant and very development oriented. In addition, its environment is well-protected. The rolling mountains and green vegetation are very impressive. This is a city suitable for tourism industry and I believe it will become a world-known tourism destination in the future. There are abundant tourism resources in China and its tourism industry develops very fast. With all the economic, cultural and historical significance, as well as the scientific advancement, I think China has a good opportunity in establishing and then advancing the tourist industry. ”

Shared economy is the trend of future tourism industry and quite a large number of people in the world would benefit from it, as long as tourism economy is related to all other economic development and welfare of nations. Globally, well-developed tourism destinations in developed countries like New York of United States, Paris of France, and Tokyo of Japan have benefited tremendously. Now emerging nations like China and Brazil are also benefiting hugely.

“UN has declared 2017 as International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development. So next year we’ll be celebrating and encouraging the cooperative development of tourism. UN will communicate more and interact more with WTCF, to promote healthy and sustainable development of world tourism industry together. ”