World Tourism Organization to be more prestigious
( 2003-10-21 22:21) (Xinhua)
The World Tourism Organization ( WTO) will become more visible and
prestigious after beingtransformed into a United Nations specially designated
agency,said a senior tourism official here Tuesday.
Paride Andreoli, Minister of Tourism, Commerce, Sport and Transport of the
Republic of San Marino, noted at the 15th WTOGeneral Assembly that the new
status would increase the importance of tourism in the eyes of the public,
placing it on an equalfooting with other sectors like agriculture, culture and
transport, which were all represented by UN specialized agencies.
WTO member nations share the approach towards the sustainabledevelopment of
tourism, and favor assistance and cooperationprojects for developing countries
and poverty reduction, heacknowledged.
The San Marino minister expressed the hope that the WTO wouldcontinue to
encourage and technically assist member countries indeveloping a tourism data
collection network and help improvetourism quality through the means of
education and training.
The assembly, gathering the most authoritative tourism leadersworldwide, was
a tangible proof of how a vast nation like Chinacould overcome the SARS (severe
respiratory syndrome) crisis,which hit the country a few months ago, as well as
a reassuringmessage to those who are still doubtful and worrisome about
theprospects of world tourism.
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