Participation of Dimitris Avramopoulos in the Annual Meeting of the Global Tourism Forum in Brussels, 12/12/2024

 

 

At the Annual Meeting of the Global Tourism Forum in Brussels, as keynote speaker on the theme: “Tourism’s Role in Economic Resilience: From Global Crises to Local Revival.”

Key points from my address within the panel discussion:

• The profound significance of tourism not only as an economic engine, but also as a bridge to global cultural understanding, mutual recognition, and respect among nations.
• In our interconnected world, we must not overlook tourism’s capacity to promote peace, prosperity, and stability.

Seven priority areas we should consider:

1. Tourism as a growth driver — One of the largest and fastest-growing sectors of the global economy.
2. Post-crisis recovery — Countries and regions with strong tourism sectors tend to rebound more quickly from the economic shocks caused by crises.
3. Sustainable development — Sustainable tourism strengthens economic resilience by fostering environmental protection, cultural preservation, and social inclusion.
4. Regional development — Tourism can significantly boost regional development by attracting investment and improving local infrastructure.
5. Reducing rivalry in Europe — European countries should focus on a unified vision that embraces the continent’s rich cultural mosaic, natural beauty, and the breadth of experiences it offers.
6. Cooperation with non-EU countries — Non-EU countries can also engage in tourism-focused partnerships.
7. Tourism diplomacy — A tool for peace and stability.

At the heart of all these discussions lies the concept of tourism diplomacy, which uses tourism to strengthen international relations and as a foundation for deeper understanding among peoples and their cultures.