The Executive Council of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) has welcomed the efforts to raise awareness on the relation between tourism and poverty alleviation.

UNWTO agreed to contribute USD 500,000 from its budget as a contribution towards STEP (Sustainable Tourism for Eliminating Poverty) Programme dedicated to promote poverty elimination through sustainable tourism development programmes and projects.

In its 83rd session UNWTO’S Executive Council noted that tourist arrivals grew by 6% during 2007 to reach a record number of nearly 900 million international tourist arrivals.

The meeting held in Jeju Island, Republic of Korea recently was chaired by the Minster of Tourism and Culture Ambika Soni in her capacity as the Chairperson of the Executive Council.

The Meeting was attended by member countries including Spain, Russia, Germany, France, Brazil, Iran etc. Chairmen of the Regional Commissions, Representatives of Affiliate Members, Chairman of the Committee on Budget and Finance and others.

In a survey undertaken by UNWTO to determine the priority areas for drawing the Programme of Work for 2010-2011, 57% of the member states marked Education and Human Resource Development as the top most priority area which was communicated as the highest priority by India.

Tourism and Culture Minister Soni pointed out the need to address severe manpower shortage in the hospitality sector.

She urged UNWTO to take a lead in organizing adequate training programmes for capacity building in member states wherever possible.

The recognition of the importance of tourism sector world over has led to more countries becoming members of the UNWTO.

At present 153 countries are the members of the Organisation and the membership is set to increase further with the admission of two more countries – New Zealand and Norway in its fold.