we are all tourism PROFESSIONALS
President Kennedy famously declared, "we are all Berliners." In today's context, we could adapt this statement by asserting that “we are all tourism professionals”.
The role of tourism experts is crucial in ensuring that visitors feel welcomed and secure upon reaching their destination.
From immigration officers to chauffeurs, car rental agents, hotel receptionists to coffeeshop baristas, everyone must be trained to provide professional and friendly service to visitors.
Unfortunately, this is not always the case.
This is why industry players worldwide invest countless hours in training their workforce at all levels.
Governments are also realizing the importance of offering top-notch education and training in hospitality and tourism to elevate their destinations.
However, it is worth noting that certain stereotypes persist, such as the reputation of New York taxi drivers for rudeness, or Parisian café waiters for their ill-mannered behavior.
But not all taxi drivers in New York are impolite, and not all Parisians waiters are unpleasant individuals.
Unfortunately, these negative perceptions often overshadow the many positive aspects of these cities.
The travel and tourism industry's contribution to global gross domestic product is projected to increase from 9.2% in 2023 to 11.6% in 2033 (Statista). This industry directly supports over 100 million people worldwide.
Regardless of our occupation, tourism affects our lives in various ways, emphasizing its importance.
It is crucial for all individuals, whether immediately involved in the hospitality and tourism sector or not, to warmly welcome travelers as they contribute to our well-being.
Recognizing this, an increasing number of governments prioritize not only having skilled professionals in the industry but also fostering a welcoming population.
Thus, AMFORHT is frequently sought after by governments worldwide to assist them in implementing sustainable tourism strategies.
These strategies focus not only on education and training in hospitality and tourism but also on other aspects.
The UN Tourism Secretary General, Zurab Pololikashvili, emphasizes the significance of equipping individuals with the right understanding:
“From high school to university and then in the workplace, by giving people the right skills and knowledge, we can build a more resilient, sustainable sector, and further boost tourism’s role in our economies and societies.”
Regardless of the chosen path, the success of countries in becoming a business hub, a mass entertainment or an exclusive destination relies heavily on the support of their population.
As a UN Tourism affiliate, AMFORHT develops customized programs to meet governments' requirements in educating their populations to genuinely embrace visitors.
