Opening day of Global Travel and Tourism Summit in Dubai sparks debate on sustainable development

Focusing on 'Human Inspiration - World-changing Answers' and 'The Questions are Tough and are Getting Tougher', the sessions highlighted principal global trends in 2008 and beyond, which could hamper the travel and tourism sector's potential for growth and sustainability.

The discussions drew the participation of eminent speakers such as Qiwei Shao, Chairman of the China National Tourism Administration; Bill Reinert, National Manager of Advanced Technology, Toyota Motor Sales-US; Nick Fry, CEO, Honda Racing F1 Team; Habib Fekih, President, Airbus Middle East; Chris Brown, Managing Director, Tourism and Transport Forum, Australia; Christopher Rodrigues, Chairman of VisitBritain; Geoff Muirhead, Group Chief Executive, Manchester Airports Group, and Robert Webb QC, General Counsel of British Airways.

Setting the tone for the debate, Qiwei Shao, said: "China is firmly committed to sustainable development and the protection of our ecosystem. Guided by a win-win principle, we aim to create a tourism industry that is in total synchrony with the environment for the benefit of all stakeholders."

Highlighting the contribution of the airline industry towards the initiative, Habib Fekih commented: "The aircraft industry is making significant contributions to reducing the global carbon footprint. For instance, our technologically advanced aircraft - the A380 - is more fuel efficient and generates lower emissions, both in terms of noise and carbon. Additionally, its higher capacity permits more number of passengers, reducing the frequency of flights on the same routes."

Speakers at the 8th Global Travel and Tourism Summit provided thought-provoking industry specific case studies of sustainable development, highlighting a range of initiatives such as committee-based management of natural resources, and the use of technology in developing hybrid cars. Discussions also explored collaborations between NGO's and tourism bodies to address the issue in a regulated manner.

Geoff Muirhead said: "The green debate has pushed us into becoming defensive, although as an industry we have a lot to be proud about. Manchester Airport, for example, has grown over the years from handling eight million passengers to 22 million, and we have managed to considerably reduce noise levels despite the increase in traffic. And, now we aim to effectively develop a carbon neutral terminal."

Organised under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the two-day summit is being hosted at the Madinat Jumeirah. The event, which is keenly followed by industry observers worldwide for its incisive outcomes, has been facilitated by a unique public and private sector partnership comprising DTCM, Emirates Group, Jumeirah Group and Nakheel.