UNWTO Commission for the Middle East Thirty-sixth meeting Madrid, Spain, November 2012

Transcription

1 DRAFTRFFDRRRRD UNWTO Com for the Middle East Thirty-sixth meeting Madrid, Spain, November CME/36/6b Madrid, October Original: English Item 6 of the Provisional Agenda PROGRESS REPORT ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ORGANIZATION S GENERAL PROGRAMME OF WORK (b) REGIONAL ACTIVITIES Note by the Secretary-General The attached document contains information on regional activities carried out during the period November 2011 October, as well as on those scheduled for the rest of this year and those tentatively planned for 2013.

2 CME/36/6b 2 IMPLEMENTATION OF THE GENERAL PROGRAMME OF WORK FOR -2013: PROGRESS REPORT REGIONAL ACTIVITIES 1. It is recalled that in accordance with decision 9(XXIX) taken by the Com, at its 29 th meeting (Beirut, April 2007), the Organization s programme activities in the region continue to target the following strategic objectives: (a). (b). Enhance tourism Safety and Security and strengthen emergency preparedness and response capabilities of National Tourism Administrations. Improve the competitiveness of tourist destinations in the region and support increased marketing and communication activities. (c). Guide and support responsible and sustainable development policies and management processes. (d). Promote and facilitate public-private partnerships in achieving these objectives. 2. The activities carried out by the Organization in the Middle East during the period November 2011 October, as well as those scheduled for the rest of this year and those tentatively planned for 2013, in implementation of the Organization s general programme of work, are summarized in the attached table.

3 3 CME/36/6b REGIONAL PROGRAMME FOR THE MIDDLE EAST November 2011 October A. Research Programme A.1. Activity s title Date of Commencement Duration Objectives Status A.1.1 Snapshot analysis of the impacts of the political environment on tourism in the region A.1.2. Special insight into the Chinese outbound market to the Middle East A.2. February May 2 months 4 months Provide real- time information and analysis of the impacts of the political environment on tourism flows and investments in the region as well as strategic guidelines for market confidence recovery and demand stimulation. Provide authoritative information on the characteristics, trends and prospects of the Chinese outbound market to MENA, with the aim of assisting Members of the Com in formulating effective marketing and promotional strategies that will enable them to increase their share of this fast-growing market, significantly. Completed (April ) Updated (August ) Completed (September ) A.2.1. Snapshot analysis of markets performance and prospects A.2.2. Insights into the Latin American outbound market to the Middle East Q Q1 Q months 4 months Provide real- time information and analysis of market trends and short-term prospects as well as of promotional measures. Identify priority technical assistance requirements. Provide authoritative information on the characteristics, trends and prospects of outbound tourism from major generating markets in Latin America, with special insight into the Syrian-Lebanese-Palestinian diaspora. for 2013 for 2013

4 CME/36/6b 4 A.2.3. Insights into MICE tourism in the Middle East months Provide authoritative information on the characteristics, trends and prospects of MICE tourism in the region. for 2013 Optional activity: to be implemented upon request, only if external financial resources are available B. Capacity Building Programme B.1. Activity s title Dates Duration Objectives Status B.1.1. Workshop on Crisis Communication (in conjunction with the special Practicum session for Arab countries) (Granada, Spain) B.1.2. Workshop on Sustainable Development and Management of Tourism in Environmentally Sensitive areas (Saudi Arabia) B.1.3. Meeting of leading universities of Europe and the Arab world (Granada, Spain) B.1.4. Master in Tourism Destination Management (blended: four courses online and four courses on site in Granada, Spain) B.1.5. Workshop on Tourism Policy and Strategy (Qatar) November December December days Provide middle to senior level tourism professionals with practical managerial expertise in subject area 5 days Provide middle to senior level tourism professionals with practical managerial expertise in subject area 2 days Develop an academic cooperation agenda between European and Arab universities with a view to improving the attractiveness and employability of the tourism sector and strengthening tourism education and training systems. January 18 months Provide Tourist Destination Managers with strategic guidance and practical tools to enhance the competitive edge of destinations and prepare them for responsible growth March 5 days Provide middle to senior level tourism professionals with practical managerial expertise in subject area Developed and launched

5 B.1.6. Workshop on Adventure Tourism Development (Saudi Arabia) B.1.7. Workshop on Sustainable Tourism and Poverty Alleviation (in conjunction with the special Practicum session for Arab countries) (Granada, Spain) B.2. B.2.1. Regional capacity building Programme on Tourism Statistics and TSA Development (Saudi Arabia, acting as regional hub). 2 workshops and participation in regional conference organized by League of Arab States (tentatively scheduled for March 2013, Bahrain) B.2.2. Regional seminar on Enhancing the Competitiveness of Tourism destinations (organized jointly with the League of Arab States) B.2.3. Three regional capacity building workshops on priority issues to be selected from among those listed below, by way of indication: - Tourism legislation - Tourism facilitation and customer care - Destination Management - Heritage sites management for Tourism - Hotel Energy Solutions - Crisis Communication B.2.4. Special Practicum session for Arab countries with capacity building workshop on one of the topics listed in B.2.3. above (Granada, Spain) May 5 days Provide middle to senior level tourism professionals with practical managerial expertise in subject area September days, each workshop Tentatively scheduled May (dates and venues to be fixed) September 2013 (dates to be fixed) 3 days Provide middle to senior level tourism professionals with practical managerial expertise in subject area Enable Members to use UN Tourism Statistical Standards, provide reliable statistical data on a timely basis and develop TSAs. 2 days Discuss ways and means to improve information on Tourism competitiveness. Consider practical case studies on using the WEF index to enhance the competitiveness of Tourism destinations. 3 days Provide middle to senior level tourism professionals with practical managerial expertise in subject areas 3 days Provide middle to senior level tourism professionals with practical managerial expertise in subject area CME/36/6b Postponed from. To be rescheduled for 2013

6 CME/36/6b 6 C.1. Technical Support Missions: C.1.1. Activity s title Date of Commencement Duration Objectives Status C Egypt: Proposed Communication Strategy and Plan C Lebanon: Human Resource Development Needs Assessment and capacity building programme for officials of the Ministry of Tourism C Egypt: Advice on History re-enactment in Heritage Sites C Qatar: Identification and assessment of business opportunities in the Tourism value chain C Jordan: Capacity building in market intelligence (Participation in Know your New Market Seminar Series) October February 2-day 5-day, including workshop April 2-day 5-9 May 5-day Advise MOT and ETA on the preparation of a communication strategy addressing destination perception management, as well as on its outward activation and reporting. Carry out an overall assessment of training needs of Officials of the Ministry of Tourism of Lebanon. On the basis of the diagnostic gap analysis and training needs analysis, devise a phased demand driven Action Plan for a comprehensive capacity building training programme for the abovementioned Officials. Assess existing opportunities and related product development requirements Identify and assess business opportunities arising for Qatari companies to fill in the current gap in the tourism sector value chain, taking into consideration: the journey of a tourist in Qatar and the immediate needs, services or products that do not exist or exists with limited availability. 3 July 2 days Provide tourism and hospitality professionals with insights on the Brazilian and Australian tourism markets; to help enhance knowledge of these markets and market segments; to address seasonality and highlight the opportunities for Jordan as a festination in a changing travel environment.

7 C Saudi Arabia: Study on Tourism s role in the Development of Local Communities Preparatory C Qatar: Advice on Product development/diversification (Sports and Cruise tourism and Floating restaurants) C Saudi Arabia: Advice on Tourism Safety and Security C Bahrain: Advice on History re-enactment of the Pearl Path C Qatar: Advice on Tourism legislation and regulations C.1.2. (8 s; 6 in 2013) July 7 2-day Prepare detailed project proposal for a study of the role of tourism in the economic development of local communities in the Kingdom through the creation of jobs and business opportunities, improved living conditions, increased investment and other related social benefits. August On-going Advise on development potential and on product/services requirements September October November 3-day 3-day On-going Participation in National conference on Tourism Safety and Security and presentation of UNWTO s accumulated knowledge and related activities. Assess existing opportunities and related product development requirements Regulate the following activities: 1- Inbound tour operator 2- Outbound tour operator 3- Marine tours operations 4- Overland tourist safaris 5- Tour guide services 6- Tour training services 7- Entertainment Cities 8- Specialized tourist clubs 9- Time sharing 10- Tourist Transportation CME/36/6b Initiated Initiated C Saudi Arabia: Assistance in drafting Tourism Laws and Regulations November (tentative dates subject to confirmation) 2-day Draft General Tourism law, Time-share regulations, Handicrafts law, National Antiquities law.

8 CME/36/6b 8 C Iraq: Education and Training Needs Assessment and HRD plan C Jordan: Assistance in organizing the Jordan Travel Mart C Jordan: Assistance in drafting Tourism regulations C Oman: Assistance in measuring Tourism employment C Jordan: Developing an electronic tourist visa system C Jordan: Development of capacity building programme for officials of the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities December February 2013 Q Q Q Q day workshop Consultations 2-day 1 week 1 week 1 week Identify and assess technical assistance requirements in the preparation and implementation of a medium term human resources development action plan Provide opportunities for highly qualified travel professionals from US, Canada, Mexico, Central and South American, far east, Australia and New Zealand, to meet suppliers and create business relationships in a professional and organized environment. Compare existing regulations on following activities with existing best practices internationally and propose relevant revisions: - Sites management - Travel Agencies - Tourism restaurants - Tourist guides Assess data available and possible gaps to measure employment within TSA. Identify technical assistance and capacity building requirements in developing measurement system Facilitation of frontier formalities for Tourism, in accordance with best international practices. Carry out an overall assessment of training needs of Officials of the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities of Jordan and staff working in tourist sites and devise a phased demand driven Action Plan for a comprehensive capacity building training programme for the abovementioned Officials.

9 9 CME/36/6b C.2. Technical Cooperation Projects: Activity s title C.2.1. On-going/ C Egypt: Implementation of new hotel classification system. C Egypt: Mobilization of the Dahshour World Heritage Site for Community Development (Community based sustainable tourism development project- MDG programme). C Oman: Tourism Manpower Needs Analysis and Medium term Human Resources Development Action Plan C Yemen: Al-Mahweet Highlands, handcrafts, heritage and employment-step Project C Syria: Tourismpillar of Agropolis project in Al Ghab region Date of Commencement April 2009 April 2009 December 2009 September 2010 June 2010 Duration Objectives Status 44 months (to be completed in December ) 4 years (to be completed in March 2013) 18 months (completed May ) 27 months (to be completed in December ) 18 months (completed in February ) Validate and implement the new hotel classification system ( New Norms ) and developed assessment procedures in accordance with international standards. The project will also provide capacity building to national inspectors in Egypt to strengthen their existing skills and knowledge. Develop the Dahshour area by preserving its natural and cultural heritage and improving the livelihoods of the local population through targeted employment - generation activities and the development of locally driven micro and small enterprises (MSEs). Assess the current state of the tourism labour market in Oman and the key challenges to be addressed in the medium term. Identify suitable strategies and actions to strengthen the future supply of human resources for the sector. Alleviate poverty in the Al-Mahweet Governorate of Yemen, through increasing the level of the tourism spending in ways that will reach the poor and improving the chances and opportunities of women to participate in tourism. Undertake a comprehensive assessment of the tourism sector in the Al-Ghab region, providing vital information and data on the sector for conducive policy development and investments, including support services development, institutional reforms, and capacity building Ongoing Ongoing Ongoing

10 CME/36/6b 10 C Jordan: Youth Career Initiative STEP Project C Saudi Arabia: Implementation of the Study of the Role of Tourism in the Economic Development of Local Communities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia C UAE: National System of Tourism Statistics and development of a Tourism Satellite Account July 12 months Empower disadvantaged, vulnerable young people by equipping them with relevant life and work skills and expose them to a successful business environment and professionals that will enable them to make informed career choices and become employable. Raise awareness on the employment opportunities in the hotel industry. Provide 80 participating youth with an adequate pool of new skills to enhance their opportunities for employment in the hotel industry in three tourism destination areas: Amman, Aqaba and the Dead Sea. November 5 November 4 months Support the development and economic diversification of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through the development of domestic and internal tourism. Assess and demonstrate the role and contribution of Tourism to the development of local communities through employment creation, business growth and increased inward investment. Provide practical tools and actionable policy recommendations with a view to maximizing the economic and social benefits from tourism sector development to the local communities. 5 months Collect/Compile and analyze economic data relevant to tourism per Emirate. Develop TSA Recommended Methodological Framework of 2008 Tables per Emirate. Calculate economic contribution of tourism by Emirate ( ). Benchmark Tourism Economy, UAE to: 1- other GCC countries; 2-middle east competing destination; 3- world top emerging destination; 4- world top destination; and 5-world average Initiated Initiated Initiated

11 11 CME/36/6b C.2.2. C Bahrain: Statistics and TSA development Q months Strengthen the National System of Tourism Statistics and develop an experimental TSA C Qatar: Assessment of business opportunities Q months Support and accelerate broad-based, private in the Tourism value chain. Implementation of project sector investment in the tourism industry in order proposal. to accelerate the growth of the sector and create a C Kuwait: Implementation of five year Tourism Development Action Plan C Lebanon: Implementation of capacity building programme for officials of the Ministry of Tourism C Qatar: Product development/diversification strategy and plan. Implementation of project proposal. C Egypt: Implementation of Tourism recovery and Sustainable redevelopment action plan more complete tourism product in the country years Implement the action plan s recommendations in the following four priority areas: (a) Statistical measurement of Tourism (b) Tourism marketing and planning (c) Tourism awareness programme (d) Capacity building programme for KTS officials months Provide a systematic and tailor made approach to the capacity building needs of the Ministry of Tourism, in the short and medium term, assisting the Ministry to: - Effectively meet its core responsibilities and deliver its mandate -Deliver on priority areas as set out in its current Action Plan -Expand its activities through the period of organizational growth and recruitment -Strengthen inter-departmental communication and cooperation -Strengthen strategic and leadership capabilities -Direct the tourism industry in Lebanon towards a sustainable path whilst increasing competitiveness months Prepare product/service development plans for Sports and Cruise tourism months a. Design and implement a new marketing and communication campaign. In the pipeline In the pipeline In the pipeline In the pipeline In the pipeline In the pipeline

12 CME/36/6b 12 b. Develop a risk assessment mechanism and crisis management plan and structure. c. Review the legal framework for investment in Tourism and develop an investment promotion plan. d. Assess current and future tourism labour market needs and gaps and devise and implement a comprehensive human resource development plan. D. International Conferences, seminars and round tables: Activity s title Dates Venue D.1. Held D.1.1. UNWTO/WTM High Level Panel Discussion on the Future of Tourism in the Middle East 9 November 2011 WTM, London and North Africa D.1.2. UNWTO/ITB High Level Debate: The Future of Mediterranean Tourism 7 March ITB, Berlin D.1.3. International Conference on Tourism and the Media April Marsa Alam, Egypt D.1.4. UNWTO & ATM Forum: Round Table on Tourism in the Middle East Growing in Challenging Times D.1.5. International Conference on Seizing Tourism market opportunities in times of rapid change D April ATM, Dubai 5-6 June Dead Sea, Jordan D.2.1. Round table on the promotion of Tourism between China and the Arab world 7 March 2013 (to be confirmed) ITB, Berlin D.2.2. Round table on Tourism facilitation (as part of the 37 th meeting of UNWTO Com for the Middle East) 28 April 2013 Bahrain

13 13 CME/36/6b D.2.3. International conference on Exploring new horizons for Cultural Tourism April 2013 Bahrain D.2.4. UNWTO & ATM Forum: Aviation policies: Responding to the needs of new Tourism 6 May, 2013 (to be confirmed) ATM, Dubai markets and destinations D.2.5. First conference of South American and Arab Ministers of Tourism June 2013 (to be confirmed) Petra, Jordan D.2.6. International Conference on Enhancing the contribution of Tourism to the sustainable development of host communities October-November 2013 (dates to be fixed) Sana a, Yemen

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