CNN helps strengthen world tourism economy

CNN International has partnered with the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) to collaborate on various industry events to ensure the best breed of knowledge and latest data is imparted to sector professionals.

The two will work together to share content, join forces on industry newsletters, and cross-promote services across each other’s respective platforms.

The announcement of this partnership comes at a time when a global sense of cautious optimism for 2010 seems to be emerging, although the economic climate is still far from stable.

“A significant step towards highlighting the economic, cultural, social, environmental, and political potentials of travel and tourism,” said UNWTO Secretary-General ad interim Taleb Rifai. “The travel and tourism industry continues to grow, employing hundreds of millions of people, contributing to the socio-economic development of the world’s poorest countries.

“Yet, its future depends on the realization of its potential and its integration into the global economic and political agenda. This partnership provides the opportunity to maximize tourism’s benefits in a highly-competitive market through the support of CNN Task Group’s destination marketing as an additional support element.”

Up to the TASK

The TASK Group, a team of external experts in tourism and economic development, works closely with CNN to support clients to create impactful tourism communications solutions.

Now in its third year of global operations, the TASK Group celebrates assisting more than 65 Ministries of Tourism and tourism industry leaders across the world with strategic advice to enhance their nation and brand-building efforts and navigate crisis issues. ETurboNews is pleased to be an exclusive media partner with the CNN Task Group.

Rani R. Raad, SVP, CNN International Ad Sales said: “CNN is proud to join with the UNWTO to demonstrate our commitment to the development and growth of the travel and tourism sector. We work closely with country tourism ministries and are acutely aware of the importance of the industry as the global economy looks to repair itself. This partnership gives both organizations the opportunity to offer unique expertise at a critical time.”

The alliance will specifically include TASK support at key UNWTO member and general tourism sector initiatives, such as the UNWTO/South Africa International Summit on Tourism, Sport,and Mega-Events (February 24-26, 2010),ongoing activities such as the promotion of the UNWTO Roadmap for Recovery, or regular campaigns such as World Tourism Day (September 27).