Image: World tourism could generate US$2tn this year

The leaders of the world's 20 leading economies (G20) have recognised the role of tourism in driving economic growth for the first time, following a meeting in Mexico this month.

A Leaders' Declaration signed in Los Cabos has underlined "the role of travel and tourism as a vehicle for job creation, economic growth and development".

The 20 world leaders also pledged to "work towards developing travel facilitation initiatives in support of job creation, quality work, poverty reduction and global growth".

According to World Travel and Tourism Council figures, the international sector will contribute US$2tn (EUR2.5tn, £1.6tn) in GDP and 100 million jobs this year.

UNWTO secretary-general Taleb Rifai and WTTC president and CEO David Scowsill said: "We commend the G20 world leaders for recognising the importance of travel and tourism as a driver of economic growth and job creation for the first time.

"This is a significant success for the industry and could not have happened without the support of [Mexico's] President Calderon, a leader who truly understands the socio-economic value of tourism and its potential to create new jobs."

Details: www.unwto.org (UNWTO)

Image: shutterstock.com/egd