Tuesday, February 28, 2012

TOURISM JOB CREATION AND POVERTY REDUCTION

“The importance of tourism for job creation and poverty reduction in rural areas of developing and least developed countries (LDCs) should not be under-estimated. Tourism is increasingly recognized as a major source of economic growth, especially in poor countries." according to Alette van Leur, Director of ILO.

“Its value chain and its significant connections to other sectors such as agriculture, construction, utilities and transport can contribute to poverty reduction. One job in the core tourism industry indirectly generates 1.5 additional jobs in the related economy.”

According to the ILO and UN World Tourism Organisation, in 2010 the sector’s global economy accounted for more than 235 million jobs, equivalent to about 8 per cent of the overall number of jobs (direct and indirect), or one in every 12.3 jobs. In 2010 travel and tourism were estimated to have generated about 9.3 per cent of global GDP, while tourism investments were estimated at 9.2 per cent of total global investments.

The ILO’s mission is to promote decent work within the context of poverty reduction. The ILO’s Decent Work Agenda directly relates to poverty reduction through an integrated approach that has four pillars: rights at work, employment, social protection and social dialogue.

Directed at governments, local/rural authorities and community organizations, employers, trade unions and NGOs, the toolkit has five modular chapters which can be used together or independently, according to the training needs of participants and trainers. Some parts can also be used for other purposes (for advocacy, awareness raising and information, and as a background source).

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