Promotion of Paradise Vacations in Pacific Islands fundamental
to Region's Economic Growth

Tourism should be sustainable and accessible to persons with disabilities

Bangkok (United Nations Information Services) -- Delegates to a UN/ESCAP conference on Pacific Island issues have heard that tourism development is key to the future economic growth of the region.

"Revenue from international visitors has become an important source of foreign exchange for many island countries," said Mr. Barry Cable, UN/ESCAP's Chief of Transport, Communications, Tourism and Infrastructure Development Division.

Mr. Cable made the comments following the Seventh Session of the Special Body on Pacific Island Developing Countries, held at the United Nations Conference Centre, in Bangkok.

"Tourism has been recognized by nearly all Pacific island Governments as an important means of expanding their economic base, increasing foreign exchange earnings, providing employment and enhancing the standard of living," Mr. Cable said.

Delegates from the various Pacific island countries concentrated on ways they could work together to market the Pacific as an exotic holiday destination, while recognizing the need to promote sustainable tourism development.

The islands, with the technical assistance of UN/ESCAP, are also coordinating improved tourist facilities for travelers with disabilities.

During the past decade, Pacific island countries have experienced varying rates of growth in tourism. The tourism industry has become the leading economic sector in some countries, while in others it represents one of the few areas with growth potential in terms of economic development.

UN/ESCAP is assisting its Pacific island members to develop sustainable tourism. In 1999, the Commission adopted the Plan of Action for Sustainable Tourism Development in the Asian and Pacific Region. Its five-year plan aims to ensure the benefits of such development are shared by as wide a segment of the population as possible.

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