WTTC boss on why Egypt travel ban is unjust

David Scowsill, president and CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council, has always been vocal about his support for Egypt’s travel and tourism industry despite the uncertainties the beleaguered cou

David Scowsill, president and CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council, has always been vocal about his support for Egypt’s travel and tourism industry despite the uncertainties the beleaguered country has been facing.

In 2011, Mr. Scowsill wrote in an exclusive eTN article that despite the uncertainties, “there is much to remain positive about. While part of Egypt may be on its knees right now, many key tourist destinations are isolated and away from the cities where incidents have taken place. Demand still remains as people continue to enjoy their holidays around Red Sea resorts. The realistic appreciation about the extent of the violence by other governments and the industry also sends positive messages to consumers and may reduce the long term damage. If the situation is resolved within the next couple of weeks, then the impact will be less and the tourism recovery will be quick – as it has proven so before.”

ETN spoke with Mr. Scowsill in Tokyo, Japan, during the recently concluded Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA) TABIHAKU Travel Showcase 2013 wherein he participated alongside United Nations World Tourism Organization Secretary General Taleb Rifai as a panelist in one of the sessions. During eTN’s interview with Mr. Scowsill, under the context of Japan’s decision to issue a travel ban on Egypt, he reiterated his position on the ambiguous practice of travel warnings/ban by some governments. Listen to what, the WTTC boss had to say via the YouTube video below:

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Nell Alcantara

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