"If we cannot measure, we cannot manage." This statement of Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), His Excellency Taleb Rifai during the opening ceremony of the 6th UNWTO International Conference on Tourism Statistics clearly defined the necessity of statistics as one of the basis for programming and planning because without any basis or background, we cannot predict any success nor prepare for any setback. Moreover, Tourism Ministry from Indonesia expanded the initial statement with his addition that "Before knowing how to measure, we must know what to measure." Indeed, it is further crucial in identifying, from a myriad of data and information, which of these are obligatory and which are optional. In today's world were traveling is now considered as a human right and where poverty is still depressing in an environment that is deteriorating, sustainable tourism presents as a balance between people, planet and prosperity that must be equal and equitable for this generation and the next. 37 years ago, also here in Manila, nations from across the globe convened for the first world tourism conference to agree on the importance of tourism more than the economic value but on social development. Coming full circle, more than the role played by Philippines in global tourism campaign, it simply highlights the relevance and responsibility of every one in sharing, securing and sustaining. After all, whatever business we are in, our real business is to make this world a better place. #iystd2017 #unwto #tourism @unwto_ @tourism_phl @sustainabletourism2017 #manila #philippines #internationalyearofsustainabletourismfordevelopment (at Newport City)
