Freedom and Eternal Vigilance

The Philippines has done quite well during the pandemic.  The success that we see is the greater mobility of people outside of their houses. We are enjoying life now and we can see it on our social media feeds. We have our freedoms back, we’ve earned them, but now we must be vigilant.

It was not without an element of luck that we did so well during the pandemic. The timing of the arrival of our vaccines and the decision to take a portfolio approach—meaning, get several brands—worked to our advantage as we can now do heterologous boosting.

The timing of the arrival of the vaccines meant our population had protection as the deadly Delta and highly contagious Omicron became dominant in the country.

But now it’s becoming a left-handed gift.

Just as our successful portfolio approach meant we had several manufacturers who could supply us with vaccines, this had the unexpected consequence of feeding the brand discrimination that was fueled by misinformation. Back then, this contributed to slowing down vaccinations as people waited for their brand to be available. Today, it’s the low risk classification of the Philippines that’s lulling people into complacency.

Early in the pandemic, it was not very hard to get Filipinos vaccinated. When they saw people dying in the hospital parking lots, even the online booking systems for the vaccinations couldn’t keep up with the demand. Today, the Department of Health (DOH) reports that some people do not want to take the vaccines even if it literally is  at their doorstep, ready to be administered by a health professional, at absolutely no cost. Our daily vaccinations have slowed to a little over 200,000 from a high of 1.5 million last November.

This sense of complacency can cause us harm. I think it’s important that we maintain this wall of immunity. We don’t want to break the momentum, not now that even the Department of Finance is saying it will take two generations of Filipinos to repay the P1.31 trillion debt we incurred during the pandemic. Paying it back will need improved revenue collection, which can only be possible if our economy stays healthy enough to produce the taxes we need for the nation’s coffers.

The experts are already sending out warnings. The World Health Organization said we might have 300,000 active COVID cases in May if we relax our observance of health and safety protocols. Our friends at OCTA Research are also predicting a rise in cases by May or June, and are tracking closely the COVID cases in three countries – India, South Africa and New York – as these closely resemble our own COVID experience. The DOH is noticing an increase in cases in 14 areas in the country. Filipinos have become complacent. Even at parties, I see people taking off their face masks and not keeping  a safe distance from each other. What I fear is that the fear of the virus is gone.

Yet, the experts at our Go Negosyo “Booster to the Max” townhall meeting last April 25 were all one in saying that we must continue to be vigilant because the virus is still very much around and trying to find ways to escape vaccine-induced and acquired immunity.

Among their observations: Face masks help, but they are not preventative, unlike booster vaccinations; outbreaks are more likely among communities with vaccination rates of less than 50 percent; vaccine and acquired immunity wanes over time; boosters restore antibodies to as high as a hundredfold and, more importantly, activates and sustains t-cells—the immune cells that target and destroy virus-infected cells; COVID deaths are more likely among the elderly and the unvaccinated; and many of those who had their primary vaccines last November to October might be no longer be protected today and need to get boostered.

Not one leader, not one government organization or task force, not one LGU can lift us out of this pandemic. It has to be a collective effort, every citizen doing his or her part. Getting vaccinated and updating that vaccination with a booster shot is the least that a Filipino can do to contribute to preserving the country’s economy and protecting his fellow Filipinos. We have done it before when we got our primary vaccinations, so it should not be so difficult to do it again. The immunocompromised are already being given priority with second boosters, and it won’t be long before other vulnerable sectors can also get theirs.

We often imagine ‘duty to the country’ as doing something heroic like going to war or running for office, but the truth is that it is in everyday, mundane things that we express our love of country. This includes doing our part in keeping ourselves and our loved ones safe and healthy, enough to live and be a citizen of the Philippines for more days to come.

The vaccines brought us back our freedom, but as they say, the price of freedom is eternal vigilance.

DOST REVITALIZES STI BILATERAL RELATION WITH AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTIONS

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is revitalizing its bilateral relations with Australian research institutions and universities through a Scientific Visit of DOST officials to the country held from 17 to 23 April 2022.

Led by Undersecretary for Research and Development Dr. Rowena Cristina L. Guevara, the delegation aims to strengthen existing ties of DOST with research institutions including the Australian Center for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), the Commonwealth Scientific Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). These include identifying areas for common interest where resources and expertise of DOST and partners can advance more research and capacity building programs. Several concrete collaborations, including a scholarship program with ACIAR, were discussed during the meetings and will be formalized through an agreement to be signed by DOST with these research institutions.

Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization

Australian Center for International Agricultural Research

During the Mission, DOST also reinvigorate the implementation of the existing Memorandum of Understanding with Swinburne University of Technology (SUT), which include, among others, scholarships and sandwich programs in the field of biomedical engineering where the University has distinct advantage.

Swinburne University of Technology

As well, the scientific visit saw DOST forging new partnership with the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for Scientific Cooperation. Specific areas and modes of cooperation identified in scholarship programs and joint research activities in the fields of Food Technologies and Innovation and Digital Health.

ROYAL MELBOURNE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

The DOST delegation also discussed opportunities to operationalize its existing MOU with James Cook University. During the meeting, the delegation agreed to work in the following areas, namely: emerging diseases and tropical diseases, Internet of Things (IoT), agriculture and food security, and marine science. The possible collaboration also included scholarship programs for clinicians.

JAMES COOK UNIVERSITY

The visit also gave opportunity to the delegation to learn about the important work and innovation on coral reef restoration of the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), the country’s tropical marine research agency.

Other universities which the delegation visited include the Queensland University of Technology, the Southern Cross University; Griffith University, and University of Queensland, all of which agreed to formalize the Department’s institutional partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding that will outline the parties’ areas of common interest as well as its mode of cooperation.

SOUTHERN CROSS UNIVERSITY

QUEENSLAND UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

GRIFFITH UNIVERSITY

UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND

Also joining the delegation were Dr. Leah J. Buendia, DOST Assistant Secretary for International Cooperation; Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora, Executive Director of the DOST - Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development; Dr. Jaime C. Montoya, Executive Director of the DOST Philippine Council for Health Research and Development; Engr.

Ninaliza H. Escorial, Deputy Director at the DOST Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technologies Research and Development; and Dr. Josette T. Biyo, Director of the DOST Science Education Institute (SEI).

MEMBERS OF THE PHILIPPINE DELEGATION

The delegation began their mission in Canberra where they paid courtesy to Her Excellency Hellen De la Vega, Philippine Ambassador to Australia. The delegation’s visit also served as an opportunity for the Department to promote among Filipino scientists and researchers in Australia DOST’s Balik Scientist Program that encourages Filipinos to come back to the Philippines and contribute to the advancement of STI in the country. Organized by the Philippine Embassy in Australia, the webinar gathered over 25 Filipino scientists and researchers who have distinguished themselves in their specific areas of work.

COURTESY VISIT AND BALIK SCIENTIST WEBINAR

In addition, the visit delegation, in coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, met with State Level Officials from Australia’s Northern Territory, Victoria, and Queensland to apprise each other of their work and possible alignment with DOST’s STI initiatives.

ITDI’s Biodiesel Antifreeze to Ensure Foreign Sales

With the DOE 2017-2040 Philippine Energy Plan targeting to maintain a B2 biodiesel blending, as shown in its long term (2020-2040) Biofuels Roadmap, local processors are having difficulty finding an antifreeze that would ensure their biodiesel gets a slice of the foreign market.

Cleotilde A. Bulan, head of the Industrial Chemical Section at the Industrial Technology Development Institute  (DOST-ITDI), stressed the need for local processors for a locally-produced antifreeze agent that would complement the Philippine biodiesel from coconut. The biodiesel industry sector needs “this” to ensure that the coconut methyl ester (CME) or coco biodiesel can compete in the world market.

GlobeNewsWire has reported that the global biodiesel market is currently standing at the size of USD23,290 million and is expected to reach USD25,880 million by the end of 2026 (CAGR of 1.5% during 2021-2026).

Bulan explains further what antifreeze does. Also known as a coolant, it lowers a liquid’s freezing point, which is why it is added to vehicles’ radiators. In foreign localities, antifreeze allows cars to operate in a variety of temperatures, from frigidly cold to scorchingly hot.

By adding a mixture of chemicals and water, antifreeze helps ensure that the liquid in radiators does not freeze over during winter or boil up during summer, thus overheating the engine.

But, how does an antifreeze exactly work? How does it protect engines?

Bulan said that the key lies in coolants’ boiling and freezing points. Pure water has a boiling point of 212°F (100°C) and a freezing point of 32°F (0°C). However, by using a 50/50 mixture of water and ethylene glycol, the M boiling point rises to 223°F (106°C), and the freezing point lowers to -35°F (-37°C).

By taking it a step further, using a 30/70 mixture of water and ethylene glycol, the boiling point rises to 235°F (113°C), and the freezing point lowers to -67°F (-55°C).

However, Bulan’s team is working on a different antifreeze agent — the synthesis of glycerol (a naturally occurring alcohol) acetals. Here, glycerol acts to prevent freezing damage, such as ice crystal formation.

Foreign research studies show that at lower glycerol concentrations like 10-20%, the frozen stock will be fairly solid at -80°C, while at higher concentrations (30-50%), it may remain partially liquid.

Bulan’s team has since applied for a patent for the glycerol acetal and biodiesel samples. 

(amguevarra\\ ITDI S&T Media Service)

AS OCTA RESEARCH SEES RISING COVID CASES, CONCEPCION WARNS OF CONSEQUENCES

As cases are projected to rise by May and waning immunity threatens vulnerable sectors of the population, experts are raising    

AS OCTA RESEARCH SEES RISING COVID CASES, CONCEPCION WARNS OF CONSEQUENCES  and emphasizing the urgency for booster vaccinations. This was the consensus among experts at Go Negosyo’s townhall meeting “Booster to the Max” held online last April 25.

“OCTA believes numbers will rise,” said OCTA Research’s Dr. Ranjit Rye. 

This rise in cases is feared to send the country back to more restrictive measures and disrupt the momentum in its economic recovery. “It’s going to be disastrous if we move back to Alert Level 3 status,” said Joey Concepcion, Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship, and founder of Go Negosyo, which organized the townhall meeting. 

He explained that the Ukraine crisis has already made it more challenging for the economy to fully gain momentum, and that waning immunity may send Covid cases rising again. “We can’t afford two problems at the same time,” he said.

During the townhall, OCTA Research fellow Dr. Guido David presented data that might point to a rise in cases in the Philippines. “The increase in new Covid cases in South Africa, India and the US makes it likely that the Philippines will see an increase in cases soon,” he said. He explained that the three countries have had the same pandemic trend in the past as the Philippines and are likely predictive of what may happen in the Philippines. “How high and when, we don’t know yet,” he said, but added that the rise in cases may happen sometime soon. “Maybe May or June,” he said.

OCTA’s Fr. Nic Austriaco had similar observations amidst the emergence of three Omicron variants which, he said, stand to become more of a threat compared to relaxed compliance with health standards. He shared that while South Africa and the US are experiencing variant-driven spikes, there is no sign that hospitalizations are increasing.

He did warn that even as the cases tend to be mild,” Filipinos who have lost their immunity will become more vulnerable,” adding that while masks help, these are not preventative and that booster vaccinations are more important.

Department of Health Sec. Francisco Duque, who addressed the townhall meeting, confirmed that vaccines make a difference. “There is no question, vaccines are the game changer, lalo na sa matatanda,” he said. The elderly comprise a large share of the casualties, he said as he shared data showing that 85 percent of those who had severe Covid were unvaccinated, while 93 percent of those who died were also unvaccinated.

Dr. Ted Herbosa of the government’s Vaccine Expert Panel (VEP) warned that an outbreak can likely happen among the unvaccinated. “If we ever do get an outbreak, it will be in areas where vaccination rates are below 50 percent,” he said.

He reported that although 74.67 percent (or 67,209,612 million) of the country’s target population have been fully vaccinated, only 12.9 million have booster shots. 

The VEP’s Dr. Nina Gloriani, meanwhile, said that the general finding is that antibodies wane after three to six months, and that boosters restore antibodies to as high as a hundred-fold. She also emphasized the importance of t-cells, whose activation are higher or sustained after booster vaccinations. “My message has always been, two doses are not enough. You get the third dose and after three to four months get the fourth dose, because we don’t know how the virus will behave,” she said.

Infectious disease specialist and VEP member Dr. Rontgene Solante said that for many who had their primary vaccines last November to October might no longer be protected and need to get boostered.  “We want to enhance the protection against a heavily mutated Omicron variant,” he said. This is especially important, he said for the immunocompromised who will benefit most from a second booster shot.

“What I fear is that the fear is gone,” said Concepcion. “Early in the pandemic, it was not very hard to get people vaccinated. This sense of complacency can cause us harm. I think it’s important that we maintain this wall of immunity. We don’t want to break this momentum,” he said. 

The townhall meeting attracted almost a thousand viewers, coming as the World Health Organization projected 300,000 active Covid cases in the Philippines by May amid lax compliance with public health protocols. The Department of Health likewise noted the rise in cases in 14 areas across the country. Daily vaccination uptake has also slowed to a little over 200,000 from a high of 1.5 million last November.

OCTA’s Dr. Rye, however, assured that there are things that can be done to avert the disaster.

“The way forward is vaccinations and boosters,” he said. “There are drivers for the increase in infections, but it will not be a concern if we are boostered. We can participate in the elections, we can enjoy these things for longer when the economy is open,” he said.

DOST-BIST Funds Local Tech Startup to Produce Green and Sustainable Packaging Materials

The Philippines takes another step towards the long transition to environmental sustainability by funding a local technology startup. 

During the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) - Business Innovation through S&T (BIST) for Industry Program symposium held on Monday, April 25, 2022 entitled “Harnessing Practical R&D for Enterprises”, four local companies were featured working on notable research and development (R&D) industrial projects.  

“R&D is often associated with the complicated and the theoretical,” explained DOST Secretary Fortunato T. De La Peña. “The need to be innovative and competitive is a must for all industries. This event aims to present R&D’s practicality and purpose, so much so that it must be weaved in the corporate set up, ensuring that businesses can take advantage of product development, processes and protecting it from business disruptors.”  

“The development of technologies always moves at an accelerated pace,” says DOST Undersecretary for R&D Rowena Cristina L. Guevara. “Through the DOST-BIST program, Filipino companies can acquire technologies for immediate incorporation in their R&D activities. This program enables Filipino companies to have an opportunity to innovate and be globally competitive.”

Entitled “BIST: Harnessing Practical R&D for Enterprises”, the event showcased the positive impact of R&D in the business of four local companies. Nanotronics Inc., a local technology startup, is one of the companies highlighted during the event, given their funding amounting to five million pesos (P5,000,000.00) to develop a Fully Advanced and Highly Sustainable Packaging Material using Advanced and Nanotechnology Materials from Indigenous Plants.  

The project aims to solve the issue on the use of non-biodegradable and non-renewable materials such as plastics in packaging applications which raised concerns about environmental pollution. Annually, large amounts of single-use packaging materials are produced, but the post-product life of these packaging materials necessitate the need for traditional methods of handling such as incineration and land filling. However, incineration of non-biodegradable packaging materials generates greenhouse gases posing a threat to our health and environment. The project focuses on biopolymers, given its inherent biodegradability property. It is seen to solve disposal issues of single-use plastics. 

“Nanotronics is committed to make an impact to our environment and community through the sustainable products that we develop leveraging the highly renewable materials available in the country. Moreover, I wish to encourage fellow startups and also local companies to continuously innovate their products through research and development, so that the products will become globally competitive and have heightened impact to society especially to us, Filipinos.”

Through BIST, the DOST provides financial assistance to the private sector industries through funding 70% of the eligible expenses for licensing of technology and purchase of equipment. The remaining 30% of funding must be sourced by the applicant.  

For companies who are also seeking to explore the benefits of the DOST BIST Program, you may contact the DOST-Science for Change Project Management Office at 2/F ADMATEL Bldg., DOST Compound, Gen. Santos Ave., Bicutan, Taguig City, with telephone numbers (02) 8837-2943/ 8837-2930. You may also send an email to s4c.ousecrd@dost.gov.ph.  

Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) marks successful 2022 Edition

The 2022 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) marked an exciting return to an onsite format, attracting more than 120,000 visitors during its four-day run. MIAS was held from April 7 to 10, 2022 at the World Trade Center, Pasay City. Leading car brands from the Philippine auto industry took the opportunity to launch new models, conduct test drives, and connect with customers in a way that’s only possible at a live auto show. Events like auto shows provide the proper interaction and visceral experience that customers enjoy.

The opening day of the MIAS was marked by numerous vehicle launches. Changan launched the new CS35 Plus SUV as part of its initiative to offer cars with premium safety and convenience features at an affordable price. Chery revealed the all-new Tiggo 8 Pro 7-seat midsize SUV, together with the Tiggo 5x Pro. Chevrolet unleashed the powerful new Tahoe 4x4 Z71, a full-size SUV with massive power and torque courtesy of a 5.3-liter V8. The Trailblazer, Tracker, and a Red Hot Chevrolet Camaro RS coupe were also at the Chevrolet booth. Foton launched the all-new Thunder 2.0 pickup, powered by a third-generation 2.0 diesel engineered and manufactured by Foton Motors, giving the truck a payload capacity of up to 1 ton. GAC wowed MIAS visitors with the sleek Empow55 sports sedan powered by a 2.0-liter engine, and the second-generation GS8 SUV. MG Philippines housed its latest, the HS SUV and upgraded MG 5 Core Plus Sedan at its elegant MG Concourse. The Concourse was designed to visually transform into iconic locations such as London’s Piccadilly Circus and Shanghai’s The Bund. Maserati displayed their uniquely sporty sedans and Levante SUV. Mitsubishi featured the new xPander MPV, with upgraded styling and 1.5-liter MIVEC engine. xPander buyers at the MIAS got the chance to win mountain bikes  or a family trip to Boracay. Nissan showcased its technology at the MIAS, including its e-Power hybrid electric drivetrain in the new Kicks, the all-electric Leaf hatchback, and the Intelligent Mobility suite in the limited-edition Navara Pro-4X. Peugeot marked a major event since the brand’s relaunch under a new distributor. The French carmaker revealed the all-new 2008 SUV, powered by a turbocharged 1.2-liter mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with “quick shift” technology. Subaru launched the all-new BRZ sports car and the 2022 Forester with the active safety package EyeSight 4.0. The Subaru BRZ and Forester were put through their paces at the tire-scorching Russ Swift Stunt Show, which ran thrice daily at the MIAS. Volvo showcased its range of electrified sedans and SUVs, including the XC60, XC90, and S90 as part of its 2022 Boost Hybrid Range. Autohub displayed the iconic Vespa scooter and Mini Countryman SUV. Autoplus amazed MIAS visitors with a trio of rarely-seen race cars. 

The MIAS Main Hall featured world-class booth displays from leading car companies, accessory distributors and enthusiast-oriented products. At the North Wing of the MIAS were exhibitors of light to heavy-duty trucks, as well as accessories and equipment for an outdoor-oriented lifestyle. The MIAS East Wing featured aftermarket and car-car vendors highlighted by modified and custom-tuned vehicles. The MIAS outdoor area acted as a launch site for test drives and a platform the Subaru-Russ Swift Stunt Show. 

The MIAS co-presentor BPI provided special deals on auto loans for interested buyers who bought or reserved cars during the show. Leading fuel and lubes brand Petron, as MIAS co-presentor, highlighted their products and services at a specially-constructed “gas station” booth. Petron also presented the MIAS Custom and Classic Car Competition, which attracted more than 40 entries from the country’s leading custom tuners and shops. A competition and show organized by the European Mobile Media Association (EMMA) was likewise well-attended, attracting more than 30 entries. 

Mutt Motorcycles, a UK brand that merges vintage-bike styling and modern-bike performance and reliability, made its public debut at MIAS. Method Wheels, known for high-performance off-roader wheels for race and street use, showed off its specially-equipped vehicles at the MIAS lobby and North Wing. Porsche Design celebrated 50 years of the firm founded by the grandson and namesake of Ferdinand Porsche, Ferdinand Alexander “Butzi” Porsche. Automobile Association Philippines supported the MIAS with its virtual driving station, and by  holding its Driver of the Year Awards at MIAS.

Everything was awesome at the Lego lobby display, including a large-scale Ferrari 512M race car that took more than 480 hours to build and weighing 280kg. Lego also showed brick replicas of iconic SUVs and motorbikes alongside their real-life counterparts.

The 2022 MIAS featured more than 200 cars and trucks, over two dozen motorcycles, and more than 100 exhibitors. The total covered area of the 2022 MIAS was about 20,000 square meters, with an additional 7000 square meters of outdoor space for displays, test drives, and the stunt show. 

“Worldbex Services International is glad to announce that we were able to surpass our performance targets for the recently concluded 2022 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) held at the World Trade Center last weekend. We welcomed some 120,000 visitors during the four-day event, despite logistical challenges and restrictions brought about by the pandemic, episodes of rainy weather, and heavy traffic around the area. Almost all the car brands reported very high numbers in terms of reservations and inquiries. We look forward to progressing back to normal and holding the 2023 MIAS sometime around April,” said Jill Ang, Managing Director, Worldbex Services International.

The Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) is organized by Worldbex Services International. For inquiries and concerns you may visit https://manilaautoshow.com/  or reach them at +63 8656 9239 and email inquire@worldbexevents.com

ITDI Develops Stabilizer from Okra

The Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI) has developed a stabilizer from a new source - okra.

Most stabilizers or natural hydrocolloids come from plant (pectin, carrageenan, cellulose gum, locust bean gum), animal (gelatin), or microbial (xanthan gum, gellan gum) sources.

Hydrocolloids are water-loving and are used as functional ingredients to increase product consistency, improve the gelling effect, and control the microstructure, texture, flavor, and shelf life of food or non-food products

Oliver C. Evangelista, team leader of the project on sourcing hydrocolloids from okra, said, "local markets have a daily oversupply of okra, including an excess volume of off-specs and material rejects."  He added that this excess volume of off-specs makes okra an ideal source of natural hydrocolloid because this new demand will not be competing with current uses for it.

Evangelista is thus encouraging food manufacturers and processors to utilize their okra or other by-products and generate additional income by creating value-added and innovative products

"Interested parties can visit ITDI to explore the development of new products from their waste materials. Our Modular Multi-Industry Innovation Center or InnoHub sa Pinas is equipped with multi-functional modular equipment that can be retrofitted to suit every manufacturing line," he explained.

Results of several studies on the viscosity or thickness of spray-dried okra fluid have resulted in two new products. These include banaba milk tea and toothpaste with calamansi seed oil. 

ITDI has partnered with Greenstar Produce Philippines Inc. to produce these new products. Established in 2007 as a group company of Watari Co., Ltd. in Kanagawa, Greenstar processes fresh okra varieties and exports these to Japan.  (AMGuevarra\\ITDI S&T Media Service)

The Triumphant Return of Mentor Me on Wheels

It has been almost a week since our first in-person Mentor Me On Wheels event, and I must say, it still gladdens me to recall the enthusiasm with which the veteran businessmen-mentors and the aspiring entrepreneurs, who came to learn from them, participated in the event.

The one-on-one mentoring format gives small business owners access to technical knowledge and practical know-how on entrepreneurship in a setting that is accessible and convenient.

The Mentor Me On Wheels event last April 9 was put together with the intent of expressing confidence. Confidence that the vaccines will protect all attendees—even us, the organizers—from severe illness, and confidence in the role of MSMEs in reviving the economy.

The biggest bonus, however, was the palpable confidence among the attendees that the Philippines can and will triumph over the challenges of the pandemic, and that MSMEs will be at the tip of the spear, fighting on and leading the way toward our economic recovery.

It was particularly humbling to hear the stories of the aspiring entrepreneurs who made the effort to attend the event.

There was Rodrigo Ibantog who runs his own patahian in Baguio. He does all the sewing himself and sells his products online via Facebook. Rodrigo told us that he spent some P1,200 in bus fare to attend the event and waited from 12 midnight at the Pasay City bus terminal that Saturday morning so he could be at Ayala Malls Manila Bay at 9 a.m. He was one of the lucky winners of our raffle and went home with P8,000.

But more than the cash prize, he received advice from David Charlton, owner of David’s Salon who mentored him not just about running the business, but also how to balance growing his business with his obligations as a solo parent.

We also had people walk in from the nearby tiangges. One of them makes bags using upcycled material from upholstery. He said he had heard of Go Negosyo’s mentoring program before. As fate would have it, he saw the event being set up as he tended to his store outside the event area. He said he didn’t think twice about signing up for mentoring. He told my staff that his mentor gave him specific pointers on how he can go about setting up his business, and that next week, after the Holy Week break, he would go straight to DTI and do the necessary paperwork. But the most important lesson he learned from his mentor is that even good products need marketing. The P8,000 he won as seed capital is a bonus, he said; the mentoring he received is priceless.

I personally mentored Josh Mojica, an impressive 17-year-old who started Kangkong Chips Original last year with only P3,000 in capital. Seeing the potential of his aunt’s kangkong chips recipe, he decided to package it, brand it, and sell it online. His business is a rousing success, but he’s not stopping.

He attended the Mentor Me On Wheels event to find out how he can get a loan to expand his business. I coached him about how to run his business now that things are getting serious, and what he should do next: the paperwork,

proper packaging, upscaling his sales. Josh understood the place of mentoring in his journey as an entrepreneur.

He knows that there are people who can and will answer his questions, and he appreciates how he can benefit from the real-world, first-hand experience of people who have gone through what he is going through right now. I am amazed that he is doing extremely well; people like Josh are those we have to help.

On the other side of the equation are our mentors. They are generous people; they chose to spend their weekend that day, volunteering their time, and in some cases—devoting resources—to come and share their knowledge with complete strangers.

Their presence sends a message to aspiring entrepreneurs: there are people who are willing to help you.

Pepot Miñana of Jollibee Foods Corp., who served as one of our mentors, remarked on how much better face-to-face mentoring can be. He told us that talking to the mentees face-to-face has a different energy.

I understand completely. It’s the subtle cues, the dynamism of the interaction, the simple joy of seeing how you’ve enriched a person’s life just by talking to him.

Some of the mentors said that the questions and level of experience of the mentees was wide-ranging. Some asked very basic questions, such as what business would be ideal right now, or very specific questions about the cost of capital. Some came prepared with business plans and presented them for review by the mentors.

Seeing the number of attendees at the event was a sign that people are more confident now to return to normal life. Face masks were still being worn, Ayala Malls provided us with a venue that was spacious and well-ventilated, and everywhere, people were conscientious about keeping interactions safe.

I think we’re ready, but I think we should be more vigilant than ever. It took a long time to get to where we are—25 months for Mentor Me On Wheels; we should not waste it. Get fully vaccinated, take your booster when it’s time, and keep wearing your face masks.

It was a triumphant return for Mentor Me On Wheels, and I look forward to having more of our mentoring events conducted in person.

British adventurer Bear Grylls named as keynote at WTTC Global Summit in the Philippines

Manila, Philippines: The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) unveils its keynote – British adventurer Bear Grylls – alongside further major speakers, Lawrence Bender and Kevin Kwan for its upcoming Global Summit in Manila.

Taking place in Manila, Philippines from 20-22 April, the global tourism body's highly anticipated 21st Global Summit is the most influential Travel & Tourism event in the calendar.

Industry leaders will gather with more than 20 government representatives in Manila, to continue aligning efforts to support the sector’s recovery and move beyond to a safer, more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future.

British adventurer, writer, television presenter and businessman Bear Grylls, will address delegates virtually and will follow with an audience Q&A.

American film producer Lawrence Bender and critically acclaimed novelist Kevin Kwan will take to the stage in Manila on the opening day of the Global Summit (21 April).

During his career, Lawrence Bender received a staggering 36 Academy Award nominations, resulting in eight wins for blockbuster movies such as Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction and Good Will Hunting.

He is a passionate social and political activist and is on the Advisory Board for the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Institute of the Environment and Sustainability. He is also a member of the Global Zero campaign.

Kevin Kwan is a Singapore-born American novelist and writer of satirical novels, who in 2018 was made Time magazine’s list of 100 most influential people.

In 2013, Kwan published Crazy Rich Asians, and in the same year, Hunger Games producer Nina Jacobson secured the film rights which was released in the U.S. in 2018.

Other speakers taking part in the Global Summit include Indonesian/Dutch activist Melati Wijsen, who will be there in person, former UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon will address the audience virtually, as well as Ministers from around the globe, and business leaders from many of the world’s largest Travel & Tourism companies.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “We are thrilled to have Bear, Lawrence and Kevin join us and add to our already impressive list of speakers at our 21^st Global Summit in Manila.

“As the world begins to recover from the pandemic, our event will bring together many of the world’s most powerful people in Travel & Tourism to discuss and secure its long-term future, which is critical to economies and employment around the world.”

Other notable speakers taking to the stage during the Global Summit will be international business leaders such as Arnold Donald, President & CEO Carnival Corporation and WTTC Chair; Greg O’Hara, Founder and Senior Managing Director Certares and Vice Chairman at WTTC; Craig Smith, Group President International Division Marriott International; Maria Anthonette Velasco-Allones, COO Tourism Promotion Board Philippines; Federico Gonzalez, CEO Radisson; and Nelson Boyce, Head of Travel for the Americas at Google Inc.

A hybrid event, WTTC’s Global Summit will also feature Kelly Craighead, President & CEO CLIA; Jane Sun, CEO Trip.com, Ariane Gorin, President Expedia for Business; and Darrell Wade, Chairman Intrepid Group; amongst others.

The WTTC Global Summit in Manila is sponsored by Resorts World Manila, Global Rescue, Okada Manila, Turkish Airlines, Cebu Pacific Air, Etihad Airways, Philippine Airlines, Tourism Promotion Board Philippines, Hilton Manila, UBE Express, Inc., Tieza, Nissan Philippines, Inc., Press Reader, SSI Group, Xpansiv.

The 21st Global Summit is taking place in Manila, Philippines from 20-22 April 2022. To register for the virtual event, please click here.

Ms Julia Simpson’s Opening Speech at WTTC Global Summit 2022

Ma-bu-hi.

It’s incredible to think of what we have been through since we gathered for WTTC’s last Summit. But we are here in Manila to Rediscover Travel… together.

Dear Members, Excellencies, WTTC Friends. I am honoured to address you at our 21st Global Summit and my first as President & CEO.

In times of crisis we have seen the true grit and resilience of the Travel & Tourism sector. During the COVID pandemic our airlines transported vaccines and PPE; our airports became vaccination centres; and our cruise liners used their connections to help repatriate people. Hotels opened their doors to the homeless and today are giving shelter to 1000s of refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine. 

The pandemic rewrote the rule book on how we live and how we travel. It showed how totally inter-reliant we are. Businesses and governments need each other to make travel happen. And our whole sector relies on the communities who host us.

For over 30 years WTTC’s mission has been to highlight our sector’s economic and social value. But, it took a pandemic for leaders to really understand our worth.For almost a decade our sector’s growth outstripped that of the global economy. COVID changed all that.

Now, recovery is in our sights. It is not uniform, it is faltering, but it IS recovery. Here in Asia-Pacific the reopening is just beginning. I congratulate the Philippines, a nation that has shown determination and courage to reignite travel. But the great powerhouse that is China, is still closed.

So, I call on governments to look at the science and reopen their borders - open their economies and get travel and tourism and the millions of people who earn their livelihood from it - back to work.

Today, WTTC is announcing its latest Economic Impact Research which measures the value of Travel & Tourism to the global economy. This shows that over the next 10 years to 2032 Travel & Tourism is poised to have an average annual growth rate of 5.8%.

Our sector’s growth will again outstrip the global GDP. And with it comes employment - 126 million new jobs will be created over the decade. That is the prize. In 2019 our sector contributed $9.6 trillion dollars to the global economy. That’s over 10% of global GDP.

And everyone here knows, as Arnold said, how we were hit. A massive 50% loss in value in 2020 along with 62 million jobs. 2021 was a stuttering recovery, regaining 22% globally and getting back to A $5.8 trillion global business.

This year, we are regaining ground. Our data shows that by the end of 2022 we will have recovered to $8.35 trillion. We are getting there and our customers are Rediscovering Travel.

They say Necessity is the Mother of Invention. During the crisis we have seen e-commerce cement its position as the DNA of businesses. In travel, digital technology has leapfrogged some of the old analogue and manual systems.

But the problem's been, digital solutions to COVID have been uncoordinated as nations made up their own rules to tackle the pandemic. And despite global leaders like the Saudis calling for harmonisation, we have a patchwork of systems that hit customer confidence with costly tests and changing rules.

If we are to survive another pandemic we need to fully integrate a traveller’s health status into their digital travel documents. A good example is the EU green travel pass that has now been adopted by 62 countries. Let us find a single system for the world.

It's not just a human virus that threatens us. As we accelerate our digital transformation the threat from cybercrime has accelerated too. It's estimated that Cybercrime will grow by 15% a year to cost the world US$10.5 trillion annually by 2025. Our new report on cyber resilience is a must read and a great tool that we have created with the support of Microsoft.

These strange times have given us cause to pause and reevaluate. There will be opportunities for those with capital who can act agilely. But the future has to be sustainable. Which is why I want to thank JLL who have created a template for sustainable tourism in cities. 

We are facing a triple planetary crisis of climate, nature and pollution. Our carbon challenges are all different -whether you are a hotel, a cruise line or an airline.So, for the first time ever, our sector has a single, clear roadmap to deliver net zero by 2050. And today we want to show our support for small and medium-sized hotels. We want to help them achieve the first step on the sustainability ladder.

With the help of Radisson, for the first time ever, we are launching a globally recognised set of sustainability indicators. Developed by the industry for the industry. Our HOTEL SUSTAINABILITY BASICS brings the best science down to the grassroots. 

Just think the tiniest phytoplankton is smaller than a human red blood cell. But together, phytoplankton produce more than half of the oxygen we breathe on Earth and most of the carbon ocean animals need to survive. Like the phytoplankton, if we all work together, we can support all life on this planet.

As we Rediscover Travel through this Summit, we will take you on a journey. We will hear from global leaders in Travel & Tourism; film producer Lawrence Bender of Pulp Fiction fame, Crazy Rich Asians author, Kevin Kwan; and we have the great honour to hear from former United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon.

We will also hear from the inspiring environmental activist Melati Wijsen who, at age 12, set out to change the world one plastic bottle at a time.

Thank you to President Duterte for hosting us.

And thank you ALL for being here to help us shape the narrative as we rediscover travel and re-open the world.

Thank you!

WTTC Global Summit closes in Manila and Announces Saudi Arabia As Next Gost Destination in November this Year

Manila, Philippines: At the closing session of its Global Summit in Manila today, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) announced that its 22^nd event will take place in Riyadh, capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, from 29^th November to 2^nd December this year.

In Manila, more than a thousand delegates, including the world’s foremost business leaders, government ministers and key decision-makers from across the global Travel & Tourism sector gathered together, to discuss how to build upon the continuing recovery.

In her farewell address Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “It has been a privilege to bring together so many leaders from across the global Travel & Tourism sector to the beautiful city of Manila.

“This Summit is living proof that nothing beats getting together, sharing ideas, debating the challenges, and finding consensus.

“We still have a lot of work to do to bring down post-pandemic barriers, open economies and harmonise health data for seamless travel. But the future looks bright, and the next decade is there for the taking.

“We look forward to our 22^nd Global Summit later this year in Riyadh, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to mark the next chapter in the sector’s ongoing recovery.”

Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO and Board Member of the Saudi Tourism Authority, said "We are excited to welcome the world to experience the excitement and the energy of Saudi. We promise you that the next summit will be fresh, inspiring, and rewarding."

Under the theme of ‘Rediscovering Travel’, tourism ministers and Travel & Tourism leaders from around the world reinforced their determination towards greater cooperation and alignment between the public and private sectors.

At WTTC’s Global Leaders Dialogue session they explored how the sector will continue to adapt to COVID-19 and emerge resiliently from the pandemic.

WTTC’s latest Economic Impact Report also revealed the Travel & Tourism sector was expected to create nearly 126 million new jobs within the next decade and Travel & Tourism’s contribution to GDP could reach pre-pandemic levels by 2023.

WTTC’s major ‘Hotel Sustainability Basics’ sustainability initiative was launched at its Global Summit, providing a starting point to drive sustainability throughout the hospitality sector to power the momentum toward responsible Travel & Tourism.

The global body also launched its new cyber resilience report, ‘Codes to resilience’, with Microsoft, for the global Travel & Tourism sector, which outlined pillars to strengthen cyber security for businesses around the world.

British adventurer Bear Grylls was the conference keynote, alongside other major speakers, including American film producer Lawrence Bender, Singapore-born American novelist and writer of satirical novels Kevin Kwan and Indonesian/Dutch environmental activist Melati Wijsen.

WTTC Launches New Cyber Resilience Report for the Global Travel & Tourism Sector

Report outlines pillars to strengthen cyber security for businesses around the world

London, UK: The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) launched a major new report at its Global Summit in Manila today, to help the sector’s stakeholders understand how cyber resilience is shaping the Travel & Tourism sector and plan for a safer and more robust future.

The report, ‘Codes to resilience’, in joint efforts with Microsoft, draws on comprehensive research and in-depth interviews with cyber security experts in leading Travel & Tourism organisations such as Mastercard, JTB, and Carnival Corporation, among others.

The report shows that whilst the COVID-19 pandemic has propelled the world and the sector into a more digital future, with the opportunities provided by digitalisation, new challenges have emerged, especially in cybercrime.

The inaugural report focuses on three key areas considered critical for the sector: cyber resilience, key issues and six best practices based on the lessons learnt prior to and during the pandemic.

The report goes on to show how digitalisation has become a strong enabler of business within Travel & Tourism, and given the international nature of the sector, it looks at the role of legislation around individual data protection.

According to the report, more than seven out of 10 (72%)SMEs in the UK, the U.S., and Europe, have fallen victim to at least one cyberattack, and with SMEs representing 80% of all Travel & Tourism businesses, mitigating cyber risk must remain a priority for the sector.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “Technology and digitalisation play a key role in making the whole travel experience more seamless, from booking a holiday, to checking in for a flight or embarking on a cruise.

“But the impact of cyberattacks carries enormous financial, reputational and regulatory risk.”

This critical report reveals four key issues to address in order to improve cyber protection and enhance resilience: securing identity data, securing business operations, understanding the impact of COVID-19 and managing global legislation.

According to the report, certain actions can help businesses better prepare to repel an attack, while laying the foundation to support long-term cyber resilience. Educating and training all staff, expanding risk security beyond the physical workplace, employing a zero-trust approach to cyber security, and transparency, among others, have been recommended by industry experts as good practices.

Cyber resilience is a crucial element to the future of Travel & Tourism, as cyber systems continue to facilitate and enhance activities between the sector’s stakeholders.

During a panel session at the tourism body’s Global Summit event being held in Manila today, industry leaders heard that cybercrime has cost the global economy U.S.$1 trillion and could reach a staggering U.S. $90 trillion by 2030.

According to the WTTC Economic Impact Report, in 2019, before the pandemic stopped travel in its tracks, the Travel & Tourism sector generated more than U.S. $9.6 trillion to the global economy.

However, in 2020, the pandemic brought the sector to an almost complete standstill, causing a massive 50% drop, representing a severe loss of nearly U.S. $4.5 trillion.

Digitisation has played and will continue to play a pivotal role in Travel & Tourism’s growth and recovery from COVID-19. It is therefore essential for the sector to integrate cyber security and cyber resilience to continue its recovery from the pandemic while supporting its growth in the future.

To read the report in full, please click here

The World Travel & Tourism Council Reveals Massive Increase in Global International Inbound Travel

Flight bookings suggest a hot summer ahead for key destinations across Asia-Pacific, Europe and the America

Manila, Philippines: The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and its knowledge partner ForwardKeys, forecast a major increase in global international flights bookings as international travel takes off.

The booking bounce back was revealed at WTTC’s prestigious 21^st Global Summit, taking place this year in Manila, as the world continues to reopen from the pandemic.

News of the strong recovery highlights a promising prospect ahead for summer holiday travel, with sun and sea destinations, such as the Caribbean and Latin America, leading the international inbound bookings.

According to ForwardKeys, leading travel and analytics company, the country’s leading the ranking of top 20 best performing destinations for the summer are Costa Rica, Aruba, Dominican Republic, and Jamaica, all of which rely heavily upon international travel.

These destinations lead the pack with bookings already surpassing pre-pandemic levels.

Last year, the industry’s gradual recovery was significantly slowed by the surge in Omicron cases. However, the future is looking brighter for 2022 with positive booking data worldwide.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO said: “WTTC 2022 booking data from ForwardKeys is a firm signal of the strong recovery of the global Travel & Tourism sector.

“Travel to the Asia-Pacific region shows impressive signs of improvement as destinations gradually reopen their borders to visitors, in line with customer demand.”

Olivier Ponti, ForwardKeys Vice President Insights, said: “It is very encouraging that Asia has finally begun re-opening, which is driving the return of both travel to Asia and within the region, both of which are clearly going to be instrumental in driving the global economic recovery.”

According to the data, Q1 and Q2 figures for this year are showing triple-digit growth for inbound flight bookings around the world, compared to last year, including the Americas, Europe, and Asia.

Travellers are eager to spend more on travel following the loosening of restrictions, with heightened demand for premium cabin classes in 2022. Other trends seen include stronger last-minute bookings.

Further evidence of the resurgence in travel is shown in arrivals in Europe, with a massive 350% surge in international arrivals for Q1 in 2022 compared to last year.

Asia-Pacific countries also saw an increase in arrivals for Q1 of this year compared to 2021, with bookings for the region up 275%.

In Q2 we see further acceleration of the continuing recovery with a significant rise in international bookings, which have soared by 264% on the year before.

This acceleration is particularly notable in Asia where travel restrictions are being removed. Host to the WTTC Global Summit, the Philippines is the fastest growing single destination in South East Asia, 29% up in Q2 this year compared to Q1.

The summer travel outlook is led by the resurgence of travel to the Caribbean and Latin America, which includes seven out of the top 10 travel destinations.

India and Pakistan are also highly popular, thanks to travel mainly for visits to family and friends.

Meanwhile in Europe, destinations such as Iceland, Greece, Portugal, Spain and France are showing a strong resurgence with travel bookings just slightly behind pre-pandemic levels.

Africa and the Middle East also feature in the top 20 list with Tanzania, Qatar and Egypt also reaching close to pre-pandemic levels of travel.

The continued recovery of the Travel & Tourism sector in the Asia-Pacific region looks set to accelerate as destinations gradually reopen throughout 2022

Travel & Tourism sector expected to create nearly 126 million new jobs within the next decade

Travel & Tourism sector expected to create nearly 126 million new jobs within the next decade

One in three of all new jobs set to be created within Travel & Tourism

Travel & Tourism GDP could reach 2019 levels by 2023

 

MANILA, Philippines: The World Travel & Tourism Council’s latest Economic Impact Report (EIR) reveals the Travel & Tourism sector is expected to create nearly 126 million new jobs within the next decade.

The bullish forecast from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), which represents the global Travel & Tourism private sector, also shows the sector will be a driving force of the global economic recovery, creating one in three of all new jobs.

The announcement was made today by Julia Simpson, President & CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council, in her opening speech at its prestigious Global Summit in the Philippines.

The prediction was delivered in the capital, Manila, before more than 1,000 delegates from across the global Travel & Tourism sector, including CEOs, business leaders, government ministers, travel experts and the international media.

The EIR report shows Travel & Tourism’s GDP is forecasted to grow at an average rate of 5.8% annually between 2022-2032, outstripping the 2.7% growth rate for global economy, to reach US$ 14.6 trillion (11.3% of the total global economy).

And in additional grounds for optimism, the report also shows global Travel & Tourism GDP could reach pre-pandemic levels by 2023 - just 0.1% below 2019 levels. The sector’s contribution to GDP is expected to grow a massive 43.7% to almost US$ 8.4 trillion by the end of 2022, amounting to 8.5% of the total global economic GDP - just 13.3% behind 2019 levels.

This will be matched by a boost in Travel & Tourism employment, which is expected to approach 2019 levels in 2023, only 2.7% below.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “Over the next decade Travel & Tourism will create 126 million new jobs worldwide. In fact, one in three of every new job created will be related to our sector.

“Looking to this year and the next, WTTC forecast a brighter future with both GDP and employment set to reach pre-pandemic levels by next year.

“The recovery in 2021 was slower than expected due in part to the impact of the Omicron variant but mainly due to an uncoordinated approach by governments who rejected the advice of the World Health Organization, which maintained that closing borders would not stop the spread of the virus but would only serve to damage economies and livelihoods.”

Looking back a year, WTTC’s latest EIR report also revealed that 2021 saw the beginning of the recovery for the global Travel & Tourism sector.

Its contribution to GDP climbed an impressive 21.7% year on year, to reach more than US$5.8 trillion.

Before the pandemic, the Travel & Tourism sector’s contribution to GDP was 10.3% (U.S. $9.6 trillion) in 2019, falling to 5.3% (nearly U.S. $4.8 trillion) in 2020 when the pandemic was at its height, which represented a staggering 50% loss.

The sector saw a recovery of more than 18 million global Travel & Tourism jobs, representing a positive 6.7% rise in 2021.

The sector’s contribution to the global economy and employment would have been higher if it weren’t for the impact of the Omicron variant, which led to the recovery faltering around the world, with many countries reinstating severe travel restrictions.

The WTTC 2022 EIR report also shows Travel & Tourism GDP is forecast to leap ahead by an average annual rate of 5.8% over the next decade.

This compares to the more modest 2.7% average annual growth rate for the global economy during the same period.

Global Travel & Tourism employment is expected to grow in 2022 by 3.5%, making up 9.1% of the global job market, lagging behind 2019 levels by 10%.

A look at Asia Pacific

WTTC’s 2022 EIR report makes clear that Travel & Tourism sector across Asia Pacific is set to rebound significantly and over the next decade is estimated to create almost 77 million new jobs.

At the same time the sector’s contribution towards GDP is forecast to grow at an average annual rate of 8.5% between 2022 and 2032, more than double the 4% growth rate for the region’s overall economy.

Last year the Travel & Tourism sector’s contribution to GDP rose 16% to US$ 1.58 trillion after a collapsing by 58.8% in 2020 due to the impact of the pandemic.

Meanwhile, job creation in 2021 was boosted by 6.2%, accounting for 8.6% of all the region’s jobs, after falling by nearly a fifth (18.9%), the previous year.

The 2022 EIR report marks a vast change in fortune for the once struggling global Travel & Tourism sector which was left reeling by the impact of the pandemic, due to the widespread introduction of unnecessary and hugely damaging travel restrictions.     

 

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WTTC Launches Major Hotel Sustainability Initiative at its Global Summit in Manila

‘Hotel Sustainability Basics’ provides a starting point to drive sustainability in hospitality

Criteria include 12 actions which are fundamental to hotel sustainability

London, UK: The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has launched its ‘Hotel Sustainability Basics’, a globally recognised and coordinated set of criteria that all hotels should implement as a minimum to drive responsible Travel & Tourism.

The initiative was launched today at its prestigious Global Summit being held in Manila this week and will help every hotel address and improve their environmental impact.

Developed by the industry for the industry, it highlights 12 actions which are fundamental to hotel sustainability and will help raise the base level of sustainability across the entire hospitality industry by providing every hotel a starting point on their sustainability journey.

The initiative has already gained support from major global groups such as Jin Jiang International (Holdings) Co., Ltd. including their affiliates Jin Jiang Hotels, Louvre Hotels Group and Radisson Hotel Group, Accor, Barceló Hotel Group, Meliá Hotels International, Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), as well as key hotel associations around the world like the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), the Hotel Association of India (HAI), Huazhu Hotels Group, and many more. Collectively this represents more than 50,000 hotels around the world.

WTTC’s ‘Hotel Sustainability Basics’ provides the global hospitality sector with a baseline of positive actions to be taken to ensure they meet at least the minimum sustainability requirements.

However, this is just the beginning of their journey, and WTTC urges the sector to seek constant improvements beyond the 12 basic criteria so that every hotel, whether an individual business or part of a larger group, moves on to more advanced frameworks and greater sustainability.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “We are launching the Hotel Sustainability Basics to ensure no hotel, however small, is left behind in the drive to introduce a basis sustainability measures within a minimum level the next three years.

“Sustainability is non-negotiable but not every small hotel has access to the science on how to make a difference. This gives everyone access to a global standard and provides consumers to travel with conference.

“WTTC wants the hospitality industry to lead by example so that sustainability becomes the basic requirement used to drive change forward for this generation and the next.”

The criteria, developed by WTTC in close collaboration with leading global brands and industry associations, focus on actions which are fundamental to hotel sustainability and address tourism’s impact on the planet across a spectrum of critical issues.

These criteria include actions to measure and reduce energy use, measure and reduce water use, identify and reduce waste, and measure and reduce carbon emissions.

It also includes a linen reuse program, use of green cleaning products, the elimination of plastic straws, stirrers, and single-use plastic water bottles, the implementation of bulk amenity dispensers, as well as measures to benefit local communities.

WTTC is now calling upon hotel operators, owners, associations, and investors around the world to officially support the initiative and work across their networks to implement the criteria over the coming three years.

Wolfgang M. Neumann, Sustainable Hospitality Alliance Chair, said: “Every industry must do its part to ensure the future of our planet and its people.

While many companies are taking great strides and leading the way, others are only now taking their first steps.

“By offering an understanding of the simplest steps hotels can take to become more sustainable, the Hotel Sustainability Basics will help to raise the base level of sustainability across the entire hospitality industry.

“This initiative acts as a steppingstone to the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance’s Pathway to Net Positive Hospitality which will enable every hotel to take a strategic and progressive approach to achieving a positive environmental impact, whatever their starting point.”

Randy Durband, CEO of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, said: “These Hotel Sustainability Basics are an excellent way for hotels to take the first step on their journey to sustainability. 

“The GSTC Industry Criteria for Hotels serve as the global standard for sustainable hospitality and the Basics map to eight of those that have been frequently mentioned by our global partners as essential first steps.  As such, GSTC supports the application of this program and we encourage users that do not comply to them currently take steps to move quickly to do so.”

On stage at its Global Summit in Manila, Julia Simpson told delegates that hotel groups, brands, and operators, in addition to owners which represent a number of hotels, can become WTTC recognised supporters by endorsing the initiative and completing the Green Lodging Trends Survey (GLTS) to benchmark their performance and keep track of progress.

Initially eight of the 12 criteria are mandatory, whilst others can be committed to and covered within the first three years.

This provides a clear starting point for all stakeholders and will ensure the minimum level of sustainability is achieved across the global hotel industry.

To read more about the Hotel Sustainability Basics initiative, please click here