New Delhi, Apr 11 (KNN) United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has sought India’s co-operation to position travel and tourism higher on the global agenda as part of their campaign to promote it.

“The total contribution of travel and tourism to employment including jobs indirectly supported by the sector is estimated at 7 per cent to 8 per cent. This makes travel and tourism a vital contributor to the global development agenda, affording it a unique role in building strong, sustainable and balanced global growth,” said the open letter handed over to Vice President Hamid Ansari by UNWTO Secretary General Taleb Rifai.

Travel and tourism currently accounts directly and indirectly for about 3 per cent to 5 per cent of global GDP, as well as 30 per cent of the world’s export of services.

The UNWTO and World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) have jointly initiated a ‘Global Leaders for Tourism Campaign’ specifically for the purpose. The basic objective of the campaign is to send a message to the world to accord high priority to the development of the tourism sector for promoting employment opportunities and to ensure economic development.

The campaign was launched in 2011 and till date 47 countries have joined this campaign. The open letter along with the testimonials of the head of states and governments who have joined the Campaign will be compiled in the Golden Book of Tourism Campaign. (KNN)