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Welcome address

Dr. Christian REY - President of Genève Tourisme, President of Société Suisse des Hoteliers, Member of the Scientific Committee for the Tourism Summits, Switzerland

 

On behalf of Genève Tourism, I am pleased and honoured to declare open the 3 rd meetings of the Tourism Summits in Chamonix Mont-Blanc / Geneva.

Together with the Geneva government and the city, who very quickly asked for tangible signs of cooperation across the border, with France especially, we – along with Genève Tourism – did not hesitate to get involved and consider together new possible solutions for the future of tourism. The latter is a key component of the economy since in Geneva alone, it represents 20,000 jobs, and pours each year 1.8 billion French francs (that’s roughly 260,000 million USD) into the local economy while in Chamonix, tourism is the first industry. Let's also emphasize that it is the 3 rd industry in Switzerland and accounts for 220,000 jobs.

Throughout the different Tourism Summits, we found out that we had an increasing number of similar goals with the city and the ski resort, thanks to Mr. Michel Charlet, Mayor of Chamonix and Chairman of the Tourism Summits, supported by Pr. Keller, Ph. D, recognized for his thoughts on Helvetica and world tourism.

This year, we will focus on the social aspects of tourism, or in other words, what are the different expectations that tourism players may have under given circumstances. The topic is exciting but difficult to approach since we will have to deal with the three following items :

• Business and movement growth in visited locations with a spirit of sustainability.
• Satisfaction of visitors.
• Human and personal achievement of service providers (employers and employees).

During our discussions, we will attempt to find answers to the maximization of these 3 components, while keeping a pragmatic approach so that theses can be implemented in the future.

I'm very happy to be able to rely on the cooperation of all international participants, from countries as close as France and Chamonix especially, as well as countries as far as Canada for instance.

Together, we share our experiences and our thoughts. It is true that what makes tourism what it is today, is its interaction with, as working structures, the small and medium-size company.

You should pay attention to this company, Ladies and Gentlemen, because it needs to be guided, boosted and advised through private and public means..Only if it is economically safe and if it meets expectations – from clients and employees – will the company last. Will it be necessary to link it to a worldwide tourism code of ethics or will the market be enough to regulate it ?

Among other issues, this is what we will focus on together with all speakers and experts. And it is time for me to thank them for their presence, and to show them our friendly esteem, and renew our interest in cooperating with them over the next three days.

Finally, Ladies and Gentlemen, as we need passion and happiness to accomplish things,

Let's pray we all feel a sense of accomplishment during this event.

Eventually, what some of us call "Blue Planet" and other "green or white planet", continues to be a vital challenge for tourism, and we hope its continues to provide many benefits to us as our thoughts today should help tomorrow's performance, even in a far future!

Thank you for your attention.