
The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), has called for improved investment and coordination in data collection in the tourism sector.
The United Nations agency for tourism, made the call, Wednesday, in Madrid, its headquarters, on the occasion of the World Statistics Day, which is observed, annually October 21.
This year’s theme of ‘Better Data. Better Lives,’ is celebrated to raise awareness of how official statistics help decision makers develop informed policies that impact millions of people. Improved data sources, sound statistical methods, new technologies and strengthened statistical systems enable better decisions and better lives for all.
“Robust tourism statistics are vital to guide sustainable development, monitor progress, evaluate impact, promote results-focused management, and highlight strategic issues for policy objectives. UNWTO calls upon national governments to work towards building internationally comparable and reliable tourism statistics, including Tourism Satellite Accounts (TSA), in line with the UN approved guiding namely the International Recommendations, the International Recommendations for Tourism Statistics 2008 and the Tourism Satellite Account: Recommended Methodological Framework 2008” said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai.