Clinton hails UAE's progress at World Tourism Summit

Former US President Bill Clinton has praised the United Arab Emirates for its long-term plans to diversify the economy into tourism, education and renewable energy.

Speaking at 13th annual World Travel and Tourism Council Global Summit in Abu Dhabi this week, former President Clinton stated "the UAE has done a good job with something a lot of people can't handle.

"Poverty is a bigger problem than wealth, but in history just as many have squandered their wealth than have failed to create opportunities from their poverty. They squander it and do stupid things.

"The thing that has impressed me here is the unusually high number of well educated, serious people who think all the time about where they want to be in five years, in 10 years; how to make the most of their good fortune by diversifying their wealth; what the challenges are; and expanding their outreach and not being contained but by opening to the rest of the world."

Speaking to almost 1,000 delegates at the Summit, President Clinton added "if we have more travel and tourism it will enevitably create opportunities for you in the industry to create jobs for others and reduce global inequality."

Predicting that tourism was well placed to devise economically attractive ways to save the environment, President Clinton added "I predict that over the next 20 years the travel and tourism industry will lead a re-examination of our energy industry policies. The fact that you have such a great stake in a global stable environment gives you enormous credibility."

Lianne Gutcher, The National

Click here to view the full article.

9th April 2013 - WORLD TRAVEL & TOURISM COUNCIL TO CALL FOR IMPROVED ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY IN TOURISM 

7th October 2012 - BILL CLINTON OPENS TECHNOGYM GLOBAL WELLNESS VILLAGE

8th February 2012 - TECHNOGYM CLAIMS GLOBAL WELLNESS LEADERSHIP AT DAVOS WORLD ECONOMIC SUMMIT

Asking a small favour

We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

The news we publish at www.ausleisure.com.au is independent, credible (we hope) and free for you to access, with no pay walls and no annoying pop-up ads.

However, as an independent publisher, can we ask for you to support us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine - if you don't already do so.

Published bi-monthly since 1997, the printed Australasian Leisure Management differs from this website in that it publishes longer, in-depth and analytical features covering aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues management.

Subscriptions cost just $90 a year.

Click here to subscribe.