City of Madrid and World Tourism Organization ‘Seal the Deal!’ in historic Plaza Mayor

In a special event held at Madrid’s historic Plaza Mayor on October 30 2009, representatives from the City of Madrid and World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) ‘sealed the deal!’, urging the public to show their support for a fair and comprehensive agreement at COP15.

Delegate for Economy and Employment of Madrid, Mr. Miguel Ángel Villanueva, said ‘Climate change affects all aspects of the tourism sector. Today we are promoting public awareness of the dangers of climate change, while demonstrating Madrid’s commitment to a more sustainable model of tourism growth that reflects social, economic and environmental interests.’

The Madrid event was part of a series of ‘Seal the Deal!’ activities that the UNWTO has co-organised in recent months. ‘Tourism is one of the world’s leading job, trade and development providers, producing some 5-8% of GDP directly and indirectly as well as one in every 12 -15 jobs,’ said UNWTO Director of Administration Mr. Jose Blanch. ‘The Seal the Deal campaign is an important opportunity for the tourism community to push for an agreement that will promote sustainable tourism; advance the development of a low-carbon global economy; and address the Millennium Development Goals by stimulating local economic growth in poorer countries.’