Jean-Marc Eustache, President and Chief Executive Officer of Transat A.T. Inc., highlighted the fact that tourism will continue to play a major role in tomorrow’s economy, and will comply more and more with the principles of sustainability, in a speech centered on the competitiveness of destinations delivered today in Quebec City, during an international Symposium on the development of sustainable tourism organized by the ministère du Tourisme du Québec.
“Like all industries, tourism has its raw materials. But these are not found by digging earth or harvesting forests. The input of tourism is people, as no other industries centers so much on human interaction. It’s landscape, as people want to discover natural sites or typical villages and towns, as well as clean water, air and environment, which are all essential to the flourishing of the travel industry. And lastly, there is also the past, as we all have distinct roots and heritage,” Mr. Eustache said.
Mr. Eustache also made an analogy with the food industry and its “chain of cold”, highlighting the potential of a “chain of responsibility” in the tourism industry. “We need to act responsibly, and encourage our suppliers and partners to do the same. We also need to do our part making travellers more aware, and co-operate with destinations. That’s how I see the role of tour operators. We are in a global, highly integrated system, and local issues belong to all,” he also explained.
Mr. Eustache also insisted on the economic importance of tourism, which represents more than 200 million jobs worldwide. He also mentioned that the tourism and travel industry has a track record of resisting recessions and downturns. “Tourism can contribute to a better future, provided we unleash its potential,” he concluded.
To learn more about Transat’s efforts on sustainability, or to access the speech, visit www.transat.com.
With revenues of $3.5 billion in 2008, Transat A.T. Inc. is an integrated international tour operator with more than 60 destination countries and that distributes products in over 50 countries. A holiday travel specialist, Transat operates mainly in Canada and Europe, as well as in the Caribbean, Mexico and the Mediterranean Basin. Montreal-based Transat is also active in air transportation, accommodation, destination services and distribution. (TSX: TRZ.B, TRZ.A)