WTTC's President was an invited guest at the APEC Tourism Ministers' Meeting in Manzanillo, Mexico in July 2002. Discussions were dominated by the impact of September 11 on the Travel & Tourism Sector. APEC Ministers were presented with a specially prepared WTTC analysis of this impact in the APEC region, together with individual written reports showing the industry's contribution to each of their economies and forecasts to 2012.

Concern was expressed to ministers regarding the need to ensure safety and security to restore traveller confidence, and the continuing need for investment in tourism infrastructure. These concerns were reiterated in individual meetings with ministers from Mexico, Indonesia, Thailand and Chinese Taipei, and with chief executives and vice ministers from China National Tourism Administration and other APEC economies.

The meeting was the first occasion at which a private sector representative had been invited to join APEC tourism ministers at their half day 'Ministerial Retreat' session. In accordance with normal APEC practice, attendance is usually restricted to each minister plus one adviser. The invitation to the WTTC President reflected the special status that WTTC has established in recent years as a participant in the APEC Tourism Working Group meetings. These consultations are developing a framework of government policies and research projects for Travel & Tourism in the region.

Following the meeting, ministers released a declaration acknowledging WTTC's contribution on behalf of the private sector. The Ministerial Action Plan endorsed a project proposed by WTTC for a study of impediments (or barriers) to the development of Travel & Tourism in the APEC region. The study will address a range of issues, including government policies and regulatioins that constrain investment and development in the region.

The 21 members of APEC include the USA, Canada, Japan and China together with Pacific rim countries from Central and Latin America, East and South East Asia and Oceania. Collectively these economies account for 56% of Travel & Tourism's global GDP and employment, with growth forecast to average eight to ten per cent per annum across the region over the coming decade.