17/05/2002

Summary
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport has been awarded the World Travel & Tourism Council's (WTTC's) 'Breaking Barriers' award for its successful efforts in developing infrastructure to improve Travel & Tourism in the Netherlands, while ensuring improved quality in the surrounding environment.

The Breaking Barriers award has been developed by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) as part of its Infrastructure Task Force initiative to investigate infrastructure challenges and opportunities for the Travel & Tourism industry worldwide.
The task force was set up in May 2001 to heighten awareness of deepening infrastructure challenges that act as a major barrier to the sustainable growth of Travel & Tourism in both developed and emerging economies.

Jean-Claude Baumgarten, President of WTTC, presented the award to Mr Joop Krul, Director of Airport Development of Amsterdam Schiphol Aiport, during WTTC's 2002 annual general meeting in Paris, France.

"It is a pleasure for us to present the first Breaking Barriers award to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport," said Mr Baumgarten. "It is a sign of the positive steps being taken to ensure industry growth is not only recognized, but matched to future consumer demand, and managed using best sustainable practice."

Using a case study approach, the members of the WTTC Infrastructure Task Force, made up of leading industry executives, agreed that Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is a successful example of public and private sector co-operation towards the short-, medium- and long-term development of the airport as a generator of wealth and employment for the Netherlands economy.

One of the key components leading to the success of Amsterdam Schiphol Airport has been its relationship with its key partners, which include the Netherlands Government, air traffic control and airlines, in particular KLM.

According to the task force, Amsterdam Schiphol Airport demonstrates the successful role of co-operation between key stakeholders in tackling political, social, economic and environmental constraints in relation to the expansion of industry-related infrastructure.

At a time when many European hub airports are experiencing increased delays and capacity constraints, Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, together with its key public and private sector partners, continues to achieve sustainable growth.

Adequate infrastructure development and access to markets are two of the most important prerequisites for the sustainable development of Travel & Tourism, and for the socio-economic prosperity of any country, according to WTTC. The Council estimates that Travel & Tourism is one of the world's largest and fastest-growing industries, which will this year generate 10 per cent of worldwide gross domestic product (GDP) and more than 198 million jobs. By 2012, the Council expects this contribution to grow to 10.6 per cent of GDP and 249.5 million jobs worldwide.

WTTC says it is disappointing that infrastructure development has not kept up with the growth of Travel & Tourism demand.

The Breaking Barriers award campaign aims to identify and highlight those organizations that have been the most successful in long-term planning, and matching expansion to meet the projected growth of Travel & Tourism demand. A full report on the case study has been published by WTTC and can be freely downloaded from its website: www.wttc.org

WTTC is the forum for global business leaders in Travel & Tourism comprising the presidents, chairs and CEOs of 100 of the world's foremost companies. It is the only body representing the private sector in all parts of the Travel & Tourism industry worldwide.