Barbados and other countries heavily dependent on tourism for their livelihoods need to do more to increase earnings and jobs from the sector.

That advice has come from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), which pointed out that travel and tourisms contribution to the world economy has grown for the fourth consecutive year and is expected to show even stronger growth in 2014.

The WTTC, which said the information was contained in its 2014 annual economic data report, added that policies need to be implemented to increase tourism receipts and jobs.

David Scowsill, who is president and chief executive officer of the organisation, which called itself the global authority on the social and economic impact of travel and tourism said it has been another really good year for the sector but many governments lack of openness is restraining their countrys travel and tourism potential.

The data underlines travel and tourisms undeniable status as a driver of growth. Some countries have taken huge positive strides with visa facilitation over the past few years. But many countries economic contribution from travel and tourism is still being held back, particularly due to restrictive visa policies, he said.

He pointed to 2012 research from WTTC and the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) that demonstrates that improving visa processes could generate an additional US$206 billion in tourism receipts and create as many as 5.1 million jobs by 2015 in the G20 economies.

Scowsill said there was real momentum in some countries with visa facilitation but there is still a lot to do.

To capitalise on, rather than thwart, travel and tourisms potential to boost visitors, spend and jobs, we would encourage countries to implement progressive approaches to visas, which make it easier for people to travel.

Governments also need to ensure that they have intelligent rather than punitive taxation measures in place. Last but not least, it is also essential that the public and private sectors facilitate growth in a responsible and sustainable way, with people and the planet at the forefront of policies, he noted.

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Need to boost earnings