If you’re coming to Davos this year, try to take the train instead of flying, organizers of the World Economic Forum said. So I did. That meant a 12-hour journey from London to the exclusive gathering in the Swiss Alps, which I’m helping cover for The Associated Press. Taking a train is much less convenient than a plane, but the scenery made up for it — the rolling farm fields of England and France gave way to Switzerland’s towering mountains and idyllic valleys dotted with chalets. And my carbon footprint will be a lot lower than a flight. To many, Davos conjures up images of government leaders, billionaire elites and corporate titans jetting in on carbon-spewing private planes even as the meeting increasingly focuses on climate change. Organizers have been stung by such c...
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Movers and shakers arriving for the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) this month can pack sandals instead of ski boots for a rare springtime version of the event in Davos, the Swiss ski resort that is Europe’s highest city. In December, organisers postponed the meeting of government, business and other leaders just before its traditional January slot, citing the difficulties of holding an in-person conference during the coronavirus pandemic. FILE PHOTO: The foyer is seen at the congress center in Davos, Switzerland. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann Simply putting on the event after a two-year hiatus is welcome news to locals, who, a 2017 study showed, benefit from a $60 million windfall every time it takes place. “All the people here are very glad that the World Economic F...
Read MoreWorld Bank sees sharp world growth slowdownOmicron to deter recovery prospects in 2022Tourism dependent economies to face major headwinds Only one in 10 World Economic Forum members surveyed expects the global recovery to accelerate over the next three years, a poll of nearly 1,000 business, government and academic leaders found, with only one in six optimistic about the world outlook. On Tuesday, The World Bank also cut its forecasts for economic growth in the United States, the Euro area and China and warned that high debt levels, rising income inequality and new coronavirus variants threatened the recovery in developing economies. FILE PHOTO: A helicopter flies over the ski resort during the 50th World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, January 23, 2020...
Read MoreStudent protesters who urged world leaders at the 2020 World Economic Forum in Davos to “Stop (f)lying to us” must be pleased this year, at least as far as the flying is concerned. The streets of the little Alpine town that welcomed around 3,000 business chiefs, political thinkers and state leaders for last year’s annual meeting lie deserted. Discussions have moved online, starting Monday, and COVID-19 restrictions are also keeping regular tourists away. A general view shows the the congress center, the venue of the World Economic Forum (WEF) and the Alpine resort of Davos, Switzerland January 22, 2020. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann “Look around, it’s empty. Normally, all hotels would be fully booked at this time,” Reto Branschi, head of Davos Klosters tourism, told Reuters in an intervi...
Read MoreWTTC and World Economic Forum announce new lease for partnership The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and the World Economic Forum have announced a reinforced partnership to promote the importance of the sustainable growth of the global Travel & Tourism sector. The strategic partnership will see enhanced collaboration between WTTC and the Forum, with the overall aim of advancing the Safe & Seamless Traveller Journey programme, a major priority for WTTC, developing and advancing projects to increase Travel & Tourism competitiveness and sustainability, supporting one another’s work relating to the future of work, and collaboration with regards to crisis and resilience. Collaboration between the two organisations will take the form of shared information and ...
Read MoreSingapore is to allow a limited number of business, official and other “high economic value” travellers from around the world under a “bubble” arrangement that offers a glimpse into what visitors for this year’s relocated Davos summit might expect. The annual World Economic Forum (WEF) will make its debut in Asia in May after being moved from its usual home in the Swiss ski resort of Davos over coronavirus safety concerns. FILE PHOTO: A view of a cordoned off area at the Merlion Park is seen amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Singapore. REUTERS/Edgar Su/File Photo Singapore’s borders have been largely shut for most of 2020 as part of strict rules to keep out a virus still raging across the globe, and it faces challenges hosting an event that usually attracts thou...
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