April 22, 2008 (Andorra) – Over 240 individuals came from all over the world to celebrate the inaugural ceremony of The Fifth World Conference of Snow and Mountain Tourism, which was presided by the Minister Spokesman of the Government offices of Economic Development, Tourism, Culture and the Universities of the Principality of Andorra, the honorable Mr. Juli
Minoves Triquell.

In his presentation, Minoves stated how climate change is a problem that affects everybody and one which also has a direct impact on tourism and leisure activities. To illustrate his point, Minoves noted that the Principality of Andorra received 11 million tourists in 2007, accounting for 60% of the annual GDP, therefore all actions regarding this topic are strategic and include state policy.

With this in mind, the Minister pointed out that a solution to climate change for countries such as Andorra is to develop major leisure activities in the summer in order to maintain the current level of tourism. Minoves also recommended improving energy efficiency through the use of solar energy and improvements to existing infrastructures.

The Mayor of Encamp, Miquel Alís Font, served as host and welcomed all the participants. In his speech, he emphasized
the importance of this event not only for the principality, but for all countries for which climate change is now provoking economic shifts. “Climate change irrefutably affects the preservation of the natural environment and leisure activities and, therefore, the economy of the regions,” affirmed Alís. He concluded by pointing out that this phenomenon is an increasing reality, and debates such as those held during the conference are the beginning of the solution.

For more on the conference.