PolyU bestowed Adjunct Professorship on Dr Taleb Rifai, Secretary General of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), on 9 February 2010 in recognition of his valuable contribution to the development of the world's tourism industry.

Immediately after the conferment ceremony, Dr Rifai shared his insights with industry practitioners, academics and PolyU students in a public lecture entitled "World's Tourism Industry: Current Challenges and Prospects".

Dr Rifai cast a glance back at 2009 and reflected that the global economic crisis aggravated by the Influenza A (H1N1) pandemic created one of the toughest years ever for the tourism sector. However, a recovery was underway, earlier and stronger than initially expected.

Given the upsurge in international tourism figures and overall economic indicators in recent months, said Dr Rifai, the UNWTO was forecasting growth in international tourist arrivals of between 3% and 4% this year.

Yet even with the recovery seemingly on track, Dr Rifai cautioned that 2010 would be a demanding year. He explained that many countries were quick in reacting to the crisis and implementing measures to mitigate its impact and stimulate recovery. A premature withdrawal of these stimulus measures and the temptation to impose extra taxes could jeopardize the pace of the rebound in tourism. Dr Rifai called on global leaders to seize the spirit that united the world community in confronting the crisis and craft a truly sustainable future.

Following the lecture, Professor Timothy Tong, PolyU President, hosted a dinner in honour of Dr Rifai at the SHTM's Millennium Training Restaurant.

The School is most pleased to have Dr Rifai joining it as an Adjunct Professor, and along with its students is looking forward to benefiting from his insights and vast industry experience in tourism development and management.