The steering committee, set up to implement the adoption of a form of Tourism Satellite Accounting measuring the economic importance of the meetings industry, is seeking a dedicated economist with experience in statistics and economic analysis.

The successful applicant will be working on a number of selected case histories where detailed data on the meetings industry is already known to exist. This is likely to include, for example, Austria, Australia, Canada, Mexico, Spain and South Africa.

Working within the UNWTO’s Statistics Department at its offices in Madrid, the task is expected to last for approximately 18 months.

The appointment is being funded by the UNWTO, the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), Meeting Professionals International (MPI), Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE) and EIBTM.

The group is now entering the second critical phase of the ambitious joint initiative with the UNWTO and will be monitoring the work of the economist on a quarterly basis.

This follows publication in December last year of a groundbreaking report ‘Measuring the Economic Importance of the Meetings Industry. Developing a Tourism Satellite Account Extension’. The report recommended that the industry adopts a form of Tourism Satellite Accounting as a viable means of achieving official universal industry recognition and status as a major economic driver.

In addition to compiling the case histories, the economist will examine other statistical data currently produced by the meetings industry and central statistical offices.

Carlos Romero, Executive Director of the UNWTO Affiliate Members, who will supervise day to day work of the economist, in co-ordination with Antonio Massieu head of the UNWTO Department of Statistics and Economic Measurement of Tourism and Coordinator said the work will also include the design of a harmonised survey.

“This will be tested by the meetings industry to obtain the requested data in relation to the case studies. In addition, he or she will design the terms of reference for the harmonisation of the work to be carried out on the final selection of case studies”, he said.

“Another aspect of the appointment will be to co-ordinate the design of a business tendency survey for the meetings industry, providing harmonised qualitative data for different countries”.

“General industry guidelines will need to be set to implement harmonised surveys that produce the relevant information needed for measuring the economic contribution of the meeting industry and its tourism connection.”

Applicants must have at least ten years relevant experience, preferably in an international arena, involved in statistical and/or international economic analysis and policies.