IIPT to commemorate 25th anniversary at WTM
TBN News–
London : The International Institute for Peace through Tourism (IIPT) will commemorate the 25th anniversary since its First Global Conference in support of the “Great War” Centenary with its theme of “No More War.” The commemorative event will be at World Travel Market’s Platinum Suite stage in London.
A central theme emerging from the successful UNWTO 20th General Assembly recently held in Zambia and Zimbabwe was the important role of travel and tourism as a vehicle for peace. Indeed, the headline on one of Zambia’s major newspapers following the Opening Day read: “Use Tourism to Promote Peace.”
During the Assembly, UNWTO Secretary-General Dr Taleb Rifai emphasized the links between tourism and the promotion of cultural understanding, “Travel has become an essential aspect of life,” he said. “There can be no real peace without us respecting, understanding and appreciating each other and celebrating our diversity. You can never hold any resentment against the people of any country you have visited.”
Key leaders of the travel and tourism industry will share their perspectives on “Building a Culture of Peace through Tourism” on the WTM Platinum Stage November 5th in support of the World War I Centenary theme: “No More War.”
Speakers include: Dr. Taleb Rifai, Secretary General, UNWTO Secretary General; David Scowsill, President, World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC); Mok Singh, Immediate Past President, Skal International; Geoffrey Lipman, President, International Coalition of Tourism Partners (ICTP); and Martin Craigs, President, Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA). Also invited is a senior representative of the Government of Flanders.
IIPT Founder and President said, “As one of the world’s largest and fastest growing industries, the collective voice of travel and tourism leaders can be a powerful force for peace and justice in the 21st century – and without peace, there is no tourism.”
Co-moderators of the event will be H.E. Akel Biltaji, Mayor of Amman, Jordan and IIPT Ambassador at Large; and Fiona Jeffery OBE – Former Chairman, World Travel Market.
The 25th Anniversary commemorative event will also honor ten members of the travel and tourism industry who have made a significant contribution to promoting a “Culture of Peace through Tourism.” – IIPT
