World Travel & Tourism Council congratulates new UNWTO Secretary General
Gloria Guevara, President & CEO, World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) today congratulated HE Zurab Pololikashvili on his election to the role of Secretary General of the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).
Speaking from Chengdu, China, at the UNWTO General Assembly, Ms Guevara said: “On behalf of WTTC and its Members I congratulate Mr Pololikashvili on his election to the role of Secretary General of UNWTO. It is a position of enormous importance to our sector and I look forward to working with him as he will take the organization to the next phase.
The close collaboration between WTTC and UNWTO over the past eight years has resulted in a more unified and cohesive international Travel & Tourism sector, where understanding and cooperation between the public and private sectors has increased considerably. I look forward to continuing this path into the future, where together we highlight the importance of Travel & Tourism for the social and economic development of the world community.
Ms Guevara added: “We are at a critical moment in the development of our sector, where ambitious growth targets need to satisfy not only economic but also environmental and social objectives. It is the responsibility of all stakeholders in the sector to work together to ensure that Travel & Tourism, which accounts for 10% of the world’s GDP and 1 in 10 jobs, continues to be a force for good in our world.”
To the new UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili: Congratulations by eTN Publisher!
Ambassador Zurab Pololikashvili from Georgia was confirmed as UNWTO Secretary General at the General Assembly today.
The confirmation was not elected by secret vote. Dr. Walter Mzembi from Zimbabwe was the first to congratulate him and committed his support. Mr.Pololikashvil said this was a vote of friendship, and thanked Taleb Rifai for his work and China for being a gracious host.
The General assembly audience stood up and applauded, to honoring Taleb Rifai for his tireless work and tenure. Rifai said: “I will miss you all.”
A very active campaign erupted today at the UNWTO General Assembly Chengdu. The elected nominee Zurab could have been accepted or not accepted by open or secret ballot.
Two days ago at the Executive Council meeting, Zimbabwe did not continue to push issues related to a flawed election system at the General Assembly, the allegations were eliminated and also a secret vote was the understanding when all parties came to an agreement.
Today at the General Assembly Taleb Rifai rightfully clarified that there were no flaws in the system and any such allegations had been settled. As expected Gambia asked for a secret ballot and a very heated campaign started among many countries.
Lithuania asked for an open ballot, saying a secret ballot will bring doubts to the organization, hindering the ability to move forward in unity. Many other countries including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sri Lanka, France, followed by many EU countries: UAE, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Sri Lanka, Andorra, Peru, Mexico, and Algeria included, didn’t wanted to go against the outgoing Secretary-General Rifai, and the feeling was a secret vote would mean disrespecting Rifai.
Zimbabwe’s minister said, “Zimbabwe would be the first country to congratulate Zurab, if he was voted in a secret vote, but let’s democracy work in this United Nations.”
No nations apparently shared Zimbabwe’s vision and didn’t want a secret vote, they wanted an open vote, the issue was now being for or against the current Secretariat and Taleb Rifai. It turned into an issue between Zimbabwe and the rest of the world.
Some may say, this could be a sad day for UNWTO to mix democracy with accepting the current leadership. Others may say an open vote shows strength within the organization to demonstrate unity.
Regardless Mr. Zurab was confirmed, but not by secret vote. This was the decision of the General Assembly.
It’s now time to put the issue of the election behind us for the good of tourism and give the new Secretary-General the support he needs.
As an industry, let’s help the new Secretary-General find his way within our industry and encourage openness, communication, and cooperation, not only within the diplomatic circle but within the industry, the media and all of those that are friends of tourism.
Throughout the UNWTO Secretary-General electoral process, as publisher of
several well-read, daily global trade publications, I have earned praise, and
also the wrath of some candidates. I never had a horse in the UNWTO electoral race, but as an industry veteran, I do have opinions and views. I started out in this industry at the grass roots level as a consolidator and later, as a tour operator, specializing in Asia. I know the industry from the bottom up.
The very lofty office Secretary-General of our UNWTO is critical to the very foundations of our industry. My publications have certainly taken a strong position related to the importance of the Secretary-General position and the election. I make no apology for that. However, nothing was ever personal, it all has to do what is in the best interest of UNWTO and industry.
What is personal is the people I met along the UNWTO election road, the people who moved me with their dedication, devotion, and love for our industry.
With open heart and sincerity, I echo the many honors and messages of support our UNWTO Secretary General Taleb Rifai received. Thank you Taleb Rifai, you truly changed the world of tourism. We will miss you as well!
It’s my wish in 4 years to extend the same respect and gratitude to our new Secretary General, Zurab Pololikashivili, who will be in charge of global tourism as of January 2018.
Again, congratulations to the new Secretary-General, Mr. Zurab Pololikashivili.
Welcome new UNWTO Members
Somalis and the Union of Comoros are now new full UNWTO members.
The membership application for Palestine is postponed for a decision at the next UNWTO General Assembly in 2018
High level debate on Tourism and the Sustainable Development Goals
The opening of the 22nd session of the UNWTO General Assembly was followed by a high level session on tourism and the Sustainable Development Goals and Building Partnerships for Development: The Example of the Belt and Road Initiative, conducted by Richard Quest of CNN International.
Among the participants were: Taleb Rifai, Secretary-General of UNWTO; Li Jinzao, Chairman of the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA); His Majesty King Simeon II, Special Ambassador of the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development; Sandra Howard, Vice-Minister of Tourism of Colombia; Abulfas Garayev, Minister of Tourism of Azerbaijan; Pascal Lamy, the World Committee on Tourism Ethics; Mohammed Yehia Rashed, Minister of Tourism of Egypt; Lamia Boutaleb, Secretary of State for Tourism of Morocco; Ephraim Kamuntu, Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities of Uganda; Benito Bengzon Jr., Undersecretary for Tourism Development Planning of the Philippines; George Chogovadze, Head of the National Tourism Administration of Georgia; Gloria Guevara Manzo, President and CEO of WTTC; and Ambassador Eric Jakob, Head of the Promotion Activities Directorate, State Secretariat from Switzerland.
“Growth and sustainability should go hand-in-hand. Recent protests in cities are the evidence that growth should be sustainable. But growth is not the enemy, as it is the story of humankind. We need to take local communities into account,” said Rifai.
The debate on the SDGs was followed by a session dedicated to the Belt and Road Initiative where the discussion focused on the characteristics of this initiative. Among the speakers were: UNWTO Secretary General Taleb Rifai, CNTA Chairman Li Jinzao, Oleg Safonov, Head, Federal Agency for Tourism of the Russian Federation, Roland Ratsiraka, Minister of Tourism of Madagascar, Thong Khon, Minister of Tourism of Cambodia, Nikolina Angelkova, Minister of Tourism of Bulgaria, John A. E. Amaratunga, Minister of Tourism Development, Christian Religions Affairs and Lands of Sri Lanka Askar Batalov, Deputy Minister of Culture and Sport of Kazakhstan and István Ujhelyi, Vice-Chair of the Committee on Transport and Tourism/Chair Tourism Task Force at the European Parliament.
More than 1300 delegates attend 22nd UNWTO General Assembly in Chengdu
More than 1300 delegates from over 130 countries attended the opening of the 22nd session of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) General Assembly in Chengdu, China this morning. During the next four days, the priorities of the Organization for 2018-2019, the transformation of the UNWTO Code of Ethics for Tourism into an International Convention and the impact of technology on tourism will centre the discussions. On the agenda of the Assembly is also the election of the Secretary General for the next four years.
“China is an inspiration to others in terms of its supportive tourism policies and in placing tourism at the centre of its poverty alleviation and national development strategies,” said UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai at the opening of the 22nd session of the General Assembly. “Besides being the fourth most-visited country in the world, with 59 million international arrivals in 2016, China is also the largest domestic tourism market, with 4.4 billion trips made within its borders,” he added.
The Secretary-General also recalled the relevance of having this General Assembly, the last of his mandate, under the framework of the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development 2017. “I feel very proud to have contributed to expanding the capacity of travel and tourism to the progress of the SDGs that guide our common action to 2030. This General Assembly is a unique opportunity to continue advancing together,” he said.
Wang Yang, Vice-Premier of the People’s Republic of China, recalled that, since the inclusion of China in UNWTO in 1983, the tourism sector has grown to represent 10% of the country’s economy. Vice-Premier confirmed that “smart tourism” will guide the development of the sector and highlighted the need to enforce policies to enhance sustainable tourism.
The Vice-Premier also mentioned that the inherently sustainable approach to tourism in China resulted from the traditional harmony between man and nature widely present in Chinese culture. In addition, he underlined the relevance of increasing cooperation among countries in the field of tourism, especially in crisis situations such as natural disasters. He further noted that 6 million jobs related to tourism have been created in 2016 in China, particularly for women, people with disabilities and rural communities.
UNWTO is irreplaceable for its role of supporting the multiple dimensions of the tourism sector as well as its wide potential,” he added.
The UNWTO General Assembly will discuss the Chengdu Declaration on ‘Tourism and the Sustainable Development Goals’. The document, in which the potential of the tourism sector is underlined in economic, social and political terms, includes 19 articles that, among others, recommend to governments “to develop an integrated and holistic approach to tourism policy in order to leverage the sector’s positive impact and multiplying effect on people, planet and prosperity (Article 1).” In addition, it proposes “to undertake national assessments on tourism’s contribution and commitment to the SDGs and ensure the inclusion of tourism in interministerial SDG commissions and/or working groups as well as to enhance the contribution of tourism in SDGs national strategies through the set-up of institutional frameworks and mechanisms that allow participation of all stakeholders.”
“To advance, the tourism sector should decouple growth from environmental harm; fight climate change throughout the entire tourism value chain; measure the impacts of travellers every day accurately and regularly, and promote accessibility for all,” stated Rifai. “Furthermore we need to ensure the benefits of the sector reach communities, and prevent negative impacts on their social fabrics by tackling issues such as overcrowding, protect the weak from being exploited in our sector, prevent leakages and address global and tourism-sector security challenges without compromising people’s rights, particularly to freedom of travel and movement,” he added.
WTTC statement of support to destinations impacted by Hurricane Irma
Today, the Chairman and the President & CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) issued a joint statement in response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Irma, extending the Council’s full support to all impacted destinations.
Chairman Gerald Lawless and President & CEO Gloria Guevara offered the services of WTTC and called upon WTTC Members to come forward and understand the ways in which assistance can be provided to the devastated destinations in the Caribbean and southern United States to ensure a rapid recovery for their essential tourism industries.
WTTC also offered to send a High Level delegation and advisors, when it is appropriate to do so, to evaluate and provide recommendations for solutions to assist with the recovery process.
Ms Guevara said: “Tourism is a significant driver of the Caribbean countries’ economies and local livelihoods, and the Caribbean has been a popular and high profile destination for many years. WTTC therefore commits to play a part in the region’s recovery, standing by to assist with the restoration of tourism markets and infrastructure as the Hurricane passes, impacts are measured, and the rebuilding can commence.”
“The Caribbean is a beautiful tourist destination. Travel & Tourism generated 15% of the Caribbean’s GDP and 13% of the region’s employment in 2016. I strongly believe that both the travellers and the destinations will show their resilience and that once damage is assessed and the businesses re-open, travellers will return. WTTC offers to help in all stages of recovery,” added Mr Lawless.
What If The Secretary-General Elect Is Not Confirmed Tomorrow?
There is no panic, no uncertainty and it will be business as usual under Taleb Rifai until the process is concluded within 4 months.
The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) are not novices at protocol, rules or procedures. So it should come as no surprise, if the Secretary-General Elect, Zurab Polokashivili does not receive 2/3 of the General Assembly vote tomorrow, UNWTO has a strong back up plan. A very well thought out back up plan, that would perhaps save us from an UNWTO future we might all live to regret if the proposed candidate receives enough votes tomorrow.
Fresh Elections if Polokashivili is not elected tomorrow.
A global organization such as UNWTO has a myriad of rules and regulations governing procedures. Here is the official version of what will happen if the Georgia candidate fails to win 2/3 of the vote. None of which is a big deal, it would entail a fresh, clean, expedited election.
“In accordance with Articles 12 (c) and 22 of the Statutes, the General Assembly appoints the Secretary-General based on a recommendation of the Executive Council. Thus, if the General Assembly fails to appoint a selected nominee by the Executive Council to the post of Secretary-General, the General Assembly will have to request the Executive Council for a new recommendation for appointment. It is therefore, the responsibility of the Executive Council to select and propose a new nominee to the General Assembly for appointment. In this case and, in accordance with the existing legal framework of the Organization, a new election procedure would need to be initiated. The Executive Council, in accordance with Rule 2 (f) of its Rules of Procedure and the well-established practice of the Organization would be responsible to set the procedure and timetable for the appointment of the new Secretary-General, including if necessary, convening an extraordinary session of the Executive Council and of the General Assembly as a matter of urgency and in order to finalize this process in the shortest possible period of time.”
The compelling bottom line is, it helps us enormously as an industry to wait a mere four months to vote and usher a qualified, appropriate, authentic candidate into the Secretary-General position. Taleb Rifai would remain in office and oversee proceedings. Reliable sources say a new Secretary-General could be finalized latest at FITUR this coming January in Madrid.
We all understand how important it may be for Georgia’s national interest to win the Secretary-General position within the UN system. We understand the government of Georgia has done everything possible to ‘win’ this post for their candidate. The Prime Minister of Georgia personally is the top advocate and fighter for this position, however, our UNWTO is more critical than a nation’s ambitions.
For many attending the inclusive, embracing 22nd UNWTO General Assembly, it is business as usual.
Meet and greet old friends, make new friends, enjoy the wonderful Chinese hospitality and then go home happy.
That should not be the case here in Chengdu, make no mistake, there is a world at stake tomorrow. Our global tourism industry is at stake tomorrow with the Secretary-General voting at the General Assembly.
Global travel and tourism is an important industry and differs greatly from general international politics.
As an industry we owe it to our outgoing Secretary-General, Dr. Taleb Rifai, to honor his considerable legacy with a successor who is worthy and capable of taking over the reigns he has held so wisely and with strength during his tenure.
Now, because of circumstances not related to tourism, but rather to favoritism, and skilled diplomatic moves, the UNWTO General Assembly will vote tomorrow for or against a man who is the polar opposite of the outgoing Secretary-General. It is hoped delegates will see beyond the slick wheeling and dealing, the posturing and lip service to our industry and see the much larger picture: global tourism is in a world of uncertainty, in a very uncertain world.
Tomorrow is show time for delegates, it’s time for delegates to stand up and be counted. Every vote is important. Simply saying OK, yes and confirming a candidate so clearly out of his depth is not responsible voting for our global tourism industry, or for any individual country.
We suspect most nations are not asleep at the wheel in Chengdu, they will refuse to be herded like sheep to ratify a less than stellar candidate for tourism’s top post.
The Secretary-General position is not a diplomatic post or mission to be handed off to an entitled individual from a privileged family with a power base within a country with little regard for our actual global tourism agenda. We hope that thought alone keeps voting delegates awake tonight when considering how they will vote tomorrow.
It is also our belief there is a very important role for the Secretary-General Elect to thrive in within our
UNWTO, it just isn’t the Secretary-General post right now. We wish the very best for this candidate and hope he will work in some capacity within UNWTO.
In closing, best wishes to us all, may our UNWTO General Assembly vote responsibly tomorrow, may they
vote with courage, may they vote with heart and a love for our industry that will not allow us to be compromised
by outside agendas unrelated to tourism.
As always, we welcome your thoughts, insights, and feedback. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us,
either on or off the record.
World Tourism Alliance launched : A UNWTO / WTTC Chinese style?
Last night UNWTO Delegates attending the Gala Dinner at the New Chengdu Convention Center sponsored by World Tourism Alliance were treated to a special fun filled evening and Gala Dinner with delicious spicy Sichuan food.
The World Tourism Alliance is a new initiative launched last night by China with top name brand leadership organizations as founding members and executives including Taleb Rifai, UNWTO WTTC, USTOA – Chinese Style. The founder is Li Jinzao, Chairman of the China National Tourism Administration.
Li Jinzao said:
Good evening, first of all on behalf of China National Tourism Administration, I would like to extend a warm welcome to all of you for your presence here in China. Today will surely be a historic landmark of world tourism development, as representatives from more than 100 countries met in Chengdu, Sichuan to witness the birth of a significant international tourism organization. I hereby declare: World Tourism Alliance (WTA), a comprehensive, non-governmental and non- profitable international tourism organization, is formally established. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang sent a congratulatory message to this ceremony, for which I will now read:
The message from Premier Li fully shows the sincere expectation from the Chinese government for tourism cooperation on the international stage. The creation of the WTA shall be attributed to the international tourism community which have made concerted endeavor, to the UNWTO and its Secretary General Mr. Rifai who have devoted special attention, to the ministers, leaders from transnational tourism corporations and industry elites who have provided full support and to the Chinese government and its leadership which have delivered strong commitment.
Now let’s give warm congratulations to Mr. Duanquiang on his election as the Chairman of WTA for the first term, and also congratulate the Vice Chairman and 89 founding members.
Tourism is a sun-rise industry of happiness and peace, green in nature and important to drive the global economy, employment and poverty reduction and elimination. In the year of 2016, international tourist arrivals exceeded 1.2 billion, bringing about USD 1.2 trillion tourism revenue, and contributing to over 10.2% of the world economy., 9.6% plus of job creation and more than 4.4% of the investment. Yet on the other side, unbalanced development in world tourism is intensified, trade protection on the rise, tourism security under increasing threats from geographical conflicts and terrorism. All these have posed heavier pressure on sustainable tourism growth. To promote cooperation between governments on tourism affairs, the UNWTO has made undoubtedly big contribution and scored remarkable achievements, while it is still hard, as already proved, to merely rely on inter-governmental coordination for an orderly and robust resolution to all the rising challenges.
Hence the world is eagerly looking for a comprehensive, non-governmental and non-profitable international tourism organization, which will better the global tourism cooperation mechanism and governance system for the promotion of tourism sustainable development around the world.
Facing the complexity of international politics and economy, riding the magnificent tide of global tourism development, WTA broke through all the barriers and came into being to meet the high expectations from countries and tourism communities in the world. Its emergence follows the trend and echoes the call of the times. Upholding “Better Tourism, Better World” it is committed to promoting tourism for peace, development and poverty alleviation based on mutual trust, mutual respect, mutual support and win-win outcomes. it will go hand in hand with the UNWTO and stand complementary to each other, serving as double engines to drive tourism exchanges and cooperation at the non-governmental and inter-governmental levels. This is just like the song sung by these lovely children: The same feeling concludes to our same yearning, and the same glee gives us the same song.
As an English idiom goes: There is nothing new under the sun. But today something new is unveiled under the sun right before us. It is the World Tourism Alliance!
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Romain Rollan, a famous French writer once said: All the joys of life are the joys of creation. And Professor John Stuart Mill, an English economist also believed that all good things which exist are the fruit of originality. In China, we have Master Tsent saying in the Analects of Confucius that true gentlemen should be ambitious and resolute, for he has far to go with heavy burdens on his shoulders. The newly-born WTA is created by the whole international tourism community. It is born with great mission and needs constant and utmost care and support from all parties related in the world.
The 22nd session of UNWTO General Assembly is about to come, which will have far-reaching significance. On behalf of CNTA, I wish to again express sincere greeting to all candidates. We will learn from you and make joint efforts together on the way ahead, deepening our exchange and cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiatives and embracing the spring of world tourism.
Ladies and Gentlemen<
Suchuan got its name due to its marvelous mountains and rivers. It features picturesque landscape, time honored history, distinctive culture and lovely peple. It is the hometown of pandas. It is a popular destination of tourism. it is the origin of the ancient culture of the Shu Kingdom and now it is the birthplace of WTA. Welcome to Chengdu. Your experience in Sichuan will bring you one step closer to the essence of China.
www.ChristianDelRosario.com
Mr. Taleb Rifai addressed the audience saying: “For many years UNWTO has been partnering closely with many national governments including the Chinese government to enhance the importance of the tourism sector. However, to make the sector more competitive, to better satisfy traveler’s needs, we need to unite force with the whole sector. all these reasons are behind the creation of World Tourism Alliance.
We warmly welcome this initiative, and we stand ready to work side by side with WTA to build a better future for mankind through tourism.
Confirmation Elections to be Held for Zurab: Efforts to Save UNWTO
The outcome of yesterdays hot debate on Zimbabwe’s intervention to question the UNWTO Secretary General Election as a flawed process has been corrected. Countries showed deep respect and admiration for Zimbabwe boldness reform, and at the same time praised Taleb Rifai for his integrity and leadership protecting the system, UNWTO and the process. Countries should be assured by now. A non- confirmation of the current nominee from Georgia after an agreed secret ballot would be orderly, it would follow set rules and speedy under Taleb Rifais watchful leadership.
Members agreed on reform and confirmed a secret ballot will be taking place in Chengdu to confirm or not confirm Zurab as the next Secretary General.
Yesterday, the Executive Council of the United World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) met during the General Assembly at the Intercontinental Hotel Convention Center. This was no ordinary get together. The most anticipated discussion point was the opportunity for the Executive Council to address concerns related to the Secretary-General election raised by the Zimbabwe Minister of Tourism, Dr. Walter Mzembi.
Earlier in the day at the African nations regional meeting, this was also a hot topic. The discussion was passionate, if not heated, resulting in the outgoing Secretary-General, Dr. Taleb Rifai, showing a rare display of temper during the contentious meeting. Which resulted in an immediate apology from Dr. Rifai. Clearly, a very passionate regard for our UNWTO runs deep, from many, very different perspectives.
All of which is abundantly apparent with the debates, disagreements and general concern, if not alarm, felt within many levels of the global UNWTO membership related to the upcoming Secretary-General vote to take place tomorrow, Thursday, September 14 in Chengdu.
The proposed Secretary-General Elect, Zurab Pololikashvili from Georgia appears to be a lightning rod for concern. Combine the candidate’s opaque background with his lack of authentic tourism experience, and this has resulted in his nomination not being widely applauded, accepted or indeed, appreciated, by many leaders within the industry.
No one has been a more vocal critic of the election process that resulted in the nomination of Pololikashvili than Zimbabwe’s Minister of Tourism, Walter Mzembi.
At yesterday’s Executive Council meeting, Mzembi’s election concerns were discussed in depth, with Dr. Rifai rebutting and discussing numerous items. An outcome was reached related to Mzembi’s election agenda items proposal for the GA, by the Executive Council and, after much discussion, also by Dr. Walter Mzembi.
It demonstrates to our industry that given the opportunity to thrash out issues – truly skilled, genuine leaders can come to the table, have a productive exchange and settle matters amicably.
Moving forward, Dr. Walter Mzembi has agreed to spearhead a new initiative and chair the new committee that will review UNWTO election systems.
Here’s a quick run-down on the status of the upcoming Secretary-General election and the agreement between Zimbabwe and UNWTO:
1. The General Assembly tomorrow, Thursday, September 14, will hold a secret ballot to confirm or not confirm, to accept or reject, Zurab Pololikashvili as the new Secretary-General of our UNWTO.
2. The Executive Council and the Secretariat will create a special committee to work on overhaul and reforms of future elections. This committee will be chaired by Zimbabwe.
3. Zimbabwe has withdrawn current elective complaints.
Secretary-General, Dr. Taleb Rifai commended Minister Mzembi as an honorable, fair minister and also a friend. Rifai expressed his concerns, not with the possibility of the Georgian Secretary-General Elect being rejected or elected by the General Assembly, the voting chips will fall where they will in relation to Pololikashvili. As Rifai has noted, nations will vote as they see fit.
Rifai’s primary concern was, and always has been, for the overall well-being of our UNWTO, which lately has been swamped with swirling election allegations related to the Georgia candidate.
With the proposed new election oversight committee being put into place, and Mzembi withdrawing Zimbabwe’s proposed GA agenda items, all parties were able to reach an amicable, reasonable and productive conclusion. All of which truly, very genuinely, benefits the greater good of our UNWTO.
What hasn’t changed is the looming question for the voting General Assembly: is the Georgian candidate suitable, appropriate or qualified for global tourism’s top post? That is a very serious issue each voting nation must step up and answer tomorrow.
Our message for those voting:
UNWTO ELECTIONS:
Plan A: Fresh Elections at Fitur, January 2018.
Plan B: Reject Zurab in order to get Plan A.
It doesn’t hurt to wait for four months under Taleb Rifai, to get the RIGHT person in to contnue his legacy!
Vote wisely and responsibly on the 14th of September!
We will continue to report and provide breaking news and updates as they occur. As always, we welcome your comments.
STEP: Madam Dho, Geoffrey Lipman and Samsung – a lunch in Chengdu yesterday
2017, the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, is the tourism sector’s year to inform and inspire the world around how our sector is working to further global ambitions to ensure no one is left behind, directly supporting the SDGs.
The quest to eliminate poverty through the power of tourism does not, however, start now. It actually began in 2002 at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg, when the UNWTO launched STEP, which stands for Sustainable Tourism– Eliminating Poverty.
STEP has built up a portfolio of about 120 tourism development projects in 45 countries in Africa, Asia, the Americas, the Middle East and Europe.
Having reached this milestone, a Foundation Lunch was organized during the General Assembly.
Under the leadership of Ambassador Dho Young-shim and founded by Professor Geoffrey Lipman, Ms. Dho called Lipman the STEP-FATHER when thanking him at the lunch for starting STEP.
Dho has been working tirelessly on this project for 15 years and did what she does best, finding sponsors to expand on this important eliminating-poverty initiative. She brought in Samsung to the lunch yesterday, and the director pledged the company’s support and sponsorship to bring this initiative to the next level.
Madam Dho apologized for getting emotional when she got tears in her eyes when talking about how tourism can help countries and initiatives in need.
A good example was laid out to participants by Uganda, where the minister of tourism from Uganda said: “Thank You, thank you, thank you.”
An MOU between Samsung and UNWTO STEP was to be signed during the General Assembly.
