He is a good man, and it’s a great improvement for UNWTO, but how he got there may have been part of the game. According to information received by eTN Sources, UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili just appointed Colombian Ambassador Jaime Alberto Cabal as his deputy.
This has not been officially confirmed by UNWTO .

eTN had received information some time ago and called ambassador Cabal in March to confirm or deny the rumors. The ambassador told eTN he had no such plans to work for UNWTO and only talked to SG Zurab one time after the election. He told eTN, he had no reason to give up his post as Colombian ambassador to Austria and move to Madrid to take a post at UNWTO.

The same eTN Source alleged the expected appointment was part of an agreement already quietly made before the recent UNWTO Secretary-General election.  The source had told eTN at that time the only reason ambassador Cabal was running himself for the post of UNWTO Secretary-General was to take away votes from other candidates and to eventually have these votes drop down to Zurab who was running for Georgia.

This move may have very well given the necessary majority to Zurab, so he eventually was able to secure a majority in the second round of the election. In return Zurab had promised the deputy position to Ambassador Cabal. eTN had heard this already since the Executive Committee voted more than a year  ago in Madrid. Cabal had denied this when he talked to eTN in March.

Interesting is also the fact all other candidates who had a position at UNWTO left or were asked to leave the organization, and Ambassador Cabal is now in.

Regardless, Cabal’s appointment should be seen as a good move after all. Cabal is highly qualified and the organization needs a strong deputy to get back on track. “The fact Mr. Cabal is accessable to media alone is a welcoming and fresh breeze coming from Madrid,” said Juergen Steinmetz, publisher of eTN.

Who is Jaime Alberto Cabal? 

The new deputy UNWTO Secretary General  Jaime Alberto Cabal, a former Minister of Colombia and Colombian Ambassador to Austria, Croatia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary, Montenegro, Czech Republic and Serbia occupied different positions in the corporate and business association sector. He has assumed governmental responsibilities as well as diplomatic and academic activities distinguishing himself by his leadership and management, geared towards the creation and transformation of organizations with a high impact on the socio-economic development of the country, and by his entrepreneurship, creation of employment, job and education opportunities.

His expertise and professional competence are related to the design and implementation of public policies for the development of strategic sectors and the socio-economic and sustainable development of the country, especially in the industrial and tourism sector, and are associated with the creation, set-up, restructuring and planning of organizations, business associations and companies as well as with the design and launch of programs, projects and actions that impact different sectors and regions.

Throughout his career, he also served as director of social organizations for the development of NGOs in Colombia, as president of the Colombian Small and Medium Enterprises Business Association – ACOPI, as CEO of the company Danaranjo S.A., and as senior consultant of the former European Economic Community in the field of social projects on business development with residence in Spain and, subsequently, in Switzerland and England.

2. Academic and professional training

Industrial Engineer from the Javeriana University in Bogota with studies in English Language and Economy from Georgetown University and Master’s Degree in Economy from the American University in Washington D.C. He also holds postgraduate degrees in Senior Management from the Los Andes University and Inalde Business School in Bogota D.C. Likewise, he specialized in Entrepreneurship and Management for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises and in Management of Social Companies at the University of South Carolina, the IE Business School in Madrid and the Complutense University in Spain.

In addition to Spanish, through his training and professional experience, he is fluent in English as a business language.

 Professional achievements

He made important achievements throughout his professional career regarding the support of social organizations, entrepreneurs and small enterprises by launching programs like the microcredit, the creation of new companies and the introduction of public policies and their integration on a global level.

As Minister for Economic Development, he promoted and passed important laws for the strengthening of vulnerable sectors and companies, pointing out Law 590 for the Support of Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, Law 550 for the Salvation and Restructuring of Companies, and Law 546 for Social Housing. He also promoted the creation of funds and microcredit programs as well as the international cooperation with important agencies of different countries and the United Nations, like UNIDO and UNPD among others.

In  the field of diplomacy, as Ambassador to South Korea, he contributed to the negotiation of the Free Trade Agreement between the two countries, to the increase of cooperation and business activities in the field of Colombian exports and investments by Korean companies, and to the institutional strengthening of the Embassy. In Austria and the concurrent countries, he has distinguished himself by instigating the reopening and opening of Embassies in Colombia, by driving forward important cooperation projects especially in the business sector of Colombia and by establishing investments in Colombia by companies of these countries.

As Permanente Representative of Colombia to the United Nations Organization and other International Organizations based in Vienna, he represents the country’s interests at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime – UNODC, the International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA, and the United Nations Industrial Development Office – UNIDO, among others.

3.1 In the tourism sector

His achievements and results in the tourism sector are noteworthy. Under his leadership as President of the Colombian Hotel and Tourism Association, he contributed to the generation of new initiatives for the development and strengthening of this sector through Law 1101 on Tourism, through the promotion of Law 788 on Tax Exemption for the Construction and Renovation of Hotels, and by reforming the Colombian Tourism Promotion Fund – FONTUR. He also proposed to link PROEXPORT, today known as PROCOLOMBIA, to the international promotion of tourism.

The initiation of important cooperation programs with more than 15 countries conducting international training programs for more than 950 Colombian entrepreneurs has been highly recognized by leaders of the tourism sector. He has also been the precursor of projects focused on tourism quality, sustainable development, eco-efficient hotels, and social responsibility.

He represented the tourism sector at the executive boards of PROCOLOMBIA, FONTUR and the Country Brand “Colombia es Pasión”. He served as President of the Colombian Chamber of Tourism and the Ibero-American Hotel Association.

Concerning the World Tourism Organization: In his capacity as Minister, he contributed to the insertion of Colombia in the Organization, and as a business leader he contributed to the promotion of Colombia as the host venue for the 17th UNWTO World Assembly, which was celebrated in Cartagena in 2007, and during several years, he held the vice-presidency of the Organization’s Affiliate Members. He also organized and participated as lecturer in important seminars and fora of the Organization.

3.2 Other achievements and accomplishments

He has been invited by different countries as consultant and lecturer and as participant in the boards of Colombian organizations and companies, highlighting the Colombian Stock Market, the Caja Social Bank and, at international level, the Executive Board of the CAF- Development Bank of Latin America. For several years, he was a member of the Colombian National Conciliation Commission for Peace. For his achievements and results he received several recognitions and awards by local and regional governments of Colombia, the Colombian National Government itself, and by international entities.

Those that are considered someone in the global world of travel and tourism got on planes and added their name to the participation list at the 2-day summit at the Hilton Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina. They went home after an action-packed time of sideline meetings, showing face, and announcing new developments or participating on stage.

A WTTC summit is also a place where private industry leaders meet government leaders and of course meet among themselves. It’s a place where ministers of tourism and sometimes even prime ministers go as a matter of a yearly routine.

The host destination is always praised as a shining example of forward-looking activities in tourism. The program itself, even though the high level and lined up with selected invited leaders, is not the most important part of the event. What seems to be more important, is what happens on the sideline of the event.

WTTC  provides an excellent platform for this to happen. WTTC is able to attract CEO of the largest travel, tourism, aviation, and hospitality companies to attend, and ministerial level participation bridges the connection to make it effective for both a public-private partnership and new doors opening among the top level tourism industry leaders.

Of course, the summit is big money as well. It means big income not only for WTTC but also for the host destination having to invest  7 digit numbers for the honor to be a WTTC host.

Destinations are hoping that hosting and bankrolling such a high-level conference will benefit them in a big way and long-term. They share this hope with all the ministers and CEOs attending and are counting this event will help to promote their own destinations and initiatives.

Three days after the event googling “WTTC Summit 2018,” and when looking at Google News you saw less than 20 stories published in International English language media – Almost half of those stories were from eTurboNews.

It can only be hoped media coverage for such a mega event will increase to increase the PR value, considering a large numbers of journalists were hosted or otherwise attending.

This year was special for WTTC. It was the first year a new UNWTO Secretary-General (Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili) showed face for a few short hours during the event as he stood next to the Argentinian President at the opening ceremony and announced UNWTO’s support and took credit for various projects.

It was also the first year WTTC CEO Gloria Guevara Manzo presided over a WTTC summit.

eTN publisher Juergen Steinmetz was excited to see Pololikashvili for the first time at a press conference. The Secretary-General had been shy and unavailable and non-responsive when it comes to talking to media. Knowing this, Steinmetz was the first journalist indicating he had questions for Zurab.

Unfortunately, Zurab and also WTTC CEO Gloria Manzo did not acknowledge eTN’s request to ask questions during the only press conference Zurab attended. After the press conference, Zurab continued to ignore eTN’s attempt wanting to ask a question when approached after the official part of the press conference.

Therefore this publication will have to continue to rely on other sources when reporting about issues close to UNWTO. Transparency and openness in the UN Specialized Agency had become a challenge after the helm went from Dr. Taleb Rifai to Zurab Pololikashvili. The pressing question is: What does UNWTO have to hide?

It should be noted Gloria Guevara Manzo and everyone at WTTC have always been responsive and open to any question by this publication.

The next annual WTTC summit is planned for 2019 in Seville, Spain. This will be another melting pot event for top leaders in the global travel & tourism industry.

It will be an opportunity for Seville, Spain to be a good host and show attending delegates what this Spanish destination has to offer.

Was it worth attending the 2018 Summit?
eTN Publisher Steinmetz concluded: “Absolutely if it’s seen in terms of networking!

In terms of trying to understand UNWTO current role in global travel and tourism, get to know what the new Secretary General plans to do, and evaluate UNWTO’s activities he had tried to explained at the summit, the trip to Buenos Aires was a waste of time and money, full of questions and no answers.

For Argentina, it was a fantastic opportunity to showcase their destination to fellow tourism leaders and country representatives in the world. If there is a long-term advantage for future tourism arrivals that could be directly credited to the summit and would not have happened without the summit waits to be seen of course.

Here is a list of people and events that are actively participated at the WTTC Summit 2018 in Buenos Aires.

VIP Guests:

H.E. Mauricio Macri, President of the Republic of Argentina • Christopher J. Nassetta, CEO, Hilton & Chairman, World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) • H.E. José Gustavo Santos, Minister of Tourism, Republic of Argentina • Gloria Guevara Manzo, President & CEO, WTTC • Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary General, World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)

Our world of today, our world of tomorrow

Greg O’Hara, Founder and Managing Partner, Certares • Fritz Joussen, CEO, TUI Group • Arne Sorenson, President & CEO, Marriott International

Leadership in a digital age

In an industry defined by increasing digital disruption this session will look at what it takes to be an effective leader in an uncertain climate. How will the sector cope with the opportunities and challenges of robotics and Artificial Intelligence? How will the next generation of consumers and workers shape the industry? What kind of leadership will be required in the future? KEYNOTE: • Peter Fankhauser, CEO, Thomas Cook Group PANELLISTS: • Desiree Bollier, Chair, Value Retail • Julián Díaz González, CEO, Dufry AG • Chris Lehane, Head of Policy, Airbnb • Joan Vilà, Executive Chairman, Hotelbeds Group Moderator: Matt Vella, Executive Editor, TIME Magazine

300 Tourism as a partner for climate action

The leader of a global initiative on climate change will explore the linkages between tourism and climate change, and the role of tourism in supporting global action, and a new WTTC initiative on Climate Change will be announced. • Patricia Espinosa, Executive Secretary, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) • Christopher J. Nassetta, CEO, Hilton & Chairman, WTTC 1325 Geoffrey Kent interview Geoffrey J W Kent, Founder, Chairman & CEO Abercrombie & Kent, will hold his annual interview with a well-known personality and recount entertaining stories from an illustrious career in Travel & Tourism. • H.R.H Prince Sultan bin Salman, Chairman & President, Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH) • Geoffrey J W Kent, Founder, Chairman & CEO, Abercrombie & Kent 1345 LUNCH 1515 Tourism – an engine for employment Following the Meeting of G20 Tourism Ministers the previous day, tourism ministers from across the G20 give an overview of the key outcomes of the meeting, and highlight how tourism is contributing to the G20 agenda. • H.E. Derek Hanekom, Minister of Tourism, South Africa • H.E. Kazuo Yana, Parliamentary Vice-Minister, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Japan • H.E. Vinícius Lummertz, Minister of Tourism, Brazil

1540 Secure and seamless travel:

Defining a vision for the future Travel & Tourism has enormous power to create jobs but only if people are able to travel efficiently and safely. How do we ensure that the world remains open to travel and that travel is facilitated in a secure way? What are the opportunities around biometrics? This discussion will look at how we can align technologies, agree and implement processes, and explore ways in which the industry can connect with governments to aid travel facilitation. KEYNOTE: Ge Huayong, Chairman of the Board, China UnionPay 1555 PART 1: identifying technologies • Paul Griffiths, CEO, Dubai Airport • Richard Camman, VP Business Innovation, Vision-Box • Diana Robino, SVP, Travel Industries, Enterprise Partnerships, Mastercard Moderator: Nick Ross, Summit Anchor 1625 PART 2: aligning the processes • Mario Hardy, CEO, Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) • Dr Fang Liu, Secretary General, International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) • John Moavenzadeh, Head of Mobility Industries and System Initiative, World Economic Forum (WEF) • Paul Steele, Senior Vice President Member & External Relations, Corporate Secretary, International Air Transport Association (IATA)

Moderator: Arnie Weissmann, Editor in Chief, Travel Weekly

PART 3: working with governments:

• Isabel Hill, Director, Office of Travel & Tourism Industries, USA • Istvan Ujhelyi, Chair of Tourism Task Force, European Parliament • Earl Anthony Wayne, Former US Ambassador to Mexico Moderator: Kathleen Matthews, Journalist and Broadcaster 1715 BREAK 1745 KEYNOTE: Arnold W. Donald, President & CEO, Carnival Corporation 1800 Readiness, resilience, recovery In the aftermath of a crisis, countries are often at their most vulnerable. How do we ensure that we support the longer-term resilience of those facing the growing threats of external shocks? What can we do as an industry to better prepare against the impact of such shocks? This session will explore different types of crises – health pandemics, security and terror attacks, and natural disasters – and the actions taken to enhance preparedness, management, and resilience. 1800 PART 1: Planning for and managing a crisis KEYNOTE: • Peter Jan Graaff, Director Global Initiatives

WHO Health Emergency Program.

PANELLISTS: • H.E. Najib Balala, Cabinet Secretary for Tourism, Kenya • Sean Donohue, CEO, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport • Cathy Tull, CMO, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority Moderator: Kathleen Matthews, Journalist and Broadcaster 1830 PART 2: Recovery and resilience • H.E. Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism, Jamaica • Miguel Frasquilho, Chairman of the Board, TAP Group • Mark Hoplamazian, President & CEO, Hyatt Hotels • Hiromi Tagawa, Chairman of the Board, JTB Corp Moderator: Nathan Lump, Editor in Chief, Travel + Leisure

DAY 2

0815 – 0915 Cybersecurity:

Are you ahead of the curve? This session will take an executive view and explore the nature of new technologies and the security threats they bring to our Travel & Tourism sector in the context of ensuring the collective safety and resilience of our industry. • Nick Fishwick, Advisor, HSBC • Robin Ingle, Chairman and CEO, Ingle International • Dee K. Waddell, General Manager, Global Travel & Transportation Industry, IBM • Adam Weissenberg, Global Leader, Travel, Tourism and Hospitality, Deloitte and Touche

0930 The voices of experience

Former presidents and prime ministers from the Spanish speaking world will discuss the challenges and opportunities for sustainable tourism development against the backdrop of an ever-shifting political landscape. • José María Aznar, Prime Minister, Spain, 1996-2004 • Felipe Calderón Hinojosa, President of Mexico, 2006-2012 • Laura Chinchilla Miranda, President of Costa Rica, 2010-2014 • Marcos Peña, Chief of Cabinet of Ministers of the Argentine Nation Moderator: Gloria Guevara Manzo, President & CEO, WTTC

1015 Power, politics and policy

In a world where politics is ever more complex, and where political messaging can impact tourism growth both positively and negatively, we hear from players in the USA on how to navigate the challenges successfully. • Caroline Beteta, President & CEO, Visit California • Roger Dow, President & CEO, US Travel Association • Christopher L. Thompson, President & CEO, Brand USA Moderator: Nick Ross, Summit Anchor Tourism for Tomorrow 1045 Travel & Tourism declaration on illegal trade in wildlife Presentation of a new WTTC initiative to support global action to combat illegal trade in wildlife. • Catherine Arnold, Head of Illegal Wildlife Trade Unit, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, United Kingdom • Gary Chapman, President Group Services & dnata, Emirates Group • Gerald Lawless, Immediate past Chairman, WTTC • John E. Scanlon, Special Envoy, African Parks • Darrell Wade, Co-Founder & Executive Chair, Intrepid Group* Moderator: Peter Greenberg, Travel Editor, CBS News 1115 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards WTTC’s annual Tourism for Tomorrow Awards ceremony will showcase and celebrate the very best in sustainable tourism from around the world. • Fiona Jeffery, Founder & Chairman, Just a Drop and Chair, Tourism for Tomorrow Awards • Jeffrey C. Rutledge, CEO, AIG Travel

1245 Sustainable Growth:

Tourism that benefits everyone WTTC work with McKinsey & Company on how to manage tourism growth highlighted the importance of community engagement for sustainable tourism growth. How can stakeholders come together to agree a shared vision for their destination? How can we shift the focus away from numbers of tourists and towards a more quality driven, value focused approach? KEYNOTE: Tourism, development and peace – The story of Rwanda • The Rt. Hon. Prime Minister of the Republic of Rwanda, Dr Edouard Ngirente 1300 Value vs volume: harnessing growth to create a quality product • Jillian Blackbeard, Executive Manager – Marketing, Botswana Tourism Organization (BTO) Ninan Chacko, CEO, Travel Leaders Group • Alex Dichter, Senior Partner, McKinsey & Company • H.E. Ana Mendes Godinho, Secretary of State for Tourism, Portugal • Matthew Upchurch, President & CEO, Virtuoso Moderator: Nick Ross, Summit Anchor

1330 Putting communities at the center of tourism development

• H.E. Nikolina Angelkova, Minister of Tourism, Bulgaria • Fred Dixon, President & CEO, NYC and Company • Katie Fallon, Global Head of Corporate Affairs, Hilton • Gonzalo Robredo, President of the Tourism Entity of the City of Buenos Aires • H.E. Wanda Teo, Secretary of Tourism, Philippines Moderator: Tim Willcox, Presenter, BBC News 1410 Hollywood, hospitality and travel • Five-time Academy Award winning director and hotelier, Francis Ford Coppola, interviewed by Costas Christ, CEO, Beyond Green Travel 1440 Closing remarks • Gloria Guevara Manzo, President & CEO, WTTC • H.E. José Gustavo Santos, Minister of Tourism, Republic of Argentina 1450

Handover to next Summit Host

Sevilla 2019 will be next!

The world travel and tourism dream team Taleb Rifai and David Scowsill are back together.

Both men became good friends and worked together constantly for many years when Dr. Taleb Rifai was the UNWTO Secretary-General, and David Scowsill the CEO of WTTC.

This time, both men joined the Tourism Advisory Board of AIRBNB.

Also, today, the current UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili and WTTC CEO Guevara Manzo pledged their support for each other at a press conference in Buenos Aires.

Zurab laid out recent developments for cooperation in Latin America. This was echoed with a billion-dollar cooperation in the private tourism industry reported by Gloria from WTTC. The winner seems to be Argentina tourism, the host of the ongoing WTTC Summit.

Many of the major or not so major hotels and hotel operators think AIRBNB is operating in the shadow of legality and are taking their business. Tax authorities around the globe are giving AIRBNB a hard time, but the online platform is doing fantastic and many travelers love to stay in private homes or apartments to get a personal tourism experience.

According to a notice published on the AIRBNB website:

Airbnb launched the Tourism Advisory Board made up of travel industry leaders from around the world as part of its Office of Healthy Tourism, an initiative to drive local, authentic, and sustainable tourism in countries and cities across the globe. The Tourism Advisory Board is comprised of four members who have set the tone for this dialogue during their years in the industry:

– Professor the Hon Bob Carr, the former Foreign Affairs Minister for Australia and former Premier of New South Wales

– Taleb Rifai, the former Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization

– Rosette Rugamba, Managing Director of Songa Africa and Amakoro Lodge and former Director General of Rwanda Tourism and National Parks

– David Scowsill, Chief Executive of EON Reality Inc. and former President and CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council

The Tourism Advisory Board will help shape the company’s long-term vision and activities promoting healthy sustainable tourism and ensuring that as tourism grows, locals are the primary beneficiary.

“Whatever our business in life may be, let us always remember that our core business is, and will always be, to make this world a better place. Peace is definitely an ingredient when making this world a better place. These words coming from a citizen of the Kingdom of Jordan, it means there is a natural connection between peace and tourism.

Dr. Taleb Rifai, UNWTO Secretary-General from 2009 through 2017 was the head of the UN Specialized Agency in charge of Tourism, known as the World Tourism Organization.

The former UNWTO Secretary-General has been a man of peace, building a bridge of friendships and integrity for our largest industry in the world, the Travel and Tourism Industry.

It’s therefore not surprising and highly appropriate for this respected global tourism leader with a legacy like no one else to be named the chairman of the International Advisory Board at the International Institute for Peace Through Tourism (IIPT).

He succeeds Dr. Noel Brown who becomes Chairman Emeritus and before Dr. Brown, Knut Hammarskjold, former Director General of IATA and nephew of UN Secretary-General, Dag Hammarskjold.

In making the announcement, IIPT Founder and President, Louis D’Amore stated: “IIPT is most honored that Dr. Rifai has accepted the role as Chairman of the IIPT International Advisory Board. His acceptance enhances the stature of IIPT in the International Tourism Community and IIPT’s ability to make further progress towards its vision of travel and tourism becoming the world’s first global peace industry and the belief that every traveler is potentially an Ambassador for Peace.”

Dr. Rifai stated: “I have been a supporter of IIPT and its vision since participating in the IIPT Amman Global Summit nearly 20 years ago as Jordan Minister of Communication. As I have often stated as Secretary General of UNWTO – global solidarity is based on a common aspiration for peace – and ‘travel is the language of peace.’ I also believe and have often stated that the ‘core business of tourism is to make the world a better place.’ As Chairman of the IIPT International Advisory Board, I will be in a position to continue contributing towards these ends.”

Dr. Rifai earned a B.S. in Architectural Engineering from the University of Cairo; Masters degree in Engineering and Architecture from the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) and a PhD in Urban Design and Regional Planning from the University of Pennsylvania. From 1999 to 2003, he served in several ministerial portfolios in the Government of Jordan as Minister of Planning and International Cooperation; Minister of Information; and Minister of Tourism and Antiquity.  He subsequently was Assistant Director-General of the International Labor Organization (ILO) following which he served as Deputy Secretary General of the World Tourism Organization prior to being elected as Secretary-General in 2009 and elected for a second four-year term by the 20th session of the UNWTO General Assembly co-hosted by Zambia and Zimbabwe.

During his eight years as UNWTO Secretary-General, Dr. Rifai changed the UNWTO and many say he raised the bar of the UN agency to a new high, building a legacy for himself and the UNWTO like none of his predecessors had.

In his final speech, he addressed not his legacy, but the legacy of the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development. This is Dr. Rifai’s final address as UNWTO Secretary-General:
https://www.eturbonews.com/174096/taleb-rifais-final-words-unwto-secretary-general-make-world-better-place

Dr. Noel Brown to be Chairman Emeritus     

Dr. Noel Brown has been an Environmental Diplomat for decades. In 1972 he collaborated with Maurice Strong in organizing the first UN Conference on the Environment in Stockholm, Sweden. Following the conference he continued collaborating with Maurice Strong in establishing the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) in Nairobi, Kenya and subsequently became Director, UNEP North America in New York where he played a key role in the historic “Earth Summit” in Rio 1992 and initiated numerous innovations in the service of the earth’s environment and sustainable development. Following his retirement from UNEP he founded “Friends of the United Nations” where he continued to be active in advancing the goals of the United Nations for peace, environmental protection and sustainable development.

Knut Hammarskjold

Knut Hammarskjold was the first Chairman of IIPT’s International Advisory Board. He served in Montreal for 18 years as the second Executive Director of the International Air Transport Association (IATA). He was the nephew of United Nations Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjold, who was killed in a plane crash in 1961 while traveling on a peace mission to the Congo. Knut Hammarskjold, considered his distinguished uncle as a second father. An IIPT International Peace Park has been dedicated in Ndola, Zambia, site of the crash. Knut led IATA through a period of profound change during a period of turbulence and transformation and a period also marked by a rise in hijackings. After leaving IATA, he was appointed head of an independent commission regarding the future of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

The International Institute for Peace through Tourism (IIPT) is a not for profit organization dedicated to fostering travel and tourism initiatives that contribute to international understanding, cooperation among nations, an improved quality of environment, cultural enhancement and the preservation of heritage, poverty reduction, reconciliation and healing wounds of conflicts; and through these initiatives, helping to bring about a peaceful and sustainable world.  It is founded on a vision of the world’s largest industry, travel and tourism – becoming the world’s first global peace industry; and the belief that every traveler is potentially an “Ambassador for Peace.”

IIPT is a member of the International Coalition of Tourism Partners (ICTP) www.ictp.travel 

The Star in the Global Travel and Tourism Industry today is from Jamaica and no other than Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica’s minister of Tourism. The Hon. Edmund Bartlett made his presentation at the ongoing 63rd UNWTO Regional Commission for the Americas and the International Seminar on Women’s Empowerment in the Tourism Sector in Paraguay. The UNWTO Conference is being held in conjunction withthe  National Secretariat of Tourism of Paraguay (SENATUR).

A tireless effort was put in by the former UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai together with Minister Bartlett. and the scene set last year in November with the Montego Bay declaration after concluding the very successful UWWTO Global Conference on Jobs and inclusive growth in Jamaica. Minister Jamaica hosted the event.

The Montego Bay declaration highlighted the need for climate change mitigation and improving crisis preparedness, including a commitment among Caribbean countries to work toward more regional integration and to support a Global Tourism Resilience Center in Jamaica, including a Sustainable Tourism Observatory to help in preparedness, management, and recovery from crises.

This morning at the Regional Commission for the Americas meeting Minister Bartlett made his presentation on establishing and hosting the first Tourism Innovation Centre in the Americas.  A first conference is planned in Montego Bay in 2019.
The current UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvil continued to voice UNWTO’s support for a regional center.

Here is a transcript of the presentation made today by the Jamaica Minister and now endorsed and supported by the Regional Commission of the Americas at UNWO

BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION

In the last two decades, many destinations around the world have faced several external threats and internal challenges (together disruptions), which undermine their ability to fully achieve their objectives and potential. These disruptions include, among other things, climate change and natural disasters, cybercrime and cyber-security, epidemics and pandemics, as well as terrorism and wars.

Epidemics and Pandemics

The threat of epidemics and pandemics has been an ever-present reality for tourism due to the nature of the sector which involves international travel and close contact between millions of people. The threat has however become significantly more pronounced over the last two decades.

The world today is hyper connected with the current volume, speed, and reach of travel being unprecedented. Almost 4 billion trips were taken by air just last year alone. The threat of epidemics and pandemics extends beyond the tourism sector and remains a major threat to both health and human security. This has forced the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to declare pandemics to be global security issues and a Future Global Shock; appealing to countries to commit to higher political and budgetary prioritization of pandemics to promote human security in the same way defense and military expenditures, for example, are prioritized to promote state security.

A 2008 report by the World Bank, warned that a global pandemic that lasts a year could trigger a major global recession while concluding that the economic losses would come not from sickness or death but from what the World Bank calls “efforts to avoid infection”: reducing air travel, avoiding travel to infected destinations, and reducing consumption of services such as restaurant dining, tourism, mass transport, and nonessential retail shopping.

Climate Change and Natural Disasters

Climate change is now the most imminent threat facing the tourism sector and the wider Caribbean region. Warmer temperatures are raising sea levels and producing longer hurricane seasons with stronger and more severe storms. More intense droughts are drying up water resources, vegetation.

and agricultural yields. Rising sea levels are also destroying coastlines, sands, mangroves and eroding beaches. Just last year the passage of Hurricanes Irma and Maria inflicted tremendous damages to 13 of the most tourism-dependent countries in the region including St. Martin, Anguilla, Dominica, Barbuda, St.Barts, The British Virgin Islands, The US Virgin Islands, Turks & Caicos, The Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. Some territories experienced damage to over 90% of their infrastructure.

Forecasts suggest that the cost of inaction in the Caribbean will amount to 22% of GDP by 2100 and 75% of GDP for some of the more vulnerable economies. This indeed spells a problem for the future of Caribbean economies if the intensity of climate change is not reversed.

Terrorism and Wars

While Jamaica has never faced any serious radical terrorism, we now operate in a new normal where we must be prepared for any eventuality. Recent terrorist attacks in tourist destinations such as Barcelona, Paris, Nice, Tunisia, Egypt, Bohol in the Philippines, Turkey, Las Vegas, Florida and Bali in Indonesia and Algeria have shown that no destination is safe from terror attacks. Increasingly, the radical elements fueling global terrorism are becoming geographically dispersed and are recruiting members from all over the world.

Destination security must become an urgent priority of global tourism players. A serious terror attack can cause significant damage to destination attractiveness, divert itineraries from the affected destinations, undermine future travel and destabilize the affected country’s economy.

Cyber-crimes and Cyberwars

Finally, we currently operate in a highly digitalized world where we are now forced to protect visitors and indeed citizens from both tangible and intangible threats. The digital space has become the marketplace for the tourism industry. Destination research, bookings, reservations, room service and vacation shopping are conducted online via credit card payments. Security no longer means protecting tourists against physical threats but also means protecting people against cyber threats (internet fraud, identity theft, etc.) It is however true that most tourist destinations in the region have no backup plan in the event of cyber-attacks.

While the tourism sector has traditionally been very resilient, the sector is also one of the most vulnerable to these disruptions. In the last two decades, several organizations have also attempted to address some of these concerns, however no one organization exists to holistically provide strategic and operations relations solutions. The absence of such an entity undermines the ability of global destinations to maximize their tourism. This no doubt has wider implications for achieving the goals of the Sustainable Development Goals. Ensuring the resilience of the sector is thus critical to protecting and promoting the well-being of millions of citizens around the world.

The Global Centre for Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management will be called to operate in a global context that is characterized by not only new challenges, but also new opportunities to improve the tourism product as well as to ensure the sustainability of tourism globally. This Centre represents hope and assured continuity of tourism as a local and regional product and as a global enterprise.

2. OBJECTIVES OF THE CENTRE

The aforementioned goal will be achieved through the following objectives:

1. Research and Capacity Building

a. Provide real-time and accurate information related to existing and possible or potential disruptions/risks to destinations;

b. Provide communication, marketing and branding assistance to destinations hit by disruptions/disasters, towards rapid recovery;

c. Provide business intelligence and data analytics information to destinations;

d. Provide policy solutions to governments, international organizations, civil societies and the businesses related to tourism resilience; and

e. Undertake cutting-edge research related to current and potential disruptions or risks to destinations and, to develop mitigation strategies to address these disruptions and risks.

2. Advocacy

a. Provide policy solutions to government, international organizations, civil societies and the businesses related to tourism resilience.

b. Lobby international organizations and all stakeholders to become a part of global thrusts towards tourism resilience and crisis management.

c. Source funding and/or developmental opportunities to improve the quality of the output of regional hotel training institutes such as HEART in Jamaica. This is to ensure sustainability of the tourism industry through improving brand quality. One of the major threats to tourism resilience is the quality of the human capital within the sector.

d. Ensure that organizations honour their commitments made by applying strategic methods of advocacy.

3. Project/Programme Management

a. Plan and implement crisis management systems that will reduce the impact of disasters;

b. Assist the recovery efforts of countries affected by disasters;

c. Monitor the recovery efforts of countries affected by a crisis;

d. Undertake cutting-edge research related to current and potential disruptions or risks to destinations and, to develop mitigation strategies to address these disruptions and risks;

e. Provide training and capacity building in tourism resilience and crisis management;

f. Train and build the capacity of its members in the following areas:

i. Researchers

ii. Crisis and Risk Management Analysts

iii. Tourism Resilience Experts

iv. Tourism Resilience Advocates

v. The Centre will also provide (1) research fellowship opportunity for individuals seeking to either expand their knowledge or gain experience in tourism resilience and crisis management through postdoctoral research, and (2) internships for undergraduate and graduate students in fields of study related to tourism resilience and crisis management;

g. Provide policy solutions to government, international organizations, civil societies and the businesses related to tourism resilience;

h. Host tourism resilience and crisis management forums, conferences, and public discussions geared towards bringing the specialists and experts together to share knowledge and strategies on how to be more resilient and more optimal on managing risks.

4. Monitoring and Evaluation Unit

The Centre will also provide Monitoring and Evaluation services through a Monitoring and Evaluation Unit. This unit will primarily be responsible for the non-stop monitoring of all things related to the tourism sector. The unit will be responsible for the global and regional audit of the tourism sector in an effort to identify seemingly smaller problems that have the potential to cripple the industry as well as unforeseen problems that lack the expert attention. This makes the sector more resilient by providing forecast and foresight. This unit will therefore operate like a watchtower or a lighthouse for tourism globally.

The monitoring thrust of this unit will also be geared towards training individuals to participate in tourism conferences such as the UNWTO conference held in Montego Bay recently, tourism seminars and discussions as well asto keep abreast of the activities, actions, policies and commitments of all core stakeholders of the tourism sector. This unit will establish a global database of all the proposed, committed and ongoing projects or activities by all these stakeholders – essentially a Global Tourism To-Do List. By doing this, the Centre is able to better advocate and lobby stakeholders by reminding them of their commitments as well as to provide information to interested individuals or organizations. This will help to globally streamline tourism activities as well as create a sense of uniformity in global tourism activities.

The Monitoring and Evaluation aspect of the Centre will also take the form of a Virtual Tourism Observatory. Similar, to the European Union Tourism Observatory, this observatory.

aims to support policy makers and businesses develop better strategies for a more competitive global tourism sector.

The Virtual Tourism Observatory will provide access to a broad collection of information, data and analysis on current trends in the tourism sector. The Observatory will therefore be available for the access of all persons who are interested in data on tourism in any country/region. This observatory will enhance academic scholarship by including the latest available figures on the sector’s trends and volumes, economic and environmental impact, and the origin and profile of tourists. The observatory will partner with other similar organizations globally.

The observatory will contain the following information/data:

 Country Tourism Profiles.

 Tourism statistics with user-friendly and interactive manipulative functions which allows users to access graphs and charts, and to manipulate the data to produce measures of central tendencies and minimal bivariate analysis.

 Studies and reports from all around the world that are related to tourism.

 Travel advisories for all regions.

 Best tourist hotspots and attractions for all regions.

3. PROPOSED GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE OF THE CENTRE

The Centre will be staffed by internationally recognized experts and professionals in the fields of climate management, project management, tourism management, tourism risk management, tourism crisis management, communication management, tourism marketing and branding as well as monitoring and evaluation.

 The Centre will be headed by a Director who shall be responsible for the overall management of the Centre and for providing the operational, organizational, and institutional direction of the Centre.

 The Director will be assisted by three (3) Programme Offices.

o Programme Office – Advocacy

o Programme Officer – Research and Capacity Building

o Programme Officer – Projects

o Monitoring and Evaluation Officers

 The Director and Programme Officers will form part of the Board of Directors. The rest of the board shall be invited to serve based on recommendations made from the Ministry of Tourism, The University of the West Indies, and other stakeholder groups.

 The board will be assisted by Researchers, Crisis and Risk Management Analysts, Tourism Resilience Experts, and Tourism Resilience Advocates who will all work towards achieving the objectives of the Centre.

4. LOCATION

The Centre will be housed at The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus (UWI). The Campus has two locations in Jamaica – Montego Bay and Kingston. Founded in 1948, the University of the West Indies is a world-class, accredited higher education institution which engages in research and development designed to support the social and economic growth of the Caribbean region.

The University has a mission to advance learning, create knowledge and foster innovation for the positive transformation of the Caribbean and the wider world. This Mission of the University coincides perfectly with the specific goals of this institute as it provides a platform, through this centre of excellence, to further the university’s mandate of fostering innovation and positive transformation through tourism resilience and development.

Being home to some of the brightest minds, scholars, and researchers from across the region and beyond, the University will appropriately house the Centre providing a natural and ready pool of

resources from which the Centre can access excellent human resource to buttress its efforts. The UWI also provides an environment for partnerships between and among other already established

and streamlined international institutes in the process of sharing knowledge, strategies, and expertise towards achieving the ultimate objectives of the Centre. The University boasts a 8 | P a g e

world-class reputation that will enhance the credibility of the Centre in a symbiotic way as the Centre will also, in its operations, enhance the overall mission and vision of the University.

5. NEXT STEPS

The Centre has been established at the University of the West Indies Mona Campus. We are currently in the process of staffing the Centre as well as building partnerships towards the development of our project profile. Thus far, we have successfully engaged the following entities:

 Bournemouth University, England

 Campari

 Carnival Cruise Line

 The University of Queensland, Australia

 Digicel

We are also in the process of examining the following global projects on climate action:

1. Global comparative study that explores tourists’ attitudes towards environmental conservation and climate change when traveling.

2. Global comparative study that explores attitudes towards Climate Change.

3. Cross national study that explores resilience and adaptation strategies in response to climate change.

4. Registration.

5. Financing.

6. Summit – Saturday, September 22, 2018.

The new UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvi loves football. Worldtourismwire yesterday reported about the appointment of Spanish football star Lionel Messi as a UNWTO Ambassador for Responsible Tourism by UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili after a football match between FC Barcelona and Leganés.

On Saturday the UNWTO Secretary General of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and FC Barcelona signed an agreement, opening the path to collaboration between the two organizations in the areas of tourism and sports.

In 2011-2011, UNWTO Secretary-General Pololikashvili was the General Manager of FC Dinamo de Tbilisi, viewed as the most outstanding professional football team in Georgia.

Tourism is directly related to international security, communication, and interaction between people. Tourism must have a seat at the global table, and the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is the platform for that within the United Nations.

Exactly a year ago on April 9, eTN asked in an article: How can the leader of this UNWTO platform be elected by a group of country representatives that care more about getting tickets for a popular football game, are following the orders of their foreign minister, and perhaps therefore are not interested in a discussion and exchange, before voting someone into the highest UN official in the travel and tourism industry?

A year later Lionel Messi is officially part of an exclusive UNWTO club of ambassadors, but there is a dark history this star has been trying to cover up.

Considered by many the best football player of all times, Lionel Messi joined the World Tourism Organization to promote the value of responsible tourism. The same man now promoting responsible tourism has been less than responsible when it comes to paying taxes in his home country in Spain.

Spain’s Supreme Court in May of 2017 rejected an appeal by the same Barcelona football star Lionel Messi and stood by a Catalan regional court’s 21-month prison sentence for tax fraud, as reported by REUTERS on May 24, 2017.

Messi and his father Jorge, who managed Messi’s finances, were both convicted in 2016 of defrauding Spain of €4.1m (£3.5m; $4.6m) in taxes.

Jorge Messi’s jail term was reduced because he paid some of the taxes. In Spain, prison terms of under two years can be served under probation.

Lionel Messi, a five-time world footballer of the year, has denied any involvement and told his trial in June 2016: “I only worried about playing football.”

But in its decision, the court said: “It defies logic to concede that someone who earns a large income does not know that he must pay taxes on it.”

Both men were originally convicted of three counts of fraud, for using tax havens in Belize and Uruguay between 2007 and 2009, and were also given heavy fines.

They were found guilty of resorting to fictitious companies to evade Spanish taxes on income from companies using Lionel Messi’s image rights.

Jorge Messi’s jail term was reduced from 21 months to 15 by the Supreme Court to take into account the money he had since handed to the tax authorities.

Dr. Walter Mzembi was of the most known and respected Minister or Tourism representing one of the most controversial governments when he ran as a candidate for UNWTO Secretary-General last year representing the government of Zimbabwe.
The word is still out among many, Dr. Mzembi was the most qualified UNWTO candidate but couldn’t win because of the government he represented.

The government he represented under ex-president Robert Mugabe was on the “ignore and no talk list” for many countries in the world, and after a soft military takeover in November, this Southern African country has a new face.

Elections are in the pipeline and the new administration has been trying hard to silence those involved with the former regime. Many former public servants were ousted from their political party, others were harassed in many different ways.

A report today in one of Zimbabwe’s most followed online tabloids Zimeye suggests that Mzembi may at the end of this week reenter the political fray on the MDC Alliance ticket led by the 40 year old Advocate and former Minister of ICT in the inclusive government of 2009-13, Mr Nelson Chamisa . Speculation is rife that Mzembi may follow his G40 comrades who recently met Mr Chamisa and seemingly have joined the Alliance to try and fight back at the new regime that unceremoniously dumped them after the exit of Robert Mugabe through a soft coup that installed his former vice president, and now President , Emmerson Mnangagwa.

However, when eTN contacted Dr. Mzembi for a comment he denied any talks with the MDC Alliance.

Whilst very respectful of the MDC Alliance President, Adv Nelson Chamisa whom he says he worked very closely within the inclusive government of 2009- 2013, and referring to him affectionately as” my young brother “, Mzembi says he has not joined the MDC Alliance and is not contemplating such action ahead of 2018 harmonised elections.

Joining them is the quickest and easiest route for me to retain my Parliamentary Constituency, but I am not available for elective politics in 2018, and I will not make such far-reaching decisions at this stage.

Joining a political party or alliance is a nuptial decision, a covenant, and I don’t plunge that easily if I go in, it’s irrevocable, so I haven’t made that decision at all, hakusi kuchaya mapoto”

“There are various and numerous political constituents that are are trying to suck me back into politics by default ahead of 2018 harmonised elections ; let me restate that there is no superior persuasive argument to my pronounced position of 4 December 2017, which announced the beginning of an indefinite political sabbatical and a migration into business and more quality time for a family that “missed ” me during my 15 years of public service. Nothing has changed and readers and political followers are urged to refresh their memory by visiting my interview, done with the Daily News on the 4th of December, 2017. CLICK HERE

Dr. Mzembi’s message: I am still on my sabbatical dismissing MDC Alliance association as social media mischief and fake news.

Here is a chance to be involved in the new African Tourism Board right from the beginning. The organization is still accepting nominations for founding members.

The African Tourism Board is soon to be officially launched. Members will not only include Tourism Boards, Ministers of Tourism and both government and private association, but public figures, government representatives, and private stakeholders including DMC’s, CVB’s, Investment Banks, Law-firms, and consultants.

“It’s all about marketing and outreach. We hope to be able not to involve our organization into political issues and our mission is to encourage African countries to work together, sharing joint tourism opportunities and assist with projects, investments important to the African Travel and Tourism Industry. There is so much potential and this can be done easier united”, said one of the soon-to-be-announced tourism leaders and founding member.

Currently, the African Tourism Board is accepting applications or nominations for founding members and marketing partners.

Some activities including road shows in North America, virtual outreach, investment opportunities, PR, and media relations, a security, and tourism Wellbeing Summit in Africa (to be announced), a special roadshow for the MICE Industry on the sideline of IMEX America are already in the pipeline.  Such initiatives are facilitated in close cooperation with the  International Coalition of Tourism Partners (ICTP)

The African Tourism Board hopes to work hand in hand with Brand Africa, Retosa, African Union, UNWTO, WTTC, the World Tourism Alliance, ICTP, ATA, the aviation and hospitality industry and other initiatives important to further Tourism to Africa.

The organization is welcoming members throughout Africa and the world. For more information and an application to voice your interest go to   https://africantourismboard.com/join/

The official launch is planned later this year.

Are UNWTO member states and affiliated members really aware of what is happening at the organization in Madrid?

Insiders within the UNWTO family think there may be a direct attempt by the current secretary- general Zurab Pololikashvilion to discredit the legacy of the very same person who made him get the position he currently has. This person is no other than former UNWTO secretary-general Taleb Rifai who put his influence and good reputation behind the avoidance of an open vote to confirm or not confirm Zurab Pololikashvilion in Chengdu. Mr.Pololikashvilio became UNWTO secretary-general by acclamation.

Today it’s obvious, there is a new ruler in Madrid surrounding himself with new close friends behind closed doors.
Today it becomes obvious people within UNWTO are worried and often work in fear and trying to hang onto their jobs.
Established programs, past achievements and even working policies are becoming a threat to the current Secretary-General.

Today it becomes obvious changes and secrecies and now a major audit is putting the well-praised legacy of former UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai in question.

When it comes to delivering an audit, quality is KPMG’s top priority. According to KPMG’s website, their audit professionals’ foremost responsibility is to serve investors, the capital markets, audit committees and management with reasonable assurance. According to information received from people close to UNWTO KPMG was hired by the UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili. The reason is not clear, but justifying changes and cuts in programs and staff contracts or finding blame comes with audits.

It appears Mr. Pololikashvili is working on a new era at UNWTO and his upcoming report to the First Executive Council meeting in April in San Sebastian, Spain will shed some light on the direction the organization is taking.  Since he took office, UNWTO no longer is the transparent, media-friendly and open organization it was in the past. Unfriendly cold war secrecy became a policy for the United Nations specialized agency in charge of promoting what is seen as the friendly industry, the tourism industry.

Audits are often used to justify certain steps, so gossip and fear within and around UNWTO is a sad reality today.  It waits to be seen who the victims will be. Will Taleb Rifai be considered collateral damage?

The question remains for later.  Will the UNWTO Executive Council be transparent and strong enough to analyze, question and if necessary correct the direction the organization seems to be taking.

eTN asked many questions without responses. eTN is aware of only one short press conference the new UNWTO boss attended. It was during FITUR. There was very little time for questions in Spanish only. Even at ITB Berlin, there was no UNWTO press-meeting. Ever since the new secretary-general took office not one media question by eTN was responded to, therefore this article is based on reliable information by sources and without input by UNWTO.