A proud Korean Dho Young-shim presentation in Africa on ST-EP
At the just-concluded 59th meeting of the UNWTO Commission for Africa by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Africa tourism was shining. Ministers from 49 countries attended the event at the legendary Addis Ababa Sheraton Hotel in the Ethiopian capital.
Among the participants was Ambassador Madam Dho Young-shim. Madam Dho has devoted 11 years of her life to Africa. She is, however, from South Korea and is the chairperson in charge of the UNWTO- ST-EP Program. ST-EP stands for Sustainable Tourism – Eliminating Poverty Initiative which has projects around the globe. Madam Dho’s latest initiative was the opening of 180 libraries in poor areas in Africa. This has been seen as a dynamic tool for community development and empowerment. This contribution to education is done through the support of children at schools, and through the promotion of reading, music, sports, and health, etc. The libraries are also equipped with Braille reading for blind children.
How it started
At its Millennium Summit in 2000, the United Nations identified poverty as one of the biggest global challenges and set forth as one of its Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to eradicate extreme poverty by 2015. The World Tourism Organization has responded to this challenge and opportunity by launching the ST-EP Initiative, which was announced at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg in 2002.
Despite the special position of tourism in poverty alleviation, often poor segments of the population in developing countries and least-developed countries do not benefit from the economic impact of tourism. The UNWTO Sustainable Tourism – Eliminating Poverty Initiative promotes poverty alleviation through the provision of assistance to sustainable development projects. The initiative focuses on enhancing the organization’s long-standing work to encourage sustainable tourism – social, economic, and ecological – with activities that specifically alleviate poverty, deliver development, and create jobs for people living on less than a dollar a day. UNWTO views the ST-EP Initiative as an effective tool to make a tangible contribution to the MDGs. Tourism can play a significant role, particularly for goals 1, 3, 7, and 8, addressing extreme poverty and hunger, gender equality, environmental sustainability, and global partnership, respectively.
At the 2005 UN World Summit in New York, UNWTO convened meetings with governments, industry, UN agencies, and civil society leaders on how to harness tourism most effectively for the MDGs. These discussions culminated in the adoption of the Declaration on “Harnessing Tourism for the Millennium Development Goals,” an important declaration that put on record the recognition of tourism as a major force for socio-economic development and an effective contributor to the MDGs. The declaration calls on governments, international and bilateral development agencies, corporations, and civil society, to further their efforts in support of the tourism sector through mobilizing additional resources, affording tourism greater priority in development assistance programs and poverty alleviation strategies, and promoting public-private partnerships and good governance.
To alleviate poverty elimination and community empowerment through education, 180 libraries opened in poor areas as tools for community development and empowerment, as well as other activities based on the Korean development experience and know-how.
The Myusung Christian Medical Centre in Ethiopia started 10 years ago and has grown to the point of handing and giving relief to thousands of people in need every year. Conducted by Mr. Henry Moon, the property includes the Medical college annex.
Participants at the Africa conference had a chance to watch a proud Ambassador Dho showing videos demonstrating the success of ST-EP.
The ST-EP Initiative and projects worldwide have generated employment for locals in tourism enterprises. As of January 2017, some 120 ST-EP projects have been approved for implementation in 45 countries and 3 regions. Additionally, 100 projects have been successfully completed, including the Millennium Villages as a tourism destination.
Madam Dho’s eyes light up when she talks about Africa and ST-EP. But Africa has its challenges. “Africa receives only 3 percent of the global tourism flow per year,” said Najib Balala, Kenya Tourism Cabinet Secretary. “Africans need to walk together to re-brand the continent. The country is endowed with the greatest tourism potential, and today, its economy is the fastest growing by an average of 8 percent – a tremulous push with major power in the sector.” Mr. Balala took over the chair of the UNWTO Commission of Africa.
Ambassador Dho is also a candidate for the upcoming UNWTO election for a new Secretary General.
UNWTO Election: African Union Commission Urges Africa to Vote as One Bloc
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 20 April 2017- The African Union Commission Deputy Chairperson H.E Mr Kwesi Quartey has urged Africa to practically demonstrate its unity by putting its support behind the candidates endorsed for positions within the international system. He called on Africa to vote as one united bloc to increase its chances of winning.
Mr. Quartey was speaking in Addis Ababa on the 19th of April at a dinner hosted by the Embassy of the Republic of Zimbabwe in honour of the AU endorsed candidate for the post of Secretary General of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation, Dr Walter Mzembi. He added “we must win this for the first time”.
Dr Mzembi was in the Ethiopian capital to attend the 59th meeting of the UNWTO’s Commission for Africa, of which he was chair.
Speaking on behalf of the AU Commission Chairperson H.E Moussa Faki Mahamat, Mr Quartey congratulated Dr Mzembi for the unanimous endorsement he received from the heads of state and government of the then 54 member states of the AU. He also stated that the African Union acknowledged tourism as an effective vehicle for sustainable development, key in the building of deeper understanding between peoples and cultures and for the reinforcement of the quest for greater global harmony and peace.
The outgoing Secretary General of the UNWTO Mr Taleb Rifai also spoke at the dinner. “You have already won”, he said, with reference to the work Dr Mzembi has done to uplift the image of his own country and for putting African tourism at the fore. He added that Dr Mzembi had successfully co-organized “one of the best attended” general assemblies of the UNWTO in 2013, when Zimbabwe co-hosted the organisation’s 20th session with Zambia.
Meanwhile, Ethiopian Minister of Tourism and Culture Honourable Hirut Woldemariam wished the candidate all the best in the elections to be held from 11 to 12 May this year in Madrid, Spain. If Dr Mzembi wins, he will become the first African to lead the UN body. Previous secretaries general have been from France, Australia, and Mexico. The outgoing Secretary General, Mr. Rifai is from Jordan.
In his own address, Dr Mzembi reiterated the call for unity among African countries in the vote, noting that Africa’s concept of candidature committees at sub regional and cross continental levels, through which he was endorsed, had “secured an African, Dr Gilbert Fassoun Houngbo, former prime minister of Togo, the key post of Director General of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).”
Africa has two other candidates who have been endorsed by the Assembly of the AU for different posts, i.e. Dr. Mousshira Khatab of Egypt and Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus of Ethiopia who are contesting for the top posts at the UN Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) respectively.
The Secretary General of the UNWTO is voted for by an electoral college of 33 member states. It is the council that comes up with a single candidate to recommend to the body’s general assembly.
The Addis Ababa dinner was attended by African Ministers in charge of tourism, who were attending the 59th meeting of the UNWTO’s Commission for Africa. African and other ambassadors based in Addis Ababa and other members of the diplomatic corps also attended the event.
Africa is in the focus today at UNWTO: Transcript of Chairman Mzembi’s presentation
In Addis Ababa, Ethiopia the Fifty-ninth meeting of the UNWTO Commission for Africa and High-level Meeting on Chinese Outbound Tourism to Africa was opened today.
Chairperson of the UNWTO Regional Commission for Africa is Hon. Dr. W. Mzembi (M.P.) from Zimbabwe, who is also a candidate for election to the next Secretary General for the United Nations World Tourism Organization.
This is an exact transcript of his address to this high level audience today:
- Taleb Rifai, Secretary-General of the UNWTO,
- Excellencies, fellow Ministers
- AU Commissioners here present
- Excellencies, Ambassadors accredited to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and Permanent Representatives to the African Union here present
- Private-sector tourism and hospitality industry representatives,
- Distinguished Guests
- Ladies and Gentlemen,
Allow me to add my voice to those who have already spoken and, on behalf of the UNWTO Regional Commission for Africa, and indeed on behalf of all of those who have made the journey to attend our Commission meeting, to express sincere gratitude to the Government and people of Ethiopia for their warm welcome and the generous hospitality they have extended to us all.
It is always invigorating to return to this city, the headquarters of the African Union. It symbolizes the essence of the unity of Africa and encourages us to be bold and forthright – in the knowledge that, acting together and with a commonality of vision and purpose, we can succeed and advance our nations and our people towards the attainment of the ambitious objectives set out in Agenda 2063 – the continental developmental blueprint.
Excellencies, we meet against the background of a relatively positive year for the global tourism industry. International tourist arrivals grew by 3.9% to reach a total of 1,24 billion : and, based on current trends, the UNWTO Panel of Experts projects further positive growth of between 3% to 4 % in the coming year.
Statistics, Excellencies, are useful – but they can also be misleading and, if we are not careful, can lull us into a false sense of well-being and contentment. In illustration of my point : those statistics indicate growth of 8% in tourist arrivals in Africa – whereas the reality is that the bulk of that percentage increase represents recovery from where we were before, in 2014 and 2015, rather than actual growth.
As a Continent, as an African collective, we still lag behind other regions of the world in terms of performance and we continue to command between 3% to 5%, ONLY, of global tourism arrivals and receipts. Given the richness of our Continent and the staggering diversity of the tourism product we offer, we cannot content ourselves with this measly share of the global tourism trade. It simply makes no sense and we must commit ourselves, seriously, to work harder and in a more focused, targeted manner, to more fully and more successfully exploit the massive potential which resides in that product.
So, let us not be unduly misled by such statistics : and let us not relax in any way, shape, or form. The onus is on us, as African Ministers of Tourism, to get our act together, to intensify and accelerate our efforts – at national, regional and continental levels – to ensure, firstly, that our industry is accorded the respect and recognition it deserves within our own countries, regions and within the administrative structures of the African Union, and, secondly, to ensure that our individual and our collective efforts are directed – and let us give ourselves a definitive timeframe – towards growing Africa’s contribution to and its benefit from global tourism.
An important part of our Agenda over the coming days is devoted to China’s outbound tourism flows and how we, as African nations, can mobilize ourselves – specifically at national and regional levels – to accommodate and service the 600-plus million tourists China is expected to unleash on the world by the year 2020. Colleagues will recall that the Chinese Premier himself provided these figures when he addressed the 1st World Conference on Sustainable Tourism for Development in Beijing in 2016 – underlining the importance, to China, of the tourism sector within its own economic performance matrix.
China has achieved this status as the world’s biggest tourist source market in the space of just 20 years. In part, this is due to the pursuit of successful economic development policies which, in turn have facilitated the emergence of a strong middle class which, in turn, both money-ed and passport-ed, has been encouraged to travel the world.
By 2050, Africans will number 2,4 billion people – twice the current population of China : and it should and indeed must be our intention, Excellencies, to emulate the Chinese experience : for Africa to likewise become a major source market for the global tourism industry : for Africa to earn its place at the top table of global tourism by virtue of successfully and sustainably growing its percentage contribution to international tourism flows and for Africa to realize its massive potential, including in the tourism sector.
That journey will not be an easy one : but it is one we MUST embark upon : and it is one which has to start here, amongst ourselves, as Africans, in Africa.
Some two years ago, Excellencies, you tasked me, as your Chairman, to engage the African Union Commission with the specific task of raising awareness about our sector and its enormous developmental potential at the highest levels of our continental mother-body, and to work to ensure that tourism is effectively reflected, and indeed clearly imbedded in the AU’s Agenda 2063.
In my subsequent engagement with the Commission, I stressed three areas of strategic importance :
- Firstly, the urgent need to develop an overarching continental Tourism Policy;
- Secondly, to oversee the coordination and implementation of such a Policy, the need for a stand-alone Commission for Tourism, with its own substantive Commissioner; or, at the very least and as an interim measure, the creation of a substantive Directorate for Tourism, Bio-Diversity and Aviation; and
- Thirdly, the need for the Commission to convene meetings of African Tourism Ministers and to provide us with an appropriate, collective platform to deliberate, amongst ourselves and with others the myriad issues and opportunities relating to our sector.
As I have reported previously, the response from the Commission has been positive and I am confident that we, and they, are on the same page. It is my fervent hope that the newly-installed Commission at AU Headquarters will embrace what has been achieved thus-far and that they will commit themselves to working with us to progress those beginnings towards the conclusions set out in bullet-points one and two above.
Excellencies, another positive outcome of my engagement with the Commission was the convening, in Lome, Togo, from 14 to 18 March, 2017, of the First Ordinary Session of the AU Specialised Technical Committee (STC) on Transport, Trans-Continental and Inter-Regional Infrastructure, Energy and Tourism.
The Agenda of that meeting included all core tourism-related issues and it is my hope, Excellencies, that the action-oriented outcomes thereof are being or will be factored into our work, as Ministers of Tourism, at both national and regional levels. It is my hope, also, that the Commission has taken due note of the outcomes and that, going forward, the issue of tourism and its powerful, multi-faceted potential for sustainable development, will feature more and more prominently within AU priorities – specifically within Agenda 2063 and the alignment of that Agenda with the Sustainable Development Goals Framework.
The fact that we are now well into the UN Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development provides even further justification and a high-profile, global platform, for us here in Africa to push our respective Governments, our regional tourism bodies, the AU Commission and indeed the UNWTO for more action towards the attainment of those ambitious objectives.
Excellencies, like many of you, I attended the recent ITB Fair in Berlin.
Migration and the possible negative impact on legitimate international tourism flows of measures which some countries are putting in place to curb or stop what they view as illegitimate travel, are very topical issues across Europe and the developed world more generally. And, as you know, African countries are not immune from those curbs or the more widespread impact on the free movement of tourist travelers.
Whilst in Germany I was favoured with a paper authored by the Ministry of Economic Cooperation which speaks specifically to the issue of the migration of Africans to Europe and which speaks of the need for a ‘Marshall Plan’ – between the EU and Africa – to create decent employment opportunities on the continent and to provide those who currently risk and often lose their lives crossing the Mediterranean waters with a viable stay-at-home alternative.
This concept of some form of ‘Marshal Plan’ to support the development of low-hanging fruit opportunities in the tourism sector across the continent – specifically to create employment opportunities for our people – is very much a key element of my own vision as your Chairperson and, indeed, as the AU-endorsed candidate for the post of Secretary General of the UN World Tourism Organisation ; and forms the basis of the commitment I have made in my campaign engagements across Europe in particular, of working, with the EU and others, towards a future where Africa provides Europe with tourists…..not migrants.
A related, key component of that vision for the future, is the urgent need for us, and our cooperating partners, to initiate discussion on the possibility of establishing a Global Tourism Fund. I do not want to pre-empt debate on the issue – but, if tourism ministries across the globe could claw back just a single dollar from each tourist arrival, it would provide seed capital of around US 1,2 billion dollars for such a Fund.
By way of Joint Venture or PPP arrangements, such seed capital could be used to leverage twice or three times that amount and see the creation of a meaningful source of finance to support the realization of tourism-related projects in our countries : projects which will not only boost tourist arrivals but which will also create decent employment opportunities for our people : and which will enable the tourism sector to make a meaningful, sustainable contribution towards Agenda 2063 – the Africa We Want.
In all this, we look to our Organisation, the UNWTO, for leadership and guidance.
Allow me to thank our esteemed Secretary General, Dr Taleb Rifai, for the unstinting support he has always extended towards us, African Ministers of Tourism, and for the understanding and encouragement he and his dedicated Team continue to provide us in our work. Those efforts have been duly encapsulated in the Framework provided by the Memorandum of Understanding concluded between the UNWTO and the African Union, and provide the basis for far greater and more intensive interaction going forward.
Excellencies, I conclude as I began – by welcoming you all here, by thanking you for the confidence and support you have always given to me as your Chairperson; and by urging you and indeed all of us to greater effort and action, so that we actualise the potential of our sector, gain greater recognition and respect for tourism at national, regional and continental levels, and bring our industry to the very mainstream of our continent’s collective socio-economic developmental programme.
With effort, focus and determination, and with the right leadership, I am very confident of our success.
Excellencies, I wish you all fruitful deliberations during this 59th CAF meeting.
I Thank You
Armenia says no to UNWTO, why?
A month ago, the Armenian minister of Tourism, Hon. Vahan Martirosyan, joined 6 other candidates to compete in the race to be elected as the new Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
This week Armenia withdrew the nomination. The withdrawal of Armenia was not yet officially announced but leaked to eTN.
eTN sources suggested this decision to withdraw may have been the result of one of several questionable behind the scene deals between Georgia’s President, Giorgi Margvelashvili, and leaders of other countries.
Georgia nominated its current ambassador to the UNWTO in Madrid, Hon. Zurab Pololikashvili to run for the top post in world tourism. Georgia’s president Martisoyan had shown great support for Georgia’s candidate. An insider told eTN: “The real candidate appears to be President Giorgi Margvelashvi.”
Further eTN sources suggest the withdrawal by Armenia may have been based on such a discussion and on a handshake agreement between the President of Georgia, and the President of Armenia, Serzh Sargsyan, to facilitate mutual needs not necessarily related to tourism.
Azerbaijan is known as a rival, some say as an enemy of Georgia. The Azerbaijan press reported today: “Joining the fight for the post of UNESCO Director-General, Azerbaijan evaded participation in the election of the UNWTO Secretary-General and is taking a risk to deteriorate relations with the World Tourism Organization, as a citizen of Armenia has a chance to lead it.”
eTN is relying on a known source, unable to independently confirm at this time.
UNWTO Election: Interview with Ambassador Jaime Alberto Cabal from Colombia
The Colombian Ambassador for Austria Hon. Jaime Alberto Cabal is the latest candidate for the post of Secretary General of UNWTO. This is an up front copy of an interview conducted by eTN Publisher Juergen Steinmetz:
Steinmetz: You entered the race late. Was there a reason to hold off. What triggered your decision to enter the already extensive search for a new UNWTO Secretary General?
Cabal: The process of defining a candidacy has not only to do with personal interests but also with a country’s decision. In the case of Colombia, both the President of the Republic as well as the Minister of Foreign Affairs wanted to make a decision based on the possibility of being elected and on the professional competence required for my candidacy. I think those who presented their candidacy first may have certain advantage but to come first not always means to serve first. I think the program, the proposals, and the candidate’s profile play an important role.
Steinmetz: What makes you different from other candidates?
Cabal: Without any doubt, I very much respect and value the career of both Brazil’s candidate as well as the candidate who runs for the post of Ad Hoc Secretary in cooperation with the Korean candidate but in my view, the difference lies in the fact that these candidacies are of continuity. Traditionally, in the UNWTO the second ones always aspire or are elected as Secretary General and the proposal that we are making focuses on a renovation. In this case, we wish to have a Latin American candidate who inspires this process we are proposing to UNWTO.
Steinmetz: What would you do to get lost or non-members into the UNWTO. For example the United States or UK?
Cabal: One of the main proposals is to seek an increase of both Member States and Affiliate Members; Member States that have not been participating or States that have been members of the Organization but left. If we analyze the Member States that today are part of the Organization, 156 countries, we observe that there is a much smaller number of members compared to the number of other United Nations Organizations operating in Geneva, New York or Vienna. In this Organization we miss around 50 countries that could be a member of the UNWTO. It is crucial that countries like the UK, the US or the Nordic countries and others can become part of the Organization. Therefore, in my opinion, there has to be a greater offer of more tangible and concrete benefits for Member States and a strategy with a great deal of diplomacy to attract or to invite these countries to become part of the Organization. Without any doubt, this would be one of the main projects I wish to implement.
Steinmetz: WTTC and UNWTO had been working like siamese twins. WTTC and UNWTO had been working like siamese twins. However WTTC only represents 100 companies. Of course PATA and ETOA also played a role within UNWTO activities. How would you include other stakeholders of the private sector more prominently?
Cabal: One of the great advantages of the UNWTO within the United Nations system is that it is the only organization which includes the private sector as one of its members through the category of Affiliate Members. The Organization should make better use of this condition. In the same way as the Organization works closely with its Member States, it should also work closely with the private sector seeking to benefit from its strength, expertise and knowledge in the tourism sector. In this respect, I intend to accord greater importance to the inclusion of new Affiliate Members and a leading role to those who are already part of the Organization. I also appreciate the role and purpose of the WTTC as well as the importance of ETOA and PATA. Part of the Secretary General’s work is to maintain a balance regarding the importance and the role of these organizations and other Affiliate Members. This healthy balance also should be reflected at the level of the Organization’s governance. Without losing control of governance to Member States as an intergovernmental organization, Affiliate Members should be provided with some possibility to take part in the great decisions of the Organization
Steinmetz: How would you the International Coalition of Tourism Partners (ICTP) in the mix. I have to ask you this, since I am the chairman of this organization.
Cabal: The cooperation with ICTP is as important as the cooperation with other members of the Organization. I consider that ICTP’s role is crucial within the proposals that I present as, for example, the strengthening of quality with regard to the destinations and private service providers, which are the stakeholders. Everything related to sustainable and environmental tourism and the fundamental elements for its development like education or marketing is of utmost importance. Therefore I see ICTP playing an important role during my administration if I am appointed Secretary General.
Steinmetz: What is your feedback on STEP, an initiative led by your opponend Ambassador Dho?
Cabal: All initiatives which contribute to the strengthening of sustainable tourism, which have an impact on education and training and which make a contribution to marginalized communities and the reduction of poverty are always welcomed. This program and this foundation supported by the UNWTO should be strengthened in the future and the UNWTO should evaluate the criteria of programmatic extensions to be incorporated later on.
Steinmetz: As a Colombian, what is your global view on the tourism?
Cabal: Colombia today presents itself and is recognized by international agencies as one of the countries with the greatest potential regarding the present and future tourism. The variety of touristic products and expertise that Colombia has to offer like sun and beach, cultural and historic tourism, festivities, cities, adventure and rural tourism can be an asset to the world tourism. The new perspective presented by the peace process is something that could be applied to many countries in conflict. I think that this response of Colombia to present this candidacy reflects the momentum Colombia is experiencing in its economy, its social and sustainable development due to the new perspective of peace.
Steinmetz: How would you increase the importance of tourism within the UN system, including budget challenges, office representation, etc?
Cabal: The global tourism is today an increasing but also changing tourism. The changes can be found within new forms of tourism, new demands of tourists and new technologies. The countries are more aware of the social and economic impact of tourism and therefore it is crucial for the UNWTO to be a dynamic and changing organization which constantly reinvents itself, which interprets the new realities of both global as well as regional and local tourism. This awareness, of course, should grow within the system of the United Nations and the budget increase is crucial in order to be able to develop new activities and programs. Therefore, I proposed a reduction of internal expenses and an increase of investment resources for programs and activities. This budgetary strengthening should be achieved through the increase of Member States as well as Affiliate Members and by seeking resources on an international level which can contribute to different funds facilitating investments in new programs.
Steinmetz: What is your feedback on today’s global security challenges?
Cabal: Terrorism and growing insecurity notably affect many countries, regions, and cities. This, of course, must be a major concern of the UNWTO and its leadership. As we said, the UNWTO should be a facilitator and an advisor to the Member States responding to their immediate needs. One question that should be answered by the UNWTO is, for example, how to help in times of crisis in an agile and immediate way to counter the effects of terrorism faced by some cities and regions. And this is where the countries need the Organization: to provide promotion programs as well as information and communication giving immediate responses to their realties and needs, to provide tourists with information where they can go etc. and, like this, counter the negative effect or image that a terrorist attack may have on country or city. The perception obviously no changes as quickly as reality does, and this change of realties should be accompanied by the UNWTO through its relation with its Member States. There should be a team which should provide immediate responses to countries in need of this support. That means that among the Organization’s priorities should exist a support program for countries that experience insecurity or terrorist attacks.
Steinmetz: What is your stand on open or closed borders, visas, electronic visas and some key countries shifting to a more closed society.
Cabal: As I already mentioned in some previous questions, the UNWTO should act as a facilitator and advisor and in this context, it should try to eliminate the existing barriers in order to increase the tourist flow and create new tourist destinations. Many times, these barriers exist due to border controls and visa obligations which impede this increase. Here, the UNWTO should act as a partner and support so that countries become aware of the possible positive impact of lifting visa requirements imposed to tourists in the world. At the same time, it should act as an advisor for tourists in order to facilitate traveling and provide information regarding barriers they may encounter. In other words, the UNWTO has to play an important role in this new development and the world integration so that tourists can travel more easily and benefit from new technologies to enter another country, which already exists in many airports through electronic visas.
Steinmetz: What do you stand on acceptance of minority groups, including the LGBT travel industry?
Cabal: I consider that the UNWTO should be a facilitator and an advisor to its Member States regarding public policies and it should take into account all different kinds of tourism, different products of tourism or changes that are taking place in different countries. In this regard, the LGBT tourism has gained great importance with a broad participation of products offered in different international fairs all over the world. I think that the UNWTO should have an inclusive approach towards this tourism modality while, at the same time, effectively countering and fighting those forms of tourism that violate human rights and attempt against good practices as it is the case of sexual exploitation, human trafficking and child labor, among others.
Сarlos Vogeler: Why he chose to be #2 to Korea’s candidate for UNWTO Secretary General
On March 17th, 2017, the UNWTO officially released the names of countries putting forward their respective nationals as candidates for the position of Secretary General of the UNWTO. Seven candidates were announced: Armenia, Brazil, Colombia, Georgia, Republic of Korea, Seychelles, Zimbabwe. As stated by the UNWTO’s, the seven represented “candidatures complete and duly accompanied by the required documents (letter of the candidate, curriculum vitae, statement of policy and management intent and a certificate of good health signed by a recognized medical facility), along with the letter of support from the Government of the country endorsing a candidate.”
Seeing the list of candidates, many found themselves intrigued. Some of the names were familiar, others not. Some names were surprises. Some absences on the list were even more surprising.
One noted absence for the post of Secretary General: Carlos Vogeler, an assumed candidate to be put forward by the government of Spain. The UNWTO’s highly respected, greatly experienced, and well liked UNWTO Executive Director for Member Relations and Regional Director of the Americas and, formerly Chairman of the UNWTO Affiliate Members; Vogeler was deemed a natural name on the list.
Instead, his name appears as Deputy to the Republic of Korea’s candidate: Ambassador Dho Young-shim, known by many by name, but perhaps not so much by personality.
How did this happen? Why would Vogeler pass on the possibility to be Secretary General, instead choosing a supporting role to a candidate not immediately thought of as a front runner?
In a recent interview with Vogeler, the thoughtfulness of his actions was clear: he knew it was the right thing to do for the future of the UNWTO, and the future of the global tourism industry, because in his firm opinion Dho is the rightful next Secretary General.
“I know that some people think Dho is not necessarily the most sympathetic or jovial person you can imagine, that she might appear as not the easiest person to get close to. But I have discovered through my own interaction with her over the years in the UNWTO, and now in this campaigning process, who she really is – her commitment to the UNWTO, her genuine concern for all Members, and for the good of tourism as a vehicle for development. Even her humour. Many people judging, simply didn’t have the opportunity of knowing her and seeing her passion, energy and love for the organization and the tourism sector as the best instrument to make this a better world. They haven’t seen the amazing work that she has carried out in developing countries, mainly in Africa, to improve people’s lives and the love she receives when she visits. I have seen that, as well as her work across the wider UN system in both developed and developing countries as MDG and SDG advocate of the former UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, and believe me there is no one more qualified, ready and determined to take UNWTO forward. She is a very dynamic person and delivers what she promises”
But why not Vogeler?
“Was I encouraged to put myself forward? Of course. Was I approached by other candidates to be a running mate? Absolutely. I thought very hard about my decision. I have a long professional career in the private sector and academia, and in the last 8 years I have put my past experience in practice at UNWTO and it has been the most gratifying exercise. My now being inside the Organisation made it clear to me what needs to happen next to make sure that tourism holds a seat at the top table of global development decision-making, as a lead sector, building on the exceptional work that Taleb Rifai has done for the image and appreciation of tourism outside of tourism, both with governments and business. As much as I could offer the UNWTO, it is important to return to the traditional structure of a head and a deputy, not only to ensure stability, but also to strengthen the resources at the professional level of the organisation. In my view, together we can take even further the great legacy received. Ours is a very serious and solid “ticket”. Believe me, it is not so much about being number 1 or number 2, it is not about us, and our personal interest or ambitions, it is really about bringing a clear and light management structure, with geopolitical and gender balance, and the type of leadership that the organization needs in these challenging times. Dho has the experience, vision and networks to lift the UNWTO within the wider UN system, and other international bodies, to give it the status, support and funding it needs to stepchange what the Organisation can do for our member states, and I want to help and support that.”
Is there not a risk in associating with a lower profile candidate?
“Listen, I took this decision seriously. My credibility is on the line. Never would I take such a position lightly. I am partnering with Dho because I have the information and direct experience with her to know she is the right person for right now. I have seen her passion, honesty and commitment to the UNWTO first-hand. No one else can offer her expertise, bold vision, network, and scope of resources to the UNWTO. I am confident that people who know and trust me will trust my judgment and look closely at what Dho can offer as the next Secretary General. And try to get to know her as a person. You will be as pleasantly surprised as I was.”
At the end of the day, it is not up to the global tourism community to decide the next leader of the UNWTO. It is up to thirty-three members of the UNWTO Executive Council who, this May at its 105th session in Madrid, Spain, will recommend successor to Rifai, as he ends his final term as Secretary General. Ratification is set for September at the 22nd UNWTO General Assembly in Chengdu, China.
For all candidates, competition is into high gear, with each candidate showcasing not just their vision and qualifications for the top job, but their character, in their own way. Having seen the different approaches being taken by candidates to lobby for votes, Vogeler is even more convinced that Dho is the right choice come May’s Executive Council meeting.
“At this point in my professional career, I am not going to gamble with the future of the organisation, or the sector. I understand the enormity of the responsibility of Executive Council voting for the next SG. Now is not a time for experimenting, taking risks or bringing revolutions. And this is not the time for ego. Neither Dho nor I are interested in ego. We are interested in delivering results. As she always says, leadership before leaders. I am hopeful that the Executive Council will see, like I have, that Dho is the responsible, confident choice for a stronger UNWTO for the direct benefit of our member states, and the tourism world as a whole.”
Still Hope for Climate Sanity
It certainly hasn’t been a great month for Climate Resilience, as the new US Administration, led by global warming sceptics, started to gut environmental policies, people, programs, and budgets. At the same time, prioritising nationalism ahead of Internationalism, and publicly threatening to back out of US Paris Agreement leadership commitments and financial obligations.
This is seriously bad news, and it’s fair to assume that the kind of US global Climate leadership, that we saw under the Obama Administration – with its joint Heads of State and G20 outreach for progressively tougher Paris targets and its multibillion dollar US funding vision – is now history. In fact, the hidden agenda may be worse than has been revealed so far with short term politico-economic wins trumping long term planetary and humanity well-being. (pun intended).
But all is not yet lost there are several elements to add to the mix that yet may save the Paris dynamics.
First “Patience”– despite the proposed gutting of US climate programs it takes more than campaign trail rhetoric, 140 letter tweets and executive orders to destroy the action already in train. We can expect heavy legal, media and local political challenges, as well as countermanding State and City action for Climate resilience. This is a long transformation game, even though the short term has been dealt a very tough blow that is still unfolding.
Second “Business Acumen” – while oil and coal companies, as well as billionaire oligarchs support the rekindled fossil fuel love affair, the vast majority of business leaders don’t. There is no better example than Jeff Immelt, CEO of General Electric blogging employees that climate change is real, the science well accepted, GE is saving money by responding smartly with positive customer reaction.
Third “Market Forces” – the fact is the price trend of clean energy is moving sharply down as the availability is moving sharply up. And across the world business, citizens and governments are challenging vested fossil fuel subsidies. And then there are jobs – the new ones will be in the green growth sweet spot around the world, including the US, not in coal or oil powered infrastructure and consumption.
Fourth “Geopolitics” – even if the US were to renege on Paris, it would take some time to disentangle, and the other nations will still aggressively pursue clean energy over dirty. So despite the unhealthy potential alignment of autocrats, oligarchs and near-sighted politicians, there is still time to fight for a tough response to the one global challenge that is widely recognized as existential. We may yet be surprised, this week when President’s Xi and Trump meet to discuss a range of immediate massive global challenges, that the one concession that might come from the unpredictable US leader is that they can agree that climate change is a real near term jobs opportunity, as well as a long-term existential threat.
And that’s where SUNx has its place, in the vitally important Travelism sector, the multi-trillion-dollar Travel & Tourism ecosystem with its infrastructure, services, and supply chain. Our local focus on Climate Resilience and Impact -Travel, which is measured, green at the core and 2050 future linked, will hopefully serve as a beacon for smart lifestyle adaptation to today’s inexorably warming world.
Professor Geoffrey Lipman co-founder of SUNx – the Strong Universal Network – is also President of International coalition of tourism partners (ICTP) and former leader in IATA, WTTC and UNWTO. www.thesunprogram.com
Voting for the future of Tourism: The Responsibility of making the right choice
The world today seems to have become a series of choices. Every day, globalisation, democratisation, consumerism, give the people of the world the right to choose. Often it comes down to making decisions across a competitive set based on what most strongly attracts attention, pulling interest in a certain direction, away from others.
On a daily basis, most choices are small, low risk of error. There is even less of a risk of regret. But every so often you get called upon to make a choice that has the ability to impact, directly and irreversibly, the future. The past 12 months have shown how easy it is to, in the most weighty of situations, take too lightly the responsibility of the vote. Which is why the United Kingdom now feels the fear and sadness of activating Article 50 to divorce from the European Union. Across the Atlantic, the American people are seeing how promize to make America great again is turning into making America greatly cut off from the rest of the world.
The responsibility of the vote, and the implications of the outcome, has never been felt more deeply at a global level than in these globally connected times.
In the tourism world, the same is true, as the UNWTO readies for election of the next Secretary General. Thirty three Executive Council members are tasked with deciding for the world’s tourism industry and community, the future path of growth. As seven candidates from across the world count down to decision day in May of this year, the intensity of competition is becoming clear. Each brings to the race their own qualifications and arguments for the right and rightness of the top job. And each brings their own style of campaigning – styles that reveal the nature of the competitor, and their suitability for the position of tourism’s highest diplomat.
While some have chosen direct combat, pulling others down to be able to rise above, turning the spotlight onto themselves, one candidate has opted for a more inclusive, outward focused approach.
The Republic of Korea’s nominee, AMBASSADOR DHO YOUNG-SHIM, a highly respected, delivery-focused, lifelong practitioner of tourism with enviable experience and relationships within and outside the global UN system, has chosen to focus on leadership, not leaders.
Dho’s focus is firm. She is steering clear of being distracted by antics and attacks among candidates. That is not her style. Her interest is the future wellbeing of global tourism for all, not the quest for the job for one. “This time of selection of a new Secretary General of the UNWTO is a critical one for the Tourism sector, and global community, worldwide. The recommendation of the Executive Council will define the path forward for the sector’s impact for people across the globe. The campaigning process of potential candidates is, therefore, one that demands clear vision of intent, inspiration for alignment of the organisation, as well as honesty and integrity of approach. It is not my interest in securing the position of next Secretary General of the UNWTO by bringing other candidates down. Rather it is through inspiring us all to rise up.”
Letting actions speak louder than words, putting principles before press releases, Dho is positioning her candidacy as a partnership, having as her running mate CARLOS VOGELER, a Spanish national, former Chairman of the UNWTO Affiliate Members, and now Executive Director of the Organisation for Member Relations, as well as Regional Director of the Americas.
This unique pairing of global, outside-in and inside-out experience and expertise gives UNWTO Executive Council members tasked with determining Rifai’s successor, a leadership combination that guarantees Rifai’s legacy acts as the foundations for a new era of UNWTO impact. Vision, strength, stability and shared commitment to an even more innovative, empowering tourism future for all – members, staff, and the wider global tourism community. It’s about leadership, not leaders.
In her own words:
“Together, I am confident, we both are, that we create a powerful combination of leadership. As the first woman Secretary General of the UNWTO, closely supported by my Deputy from Spain, we will offer unprecedented balance of global representation, experience and expertise across business and government, access and gender. Our partnership reflects our vision is one of a strong, delivery-focused UNWTO, championing global Tourism as a key enabler to fulfillment of the greater global growth agenda, for the benefit of all.”
Ban Ki-moon, former Secretary General of the United Nations, is someone who knows well the scale of responsibility of global leadership. In recent ceremony honouring his contribution to global tourism, where he was recognized by Dr Taleb Rifai, outgoing Secretary General of the UNWTO, Mr Ban was clear in his belief around what it takes to take the global tourism industry into the future, expressing,:“great confidence that (Amb. Dho) can be the best, only next to (Dr Rifai), the best Secretary-General to promote tourism, and by promoting tourism we can expect more peaceful societies. I count on your support to her candidacy and I really appreciate. You will never regret.”
For the thirty three UNWTO Executive Committee Members, never before has the responsibility of the vote, and need to focus on pure leadership competence, been more important. The role of tourism in global development, unity, peace and stability is too important for risk taking. Making a choice responsibly, focusing on vision, commitment, credentials and character is critical. A world of tourism depends on it.
LGBT and the UNWTO Secretary General Election: IGLTA CEO John Tanzella issues a statement
High spending LGBT travelers contribute a substantial amount of business to the global travel and tourism industry. John Tanzella, president, and CEO of IGLTA knows this very well. He knows the UNWTO is about to elect a new Secretary General. The new Secretary General will lead this global industry into a new phase. There are seven candidates competing for the highest post.
The only candidate openly supportive to the LGBT community is Alain St. Ange from the Seychelles. During ITB he attended an event with IGLTA and ETOA at the Belgium Embassy in Brussels. The other six candidates did not yet address the issue of gay, lesbian, and transgender travel but discussed in details equality for women and accessible tourism for all. The human right to travel always pops up at UNWTO conferences.
Gay and lesbian acts remain illegal in the world, including in a large number of UNWTO member countries. Therefore UNWTO struggles with an official policy on this issue. Last year at World Tourism Day in Bangkok, Mr. Xu Jing, UNWTO’s Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific (China), openly voiced UNWTO’s support for the LGBT traveler after David Scowsill, President and CEO of WTTC took a lead in including everyone in the tourism for all theme. This happened after eTN publisher Juergen Steinmetz asked the question at a press conference.
It remains to be seen who will respond to the statement just released by the IGLTA leader. IGLTA stands for International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association. IGLTA is an international organization. IGLTA is a leading global travel network dedicated to connecting and educating LGBT travelers and the businesses that welcome and support. The organization is based in Florida, USA with members around the world.
IGLTA’s statement reads: “The International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association has been a proud Affiliate Member of the United Nations World Tourism Organization since 2010, the first, and to date, only LGBTQ organization included in this program. We collaborated with UNWTO on the 1st Global Report on LGBT Tourism in 2012 and are pleased to continue that partnership on the second edition of the report this year
Given the support and respect afforded IGLTA and the LGBTQ tourism community through this relationship, the upcoming election for the next UNWTO Secretary General is particularly important. We want to see our industry keep moving forward in the march toward equality. We need to see a leader elected who will stand up for all members of our global community, regardless of race, gender identity, ethnicity or sexual orientation.
As a member-based association, with business members in approximately 70 countries, we cannot make an endorsement; however, we do call for all of the candidates to take a stand in support of the LGBTQ communities in their home countries and around the world. There is no room for discrimination in the tourism industry.”
South African new Tourism Minister: Shuffle in sympathies for UNWTO Secretary General Election?
If this indicates a shift in South Africa’s influence on the election of a new UNWTO Secretary General waits to be seen. The Hon. Derek Hanekom today woke up as the minister of Tourism for South Africa. In the evening his president (Zuma) thanked him for his services. Moving against South Africa’s President Zuma by imposing a series of votes of “no confidence” against his boss did not pay off for Derek Hanekom who was just fired tonight from his post as the Minister of Tourism for the Republic of South Africa.
Replacing him is the new Hon. Minster of Tourism, Mrs. Tokozile Xasa. She is originally a teacher and taught at several high schools for 9 years before becoming the first female mayor of a district municipality in the transitional period of local government in the Eastern Cape.
She was a national executive member in the Women´s League from 1995-1997 and served as Regional Secretary for the Transkei Womens´s League from 1993-1995. She is an African National Congress (the ruling party in South Africa) activist and an ANC Member of the Provincial Legislature from 2001 until 2009 where she worked in local and traditional affairs in the Premier’s Office and in the Economic Affairs Portfolio Committees. Since 2009, she has been the Deputy Minister of Tourism in South Africa. Mrs. Tokozile Xasa holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration and Psychology from the Walter Sisulu University and a Master’s in Public Administration from the MPA – University of Fort Hare.
Her deputy now is the Hon. Elisabeth Thabethe. She was born on September 26, 1959 and had been a Member of Parliament since 1994. She completed a Certificate in Economics with the University of South Africa (UNISA) and completed her advanced Diploma in Economics with the University of the Western Cape (UWC). She was a Co-coordinator of the East Rand Women’s League RTT structure, a member of the ANC National Parliamentary Caucus, Gauteng Provincial Whip, and a House Whip from 1996 to 2004. She chaired the Portfolio Committee on Environmental Affairs and Tourism between 2004 and June 2005, and was also a member of the committees on Labor and Trade and Industry. She was the Deputy Minister of Small Business Development.
Today’s cabinet shuffle in South Africa may also shuffle cards in the upcoming election for the UNWTO Secretary General. South Africa is a key member of the United Nations World Tourism Organization Executive Council and is known as an influencer on the African continent. This very much also counts for the travel, tourism, hospitality, and the aviation industry.
The UNWTO Secretary-General election is decided by the members of the UNWTO Executive Council. From Africa, members of the UNWTO Executive Council are the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Mozambique, Seychelles, South Africa, Tunisia, and Zambia.
There are currently two very capable and widely-liked candidates from Africa competing for the highest post in the United Nations World Tourism Organization. One is Alain St.Ange, the former Minister of Tourism from the Seychelles, and two is Walter Mzembi, the current Minister of Tourism and Hospitality from Zimbabwe.
One is from a country (Seychelles) with a message to the world: “We are friends of all, enemies of none,” The other candidate (Mzembi) has a global mindset and is well liked. He has a youthful and out of the box approach and established an excellent reputation also with many countries and leaders critical of Zimbabwe. His home country (Zimbabwe) has big current challenges, but the potential of great opportunities tomorrow.
St.Ange shows the importance of personal friendship in collecting endorsements for his candidacy from private industry, from journalists and former government officials.
Mzembi had been traveling the world for months successfully drumming up support behind the scene.
He was endorsed by the African Union as Africa’s choice for UNWTO before Alain St.Ange entered the race.
Former South African Minister of Tourism Derek Hanekom, a white South African, wasa supporter of UNWTO candidate Alain St.Ange, a white African from the Indian Ocean island nation, the Republic of the Seychelles.
Today, in a South African cabinet shuffle, Tourism Minister Hanekom replacement by Mrs. Tokzile Xasa, a black South African may also adjust sympathies. According to eTN sources, Mrs. Xasa is very much respected in Zimbabwe, and she is known to have a good understanding and friendship with UNWTO candidate Walter Mzembi from Zimbabwe.
The shift created by this South African cabinet posts may very well have an influence on the upcoming election to the UNWTO Secretary General. It could have an impact on voting members of the Executive committee in Africa and possibly beyond.