Opinion – Page 143 – Worldtourism Wire

UNWTO update: Taleb Rifai appoints Favilla Lucca de Paula to be second in charge

Written by George Taylor, May 11, 2016

UNWTO Secretary General Taleb Rifai dropped a bombshell yesterday at the United Nations World Tourism Organization Executive Council Meeting. The respected tourism leader was given a lengthy standing ovation for his diligent service to the United Nations World Tourism Organization during yesterday’s Executive Council meeting in Malaga, Spain. According to reliable eTN sources, the secretary…

Seychelles discuss tourism on the sidelines of the 2016 United Nations Gathering of Culture Event in Seychelles

Written by George Taylor, April 28, 2016

Zimbabwe was represented at the 6th Edition of the Carnaval International de Victoria by Officials from their Tourism Authority. Karikoga Kaseke, the Chief Executive of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority accompanied by Sugar Chagonda, the Head of Corporate Affairs were in Seychelles to show support for the United Nations Gathering of Culture Event where the best from the World of Carnivals…

Some Thoughts from ICTP for Earth Day 2016

Written by George Taylor, April 22, 2016

Professor Geoffrey Lipman President ICTP The first Earth Day back in 1970 had a famous slogan “We have caught sight of the Enemy and he is Us”. 4 decades later we finally hav a global 2030 Sustainability Plan (the SDG’s) and 2050 Climate Resilience framework in the making. Make no mistake, this is the start…

Is UNWTO and WTTC turning slightly pink in supporting LGBT travel?

Written by George Taylor, April 14, 2016

LGBT including marriage equality, is a hot issue in many countries and a great opportunity for the travel and tourism business. UNWTO and WTTC were able to stay out of this global discussion on how to categorize and include or exclude Gay, Lesbian, Transgender travelers into their policies and concept. As eTN reported today WTTC…

Transcript: LGBT & WTTC David Scowsill speaks at the IGLTA conference

Written by George Taylor,

David Scowsill, president & CEO of the World Travel and Tourism Council today attended and spoke at the International Gay Lesbian Travel Association Annual Conference in Capetown South Africa. He said: TRANSCRIPT Good morning everyone, thanks once again for giving me the honor of addressing the IGLTA. People often ask me how WTTC can help…

Transcript: SA Tourism Minister Derek Hanekom at the IGLTA Annual Global Convention

Written by George Taylor,

The Tourism minister from South Africa Derek Hanekom today addressed the IGLTA Annual Global conference in Capetwon on his stand on Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender travel. TRANSCRIPT: It is a great honour for me to welcome you to the first International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association Convention in Africa (IGLTA). We are extremely proud…

European commission proposes suspension of Schengen visa wavers for US and Canadian visitors

Written by George Taylor, April 12, 2016

ETOA issued this informative in regards to the attempt by the EU to require tourist and business Visas for Americans and Canadians: WorldTourismWire reached out to German tourism officials in New York, but they do not yet want to comment. Off the record comments by several EU tourism boards voiced concerns. The European Commission today…

Jamaica Ministry of Tourism

Jamaica Tourism Minister Bartlett Lays out Five Pillars for Tourism Growth

Written by George Taylor, April 10, 2016

Jamaica Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has outlined to the new boards of directors of key agencies in the ministry, five pillars on which the Ministry and its agencies will seek to transform the island’s vibrant tourism sector and achieve double digit growth. The pillars were outlined yesterday (April 9) during a seminar at…

Zimbabwe Tourism Minister Mzembi on a U. S. Diplomatic Charm Offensive

Written by George Taylor, April 7, 2016

Relations between the United States and Following Zimbabwe nomination and the Southern African Development Community’s endorsement of the candidature of Dr Walter Mzembi to the position of Secretary General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) which falls vacant in the last quarter of 2017, the mercurial Engineer, has is in the United States…

Zimbabwe moving to secure the next UNWTO Secretary General position

Written by George Taylor, March 24, 2016

Zimbabwe’s minister of Tourism H.E. Walter Mzembi is trying to secure his move to become the next Secretary General of the UNWTO (United Nation World Tourism Organization) The 7th meeting of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) of ministers responsible for Tourism was held in Gaborone, Botswana next week, March 14-15, 2016. The Council endorsed…