ETC and UNWTO discuss transnational themes and routes in Galicia
The European Travel Commission (ETC) and the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) held an international seminar in Santiago de Compostela to exchange best practices on how to develop and effectively manage transnational tourism themes and routes. The ETC-UNWTO International Seminar on Marketing Transnational Tourism Themes and Routes was hosted by the Xunta de Galicia and Turespaña on 16-17 November 2017 in the emblematic city of Santiago de Compostela, final destination of the thousand-year-old pilgrim route the Way of St. James.
The two-day event provided insights into the development, management and promotion of transnational tourism themes and routes in Europe and worldwide, as well as practical guidance for National Tourism Organization (NTOs), Destination Management Organizations (DMOs) and National Tourism Administrations (NTAs) on how to market and promote destinations through transnational thematic tourism experiences and products.
“Destinations are at their best when they can benefit from shared experiences and best-practice examples” said UNWTO Executive Director Zhu Shanzhong. In this regard, “collaboration and cooperation among all stakeholders involved are vital to ensure the success of transnational initiatives”, he added.
The international seminar drew the participation of European NTOs, DMOs and travel trade entities, as well as representatives from the European Commission (EC), the European Parliament (EP), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the European Tourism Association (ETOA) and the European Institute of Cultural Routes (EICR), among others.
The event was the occasion to launch the new ETC-UNWTO Handbook on Transnational Tourism Themes and Routes, which provides step-by-step guidance on how to achieve successful themed transnational tourism.
“ETC and UNWTO acknowledge the importance of transnational collaboration in tourism as the competition is becoming increasingly regional rather than national. Today, with the launch of the Handbook on Marketing Transnational Tourism Themes and Routes, we seek to support the work of tourism authorities, managers and experts in this direction” said ETC President Peter de Wilde.
“Europe is much more than its main iconic spots and therefore we should develop transnational policies that help us attract visitors to other destinations”, argued Nava Castro, Director of Tourism of Galicia. Castro referred to the Camino de Santiago and its recognition as the First European Cultural Itinerary and its cultural and spiritual dimensions worldwide. As highlighted, the Camino has become an international reference as it has welcome over 300,000 pilgrims on foot, by bicycle or on horseback of up to 179 different nationalities only in 2017. Only 3,000 visitors were doing the Camino three decades ago.
At the closing of the seminar, the President of Galicia Alberto Nuñez Feijóo reiterated the commitment of Galicia to a responsible, sustainable and accessible tourism, in the framework of the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development.
Buenos Aires accounts for over half of Argentina´s tourism
Buenos Aires generates over a half of Argentina´s Travel & Tourism GDP, revealed a new report by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), Latin America City Travel & Tourism Impact.
Latin America City Travel & Tourism Impact is one of a series of reports by WTTC which looks at the contribution of Travel & Tourism to city economies and job creation. The study covers 65 cities, six of which are in Latin America.
The city’s Travel & Tourism sector accounts for 5.1% of its overall economy and totals US$11.1bn. The sector employs 265,000 people in Buenos Aires, or 3.8% of the city´s workforce. Over a half of Argentina’s tourism GDP (59.1%) is in Buenos Aires, and the city is responsible for 46.3% of jobs in the sector in Argentina.
Buenos Aires has a high reliance on domestic tourism, even though the weak Argentinian peso has made the destination more affordable for foreign visitors in recent years. Overall domestic visitors account for 61% of Buenos Aires’ Travel & Tourism. Over the past decade, the number of overnight visits has more than doubled although this has mainly been driven by the domestic market as improved affordability has not yet been sufficient to attract large volumes of additional international visitors.
Slow international growth can partly be explained by the fact that Brazil, which is Buenos Aires’s top international market, has been suffering a recession in recent years.
International spend is responsible for 14.6% of Buenos Aires’ Travel & Tourism sector. The Argentinian government’s introduction last January of a scheme to allow international visitors to receive a refund of VAT on accommodation, should help to increase international spend in the future.
The total contribution of Argentina´s Travel & Tourism to GDP was ARS775.3bn (US$52.5bn), 9.6% of GDP in 2016. The total contribution of Travel & Tourism to employment, including jobs indirectly supported by the industry was 8.8% (1.58 million jobs). Over the next ten years, 400,000 new jobs will be generated through Travel & Tourism in Argentina. Buenos Aires will host WTTC´s annual Global Summit 18-19 April 2018. The Summit brings together over 900 delegates to discuss the opportunities, challenges and issues facing the industry, while its Tourism for Tomorrow Awards recognise the industry’s power to be a positive force in sustainability.
Rio generates over 10% of Brazil’s Travel & Tourism sector, but needs to work harder to attract international visitors
Travel & Tourism contributed US$6.5bn to GDP in Rio de Janeiro in 2016, 4.9% of the city’s economy, and representing 11.5% of Brazil’s Travel & Tourism sector. However, less than 6% of tourism spend in the city comes from the international market, revealed a new report by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).
Latin America City Travel & Tourism Impact is one of a series of reports by WTTC which looks at the contribution of Travel & Tourism to city economies and job creation. The study covers 65 cities, six of which are in Latin America.
The data suggests that hosting the World Cup in 2014 and the Olympics in 2016 had limited direct impact on overall Travel & Tourism GDP and employment in the city. In 2014, there was a small increase in the volume of visits and overnight nights stays however this level has not been maintained; and in 2016, as often seen after mega-events, there was a significant displacement to other destinations, with other travel postponed or deferred. Improvements in international demand were also offset by lower domestic demand due to the recession.
Less than 4% of Brasília´s Travel & Tourism activity was generated by international demand, as Brazil´s capital city relies on domestic spending. Business travel is important for the city, including large volumes of government related-travel. Growth has slowed more recently during the recession, but this follows some particularly strong growth in prior years as economic activity was booming, helped by increases in government spend.
Brasília´s tourism GDP is only 3.2% of the city´s economy, accounting for US$2.1bn. The sector generates 52,600 jobs in the city, or 3.9% of its employment.
The total contribution of Travel & Tourism to Brazil´s GDP was BRL530.5bn (US$152.2bn), 8.5% of GDP in 2016. The total contribution of the sector to employment, including jobs indirectly supported by the industry was 7.8% of total employment (7 million jobs). Over the next ten years, there will be 9 million jobs in Brazil through tourism activity.
Should laws be on the books that harm tourism and are not enforced?
Homosexual acts are illegal in Barbados, with a life sentence. The Society of American Travel Writers selected Barbados to host their next annual convention in 2018. Some members voiced their concern to promote Barbados as a destination due to anti-gay sodomy laws on the books.
The SATW Board of directors defended their decision to accept Barbados and issued this statement to members:
SATW’s Board of Directors decided to accept Barbados’ bid to host our 2018 convention has raised some concerns among the membership, specifically that there is law in Barbados that makes the island appear unwelcoming to the gay and lesbian community.
That law prohibits sodomy and has been in place for many years. The board heard those concerns when they were first aired last week and wanted to do more research and seek additional insight. We apologize for the delay in responding. We used the time to get a complete picture that we could share with our members.
The law against sodomy has not been enforced for years. More than 70 other countries have similar laws, and the same laws remain on the books in 12 states in the US. There is even a sodomy law in Canada that has not been officially removed from the books.
Visitors – straight and LGBT – do not face any danger or prejudicial treatment in Barbados beyond what one might encounter from individuals in any country who harbor prejudicial tendencies. Barbados, like many places in the region, is moving forward on human rights issues, and the Board believes Barbados is a friendly, welcoming and story-rich island.
The law against sodomy has not been enforced for years. More than 70 other countries have similar laws, and the same laws remain on the books in 12 states in the US. There is even a sodomy law in Canada that has not been officially removed from the books.
Visitors – straight and LGBT – do not face any danger or prejudicial treatment in Barbados beyond what one might encounter from individuals in any country who harbor prejudicial tendencies. Barbados, like many places in the region, is moving forward on human rights issues, and the Board believes Barbados is a friendly, welcoming and story-rich island.
“In the Eastern Caribbean, relationships and acceptance of gay persons has come a very long way. There are more conversations happening, organizations on the ground have done a lot, and we are in a place where a lot of tolerance exists. In Barbados, the LGBT community has been very expressive, and today transgender women are able to dress freely – the freedom to express yourself has come a long way. Yes, we still have ignorant people and challenges, but Barbados is learning to respect people as people.”
-Kenita Placide, Director of the Eastern Caribbean Alliance for Diversity and Equality (ECADE) and Caribbean Advisor for OutRight Action International
The island’s LGBT community, while small, is not invisible. This month, Barbados will hold its second-ever Pride weekend. The launch reception on November 24 will be held by the High Commission of Canada, and events through the weekend include a beach day, movie night, business and services expo, talent show, and more. The island is home to two LGBT rights organizations, B-GLAD and Equals, Inc.
-Kenita Placide, Director of the Eastern Caribbean Alliance for Diversity and Equality (ECADE) and Caribbean Advisor for OutRight Action International
The island’s LGBT community, while small, is not invisible. This month, Barbados will hold its second-ever Pride weekend. The launch reception on November 24 will be held by the High Commission of Canada, and events through the weekend include a beach day, movie night, business and services expo, talent show, and more. The island is home to two LGBT rights organizations, B-GLAD and Equals, Inc.
“I’m an open member of the LGBT community in Barbados. When I moved back to Barbados in 2004 I did so with my male partner and we felt very welcomed as we set up our home and life together. The jobs and the opportunities I have had here over the years after returning have been mainly because I was in the LGBT community. I am happy to be in Barbados at this time, in a progressive setting and being a part of the continued development of my community and country. I can only hope to welcome you here to be a part of the Barbados experience.”
-René Holder-McClean-Ramirez, Co-Director, Equals, Inc.
SATW has been a safe and inclusive organization for all walks of life – regardless of gender, ethnicity, race, LGBT, etc. – and will continue to be so. We also understand and respect the objections raised by some members. But we are an association of travel professionals who journey around the world and write the truth about what we see. SATW members can be agents of change, able to go to troubled places, and tell our audience what we find there.
“IGLTA advocates respect and dignity for all. We do not support destination boycotts and make every effort to build bridges, not walls. We believe that tourism is a force for good that transcends oppression and promotes understanding.”
-John Tanzella, President/CEO, International Gay Lesbian Travel Alliance (IGLTA)
Embargoing an entire island or country hurts everyone, not just the purveyors of prejudice. While the Board is listening, respecting and responding to the concerns of our members, there is much that we can do, as a society, to encourage gender rights and freedoms on the island: a forum of local LGBT journalists? a presentation on the positive impact of LGBT travel? We are open to the conversation and to suggestions of how we can use our considerable influence on the ground.
Finally, one of the reasons Barbados is hosting SATW is the belief that our members will bring positive attention to the Caribbean as a whole, a tourism-dependent region that has been hard-hit by this year’s storms. Barbados was not impacted by the storms – the island lies outside the traditional hurricane belt. But while some islands will recover in time for this year’s “high season,” others will need many months to rebuild. Our presence will help tell the story of rebuilt communities that have suffered so much.
We can achieve so much more with our presence than we can with our absence.
Sincerely,
Barbara Ramsay Orr
SATW President
David Swanson
SATW President-Elect
Catharine Hamm
SATW Immediate Past Presiden
-René Holder-McClean-Ramirez, Co-Director, Equals, Inc.
SATW has been a safe and inclusive organization for all walks of life – regardless of gender, ethnicity, race, LGBT, etc. – and will continue to be so. We also understand and respect the objections raised by some members. But we are an association of travel professionals who journey around the world and write the truth about what we see. SATW members can be agents of change, able to go to troubled places, and tell our audience what we find there.
“IGLTA advocates respect and dignity for all. We do not support destination boycotts and make every effort to build bridges, not walls. We believe that tourism is a force for good that transcends oppression and promotes understanding.”
-John Tanzella, President/CEO, International Gay Lesbian Travel Alliance (IGLTA)
Embargoing an entire island or country hurts everyone, not just the purveyors of prejudice. While the Board is listening, respecting and responding to the concerns of our members, there is much that we can do, as a society, to encourage gender rights and freedoms on the island: a forum of local LGBT journalists? a presentation on the positive impact of LGBT travel? We are open to the conversation and to suggestions of how we can use our considerable influence on the ground.
Finally, one of the reasons Barbados is hosting SATW is the belief that our members will bring positive attention to the Caribbean as a whole, a tourism-dependent region that has been hard-hit by this year’s storms. Barbados was not impacted by the storms – the island lies outside the traditional hurricane belt. But while some islands will recover in time for this year’s “high season,” others will need many months to rebuild. Our presence will help tell the story of rebuilt communities that have suffered so much.
We can achieve so much more with our presence than we can with our absence.
Sincerely,
Barbara Ramsay Orr
SATW President
David Swanson
SATW President-Elect
Catharine Hamm
SATW Immediate Past Presiden
Petra Roach speaking for the Barbados Tourism Board also responded:
Barbados could not be more thrilled to be hosting the 2018 SATW Annual Conference.
Barbados welcomes visitors from all backgrounds and cultures, including the LGBT community, and does not discriminate against anyone based on sexual orientation or gender identification. Bajans are known for their openness, hospitality and welcoming nature, and their interactions with visitors are a top reason for repeat visitation.
Homosexuality is not illegal in barbados. The matter in question is in reference to an antiquated law against sodomy which to my knowledge has has never been enforced. Many countries around the world, including Canada and some states in the U.S., have similar laws that have not been officially abolished. In partnership with two LGBT rights organizations, B-GLAD and Equals, Inc., we as a nation, continue to make strides on these important human rights affairs. The second annual Pride Week on barbados will take place November 24.
I personally have several friends in the LGBT community who visit Barbados regularly, several times each year and see it as their second home – I am also copying in Karyl Leigh Barnes who is a member of SATW and also a partner at our public relations agency of record, Development Counsellors International.
SATW Member Bea Broda came to an interesting conclusion:
I personally feel that this is still half-way measures, and more could be done to actually strike the law from the books. I think the power of certain religions could prevent this, and people think that keeping the status quo is the best option.”
The solution for Barbados legislators: Don’t continue your don’t ask don’t tell policy and take these laws off the books, so they cannot be enforeced- ever!
Jamaica Tourism Minister launches 2017 Tourism Service Excellence Awards
To recognize individuals and organizations that consistently make significant contributions to Jamaica’s thriving tourism sector, Minister of Tourism Hon. Edmund Bartlett officially launched the Tourism Service Excellence Awards (TSEA) on Tuesday, November 14, 2017, at the Liguanea Club in New Kingston.
TSEA, which was conceptualized by Minister Bartlett in 2008, is geared at recognizing and rewarding both individuals and organizations that exemplify service excellence in the local tourism sector. The Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCO), an agency of the Tourism Ministry, leads the programme.
Minister Bartlett said the awards programme came about as a way to give back to those who play an integral role in Jamaica’s successful tourism sector. “We had to create an arena to showcase, to reward, in a less tangible but a more meaningful way and to respond to the need for you (tourism workers) to feel respected and honoured. Because it is the crew that has enabled this ship of tourism, and it is the crew we want to celebrate, to extol in all its values and virtues and exemplify as the symbol of excellence in our space,” he noted.
Minister Bartlett said once excellent service is provided and efforts are made to reward the major players in the industry, they will continue to perform at a high standard and Jamaica will maintain a remarkable tourism product. “Visitors will then view Jamaica as the place of promise and hope, which will inspire more people to visit the country,” the Tourism Minister said.
“It is about giving our workers a stronger sense of themselves, to make them understand that material response is not enough, but by giving them relevance, meaning and fulfilment to what they are doing this will inspire them to go the extra mile, which will make us an extraordinary people and destination,” he added.
The launch of TSEA comes at a time when the tourism sector is experiencing record-breaking arrivals. According to Minister Bartlett, between January and October 2017, the country has seen a 9.5% growth in total visitor arrivals and 10.8% increase in revenues, which has earned the country US$2.343 billion in revenues, over the corresponding period last year.
INTERPOL honors NGO for fighting child sexual exploitation
ECPAT, a network of organizations working to tackle the sexual exploitation of children, has been presented with a prestigious award by the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) at a ceremony held in Lyon, France today.
The “Crimes Against Children” Award from INTERPOL’s Crimes Against Children team recognizes the more than two decades that ECPAT has worked to prevent child sexual exploitation and advocate for its victims – particularly through programs to confront trafficking for sexual purposes; the exploitation of children through prostitution and pornography; online child sexual exploitation; and the sexual exploitation of children in the travel and tourism sector.
Accepting the award, Dorothy Rozga, ECPAT’s Executive Director, paid tribute to the organization’s 103 members working in 93 countries. “Through research, advocacy, the provision of direct services to children, awareness raising and campaigning – members of the ECPAT network are making a positive difference to the lives of children.”
“Due to the clandestine nature of child sexual exploitation, reliable data is difficult to come by,” she said. “Nevertheless, we know that the number of victims is huge and that very often these children suffer in silence.”
Rozga emphasized that over the years ECPAT has learned the importance of involving all stakeholders in addressing the crime of child sexual exploitation. “It is absolutely essential to adopt a multi-sectoral and multi-stakeholder approach,” she said. “We work with a wide range of actors, from the private sector – including hotels, Internet and tech companies, travel agents, airlines – to governments, the UN, and other NGOs. This is why we place such a high value on our collaboration with INTERPOL and other law enforcement agencies.”
“This award is a recognition of the excellent work done by ECPAT to end the sexual exploitation of children around the world,” said Bjorn Sellstrom, head of INTERPOL’s Crimes Against Children team. “We look forward to continuing our joint efforts with ECPAT to protect the most vulnerable members of society from abuse and further develop awareness of this global issue.”
Previous recipients of the award have included Mads Nielsen, a world leader in victim identification helped to safeguard hundreds of children, and Anders Persson, the father of the INTERPOL International Child Sexual Exploitation (ICSE) image database.
“I am climbing Mt Kenya”: President Kenyatta cheers Najib Balala, minister of tourism
Reaching for visitors to travel to Kenya for adventure tourism, even the country’s president Kenyatta of Kenya joined many wishing CS Najib Balala, Kenya’s Minister for Tourism well as he tackles his climb of Mt Kenya.
“I’m ready and all kitted up to climb Mt Kenya in a bid to raise awareness of Kenya’s adventure tourism offering while profiling Mount Kenya as a favorable tourist destination,” said Minister Balala.
Tourism Minister, Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala last Monday embarked on climbing Mount Kenya in his bid to raise awareness of Kenya’s adventure tourism opportunities.
President Uhuru Kenyatta was among the people who wished CS Balala success as he started the challenge.
Wishing Tourism CS Balala success as he starts his ascent of Mount Kenya today to raise awareness of Kenya’s Adventure Tourism offering; while profiling the region as a favourable tourist destination – Uhuru Kenyatta November 13, 2017″
Tourism Minister, CS Balala will be accompanied by the 7 Summits Africa team of mountaineers who are on a quest to climb seven African mountain summits with a combined altitude gain of 16,000 metres, back to back in seven weeks.
Minister Najib Balala of Kenya is also the Head of CAF at the UNWTO. As the Head of the African Bock of Tourism Ministers (CAF) at the UNWTO it is important for the Continent to see the drive by Minister Balala for Adventure Tourism in Africa as part of rewriting the Brand Africa narrative for the continent. Key USPs of the continent can only get the needed visibility through actions such as being undertaken by the Kenyan Minister. Congratulations to you CS Balala, you are an example for the Continent. This climb on Mt Kenya comes but days ahead of the PMAESA Conference in Zambia where those from the continent wanting to see Cruise Tourism developed will gather and this inclusive of land-locked countries promoting their waterways and lakes. Again this is all part and parcel of rewriting the Narrative for Brand Africa with positives and not let others lumber the continent with only negatives and disasters.
Tourism industry leaders honored as IIPT Ambassadors of Peace
The International Institute for Peace through Tourism honored 7 outstanding people from the world of travel & tourism as “Global Ambassadors of Peace through Tourism” at World Travel Market (WTM), London this past week. Dr. Taleb Rifai, Secretary General of UNWTO, was conferred with the IIPT lifetime achievement award as a “Global Man of Peace.” Theme of the awards event was “Tourism – A Catalyst for Peace”, featuring Dr. Rifai as the Keynote Speaker and Anita Mendiata the Master of Ceremony.
Supported by “Incredible India” and the UNWTO, this first edition of the Awards was sponsored by Cox & Kings and TravelBiz Monitor the Media partner for the awards.
In his Keynote address, Dr. Taleb Rifai, Secretary General of UNWTO said that for the 7th consecutive year, the growth in tourism had exceeded growth in other sectors. However, he said, tourism is far more than numbers and statistics; to travel is a basic human right. Quoting Mark Twain he said “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow mindedness…” The 1.8 billion tourists expected to travel the world by 2030 could be 1.8 billion opportunities, or 1.8 billion disasters – the choice, he said, is ours. There is no conflict between growth and sustainability, he said, because sustainability is beyond “Going Green” it’s about sustaining life on Earth. “As I come to the end of my journey as Secretary General,” he said “the thought I would like to leave with is ‘Whatever you do, do it to make the world a better place.’”
D’Amore, Founder President, IIPT, said, “IIPT is privileged and grateful to pay tribute to Dr. Taleb Rifai for his global leadership these past eight years. We have been most honored to have Dr. Rifai grace the stage at IIPT WTM events as our featured keynote speaker over the past several years – and to have his unwavering support for IIPT initiatives in our mission to make the travel and tourism industry – the world’s first global peace industry. We look forward to a continuing relationship with him in the years ahead as we join hands in efforts to promote the transformative role of tourism in “making the world a better place.’”
Ajay Prakash President, IIPT India, said, “As the UN International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development draws to a close, it’s important to accept that the work is far from complete and that we need to carry the impetus forward into the years ahead. While it’s axiomatic that peace is vital to the promotion of tourism, it is important to reiterate that tourism can be a vital force for the propagation of peace and this can happen only if the concept of Peace through Tourism forms part of the core business philosophy of the tourism industry.” Commenting on the rationale of the Awards, Prakash continued, “Because tourism is so people centric it is important to recognize and honor exceptional persons in the field who can serve as role models and inspire others to carry the baton.”
Commenting on the awards, Peter Kerkar, Group CEO, Cox & Kings, says, “Cox & Kings is extremely proud to be sponsoring the ‘Global Ambassadors of Peace Through Tourism’ Awards and honoring those individuals who have devoted time and energy to promoting goodwill through travel. It is vital that we encourage peaceful cultural exchange and recognise those who have used tourism to facilitate philanthropic activities. These ideals are no better represented than by the IIPT and our ‘Global Man of Peace,’ Dr. Taleb Rifai, Secretary General of the UNWTO.”
Each one of the chosen Ambassadors has had an illustrious and successful career in tourism and each, through their lives and work, embodies the founding principles of IIPT. Louis D’Amore, Founder President of IIPT recounted the long association that each one of the Award winners had had with IIPT. Each of the Ambassadors was an exceptional person, he affirmed, and IIPT was proud to honour them. Going forward, he said, the IIPT Global Peace Parks project, the association with Flanders to mark the Centenary of the end of the 1st World War under the banner “No More War” and the “Travel for Peace” campaign would be the focus of IIPT in its 30th Anniversary year leading up to the UNWTO – IIPT Global Summit in Montreal, August 2018.
Helen Marano, Director Government & Industry Affairs WTTC referred to the recent seminal study by WTTC on Tourism as A Driver of Peace which, based on data collected over 8 years, established the first empirical relationship between tourism and peace correlating the parameters of the Global Peace Index and the Tourism Index.
Mr. Jay Kumar Rawal, Tourism Minister of Maharashtra commended IIPT on the work it was doing to recognize global icons of Tourism for Peace and Sustainability. He went on to explain the Indian concept of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” which essentially means “The World is One Family” and referred to the recent Government of India initiative to hold a “Paryatan Parv,” a celebration of tourism for 20 days in October to bring people together.
Founded in 1986 by Louis D’Amore, IIPT is built on two very simple but powerful premises: That tourism, one of the world’s largest industries, can become the world’s first global Peace Industry and support the belief that every traveler is potentially an Ambassador for Peace. Through global summits, conferences, the global Peace Parks initiative, Travel for Peace Campaign consultations with governments and the UNWTO and a regular monthly newsletter, IIPT has worked conscientiously over the last 30 years to make peace an integral part of the tourism ecosphere.
IIPT plans to make the “Ambassadors of Peace Through Tourism” awards an annual feature at WTM London.
The new Zimbabwe: What about tourism and Dr. Walter Mzembi?
Today it’s “Welcome to the new Zimbabwe”, ecstatic Zimbabweans keep saying this to me in the streets of Harare. “Now you journalists can come here and do your work without fear”. These are the tweets received by a journalist on the streets of Zimbabwe’s capital Harare.
Cheers “Free at last” are heard everywhere. Today a tense Harare has turned into a city of people dancing on the streets and celebration. Correcting the past is on everyone’s mind, but the next president expected to be appointed for this Southern African Nation may be one of the old guards. The British foreign minister and the British Prime Minister hope it will be a turning point to lead to a free and fair election in Zimbabwe.
Celebrations are not limited to Zimbabwe. People are on the streets in Johannesburg and London, many in exile hope to be able to go home.
This is tonight, but how will the future shape out for Zimbabwe?
Travel and tourism is a big currency earner and job creator in Zimbabwe, and earning currency, generating revenue and jobs should be on the top of the agenda in a country with more than 90% of the population unemployed.
One of the very successful leaders in the travel and tourism world under the Mugabe administration was Dr. Walter Mzembi. He single handed brought Zimbabwe back into the community of UNWTO nations, his lengthy service as chair of its Africa Commission and his hard-fought campaign to become UNWTO Secretary-General.
Mostly because of his efforts, Zimbabwe repaid all its unpaid Membership dues to UNWTO, re-joined the organization and a couple of years later was co-host of UNWTO’s Assembly in Victoria Falls, with Zambia, welcoming a thousand delegates from around the world. Mr. Mzembi fought one of the toughest fights when against all odds wanted to become the new Secretary General of the World Tourism Organization. Many insiders say he didn’t lose the battle because of his qualifications, his knowledge, and his intentions, but only because of the country, he represented.
The political world took over at the UNWTO General Assembly in Chengdu in September, when unexpected power and methods were used to convince the world to stand up against Zimbabwe, but these powers had no issue against Dr. Walter Mzembi as a person.
Importantly, Zimbabwe’s long-suffering tourism industry got a heart for a revival and as we all know unlocked investment and visitor revenue to boost its beleaguered economy and help lift its people out of poverty.
Mzembi for years went out of his way to promote his country’s tourism industry and build bridges for his country with a global mindset of peace and tourism, investment, friendship, and integrity. His diplomatic skills are exceptional.
In his short job as the foreign minister, he wasted no time assuring the world Zimbabwe is the place to invest.
Technically he is still the Foreign Minister recently appointed by Robert Mugabe and this may very well mean the end of his career or worse prison, when in fact his skills, standing, and connections should be better used to build a new Zimbabwe. Dr. Mzembi is currently in hiding – but for how long?
Dr. Mzembi had started to build a new Zimbabwe already and quietly. He started this process some time ago, always forced to move within the limitation his former boss gave him. How much more could he do without having these limitations now?
Dr. Mzembi was recently ousted from his party ZANU PF party along with numerous other cabinet members and President Mugabe himself.
Dr. Mzembi deserves the respect and the help of the global travel and tourism industry. He represented the future of Zimbabwe, he earned trust even among those that didn’t trust his country, and tourism had almost everything to do with it. It looks, however, he got hit in the crossfire.
This morning it’s a new Zimbabwe. The world needs to stand by Zimbabwe now. Zimbabwe needs leaders with a global vision. Dr. Walter Mzembi is one of these leaders.
The global tourism world should show respect and appreciation, and stand behind one of their own, Dr. Walter Mzembi today.
Responding to the news that Robert Mugabe has resigned as President of Zimbabwe, Salil Shetty, Secretary General of Amnesty International said:
“After more than three decades of violent repression, the way forward for the country is to renounce the abuses of the past and transition into a new era where the rule of law is respected and those who are responsible for injustices are held to account.
“During 37 years of President Mugabe’s leadership, tens of thousands of people were tortured, forcibly disappeared or killed. President Mugabe condoned human rights violations, defended criminal actions of his officials and allowed a culture of impunity for grotesque crimes to thrive.
“Although Zimbabwe invested heavily in social services in the early years of independence, much of this progress was wiped out by later events such as the Operation Murambatsvina forced evictions campaign of 2005, which destroyed the homes or livelihoods of 700,000 people.
“The people of Zimbabwe deserve better. The next generation of leaders must commit itself to upholding the constitution, living up to Zimbabwe’s international human rights obligations and treating its people with dignity and justice.”
Perhaps Zimbabwe should use the voice they had today and say NO to Mugabe No to Zanu PF, No to organized coups, no to military rule and control. Yes to free and fair elections and Yes to a newly elected leader.
As one reader from Zimbabwe put it today: “How can we trust the same generals who kept Mugabe and ZANU PF in power for the past 37 years, to suddenly have a change of heart and care for our well being? People were carrying placards and posters portraying Mnangagwa and Chiwenga as our liberators. Was this not done to catapult themselves into the leadership of the country? Do we want Mnangagwa as our President, or we want elections to choose whom we want to lead us democratically?”
There are many questions and not so many answers, but today the people of Zimbabwe are happy, are motivated and see light at the end of a long tunnel.
Dear Zimbabwe Military: It’s time for military diplomacy
Zimbabwe is facing a new reality after military intervention and the removal of their longtime president Robert Mugabe.
It’s time for military diplomacy to show the people friendly side of the Zimbabwe Military. This is a message echoed by senior travel and tourism leaders from around the world.
The International Institute for Peace Through Tourism (IIPT) Founder and President Louis D’Amore expressed concern and solidarity with Hon. Dr. Walter Mzembi and his family as he faces being a fugitive as a result of the military intervention in Zimbabwe.
Juergen Steinmetz, the Chairman of the Hawaii, Brussels, Seychelles and Bali based International Coalition of Tourism Partners (ICTP) with tourism board members in more than 70 countries said:
“Well-meaning Revolutions do not eat their children nor criminalize them, let alone their best. Mzembi is an excellent diplomat, an international citizen of repute, incarcerating him when he is Zimbabwe’s best option for dialogue and diplomacy out of this crisis kills common sense. He is still legitimately the chief diplomat of his country and sending him on the run ruins an opportunity for trade-offs and concessions and ultimately the attainment of sustainable peace and stability and legitimacy of what the Military is trying to sell to the world.”
Geoffrey Lipman, President of International Coalition of Tourism Partners (ICTP) and Chairman eTN Publisher Juergen T. Steinmetz
“Being a fugitive is not just physical but mental, it’s about civil liberties. Civilians do not need armored cars nor high-performance guns to engage them as was the case with the inordinate show of force with the capture of the Zimbabwe Minister of Finance Dr. Chombo.”
It’s time for military diplomacy to show the people friendly side of the Military.”
Yesterday ICTP President Professor Geoffrey Lipman said: “We are watching current events in Zimbabwe, independently and objectively, with no partisan interest.
However, we do know those strange things happen in uncertain times and we want to go on record for the well being of Walter Mzembi – until recently a very active Tourism Minister and latterly Foreign Minister of Zimbabwe.
We have known and admired Dr. Mzembi for years and have watched as he has traveled the globe representing his country with skill, dignity, and pride, most recently in an honorable quest for Secretary General of UNWTO.
We call on the global travel community to join us in our best wishes and support for our friend Walter and his family.”
The Peace Through Tourism chief Louis D’Amore added: “Dr. Mzembi has been a friend of IIPT since 2010 when we first met at World Travel Market and then collaborated during the IIPT Fifth African Conference in Lusaka regarding the successful joint proposal of Zambia and Zimbabwe to co-host the UNWTO 20th General Assembly at Victoria Falls Zambia and subsequently regarding the ‘IIPT Great Falls Peace Parks Initiative’ planned for 2018.”
Dr. Mzembi honorably represented Zimbabwe this past year as one of the leading candidates for the position of UNWTO Secretary-General with the endorsement of the African Union. He has also been a creative contributor to sustainable tourism strategies and development in Zimbabwe and all of Africa as United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Regional Commission for Africa Chairperson; Chairman of the Southern Africa Development Community Committee of Tourism Ministers; UNWTO Executive Council Member UNWTO Co-President of the UNWTO 20th General Assembly; and a three-time President of the Africa Travel Association.
Hon. Dr. Mzembi is also the recipient of several prestigious awards including African Tourism Minister of the Year; African Tourism Investment Awards; Africa Leadership and Inspiration Award; Brand Leadership Award and others.
Dr. Mzembi will be a keynote speaker at the UNWTO – IIPT Global Summit: Sustainable Tourism for Development and Peace announced this past week at World Travel Market, being held in Montreal, August 27 – 30, 2018.
IIPT Founder D’Amore urges travel and tourism leaders throughout the world to join with UNWTO, ICTP and IIPT in support and solidarity with, Hon. Walter Mzembi and his family during this challenging time in Zimbabwe.