19/01/2002

(Jeddah, Saudi Arabia) World Travel & Tourism Council President Jean-Claude Baumgarten will today address what industry and policy- makers must do to address the needs of the travel and tourism sector in the current economic downturn.

In a panel discussion at the Jeddah Economic Forum, one of the Middle East's foremost annual business conferences and attended by global business leaders and government figures including Bill Clinton, Mr Baumgarten cites safety and security as being key components of the new era of travel requiring the cooperation of both government and industry in developing and utilising new advances in technology.

In another statement when asked his views on pilgrimage tourism Mr Baumgarten replies: "I hope the role of pilgrimage tourism will and can increase, not only for selfish business reasons, but to provide opportunity for peoples, cultures and civilisations to meet face to face and continue the opportunity for understanding and peace."

The discussion is also attended by H.R.H. Prince Abdul Aziz, Secretary General, Saudi Arabia Supreme Council of Tourism; H.E. Iyad Hadani, Saudi Arabia's Minister of Haj; Professor John Quelch, Senior Associate Dean, Harvard Business School; Khalid Kanoo, Chairman, Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Event Information:

Jeddah Economic Forum, Saturday January 19, 2002

Panel Discussion: Tourism and Travel in Today's World