04/02/2003

(London, UK) - The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is once again playing a strong supporting role at the Second Global Summit on Peace Through Tourism being held from February 5-8 in Geneva, Switzerland. Organized by the International Institute for Peace Through Tourism (IIPT), under the leadership of its founder and President, Louis d'Amore, in partnership with WTTC, the three-day conference will gather industry leaders from more than 60 countries to hear how Travel & Tourism, the world's largest industry, can be harnessed to encourage peace and reduce poverty around the world.

The patron of this year's conference is Her Majesty Queen Rania Al-Abdullah of Jordan. Roger Moore, Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF, will give the keynote address, heading a list of distinguished speakers. These include Hon Jennifer Smith, Premier of Bermuda; Jim Bacon, MHA, Premier of Tasmania; Ambassador Anwarul Chowdhury, the UN Under Secretary General for Least Developed Countries; Richard North, CEO Six Continents; Francesco Frangialli, Secretary General of the World Tourism Organization; Hon Richard Gordon, Chairman, Pacific Asia Travel Association; and Jean-Claude Baumgarten, President of WTTC.

Delegates will include leading educators, policymakers, government and non-governmental organizations and business leaders in Travel & Tourism, culture, heritage, parks and the environment.

"Over the past 18 months, the world has experienced increasing fear and uncertainty," said Jean-Claude Baumgarten, "due to the aftermath of September 11, 2001, as well as more recent terrorist attacks in Bali, Mombasa and Moscow. This has been compounded by the looming war with Iraq, continuing turbulence in many parts of the Middle East and weakened national economies.

"All these factors have led to one of the most serious crises ever faced by the Travel & Tourism industry resulting in severe job losses and huge financial difficulties for almost all sectors of the industry," Baumgarten added. "We believe there has never been a more appropriate time to hold a Summit on Peace through Tourism."

According to Baumgarten, tourism is a powerful tool for promoting and establishing tolerance among different cultures, and for motivating people to move beyond the confines of their everyday worlds. The acceptance and vision that are created through tourism are an important step in preventing war and promoting peace.

Peace is a prerequisite if the industry is to maintain a sustainable growth cycle and the confidence of its customers. Without it, many more jobs will be jeopardized and companies will continue to fail.

"WTTC is pleased to be associated with the Geneva Summit," said Baumgarten, "having been strong supporters of the First Global Peace through Tourism Summit in Amman, Jordan in November 2000.

"We are confident that the presentations and discussions during the event over the next few days will encourage thought-provoking debates and result in a constructive and feasible agenda for action."

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is the forum for global business leaders comprising the presidents, chairs and CEOs of 100 of the world's foremost companies. It is the only body representing the private sector in all parts of the Travel & Tourism industry worldwide.

WTTC's mission is to raise awareness of the full economic impact of the world's largest generator of wealth and jobs - Travel & Tourism. Governments are encouraged to unlock the industry's potential by adopting the Council's policy framework for sustainable tourism development - Seven Strategic Priorities.