|
|
2007 A
Banner Year for IIPT |
|
IIPT enjoyed a banner year highlighted by a number
of significant events and growing partnerships. Highlight of the year
was our 4th IIPT African Conference organized in partnership with the UN
World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), World Bank, United Nations
Environment Program (UNEP) and Africa Travel Association (ATA), and
hosted by the Ministry of Tourism, Trade and Industry, Uganda under the
patronage of H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. More than 400
delegates from 33 countries participated in the conference “Building
Strategic Alliances for Sustainable Tourism Development, Peace, and
Reconciliation on the African Continent.” |
 |
|
Emphasis was also given to the IIPT Global Peace Parks Program under the
leadership of Richard Kuegeman. Our goal is 2010 IIPT Peace Parks
circling the earth by 2010 – the last year of the UN Decade of Peace and
Non-Violence for the Children of the World. As part of this initiative,
IIPT commemorated the 15th anniversary of “Peace Parks Across Canada”
with cities and towns across Canada re-dedicating parks to peace. IIPT
is also partnering with the Peace Caravan Project of Marla Mossman to
dedicate IIPT Peace Parks in cities and towns along the Silk Road.
Other initiatives included a World Peace Tour to
the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan in partnership with Sacred Himalaya
Travel, participation in the Conde Nast World Savers Awards, the SKAL
World Congress, Dr. Omar Moufakkir’s installation as a Lector, Tourism
for Peace at CHN University in the Netherlands; and partnerships in the
3rd African Diaspora Heritage Trail Conference and THETRADESHOW.
Finally, IIPT was again featured on Opening Day of
World Travel Market with a debate on the role of Tourism in “Building
Bridges of Understanding Between Civilizations, Cultures and Religions.”
We look forward to continued collaboration with
each of you in “Building a Culture of Peace through Tourism” in the
coming year and extend our best wishes for a Merry and Blessed Christmas
and Holiday Season.
Brief articles on IIPT’s 2007 initiatives follow. |
|
|
 |
4th IIPT African Conference Achieves Major Outcomes |
The 4th IIPT African Conference under the Patronage of
His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and
hosted by the Uganda Ministry of Tourism, Trade and
Industry – our best African Conference to date - was the
highlight of 2007 for IIPT. More than 400 delegates from
33 countries participated in the conference sharing
their experiences, ideas, wisdom and commitments toward
the Conference theme of: |
|
“Building Strategic Alliances for
Sustainable Tourism Development,
Peace, and Reconciliation on the African Continent.” |
|
H.E. President Museveni
Republic of Uganda |
A number of significant outcomes were achieved by the
Conference most noteworthy of which was the announcement
by H.E. President Museveni in his Keynote Address to
delegates that his government will introduce Tourism
Legislation in support of the UN Millennium Development
Goals. Uganda is the first nation in the world to
introduce this milestone legislation.
The legislation enshrines policies providing for
sustainable development of tourism, community
empowerment and poverty reduction in synchrony with the
UN Millennium Development Goals and a supportive
infrastructure for the private sector. |
The 4th IIPT African Conference also featured the “First
Africa Media Exchange” in partnership with Counterpart
International. The Media Exchange brought together
notable journalists from Africa, Europe and North
America with the aim of creating increased media
coverage and international awareness of
Africa’s rich mosaic of sustainable tourism initiatives
and products.
|
|
 |
Other significant outcomes included: |
|
Martyr's Trail Basilica
Namugongo - Uganda
Stamp of Pope John Paul II
in honor of his visit to Uganda
President D’Amore planting the first
peace tree
at the site of the Martyr’s Trail. |
• Proclamation of May 20 to May 26 as “National Peace
through Tourism Week” by Conference Patron, His
Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni;
• Launch of Uganda Martyr’s Trail as a legacy of the
Conference;
• Dedication of IIPT International Peace Park at
Martyr’s Trail;
• Announcement of Four Sister Cities;
• Africa Diaspora Heritage Trail (ADHT) to be launched
in Uganda;
• First IIPT Lifetime Acheivement Award presented to
Mira Berman, Executive Director Emeritus, Africa Travel
Association;
• Launch of Graduate Level Peace through Tourism Program
at WICE (World Leisure Center of Excellence) Wageningen
University in partnership with IIPT;
• IIPT Scholarship Award announced to Inter-disciplinary
team of students writing the best paper on “Tourism
Contribution to the UN Millennium Development Goals;”
• Training Workshops regarding Hotel Revenue Management,
Destination Marketing, Community Tourism, and Guiding;
and
• Ministers Roundtables on Healing Wounds of Conflict
through Tourism Culture and Sport; Enhancing the
Contribution of Tourism to Poverty Reduction and the UN
Millennium Development Goals; and the Africa Diaspora
Heritage Trail.
The Conference was organized in partnership with the UN
World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), World Bank Group,
United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), and Africa
Travel Association (ATA) – and sponsored by the
Department of Tourism, Government of Bermuda; Ministry of Tourism and Natural Resources,
Zambia; and the Jordan Tourism Board.
Media Partners included eTurbo News, Africa
Travel Magazine, EcoClub, Travel World News,
Travel Weekly, Travel Agent Media Group, and
Travel Talk Media. |
Please click here to
access speeches and presentations from the 4th IIPT
African Conference – as well as other IIPT Conferences
and Summits. |
4th IIPT
African Conference
Sponsors |
Bermuda Department of Tourism |
Ministry of Tourism
Republic of Zambia |
Jordan Tourism Board |
Partners |
.jpg) |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
Back to Top |
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
Marine Peace Park
Salmon Arm, BC |
Mair Peace Park
Prince Albert SK |
Mayor Sandler planting a tree
Biggar Peace Park, SK |
Unity Peace Park
Richmond Hill, ON |
|
|
15th
Anniversary of ‘Peace Parks Across Canada’
|
A second highlight of the year was commemoration of the 15th Anniversary
of “Peace Parks Across Canada”
by cities and towns across Canada.
Fifteen Years ago as Canada celebrated its 125th Birthday, some 400
cities and towns across Canada dedicated a Park to Peace – with most
parks dedicated at Noon local time, October 8th, as the National
Peacekeeping Monument was being unveiled in Ottawa. Each of the original
Peace Parks incorporated a ‘Bosco Sacro’ (Peace Grove) of 12 trees as a
symbolic link with one another, and with
nature - and as a symbol of
hope for the future. The 12 trees were also symbolic of Canada’s 10 Provinces and two Territories. As there are now three Territories, a
13th tree was planted as part of the “Re-dedication Ceremonies.”
The re-dedication of Canada’s Peace Parks served as a reminder of the
common commitment of Canadians to peace and understanding at home and
throughout the world.
“Peace Parks Across Canada” was conceived and implemented by IIPT and
has served as the foundation in launching the “IIPT Global Peace Parks
Program” on the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month, 2000
the first year of the new Millennium - from Bethany Beyond the Jordan,
site of Christ’s baptism. The Program continues as a living legacy of the
1st Global Summit on Peace through Tourism, November 8-11, 2000 hosted
by the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. His Majesty King Abdullah II was
Patron of the Summit which – like the Global Peace Park Program - was in
support of the UN Decade of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of
the World. |
|
Richard (Dick) Kuegeman
Executive Director IIPT Global Peace Parks Program |
The IIPT Global Peace Parks Program is being spearheaded by Richard
Kuegeman of Atlanta, Georgia. Richard (Dick) Kuegeman. As Executive
Director (pro bono) of the IIPT Global
Peace Parks Program, Dick will
strive to reach our goal of 2010 Peace Parks circling the
earth by 2010,
as a living legacy of the U.N. Decade of Peace and Non-Violence for the
Children of the World (2000 – 2010).
Cities and towns wishing to become part of the IIPT Global Peace Parks
Program by
dedicating a park to peace are invited to contact IIPT at: peaceparks@iipt.org. |
|
|
|
Back to Top |
|
|
|
Peace Caravan Project Aims to
Promote International Cooperation on the Silk
Road |
In a related project, artist, photographer and
founder of the Peace Caravan Project, Marla
Mossman is
promoting peace through international
cooperation, cultural awareness, and educational
outreach along the
Silk Road. Her endeavor, the
Peace Caravan Project, is the journey of one
woman from Jerusalem to China
along the Silk
Road, documenting places of historical and
religious significance mentioned in the Bible,
Torah, Koran, and Vedas.
The Peace Caravan Project will result in
photographs illustrating the "Culture of Peace"
in regions along the
Silk Road. These will
include images of children, women, and men
engaged in traditional ways of life that promote
cooperation, solidarity, hope, commitment to
change and improvement of their lives as well as
the lives of others, thereby reminding us that
despite our differences we share similar love,
hopes, and dreams.
While on her journey, Marla will seek to leave a
legacy of IIPT Peace Parks in each of the cities
and towns
along the way.
Marla's website can be viewed at
www.peacecaravan.com for further details and
a selected gallery of images. Marla Mossman can
be contacted at
marla@peacecaravan.com. |
|
|
|
|
|
Back to Top |
|
World Peace Tour to the Himalayan Kingdom of
Bhutan |
The first "World Peace
Tour to the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan" was
hosted by IIPT and Sacred Himalaya Travel, a
Bhutanese owned and operated travel company.
Steeped in the tradition of compassion and
kindness, Bhutan’s Buddhist culture, hand in
hand with IIPT’s values of generating peace
through tourism, provided an inspirational
context for the amazing journey.
Participants in the tour met with the gentle
kindness and easy going humour of the Bhutanese
people throughout their journey. “From the glow
of butter lamps to the light in children’s eyes,
from the beauty of the Himalayan mountains to
the music of both laughter and selfless prayers
for peace, Bhutan indelibly softened our
hearts.”
A second Bhutan Tour is being planned this year
along with other World Peace Tours.
For more information, please
click
here. |
Magical Taksang: Tiger's Nest Monastery,
Paro Bhutan |
Tying on a blessing thread,
Young Monk at Paro Dzong |
Butter
Lamps, lit to send blessings to all
sentient beings, Kyichu Lhakang, Paro |
|
|
Back to Top |
|
|
IIPT President, Louis D'Amore presenting award to Dr.
Tran Trong Kien, Founder and CEO of Buffalo Tours |
Louis D'Amore talking about IIPT and
introducing Dr. Trang |
Klara Glowczewska, Conde Nast Editor in Chief, Dr. Trang
and Louis D'Amore |
|
|
IIPT at Condé Nast World Savers Awards:
Honoring Companies that Make a Difference |
With US $7 trillion in
revenues expected this year, the travel industry
is an economic engine with the power to change
the world. Just imagine if every travel company
decided to go green, to support local schools,
and to invest in clean water, what a difference
they could make.
In an effort to encourage the industry to expand
social responsibility programs on a local and
global scale, Condé Nast Traveler has recognized
those who are already making a difference with
the 2007 World Savers Awards Congress at Gotham
Hall, New York. They help bring clean water,
medicine, education, and jobs to impoverished
people. They help maintain cultural and natural
treasures. They protect the other species with
whom we share this planet. Companies honored at
this year’s awards included: |
| |
•
Chain Hotels & Resorts: Marriott
• Small Hotels & Resorts: Jungle Bay Resort and
Spa, Dominica
• Destinations: Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, South
Africa
• Tour Operators: Buffalo Tours, Southeast Asia
|
|
IIPT Founder and
President Louis D'Amore was honored to present
the Tour Operators Award to Tran Trong Kien, CEO
of Buffalo Tours. His company—which brings
16,000 travelers to Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos
annually—sponsors a nutritional program at
Hanoi's Binh Luc Orphanage, funds a rehab center
for victims of Agent Orange, and hosts doctors
who treat patients in the Mai Chau Valley, where
the company has built wells and waste systems
for ethnic-minority villages. |
|
|
|
 |
IIPT Debate Featured at
World Travel Market |
|
Mr. Peter de Jong,
PATA President and CEO
Mr. Robert Coggin
Vice Chairman, Travelport |
This year’s IIPT debate at World Travel Market
focused on the key role of Travel and Tourism –
the world’s largest industry in “Building
Bridges of Understanding Between Civilizations,
Cultures and Religions.”
Humanity is currently witnessing - and shaping
the most significant paradigm shift in human
history – a paradigm shift of major demographic,
economic, ecological and geo-political
dimensions. Integral to this paradigm shift are
global challenges unprecedented in human history
including global warming, depleting resources,
an ever-increasing and unsustainable ecological
footprint, global poverty, and HIV AIDS.
To meet these challenges will similarly require
collaboration on a global scale unprecedented in
human history – and to achieve this level of
global collaboration – it is essential that we
first build the foundations of mutual
understanding and respect between civilizations,
cultures and religions.
Moderating this year’s debate was H.E. Senator
Akel Biltaji, Special Advisor to H.M. King
Abdullah II, Jordan. Framing the debate was Mr.
Peter de Jong, PATA President and CEO, and
sharing their insights were three industry
leaders with a breadth of experience and
knowledge that provided an over-arching global
perspective: Mr. Robert Coggin, Vice Chairman,
Travelport; Mr. Elhamy ElZayat, Chairman,
Egyptian Tourism Federation and Chairman & CEO,
Emeco Travel; and Mr. Alwin Zecha, Executive
Committee PATA, and Executive Chairman, Pacific
Leisure Group.
|
|
|
|
Back to Top |
|
|
IIPT Founder and President Louis D’Amore
addressing SKAL International Council |
Litsa Papathanassi, President, SKAL International
Presenting SKAL banner to Louis D’Amore |
Lone Ricks, President, SKAL International Council
and Louis D’Amore |
|
|
|
IIPT President Proposes Areas of Collaboration
in
Address to SKAL World Congress |
IIPT Founder and
President Louis D’Amore was most honored to
address the National Presidents and
International Council of SKAL International at
its recent 68th World Congress held in Antalya,
Turkey.
SKAL is the largest organization of travel and
tourism professionals in the world with more
than 20,000 members in over 500 locations on
five continents and 90 developed and developing
countries, and embracing all sectors of the
travel and tourism industry.
In his address, D’Amore suggested that IIPT
shares basic underpinning values and philosophy
with SKAL International – and accordingly
proposed two areas of collaboration in the
spirit of the “UN Decade of Peace and
Non-Violence for the Children of the World.”
|
| |
Collaboration in the
IIPT Global Peace Parks Program with its goal of
2010 Peace Parks circling the earth by 2010, the
last year of the UN Decade of Peace and
Non-Violence for the Children of the World.
Collaboration in an IIPT - SKAL Executive
Ambassador Program to assist developing
countries with the knowledge and expertise
gained by retired executives.
|
IIPT and SKAL have
agreed to continue discussions on both programs
with a view towards implementation in 2008.
|
|
Back to Top |
|
|
Dr. Klaas Wybo van der
Hoek
Vice-President, CHN Executive Board
|
Dr. Omar Moufakkir
installed as Lector
by Professor Dr. Martin Gertler
Director, Academic Affairs |
Louis D'Amore
IIPT Founder and President
|
|
|
Dr. Omar Moufakkir Installed as
Lector Tourism for Peace – CHN University
|
IIPT was most honored to be present for the installation of Dr. Omar
Moufakkir as Lector Tourism for Peace at CHN University. The CHN Tourism
for Peace Lectureship is the fist in the world and just one more example
of the visionary – values based leadership of CHN University. With his
installation as Lector Tourism for Peace, Dr. Moufakkir will take on increased
responsibility in conducting research and innovative projects that
foster ‘Peace through Tourism.’
CHN is a value-driven, globally oriented, student-centered University
with more than 7,000 students at its main campus in Leeuwarden,
Netherlands and satellite campuses in South Africa, Qatar, Thailand, and
China.
The Peace through Tourism Lectorate will contribute to the educational
and research programs of CHN University, as well as to the identity of
the university by sharing knowledge, promoting hope, and fostering
sustainable entrepreneurship.
IIPT Founder and President, Louis D’Amore, as well as IIPT Australia
Chapter President and IIPT Chapter Coordinator, Daphne Lowe Kelley were
honored to be part of both the Tourism for Peace Seminar and
Installation Ceremony.
|
|
|
|
IIPT Partner in 3rd African Diaspora Heritage Trail
International Conference
|
IIPT was also again proud to be a partner in the 3rd African Diaspora
Heritage Trail International Conference: From Slave Ships to
Self-Determined Destinations” that took place October 10-14, 2007 at the
Atlantis Resort, Paradise Island, the Bahamas.
|
|
Dr. Ewart Brown
Bermuda Premier
Hon. David Allen, the late Minister
of
Tourism, Bermuda |
The conference brought together a diverse gathering of interested,
talented and experienced persons from throughout the African Diaspora
committed to the authentic research, documentation, promotion and
further development of African Diaspora Heritage sites/venues, museums,
monuments, and cultural expressions. The conference conveyed the rich
heritage, diverse stories and culture of the peoples of Africa and the
African Diaspora as presented through their own artistic expressions,
written and oral histories, institution-building and policy making.
Founded by the Government of Bermuda, the ADHT is a transnational
heritage tourism initiative to educate visitors, enhance economic
viability of African Diaspora countries and communities and conserve the
essence of African descent, culture and history for future generations.
IIPT has a particularly strong bond with the Africa Diaspora Heritage
Trail as it was at the first IIPT Global Summit on Peace through Tourism
in Amman, Jordan 2000 that the late Hon. David H. Allen, then Bermuda
Minister of Tourism, was inspired to conceive the Africa Diaspora
Heritage Trail.
|
|
Back
to Top |
|
|
|
 |
|
Sponsorship of THETRADESHOW
|
IIPT was again proud to be a sponsor of
THETRADESHOW
2007 (Travel Retailing and Destination Expo) held at the Las Vegas
Convention Center, Las Vegas, September 9-11, 2007.
THETRADESHOW
2007 provided a major opportunity for IIPT collaboration with ASTA, ITB
Berlin, and their partners in promoting travel throughout the world as a
vital force for international understanding and peace and the
people-to-people encounters that help us to realize the full
significance of our inter-connectedness and common future in an ever
shrinking “Global Village.”
|
|
Back
to Top |
|
|
Show
Your Support with One Earth One Family
IIPT Plaques and Gift Cards
Created exclusively for IIPT, both items
display the IIPT Credo of the Peaceful Traveler
and Art Piece by R. Padre Johnson.
The Credo of the Peaceful Traveler puts
forth an ethical travel philosophy for travelers to abide by. The IIPT
Credo of the Peaceful Traveler was the inspiration of a very special person at
the IIPT First Global Conference: Tourism - A Vital Force for Peace, Vancouver
1988. We have respected the author's request to remain annonymous. The IIPT
Credo has since spread across the travel and tourism industry worldwide. |
 |
The One Earth One Family art piece
by R. Padre
Johnson provides a view of our incredible earth from outer space, surrounded by the open
faces of 25 children and adults from different cultures. Each portrait represents an important visual statement
about the unique and interesting facial difference in each individual, the
culture and ethnicity each represents, and the limitless threads of common
humanity that draws all citizens of our planet more closely together as one
inter-dependent family.
These items will remind all who see or
receive them of what a privilege it is to travel freely throughout the world and
the opportunity they have as they travel to be ambassadors of international
understanding, good will and peace. These items will be admired and appreciated
by everyone who sees them in your office, place of business or home.
Costs are $200 (US) plus shipping for an Acrylic
Plaque, and $15 (US) plus shipping for a Gift Card pack of 10 Cards and Envelopes.
To order online or by fax/mail, please visit our
website.
|
About IIPT
The International Institute for
Peace through Tourism (IIPT) is a not for profit organization dedicated to
fostering travel and tourism initiatives that contribute to international
understanding and cooperation, an improved quality of environment, the
preservation of heritage, and poverty reduction; and through these
initiatives, helping to bring about a peaceful and sustainable world.
It is founded on a vision of the world’s largest industry, travel and
tourism – becoming the world’s first global peace industry; and the belief
that every traveler is potentially an “Ambassador for Peace.”
For more information:
IIPT Website:
www.iipt.org
Tel: (802) 253-2658
Fax: (802) 253-2645
Email:
info@iipt.org
Back to Top
|
Back to Newsletters |
