Bangkok--Mar 14--International Council of Tourism Partners
Calling it "the best news for Africa", the International Council of Tourism Partners today pledged its total support for the Africa Commission report looking for a new deal for the world's poorest countries and committed to campaign to add the voice of the travel sector - the world's largest industry - to the cause.
Why Africa?
- It is the region of greatest relative poverty in the world.
- It has the vast majority of LDC's.
- It has the worst score in the MDG ratings.
- It is slipping further behind in virtually all the critical poverty, nourishment and mortality areas.
- It's workforce and intellectual motor is crippled with HIV Aids
ICTP President, Geoffrey Lipman, said "The report identified in clear no nonsense terms the challenges and the solutions. It will serve as a beacon for everyone who want to join the cause of our lifetime".
Tourism is identified in the report as one of the ways in which rich countries and their citizens can help bring about a step change in virtually all economies that are blessed with incredible wildlife, culture, tradition and magnificent scenery.
"It is everyone's responsibility to press for the infrastructure and support service to make Africa the tourism destination of choice bringing with it the foreign exchange and investment needed in the war on poverty."
ICTP also announced - the Make Poverty History Campaign - to the tourism sector and its plan to work with the major trade fairs to make this a permanent feature in the tourism landscape. Following the launch at ITB the campaign will move to IMEX in Frankfurt and the Beijing International Travel and Tourism Market. Trade fairs are where the tourism family gather to take stock and to develop relationships - its an ideal home for the campaign.
ICTP members will join the global community wearing a white wristband to signify solidarity for the Make Poverty History Campaign. ICTP is giving 15% of all its membership revenue to UN HIV Aids.
Lipman also announced that H.E. Kenneth Kaunda, the former President of Zambia, and one of the fathers of the new Africa and Sir James Mancham, founding President of the Seychelles, have both agreed to speak out for the tourism sector in this campaign with particular emphasis on the HIV Pandemic which is the scourge of Africa's present and future generations.
Why Africa? Because We Must
300 million people below the poverty level
200 million people under nourished
25 million people with HIV Aids
Less than 4% of international tourism arrivals
Less than 2% of international tourism revenue
Rich cultural heritage: natural beauty: unique wildlife
In the mainstream of tomorrow's tourism demand
And because Tourism can make a difference.
Note: The International Council of Tourism Partners (ICTP) is a worldwide force of socially responsible travel and tourism professionals supporting the UN Millennium Development Goals and the World Tourism Organization Code of Ethics. It supports research, information sharing and effective action throughout the tourism industry.
It will continue to gather ideas for supporting the relief and reconstruction effort in the tsunami-effected areas. It will also offer what assistance it can to translate these suggestions into actions.
For further information, visit www.tourismpartners.org.
Media contact:
Karen Hay
International Council of Tourism Partners [email protected]
or call +1-808-536-1100
P.O.Box 208
Haleiwa, Hawaii 96712-0208 USA End.