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The Second Global Summit on Peace through Tourism will take place at the UN Conference Center, Geneva, Switzerland, February 5-8, 2003. The Summit is being organized by the International Institute for Peace through Tourism (IIPT) in partnership with the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).

The Goals of the Second Summit will be to first, continue building a "Culture of Peace through Tourism" in support of the U.N. Decade of Peace and Non-violence for the Children of the World; second, develop a coordinated strategy for poverty alleviation through tourism; and thirdly, nurture partnering relationships focused on initiatives in support of the first two goals.

In making the announcement, IIPT President Louis D'Amore, said, "we welcome the support of this historic new partnership with WTTC, which will help mobilize the world's largest industry in achieving the goals of the Summit. It is in the Travel Industry's enlightened self interest to work towards the realization of a peaceful, and stable socio-political environment in which world travel and tourism can thrive."

Jean-Claude Baumgarten, President, WTTC, said "this initiative builds on WTTC's work to make the travel and tourism industry a harmonious contributor to social and economic equality with opportunities for all of the world's communities. We are very pleased to further our work together with IIPT, following on from our successful cooperative effort in Amman, Jordan in 2000."

WTTC currently estimates the value of the global industry to be almost US $3,300 billion, and is responsible for employing 198 million people (one in every 13 jobs). Its forecast over the next ten years sees the worldwide industry growing by almost four percent per annum, and in the process creating millions of job opportunities.

Keynote Speakers at the Second Global Summit will include Nobel Peace Prize winners, international travel and tourism industry statesmen, and world leaders in the areas of culture and heritage, sport, environment, economic development, and inter-faith dialogue

A "Government &endash; Industry &endash; Donor Round-Table" will be a feature of the Geneva summit with leaders from each of these sectors exchanging ideas, and reaching consensus, on a coordinated strategy for poverty alleviation.

Pathway to Second Global Summit

Efforts will be made at the Summit, and in a series of workshops and conferences leading up to the Summit, to expand the current base of partners within the travel and tourism industry to include partners in the areas of education, culture, sport, environment and religion in "Building A Culture of Peace through Tourism" in support of the UN Decade of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the World.

The first IIPT African Conference on Peace Through Tourism, organized in partnership with the Africa Travel Association (ATA) and the Mpumalanga Tourism Authority, in Nelspruit, South Africa, March 3-7, 2002, marked an historic beginning in developing strategic approaches and partnerships for poverty alleviation on this important continent &endash; home to most of the world's 48 Least Developed Countries. Some 220 participants from 20 countries took part in the five day conference. So well received, Tanzania already announced that it will host the next IIPT African Conference on Peace Through Tourism in 2003..

The Second Global Summit was first announced in a center stage ceremony at the World Travel Market, London in November 2001 &endash; two months after the tragic events of September 11. The announcement was made by, and with, industry leaders from around the world recognizing that, efforts to build a culture of peace are more important now than ever before in our history.

The Geneva Summit builds on the successful First Global Summit held in Amman, Jordan &endash; November 8-11, 2000. His Majesty King Abdullah II was Royal Patron of the Summit, and American Express the Title Sponsor. Summit outcomes included the Amman Declaration ratified by participants from some 60 countries including 23 CEO's of major travel companies and members of the World Travel and Tourism Council, 16 Ministers of Tourism, members of the World Tourism Organization, and heads of more than 20 international travel and tourism associations. The Amman Declaration has since been incorporated as an official UN document.

Other outcomes included the formation of a Coalition of Partners for World Peace through Tourism with more than 25 founding partners - each committed to a Millennium Project that contributes to the vision of "Tourism as a Global Peace Industry"; four international networks (Educators, Rural and Community-Based Tourism. Spirituality, and Indigenous Tourism); and the launch of a Global Peace Parks Project from Bethany Beyond the Jordan, site of Christ's baptism - on the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month, of the first year of the new Millennium

International Organizations Encouraged to Hold Board Meetings at Summit

IIPT and WTTC extend an invitation to international travel and tourism organizations, and others interested in "Building a Culture of Peace through Tourism" to hold their Executive Committee Meeting on February 5th in Geneva in connection with the Summit. Rooms for this purpose will be made available at the UN Conference Center, Geneva for organizations expressing interest.

The International Institute For Peace Through Tourism (IIPT) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to fostering and facilitating tourism initiatives which contribute to international understanding and cooperation, an improved quality of environment, the preservation of heritage, and through these initiatives, helping to bring about a peaceful and sustainable world.

The World Travel & Tourism Council is the global business leaders forum for travel and tourism. Members are chief executives from all sectors of the travel industry. The mission of the Council is to raise awareness of the importance of the travel and tourism industry and to work with governments to create and implement policies that can unlock the industry's potential to generate economic growth and create jobs.

Dag Hammarskjold Living Memorial Initiative

The New York-based International Institute for Peace Through Tourism (IIPT) has identified the Dag Hammarskjold site as a Global Peace Park, the only one of the African continent and one of 11 throughout the world to be given this status. Mr. G. Rossi, representing IIPT presented tree saplings to the vice President to be planted at the site.

The UNCT, the Government of Zambia, the Swedish Mission, Mindolo Ecumenical Foundation and the International Institute for Peace Through Tourism successfully launched the Dag Hammarskjold Living Memorial Initiative, as per the proposal in 2000. The detailed feasibility study earlier mentioned serves as a project support document and provides a detailed analysis of t he proposals for the medium and long-term objectives of the Living Memorial, involving considerations of running coasts, sustainability and stakeholder commitments to support the project as well as the resource mobilization dimensions. It also proposed a phased implementation of the project.

The United States embassy in Zambia has given the Initiative a boost by donating $8,000 towards the preservation of t he crash site, which will be used for improvements over the coming months.

This Initiative should b e viewed as both a response to one of the millennium commitments (Peace, security ands Disarmament) made by representatives from over 1,000 non-governmental organizations from more than 100 countries in September 2000at the Millennium assembly in New York, as well as an opportunity for application at the field level of the UN Secretary-General's global Compact, launched at the World Economic forum in Davos, Switzerland in January, 1999, with the Zambian private sector's involvement.

Meanwhile it also serves as a tribute to the government of Zambia in carrying the torch single-handedly over a 40-year period in recognizing Hammarskjold's significant contribution to the search for peace.

IIPT NEWSLETTER

Dear Colleagues,

I believe we all will agree that these are difficult times for the Tourism industry &endash; but we have been there before, and bounced back. We will bounce back again and be stronger for it. The continuing support of for the IIPT has been very much appreciated. The following is what has been happening, and what is planned.

Second Global Summit Announced &endash; Geneva, Feb. 5-8, 2003

Many of you were present with us Center stage at the World Travel Market as we announced the Second Global Summit. Sir Ian Prosser, Chairman of Six Nations Hotels and Resorts and the World Travel & Tourism Council was the main keynote speaker. Other speakers included Jean-Claude Baumgarten, Francesco Frangiali, Tom Nutley, Mike Stolowitzky and Hon. Taleb Rifai, new Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Jordan. IIPT was honored by the recognition it was given in the Opening Ceremonies at WTM &endash; the theme of which was "Peace through Tourism," and in the Forward by Tom Nutley in the official directory. We are also honored to have the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) partnering with us in the Second Summit.

We have had to change the dates of the Summit, as the Swiss government required the UN Conference Center. This is something that rarely happens &endash; but they have priority in its use, and it happened to us. The revised dates are February 5-8, 2003. Your assistance in promoting the Summit to your members and networks would be greatly appreciated. Attached are a media release and one page announcement for this purpose.

The Goals of the Second Summit will be to first, continue building a "Culture of Peace through Tourism" in support of the U.N. Decade of Peace and Non-violence for the Children of the World; second, develop a coordinated strategy for poverty alleviation through tourism; and thirdly, nurture partnering relationships focused on initiatives in support of the first two goals. The Summit will feature a "Government &endash; Industry &endash; Donor- NGO Round-Table" with leaders from each of these sectors.

Invitation to Hold Board Meetings in Connection with the Summit

The UN Conference Center has an abundance of meeting rooms of varying sizes including Board Room size rooms. These will be available to us during the Summit.

We invite, and encourage you to have the next Board meeting of your organization in connection with the Summit. Your Board Meetings might be scheduled for Feb 5th, the First day of the Summit &endash; a day which will be set aside for meetings of IIPT's three networks (Educators, Spirituality, and Community-based Tourism), IIPT Chapters, and the IIPT Coalition of Partners for World Peace through Tourism.

IIPT to Collaborate in Africa Diaspora Heritage Trail

The Africa Diaspora Heritage Trail was conceived by Bermuda Tourism Minister Hon. David H. Allen, at the First Global Summit on Peace through Tourism, Amman. It has since been launched in Bermuda and the First Africa Diaspora Heritage Trail Conference is being held in May. IIPT has, and will continue to collaborate with Bermuda and the Africa Travel Association (ATA) in the promotion of the Trail. I will be leading a Workshop with Francesco Frangialli, Secretary General of World Tourism Organization, and Mira Merman, Executive Director, ATA to brainstorm ideas for synergies among our respective organizations in developing the Trail in a manner that contributes to "Building a Culture of Peace" and contributing to Sustainable Tourism Development with a view to contributing to poverty reduction.

First IIPT African Conference on Peace through Tourism

The first IIPT African Conference on Peace Through Tourism, organized in partnership with Coalition Partner, Africa Travel Association (ATA) and the Mpumalanga Tourism Authority, in Nelspruit, South Africa, March 3-7, 2002, marked an historic beginning in developing strategic approaches and partnerships for poverty alleviation on this important continent &endash; home to most of the world's 48 Least Developed Countries. Some 220 participants from 20 countries took part in the five-day conference including official delegations from 13 African countries, headed by Ministers and/or Deputy Ministers of Tourism.

We are in the process of developing a "21st Century African Agenda for Peace through Tourism" based on the very rich content of plenary sessions and workshops held during the 5-day conference. A 25 page "working draft" of the agenda has been prepared and is currently circulating among plenary speakers and workshop presenters for their further input and

comments. Following this process, a second "working draft" will be prepared which will include an Executive Summary. I will be pleased to share this with any of you who are interested.

Sharing a Special Moment

The meaning of Mpumalanga (province in South Africa where the Conference was held) is "where the sun rises." South Africa's main TV station SABC, has a "Morning Live" program from 6-8:00 AM hosted by a "Bryant Gumble" type dynamic young man, Vuyo Mbuli. They broadcasted live from outside the conference venue on the second day of our Conference - what was to be a bright, sunny Monday morning. I was the first person to be interviewed starting at 6:10 AM. As Vuyo and I were sitting there, in front of a beautiful garden with a waterfalls behind us &endash; I was looking straight in front of me at a beautiful, perfectly round mountain. Just 2 or 3 minutes before the interview started &endash; the sun came up -perfectly centered over the mountain, as if to greet Vuyo and I and to say &endash; "Have a great Conference!"

Second IIPT African Conference &endash; Tanzania, October 2003

The Second IIPT African Conference on Peace through Tourism was announced at the recent Annual Conference of the Africa Travel Association in Conakry, Guinea. The IIPT Conference will again be organized in partnership with Coalition Partner, Africa Travel Association, and as well the Tanzania Government. The conference aim will be to adopt a final version of the "21st Century African Agenda for Peace through Tourism" together with an implementation strategy that gives emphasis to partnering relationships among governments &endash; industry &endash; donor agencies &endash; and key NGO's at all levels &endash; community, national, regional and continent-wide.

Cyprus Conference

IIPT has had two small conferences among travel and tourism executives from Turkey and Greece. The first was in Gocek, Turkey, September 2000 (one of our events leading up to the Amman Summit.) The Greek Travel Association, HATTA, then reciprocated with a Conference in Thessaloniki, May 2001, which resulted in a Thessaloniki Declaration (I will send it to anyone interested or visit our website: www.iipt.org). The Thessaloniki Declaration states in part

"… that we strive to make Cyprus a model of Peace and Friendship through Tourism for the Mediterranean Region and throughout the world in the spirit of the original Olympic games." The thinking is to harness the original spirit of the Olympic Games on the occasion of the Games returning to Greece in 2004.

I traveled to Athens in both January and March to meet with key persons regarding a Cyprus Conference. The outcome of current talks between the Turkish and Greek Presidents in Cyprus will determine the feasibility of an IIPT Cyprus Conference. The visit by Kofi Annan to Cyprus this past week was a positive contribution to a successful outcome to negotiations. Coalition Partner Andreas Larentzakis (Kompas Travel) played a key role in organizing both the Turkey and Greek Conferences and is collaborating with me re the Cyprus Conference. Corinne Parry, IIPT representative for Turkey was the initiator and main organizer of the Turkey Conference

Chapter News

The IIPT Caribbean Chapter is planning an IIPT Caribbean Conference on Community-Based Tourism in August of this year. This builds on the success of an IIPT Jamaican Conference last August. Diana McIntyre Pike, President of the IIPT Chapter, is spearheading this initiative with members of the Board and a planning committee.

The newly formed Australia Chapter has had elections and Daphne Lowe Kelley has been elected as President. Daphne Lowe Kelley took a leadership role in organizing the chapter, together with Coalition partner Andreas Larentzakis and others who had participated in IIPT Global Conferences and the Amman Summit.

The first event of the new Australia Chapter will be a photographic exhibition to celebrate East Timor's self-government and steps for peace. "TIMOR LOROSAE &endash; IMAGES FOR PEACE", is supported by the City of Sydney and will be shown in Town Hall House from 21 May to 6 June 2002. The official opening, on 21 May 2002, will be by Lord Mayor Frank Sartor AO and Mrs. Natalina Horta, mother of Nobel Peace Prize Laureate José Ramos Horta. There will also be a welcome message from President Xanana Gusmao.

A founding meeting for the organization of a Turkey Chapter took place earlier this month organized by IIPT Turkey representative, Corinne Parry. Corinne had an excellent turnout with several senior members of the industry. Initial steps are also being taken by Andreas Larentzakis to form a chapter in Greece.

Dag Hammarskjold International Peace Park

I am honored to advise you that the IIPT Dag Hammarskjold International Peace Park was dedicated in Ndola, Zambia at a special ceremony commemorating the 40th anniversary of the death of UN Secretary General Dag Hammarskjold. The Park is located at the site where the plane of Secretary Dag Hammarskjold went down in September 1961.

Collaborative Research Project with George Washington University

The IIPT Educators Network will be collaborating with George Washington University in developing a global data base of some 400 tourism related Donor Funded Projects including project assessments, in Third World countries. From this collaborative effort, we plan to identify principles of "Best Practice", "Success Stories", "Lessons Learned" and prepare a Portfolio or Manual of Guidelines for future projects. This global research initiative will provide an invaluable repository of knowledge to be accessed in our broader goal of harnessing tourism as a major force in poverty reduction.

Chicken Soup for the Traveler's Soul Selects IIPT

IIPT has been selected as one of four organizations to receive a portion of profits resulting from sales of the recently published "Chicken Soup for the Traveler's Soul". This will amount to about $10,000. Our goal is to leverage this 10,000 to $100,000 and that $100,000 in turn, to

one million dollars. These funds will be used to seed community tourism micro-enterprise projects in some of the world's 48 poorest nations &endash; most of which are in Africa.

John Graff &endash; Retired President of IAPPA, Contributing Time and Expertise to IIPT

John Graff, who recently retired as President of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, has offered his services to IIPT as a volunteer. In his 20 years as President of IAAPA, John grew the organization from a basically US organization to a major international organization with more than 5,000 corporate members. One of John's first accomplishments was to bring IAAPA on board as a new Coalition Partner and he is coordinating with the current IAAPA Executive with a view to engaging members in activities that contribute to the vision of Tourism as a Global Peace Industry. John has also been assisting in seeking out sponsors for the Second Global Summit and in the implementation of the IIPT Executive Ambassador Program. Prior to joining IAAPA, John was a lawyer with Marriott Hotels and Resorts.

Your Assistance Requested

Your personal assistance in helping us to obtain sponsors for the Second Global Summit would be very much appreciated. If any of you have a contact with a senior executive of an organization that you believe would identify with the vision of the IIPT, I would be pleased to provide you with a sponsor's benefits package and other material as required for you to present IIPT and the Second Global Summit to your contact. Thank you for your consideration in this regard. I will be in Geneva June 19 &endash; 24. If you know of any Swiss organizations that might be interested, introductions would be most appreciated and I could meet with them while I am there.

Summit Program Suggestions

Any suggestions/ideas you might have to make this Summit an even greater success than the Amman Summit would be most welcome and appreciated.

Your continued interest and support is very much appreciated. I look forward to your communication and to seeing each of you again in Geneva.

Best personal regards,

Lou D'Amore