30 Years and counting: The International Institute for Peace through Tourism
  January 2017 |
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IIPT Launches 30th Anniversary Year in Support of UN International Year of Sustainable Tourism
The Travel for Peace Campaign seeks to engage travel agencies, tour operators, hotels, airlines and other sectors of the global travel and tourism industry to join with IIPT in encouraging every traveler to be an “Ambassador for Peace” by practicing the IIPT Credo of the Peaceful Traveler and the ethic inherent in the iconic Padre Johnson portrait of the Global Family reminding us that we are “One Earth One Family.” (Please note the IIPT Credo of the Peaceful Traveler at the bottom of this article). The program aim is to create awareness among all travelers that the privilege of traveling provides them with a unique opportunity to learn more about our common home – planet earth, the wonder of its natural beauty, its many diverse peoples, cultures and heritage – and in the process to foster mutual respect, understanding and appreciation with each person they encounter. Collaborating with IIPT in the design of an interactive website are Mr. Prakash Sikchi, Co-founder of Inspirock and Jeff Crist, Managing Partner, Crist Consulting Group. Inspirock recently received the Brand USA innovation award because of the impact their free trip planner can have in promoting tourism. http://www.inspirock.com/. Crist Consulting http://www.crist.com Charter members of the Travel for Peace Campaign include: World Expeditions, Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG), Sacred Himalaya Travel and The Cultural Angle.
The Global Peace Parks Project builds on the success of IIPT’s 1992 project commemorating Goal of the IIPT Peace Parks Project is 2,000 Peace Parks circling the earth by 21 September, 2017 – the UN International Day of Peace.
Persons interested in more information on either the IIPT “Travel for Peace Campaign” or the “IIPT Global Peace Parks Project” are invited to email ljd.
Grateful for the opportunity to travel and experience the world and because peace begins with the individual, I affirm my personal responsibility and commitment to:
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IIPT went on to pioneer its early implementation: 1992 – Developed world’s first “Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Sustainable Tourism” for the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) 1993 – Conducted the world’s first international study on ”Models of Best Practice: Tourism and Environment” for the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). 1994 – Organized the world’s first major international conference on Sustainable Tourism 1994 “Building a Sustainable World through Tourismin” in Montreal featuring the presentation of “Success Stories” and “Models of Best Practice” of Sustainable Tourism. IIPT is now proud to return to Montreal for its 30th Anniversary Year Global Summit – in this the UN International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development. The summit will be co-organized in collaboration with the UN World Tourism Organization as announced at World Travel Market with leaders of the industry: Dr. Taleb Rifai, Secretary General, UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO); Mr. David Scowsill, President and CEO, World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC); Dr. Mario Hardy, CEO, Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and Ms. Susanna Saari, Senior Vice President, Skål International. Joining the travel and tourism industry leaders was Canadian High Commissioner to the U.K. and Northern Ireland H.E. Ms. Janice Charette. Ms. Anita Mendiratta, Founder and Managing Director, Cache Consulting moderated the event.
2017 is also a symbolic year for Canada and Montreal as it is the 150th birthday of Canada; the 375th birthday of Montreal and the 50th Anniversary of EXPO 67, the world’s most successful Expo of the 20th century. Timing for the IIPT 30th Anniversary Global Summit is scheduled for the third week of September to coincide with the meeting of world leaders at the UN General Assembly in New York. Our aim is to gain global media coverage that will heighten awareness among world leaders regarding the UN International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development – and the vital role of tourism in fostering international understanding and peace in our troubled world. Towards this end, we will be seeking media partners at the global, regional and local levels. It is also timed so that the closing plenary session will be at Noon, 21 September – the UN International Day of Peace. Scheduled for that afternoon will be the dedication or re-dedication of Peace Parks around the world including a goal of 500 Peace Parks across Canada, building on the success of IIPT’s Canada 125 “Peace Parks across Canada Project” referred to in the above article. Our goal is the re-dedication of the 350 Peace Parks dedicated in 1992, plus an additional 150 Peace Parks being dedicated – symbolic of Canada 150.
Please save the dates and join with the “IIPT Global Family” in celebrating IIPT’s 30th Anniversary year; the UN International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development (and Peace); Canada 150 and Montreal 375. Your suggestions and support for both the IIPT 30th Anniversary Year and Global Summit are welcome. Please email ljd. |
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IIPT has launched its 30th Anniversary Year in support of the UN International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development. Key IIPT Projects commemorating IIPT’s 30th Anniversary Year include its “Travel for Peace Campaign” and a “Global Peace Parks Project.”
Canada’s 125th birthday as a nation. IIPT conceived and implemented “Peace Parks across Canada” resulting in 350 Peace Parks being dedicated by cities and towns from St. John’s, Newfoundland to Victoria, British Colombia. The Peace Parks were all dedicated on October 8, 1992 as a National Peace Keeping Monument was being unveiled in Ottawa and 5,000 Peacekeepers passing in 
review. Each park had a ‘bosco sacro’ – a peace grove of 12 trees, symbolic of Canada’s 10 Provinces and 2 Territories as a link to one another and a symbol of hope for the future. Of the more than 25,000 Canada 125 Projects, Peace Parks across Canada was said to be the most significant.
Partnering with IIPT on both projects is the International Coalition of Tourism Partners (ICTP).
Plans are currently underway for the IIPT 30th Anniversary Global Summit. 2017 is a very special year for IIPT being the confluence of both the 30th anniversary year of IIPT and the UN International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development. IIPT first introduced the concept of Sustainable Tourism in Vancouver, 1988 at its First Global Conference: Tourism – a Vital Force for Peace together with a new paradigm for a “Higher Purpose of Tourism.”
Speaking about the awards Ajay Prakash, President IIPT India said, “It’s coincidental that the Awards are being held on International Women’s Day but the spirit of honouring and celebrating women needs to be sustained on the other 364 days too. Gender equality, which is part of the United Nations SDGs, is intrinsic to IIPT’s global aims and objectives and integral to fostering peace. Through the Awards we’re aiming to create a network of powerful women across the world who would serve as role models and mentors while they represent IIPT as our Global Ambassadors of Peace.”
Dr. Taleb Rifai is again expected to deliver the keynote address. Anita Mendiratta, author and international consultant on tourism, Special Advisor to the Secretary General UNWTO and Member IIPT India Advisory Council will conduct the proceedings. The audience will comprise Minsters, senior government representatives, global industry leaders and the international media.
Rika Jean-François, Commissioner ITB Corporate Social Responsibility, stated:
IIPT Founder and President Louis D’Amore stated “IIPT is grateful for the support of UNWTO and ITB to IIPT India in recognizing women who serve as role models in our industry. IIPT from the start has recognized the important leadership role of women. Patron of the IIPT First Global Conference: Tourism – a Vital Force for Peace, Vancouver 1988 was H.E. Vigdis Finnbogadottir, President of Iceland and the world’s first elected women Head of State. Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan was Patron of IIPT’s Second Global Conference. IIPT has also been proud to feature women leaders as keynote speakers and presenters of ‘Success Stories” at international conferences and summits these past 30 years.” H.E. Vigdis Finnbogadottir |
 Queen Noor |
IIPT “Travel for Peace” Tour to Jordan with Opportunities to Assist Syrian Refugees
Donald King, Ambassador at Large for the International Institute for Peace through Tourism (IIPT), and his wife Lynne will be leading the special “Travel for Peace” tour to Jordan November 9-18, 2017. The Kings have been residents of Jordan and have extensive experience leading tours in Jordan. They also have recently been involved in several humanitarian efforts assisting Syrian refugees while developing relationships with local organizations that provide services to these refugees. They recently hosted a voluntary optometry team that provided vision screening and eye glasses at a special school for Syrian children.
Persons participating in the upcoming IIPT Peace Tour will have a chance to interact with Syrian refugee children, providing games, handicrafts and other gifts at the school. The dates of the tour have been set for November 9-18, to coincide with the close of World Travel Market so that persons attending WTM might fly directly from London to Amman.
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Collaborating with IIPT will be Airline Ambassadors International (AAI). AAI helps orphans and vulnerable children worldwide by leveraging connections with the airline industry towards humanitarian service. AAI will also be providing marketing support among its members. AAI’s Founder and President, Nancy Rivard, was the second recipient of the IIPT Ambassador for Peace Award at IIPT’s 1999 Global Conference in Glasgow. www.airlineamb.org.
AAI will be represented by Sandy Dhuyvetter, a member of the AAI Board of Directors who will manage AAI’s commitment to IIPT. Sandy is also a trainer on Human Trafficking Awareness in the travel industry and an award winning creator, executive producer and host of TravelTalk Radio and Travel Talk Media.
 Nancy Rivard |
 Sandy Dhuyvetter |
Partnering with IIPT in organizing the tour is Near Eastern Tours, an IIPTCoalition Partner. Near Eastern Tours will provide in-country services for the tour.
Also collaborating with IIPT will be Angels of Hope who will provide “Tee” Shirts and other gifts for school children. www.theangelworkshop.com
Jordan is one of the world’s spectacular destinations and home to some of the world’s friendliest and most hospitable people. The itinerary will provide the opportunity to see this fascinating land, meet its people and experience its welcoming spirit. The tour itinerary will include Jerash, Petra, Wadi Rum, Mt. Nebo, Azraq Wetlands, Shumari Reserve, the Dead Sea and other sites.
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Participants in this special tour will have the opportunity to assist some of the Syrian refugees who have fled the war in their homeland. We will visit refugee families and provide food parcels, hygiene packets and medical supplies to some of the neediest families. Participation in this tour will make a difference in the lives of a few Syrian families and participants will gain an appreciation for one of the most interesting countries in the world.
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Interested persons and Travel agents are invited to request more information. Please send an email request to: travelking47
IIPT Ambassador for Peace Visits 192nd Country“Pakistan is my favorite country in the world”.
IIPT Ambassador for Peace, Cassandra DePecol has just completed a weeklong stay in Pakistan concluding that “Pakistan is definitely my favorite country in the world!” Her Pakistan visit was hosted and organized by Col. Akbar Shareef, Chairman, PATA Pakistan Chapter; members of the PATA Pakistan Chapter and the Asiatic Public Relations Network.
Cassie made the most of – and appreciated every minute of her trip beginning with her upgrade to business class on her flight and being invited to the cockpit with the Captain who was aware of Cassie’s Expedition 196 mission; the warm greeting by the customs official at the airport; and receiving a bouquet of flowers on her hotel arrival.
Cassie expressed her appreciation saying in an email: “Thank you so much to my hosts, Akbar of PATA Pakistan Chapter and Bob from Asia Public Relations for hosting me during my weeklong stay in Pakistan from Karachi to Lahore to Islamabad. Thank you to IBA Karachi, Beacon House National University in Lahore and COMSATS University in Islamabad for granting me the opportunity to speak in front of such an inquisitive and wonderful student body. Thank you to Rotary…. I’m so grateful for all of your tireless efforts in ensuring such a successful Mission in Pakistan and the massive efforts in ensuring that I see as much as possible of the beauty of your country and its people and that my message of Peace Through Sustainable Tourism reaches a wide audience. I’ll cherish this experience and the people I met for the rest of my life. Pakistan is a positive, flourishing, beautifully enriching country with a unique and ambient culture. I am really looking forward to visiting the mountains for my Birthday in June with my family.”
Col. Akbar Shareef responded: “You certainly left an indelible mark with all those who were lucky to have met you.”
For a three minute professional video of Cassie’s Pakistan visit, Please click here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2p26hJRTPA
Cassie was met on arrival in Pakistan by Mr. Ahmer Mallick Managing Director, Tourism Development Corporation of Punjab (TDCP) and subsequently presented with a Porcelain Plate with the traditional Pakistan handcrafted design. Presenting the gift are Mr. Shalwar Kameez, Vice Chairman of TDCP, Mr. Ahmer Mallick; Col. Akbar Shareef and other Pakistani dignitaries.
Taking a break from her traveling adventures, Cassie shared her inspirational tale at a meet-up arranged by Asiatic Public Relations Network Pvt Limited (APR) at their office.
Cassie also met students of Institute of Business Administration at a session held jointly by Asiatic PR and PATA for Promoting Peace Through Sustainable Tourism and also meeting the Mayor of Karachi, Hon. Waseem Akhter.
 Tree planting ceremony after session hosted by Asiatic PR and PATA. |
 Visit to the father of the nation Quaid-e- Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s Tomb. |
Cassie taking a quick stop at the road bazaars to purchase cultural souvenirs!
IIPT Caribbean to Celebrate International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development 2017
IIPT Caribbean together with the IIPT International Community Tourism Network and Countrystyle Community Tourism Network will be celebrating the launch of 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism on January 18 at the Mandeville Hotel, Manchester, Jamaica as the official UNWTO launch takes place in Madrid, Spain. Community Tourism will be the focus of the Mandeville event.
The UN International Year will promote tourism’s role in five key areas: Inclusive and sustainable economic growth; social inclusiveness, employment and poverty reduction; resource efficiency, environmental protection and climate change; cultural values, diversity and heritage; and mutual understanding, peace and security.
This Diaspora inspired special occasion aligns with the Jamaica Economic Growth Council’s recommendations for “Harnessing the power of the Diaspora” with the introduction of a Global Diaspora Engagement Plan (GDEP), designed to bring Global Diaspora and Community Businesses as Villages together for economic opportunities, job creation and inclusive growth, building on family links and wider relationships that exist between Jamaica and the UK/USA/Canada.
Keynote Speaker for the event will be Ms. Maureen Denton, Executive Director & Head of Growth Secretariat Economic Growth Council and Diana McIntyre Pike, President, IIPT Caribbean and Countrystyle Community Tourism Network. The official welcome will be given by His Worship the Mayor of Mandeville, Councillor Donovan Mitchell .
 Maureen Denton |
 Diana McIntyre |
 Donovan Mitchell |
The Global Diaspora Engagement Plan is derived from the Caribbean Diaspora Delivery System (CDDS) a facilitated framework for the digital transformation of the traditional Diaspora leadership, management and involvement model by providing strategic leadership in communication, governance and implementation.
For more information:Countrystyle Community Tourism Network, e:iiptcaribbean or tel. 876-507-6326 www.villagesasbusinesses.com
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, cooperation among nations, an improved quality of environment, cultural enhancement and the preservation of heritage, poverty reduction, reconciliation and healing wounds of conflicts; 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) 253-8671
Email: ljd@iipt.org
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