IIPT Launches Special 'Just a Drop' Appeal
for Tsunami Disaster Survivors

(Stowe, Vt. Dec. 29, 2005) The International Institute for Peace through Tourism (IIPT) today launched a special 'Just a Drop' fundraising campaign to assist grief stricken survivors of this Sunday's Indian Ocean-Bay of Bengal disaster.

'Just a Drop' is the charity appeal for the global travel and tourism industry, organized by World Travel Market and Reed Travel Exhibitions. With the vision and leadership of its Founder and Chairman, Fiona Jeffery, 'Just a Drop' raises money to provide clean water, sanitation and health education programs for thousands of children and their families from countries of Africa to countries of South East Asia. IIPT adopted 'Just a Drop' as its official charity in 2002.

As so many of the coastal areas hit by the tsunami are major tourism attractions - your contribution will send a message of support and caring - and be a symbol of solidarity with our colleagues in these areas during these difficult times.

Sunday's massive earthquake of a 9.0 magnitude off the coast of Sumatra sent tidal waves up to 500 miles per hour surging across the Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal causing the greatest disaster in human history. More than 80,000 persons have been killed, and the count continues to rise with each passing hour as more bodies are discovered.

Children have emerged as the biggest victims of the disaster with an estimated 1/3 to 1/2 of all victims said to be children. The main concern now is that the people and children who survived the tsunami - now survive the aftermath. The World Health Organization has said that as many could die from diseases as died from the tsunami wave.

While the response of relief agencies and governments has been swift and generous - relief experts say that much more needs to be done, and for a long period of time. One of the most important needs is for drinking water, especially for children who are most vulnerable to dehydration and water-born diseases.

All contributions are tax deductible (an acknowledgement will be sent upon request); All funds raised go straight to the work of the appeal, there are no administrative costs.

Thank you for your generosity and message of support to our colleagues in the Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal.

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". (www.iipt.org)

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