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4th IIPT African Conference
Best IIPT African Conference to Date |
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The
4th IIPT African Conference on Peace through Tourism,
held at the Kampala Serena Hotel, Kampala, Uganda from May 20 to
25, was the best IIPT African Conference to date. 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.”
The Conference was organized under the Patronage of His
Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and hosted by the
Uganda Ministry of Tourism, Trade and Industry.
Partners in the Conference were the UN World Tourism
Organization, World Bank, United Nations Environment Program,
Africa Travel Association, and Counterpart International.
Sponsors included the Bermuda Department of Tourism, Ministry of
Tourism, Environment and Natural Resources, Republic of Zambia,
and Jordan Tourism Board. |
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Uganda to be World’s First Nation to Adopt
Tourism Legislation in support of UN MDG
A number of significant outcomes were
achieved by the Conference most noteworthy of which was
the announcement by His Excellency President Museveni in
his Keynote Address to delegates that his government
will introduce Tourism Legislation in support of the UN
Millennium Development Goals. Uganda will be the first
nation in the world to introduce this milestone
legislation.
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His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni
President Republic of Uganda
during his Keynote Address |
In making
the announcement, the President said, "One of the key
constraints to tourism development has been the weak law
and regulations to guide and enforce proper development
in the industry. The role of the law in the sustainable
development of tourism and poverty alleviation is
critical. The legislation should enshrine policies that
are pro poor and underpin a coherent institutional
framework and supportive infrastructure for the private
sector."
“I therefore urge the policy makers to incorporate
principles and regulations in the new legislation that
will enhance the achievement |
of the goals of PEAP
and synchronize with the U.N. Millennium Development
Goals. I specifically
would like to sign legislation that empowers the local
communities to take advantage of the opportunities to
benefit from tourism and enshrine the principles of
sustainable tourism development."
"Finally, as we grapple with the challenges of tourism
development, we should not loose focus of the pre
condition of peace in fostering the growth of the travel
and tourism industry. I wish to reaffirm my government’s
commitment to the entire pacification of the country, to
the maintenance of law and order, the provision of
support infrastructure and sound economic management
principles to facilitate the growth of the tourism
industry.”
The catalyst for the Uganda legislation
has been the publication: Tourism Legislation and the
UN Millennium Development Goals, a joint publication
of SNV, a Netherlands-based international development
organization that provides advisory services to nearly
1800 local organizations in over 30 developing countries
to support their fight against poverty; and the
Sustainable Tourism Cooperative Research Center
(Australia), the world’s leading scientific institution
delivering research to support the sustainability of
travel and tourism.
The publication resulted from a regional workshop that
brought together advisors from SNV’s country offices in
Bhutan, Nepal, Lao PDR and Vietnam and representatives
from their client organizations. Following the workshop,
and subsequent research, the need and usefulness of a
publication that would link tourism law to the UN
Millennium Development Goals (MDG) was acknowledged and
John Downes, a tourism law expert, was engaged by SNV’s
Asia Tourism Network to develop the publication.
Dr Paul Rogers, Senior Tourism Advisor with SNV Lao PDR,
was responsible for leading and coordinating the
initiative from its original conception. Copies of the
report are available for purchase from the Sustainable
Tourism CRC online
bookshop.
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His
Excellency President Museveni (center) next to
Hon. Minister Rukundo, Minister of State of Uganda,
Hon. Ms. Rejoice Mabudafhasi, Deputy
Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism Republic
of South Africa and Hon.
Prof. Jumanne A. Maghembe
Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism Tanzania; to
the right; behind him Minister
Hon. Mrs. Thandi F. Shongwe - Minister of Tourism,
Environment and Communications Kingdom of Swaziland.
To the left Louis D'Amore IIPT's Founder and President;
Dr. Noel Brown
Chairman, IIPT International Advisory
Board;
Sir Janantilal (Andy) Chande KBE, Trustee Rotary
International Foundation; H. E. Mr. Joseph Malwal Dong,
Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife of Sudan
. Directly behind Presidents Museveni is
S.E. Mme. Yvonne Mboissona, Ministre du Tourisme
République Centrafricaine. |
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A second
major outcome of the 4th IIPT African Conference was the
launch of the Uganda Martyrs Trail by Uganda Minister of Tourism,
Wildlife and Antiquities, Hon. Serapio Rukundo. The Uganda Martyrs Trail
commemorates the events of 3 June 1886, when thirty-two young men were
burned to death at Namugongo for their refusal to renounce Christianity. |
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In launching the Uganda Martyrs Trail, Minister Rukundo stated: “The
Trail will serve to create a greater international awareness of Uganda’s
first Christians who sacrificed their lives rather than renounce their
faith – and will attract pilgrims from regions throughout the world
seeking a spiritual experience.”
Christianity was
received with much excitement with the arrival of Christian missionaries
in the 1880’s, but becoming a Christian required a commitment to break
away from traditional lifestyles and adjusting to new moral and
religious standards.
Given these conflicting values, King Mwanga was determined to rid
his Kingdom of Buganda of the new Christianity and its followers. He
ordered the converts to choose between their new faith, and complete
obedience to his orders. Those unwilling to renounce their faith would
be subject to death. Courageously, the thirty-two young Christians chose
their faith and the King ordered them burned to death at Namugongo on
June 3, 1886.
Rather than deter the growth of Christianity, the martyrdom of these
early believers sparked its growth. Christianity is now the dominant
faith in Buganda and Uganda as a whole. The 22 known Catholic martyrs
were canonized as Saints by Pope Paul VI on October 18, 1964. This was a
first for modern Africa and a source of pride throughout the continent.
Pope Paul VI became the first reigning Pope to visit Sub-Saharan Africa
when he visited Uganda in July 1969, a visit which included a pilgrimage
to the site of the martyrdom at Namugongo. While there, he dedicated a
site for the building of a shrine church in honor of the martyrs which
was subsequently dedicated in 1975 as a Basilica. Archbishop Robert
Runcie of Canterbury, and head of
the worldwide Anglican Communion, also came on
pilgrimage in January 1984, and Pope John Paul II in turn honored the
martyrs with his own pilgrimage in February 1993. June 3rd of
every year is commemorated as Uganda Martyrs Day in Uganda – a national
holiday.
The Uganda Martryrs Trail will wind its way through the various sites
where the Uganda Martyrs were killed or tortured in the 1880s including
the Namirembe Cathedral, where Bishop James Hannington's remains were
buried; Rubaga Cathedral, where archives on the lives of 22 Catholic
martyrs are kept; Old Kampala, where St Mathias Mulumba was killed; and
Namugongo, where martyrs were burned alive.
An IIPT International Peace Park was also dedicated at Namugongo with
the planting of Peace Trees as part of the Trail launching ceremony.
IIPT Founder and President Louis D’Amore said “IIPT is immensely honored
to be part of this dedication ceremony. In walking this sacred ground,
one comes to an appreciation that we are all sons and daughters of the
One Creator – and for this reason, Namugongo offers unique possibilities
as an International Peace and Reconciliation Center – where spiritual
pilgrims can find peace within themselves – and parties in conflict can
find peace and reconciliation with one another.” |
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Martyr's Trail Basilica
Namugongo - Uganda |
Stamp of Pope John Paul II
in honor of his visit to Uganda |
Stained glass windows at Martyr's trail Basilica |
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Africa Diaspora Heritage Trail Featured at
4th IIPT African Conference
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With the participation of Senator Wayne
Caines, Chief of Staff and Junior Minister of Tourism and Transport,
representing Bermuda Premier Hon. Dr. Ewart F. Brown, JP, MP – the
Africa Diaspora Heritage Trail (ADHT) was a major focus of the
Conference. |
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Dr. The Honorable Ewart Brown J.M
M.P Premier of Bermuda |
Senator Caines’ keynote address in the first plenary session of the
conference highlighted former Bermuda Minister (the late) Hon. David H.
Allen’s vision for an Africa Diaspora Heritage Trail that would link
historic and cultural sites throughout the countries of the Africa
Diaspora, so that potential visitors could follow its global trail and
be properly educated on sites of significance.
The African Diaspora Heritage Trail identifies, conserves and promotes
historic sites, linking 500 years of the history of people of African
descent, and serves to focus attention on a unified culture, history and
heritage.
Senator Caines also chaired a Ministers Round Table on the Africa
Diaspora Heritage Trail where participating Ministers and others
expressed interest in developing ADHT heritage sites in their respective
countries.
As well, Senator Caines addressed the Student/Youth Leadership Forum and
inspired the more than 80 future leaders present to take an active role
in researching and developing the ADHT.
A workshop conducted by Dr. Gaynelle
Henderson, President, Henderson Associates and Co-Project Director of
the upcoming ADHT Conference in the Bahamas, providing a detailed
presentation of the African Diaspora Heritage Trail to delegates. |
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Hon. David Allen, the late
Minister of Tourism, Bermuda |
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Senator Wayne Caines
Chief of Staff and Junior Minister of Tourism and Transport of
Bermuda |
IIPT is proud to be a Partner for The Bahamas Africa Diaspora Heritage
Trail Conference taking place October 10 -14, 2007 at the Atlantis,
Nassau, Bahamas. For more information please visit the African Diaspora
Heritage Trail website. |
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Senator Wayne Caines (with jacket and blue tie), Chief of
Staff and Junior Minister of Tourism and Transport with a group of
participants of the
Youth Forum at the 4th IIPT African Conference
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Four Sister
Cities Announced |
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Jack Ellis
Vice-President World Conference of Mayors on Tourism and Economic
Development |
IIPT was proud to have the participation of Mayor
Jack Ellis, Mayor of Macon, Georgia, as a Keynote Speaker. Mayor Jack
Ellis is also Vice President, World Conference of Mayors for Tourism and
Economic Development; and Board Member of the National Conference of
Black Mayors (U.S.).
With Mayor Ellis’ participation, four “Sister City” relationships were
announced during the Conference:
Macon, Georgia and Jinga, Uganda
Saint Gabriel, Louisiana and Entebbe, Uganda
Savannah,Georgia and Mukono, Uganda
East Over, South Carolina and Kira Town, Uganda; |
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The new “Sister City” Relationships together with the Africa Diaspora
Heritage Trail focus contribute to IIPT’s on-going goal of “Building
Bridges of Tourism, Friendship and Collaboration” between African
nations – and other regions of the world.
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Mira Berman Receives First
IIPT Lifetime Achievement Award |
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Ms. Mira Berman, recently retired Executive Director of the
Africa Travel Association (ATA) and President of the Bradford
Group was awarded the First IIPT Life Time Achievement Award at
a special Awards Luncheon during the 4th IIPT African
Conference.
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Mira Berman being interviewed by
Sandy D'Huyvetter
Travel Talk Media |
During her 16
year tenure as Executive Director of ATA, Mira’s leadership
steered the association towards global prominence as the world’s
pre-eminent organization promoting travel to Africa. A few of
the many achievements spearheaded by Mira were: the creation of
the award-winning Africa Travel Magazine and website; strategic
relationships with organizations including the World Bank;
Corporate Council on Africa (CCA); the Southern Africa
Development Council (SADC); Regional Tourism Organization of
Southern Africa (RETOSA); |
Africa Wildlife
Foundation; and International Institute for Peace through Tourism
(IIPT); and the corporate sponsorship and support of prominent
corporations such as American Express, Revlon, and AT&T.
Among Mira’s proudest achievements have been overseeing the signing of a
historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between ATA and the Pacific
Asia Travel Association (PATA) forging an Asia – Africa Bridge of
Tourism, Friendship and Collaboration; and helping to shape the initial
concept of (the late) Bermuda Minister Hon. David Allen’s vision for an
Africa Diaspora Heritage Trail (ADHT).
The ATA – PATA MOU was recognized for its extraordinary vision in 2005
at World Travel Market in London, where ATA and PATA received the World
Tourism Award, co-sponsored by American Express Company (AMEX),
Corinthia Hotels International (CHI), International Herald Tribune (IHT)
and Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE).
In presenting the award, IIPT Founder and President, Louis
D’Amore said “It is my great honor to have known and worked with Mira
for the past 15 years, and to present this first IIPT Lifetime
Achievement Award to Mira Berman – who devoted the prime years of her
illustrious career to promoting the magnificent lands, cultures and
peoples of Africa to the world, and building an organization that will
continue nurturing the growth of sustainable tourism development on the
African continent.”
Karen Hoffman, Senior Vice President, Bradford Group, received the award
on behalf of Mira Berman, who was not able to be present. |
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The next IIPT newsletter will continue to feature
outcomes of the 4th IIPT African Conference |
4th IIPT
African Conference
Sponsors |
Bermuda Department of Tourism |
Ministry of Tourism
Republic of Zambia |
Jordan Tourism Board |
Partners |
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Media Partners |
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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. |
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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.
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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
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