IIPT Mourns the Passing of Dr. Michael Olsen,
Dr. Olsen introduced thousands of Virginia Tech students to the principles of strategic management and finance in the hospitality industry. Current Department Head, Dr. Rick Purdue said, “Mike was a demanding teacher and mentor who refused to accept mediocre work. I cannot estimate the number of former students who have told me that Mike’s classes were the most challenging, important, and substantive learning opportunities of their Virginia Tech experience.” As founding president of the International Academy of Hospitality Research, Dr. Olsen fostered the worldwide development of research and graduate education in strategic management of hospitality organizations. He contributed significantly to the field of hospitality management strategy though numerous research papers, reviews, and book chapters. He was an active member in professional organizations that included the International Council for Hospitality, Restaurant, and Institutional Education and the American Hotel and Lodging Association. Dr. Kaye Chon, Dean and Chair, School of Hotel and Tourism Management, Hong Kong Polytechnic University and former student of Dr. Olsen said, “We all knew this day would come but it just came too soon. The world is poorer without him. But we are proud for what he has done in our lives.”
Dr Olsen was a friend and colleague, always keen to support and personally contribute to IIPT initiatives. IIPT extends its deepest heartfelt sympathies to his beloved wife and family – and the faculty, alumni, and students of Virginia Tech. The faculty and alumni of Virgina Tech have decided to establish a Dr. Michael D. Olsen Memorial Scholarship to benefit future graduate students in the Hospitality and Tourism Management Program. Persons wishing to learn how to contribute to the Scholarship fund are invited to contact IIPT President, Louis D’Amore: ljd@iipt.org. |
eTurbo News, SATW and BC Pictures join as Media Partners in support of 2012 Olympic Truce
The UN-designated six week period of peace will run from 25th July to 9th September at the request of the UK government, unanimously supported by all 193 UN member states in a historic UN resolution last October. The campaign is promoting support from all sectors of the world travel and tourism industry to join with both the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the United Nations in a call for a cessation of conflict and all acts of violence in an observance of the London 2012 Olympic Truce. The key concept driving the program is that global peace can be realized through the linking of tourism, sport and environmental organizations collaborating on a global scale. Leading by example is Patron of the campaign, Lord Michael Bates, who recently completed an epic 3,000 mile walk from Athens to London to raise awareness to the importance of the Truce (www.walkfortruce.org). In agreeing to partner in the campaign, SATW president, Betsa Marsh stated: “Since its originson the plains of Olympia, the Olympics have been a time to lay down swords and settle any rivalries on the athletic field. Thousands of years later, the Olympic goal of “Faster, Higher, Stronger” also leads us to “Better”: To our better nature when we observe the Olympic Truce and urge others to join us.” Bea Broda, BC Pictures Producer added: "Throughout history, the Olympics have been known to foster peace between the citizens of the world. It is my wish that this tradition always continue, and I applaud efforts to ensure that not only is friction avoided at world famous events like the Olympics, but that more seeds of world peace are planted and nourished during these golden opportunities for cultures to celebrate their common ground." eTurboNews, which supported the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Campaign is again keen to support the 2012 campaign. Thomas Steinmetz, Publisher commented: “Without peace, tourism cannot exist, and we, at eTurboNews, are very proud to continue our pledge of support for the Olympic Truce.” What you can do
Persons and organizations wishing to be involved in any of the above are invited to email Louis D’Amore, IIPT President – ljd@iipt.org
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IIPT South Africa Savors Community Tourism Jamaica Style Members of the newly formed IIPT South Africa Chapter and the Countrystyle Community Tourism Network South Africa, comprising academics, tourism professionals, and an African princess recently took part in a Community Tourism Study Tour of Jamaica – “Home of Community Tourism.”
Don Leffler, a member of the Countrystyle South African delegation and a Director at the Tourism Centre of Excellence, situated in Durban, made the point that community tourism is concerned with the impact of tourism on a particular locale and its environmental resources and that it is about local communities and their lifestyles. He stated that, “One of the definitions of community tourism is tourism developed by the people for the people of the community". Louis D'Amore giving keynote address at Marcus Garvey Fair
Event planner and organizer of the Marcus Garvey Fair, Valerie Dixon, said “I will be forever grateful and thankful that the South African delegation insisted on wanting to experience the community of Resource and to participate in and be entertained at the Marcus Garvey Fair.
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IIPT World Peace Tours
Travel Agents Travel Agents please note that tours are commissionable – please contact Louis D’Amore, Email: ljd@iipt.org
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Meeting the Challenges of Climate Change to Tourism: Industry officials, experts, academics and practitioners share their knowledge, experience, research and methods of best practice to address and adapt to the adverse effects of climate change Edited by Louis D’Amore and Dr. Patrick Kalifungwa
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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: |
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It was with profound sorrow that IIPT learned of the passing of Dr. Michael Olsen on March 20, in Blacksburg, Virginia. Dr. Olsen was the founding head of Virginia Tech’s Hospitality and Tourism Management Department. His vision and unrelenting commitment to excellence served to guide the department to its status as one of the world’s premier programs in hospitality and tourism management. Dr. Olsen also established the world’s first Phd Program for hotel and hospitality management. He has been recognized as one of the world’s top scholars in tourism and hospitality.
According to Nikki De Pina “It has been our intention to learn about the Villages as Businesses Model and to apply it to a South African context.” The South African team plans to showcase their Video clips of the Jamaican Study Tour at South Africa’s Tourism Indaba in late 2012
A highlight of the tour was participation in the Marcus Garvey Fair where thousands of Jamaicans annually make their way to the community of Resource in South Manchester. The South African delegation was accompanied by South African High Commissioner Mathu Joyini and her son at the seventh staging of the Fair, an event that highlights the legacy of National Hero Marcus Garvey as well as the rich and bountiful history left behind in Resource by the Tainos, formerly referred to as the Arawaks.
