The Greek Minister of Culture and Tourism Paul Geroulanos, was elected, Chairman of the Commission of Europe region of World Tourism Organization council (UNWTO), for the next two years, on Sunday, October 9, at the 19th UNWTO General Assembly in Gyeongju, Korea.
Minister of Culture and Tourism, thanked the members of the World Tourism Organization for the honor they made to Greece and referred to the priorities and objectives set by the Greek Presidency, mainly in the treatment of the European Union Tourism. ”If we want to bring the world closer we cannot be proud when erecting walls, but when we build bridges. Accessibility is a political issue. It means to make the world better and to behave better. Our job is to restore social, economic and political damage caused by the new walls built. In Europe, in particular must work to reverse this serious threat.”
About UNWTO
The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO/OMT) is a specialized agency of the United Nations and the leading international organization in the field of tourism. It serves as a global forum for tourism policy issues and a practical source of tourism know-how.
UNWTO plays a central and decisive role in promoting the development of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism, paying particular attention to the interests of developing countries.
The Organization encourages the implementation of the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, with a view to ensuring that member countries, tourist destinations and businesses maximize the positive economic, social and cultural effects of tourism and fully reap its benefits, while minimizing its negative social and environmental impacts.
Its membership includes 154 countries, 7 territories and over 400 Affiliate Members representing the private sector, educational institutions, tourism associations and local tourism authorities.
Direct actions that strengthen and support the efforts of National Tourism Administrations are carried out by UNWTO’s regional representatives (Africa, the Americas, East Asia and the Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and South Asia) based at the Headquarters in Madrid.
UNWTO is committed to the United Nations Millennium Development Goals, geared toward reducing poverty and fostering sustainable development.
On behalf of the Greek National Committee of SKAL INTERNATIONAL, I wish to express sincere congratulations to Mr Paul Geroulanos, Greek Minister of Culture and Tourism, for his election as Chairman of the European region of UNWTO Council.
A great honor for himself and an honor for Greece, our everlasting country of Culture and Tourism.
As Member of SKAL International, I am happy since, by mere coincidence, the election occured in Korea, the country which will host in Seoul (October 2012) the 73rd Skal World Congress.
SKAL is the only international organisation which brings together the managers and executives of all sectors of travel and tourism.
To Mr Paul Geroulanos heartly wishes for many successful issues during his presidency.
Michael Coveos
President Skal International Greece.
Membre d’Honneur SKAL International