History
The Fédération Internationale des Journalistes et Ecrivains du Tourisme known by its acronym, FIJET (pronounced FEE-jet), was formed in Paris, France, as an association of tourism writers. The original founders were made up of groups from France and Belgium, together with Greece, Italy and the Grand Duchy of Luxemburg. FIJET celebrates its birth as December 2, 1954.
FIJET recognizes three official languages, French, English, and Spanish and is known as the World Federation of Journalists and Travel Writers in English and as the Federación Mundial de Periodistas y Escritores de Turismo in Spanish. All meetings and official events are conducted in English.
This society is made up of professionals which are actively engaged in journalism, as publishers of trade publications, editors, staff writers of consumer or trade publications, book authors, and freelancers in print and broadcast media. These professionals possess a dedication to objectivity in their work and to constant endeavor to raise the intellectual level of world tourism and the physical level of destinations and attractions.
FIJET's membership is made up from members of National Associations and individual Members. At present, FIJET counts for more than 900 members in over 35 countries and 30 national associations.
A nine-member Executive Committee is elected every fourth year by the Board of Directors which represents the general membership and each national association appoints a member to serve on the Board of Directors. The Secretary General is appointed by the Executive Committee and serves at their request.
At the international level, special activities, personal relations, training and education, exchange of experience and knowledge are promoted. FIJET takes no position on political matters and is free of financial and other obligations.
Each year FIJET conducts a "World Congress" to highlight a subject or problem of international interest in travel and tourism. The general membership is invited and encouraged to attend the annual Congress. In 2009, the 51st FIJET World Congress was heldin Shanghai, China. The 50th World Congress was held in Slovenia.
The Executive Committee and Board of Directors also conduct meetings several times a year in destinations worldwide.
FIJET also provides research facilities and opportunities for communicating and exchanging information with other members and industry professionals. In addition to acting as a point of contact for media and public relations personnel, we coordinate and organize media trips and conferences in order to provide members with contacts and story opportunities.
Membership in FIJET is open to working professional travel journalists, photographers, and broadcasters. Our membership also extends to publishers and edtiors of consumer and trade publication, book authors and freelancers.
Current and potential members must provide proof of their professional credentials. A periodic audit of our members is conducted to insure that they adhere to our standards.
In 1962, UNESCO invited FIJET to join as a B-status organization. The objectives of both institutions, UNESCO and FIJET, were alike: promoting the world's cultures, disseminating ideas, increasing international safety and peace, as well as worldwide co-operation and universal understanding, and stimulating culture and science. In 1964, FIJET obtained Consultative Status in UNESCO as a Non-Governmental Organization.
FIJET is also affiliated with the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the Universal Federation of Travel Agents Association, and the International Council of Tourism Partners.
The "Young Journalist Program" provides a young journalist the opportunity to work and study with professional writers and FIJET members to help further a future career as a travel writer.
Each year, FIJET presents its Pomme d'Or or Golden Apple, award for excellence. This award is presented to reward efforts in raising the level of tourism. The Golden Apple has gained great recognition over the years and always has a list of candidates vying for it. In 2010, the award was presented to the city of Lixor, Egypt. Other recipients have included Split, Croatia, Nemrut Dag, Turkey (2003), Sharm El Sheikh (2002), Tyr, Lebanon (2001) and the Mol Lake District, Belgium (2000).
"Vue Touristique" is the official publication of FIJET, with articles published in French, English and Spanish. "Vue Touristique" is sent to all FIJET members and thousands of copies are sent to popular travel destinations, airline carriers, resorts and hotel chains, national and local tourism offices.
FIJET maintains its international office in Lyon, France.
FIJET has contributed to mutual understanding among the peoples of the world. FIJET tries to appeal to every responsible organization and to private, public and national authorities to support the realization of its aims in strengthening the community of mankind. The aims of FIJET are:
The widest expansion of tourism in the world as a powerful factor in reconciliation between peoples.
Defense of the right of all people to travel vacations. Conservation of human, natural, cultural and historical resources with due concern over their ecology.
Preservation and popularization of those monuments, which by their historical, architectural or cultural character form a common inheritance of mankind.
Dissemination of information about nations and their history, habits, traditions and culture. Development of new forms of tourism and new destinations to provide holidays at all social levels of the populations.
Encouragement among the tourism organizations of the world and the international exchange of experiences, making certain not to discredit the profession by members' behavior or their writings.