by Tijani Haddad
Speech from the president of the World Federation of Journalists and Travel Writers (FIJET).
Honorable Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen
Dear Colleagues
 Tijani Haddad at the 52nd Congress |
First of all, I express my thanks to the Turkish ministry of Tourism and Culture for being one of the main sponsors of our congress. My thanks are extended to ATURJET, for hosting the congress and giving to all of us this golden opportunity to visit this amazing country, which is rooted in one of the most ancient and prestigious civilization of the world. Of course, we will not forget to thank the President of ATURJET, our esteemed member of the Executive Committee, Ozcan, who , with his brother, Ertan and his son Can, worked for many months to organize our congress in Turkey.
Behind the scene there has been another team who shared the burden of the administrative and financial organization of the congress: I name Jim Thomson, Jacque Campé, Bernadette bonnetain-Roux and our web master Gary Funk.
During a whole week you will have the opportunity to discover Bodrum, which is one of the best touristic resorts in the Mediterranean region, the famous Effes inherited from the Roman civilization, Kouchadasse, and of course the wonderful city of Istanbul, which has been designated “cultural capital of Europe” for the year 2010, thanks to its cultural heritage. Mr Ilber Ortayli, eminent professor of culture and archeology, director of the world famous museum Top Kape, will give you more details about this very important event.
Ladies and gentlemen;
Tourism is not only a catalyst and a driving force for international economy; it is as well a cultural message which contributes to settling international disputes, and bringing understanding and peace to countries. It promotes openness and tolerance, and increases awareness of the importance and richness of
Universal cultural and archaeologcal heritage.
However, cultural diversity which is the main richness for tourism product is threatened by nature, human activities and globalization. On the other hand, Tourism industry has been facing numerous challenges which could affect its growth all over the world. In fact, the last decade has witnessed tremendous natural disasters due to climate change such as tsunami, floods, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and typhoons which cause negative impacts and affect the tourism industry. Last but not the least, the international financial and economic crisis are responsible for the decrease of Tourism activities in many destinations.
FIJET, which I have the honour to chair, has an active and militant role in promoting international Tourism which respects the universal principles of moral and professional Ethics. Our concern is to increase the public awareness of the importance of tourism as a corner stone of local, national and international economies. It is necessary to promote Tourism without frontiers，a sustainable, durable and responsible tourism based on the respect of the environment and preservation of local cultures.
Tourism industry is based mainly on human relationships. It can only grow in understanding, tolerance, dialogue and diversity of universal civilization.
Fijet and media in general, could certainly play an important role to achieving those objectives. Credible media should combat false or uncertain information harmful to many countries. Journalists and Travel writers are invested with the noble mission to convey permanent, credible and honest information. These principles, we hold, are our moral and professional duty.
Our mission today consists in eradicating barriers so as to restore communication between all human beings, clearing up misunderstandings and establishing a viable and lasting peace.
Concerning our future activities, you probably know that our next congress will be hosted in Romania. Mr. EUGEN CURTEANU Secretary of state of the Ministry of regional development and Tourism in Romania is with us today to invite you on behalf of his Government. On the other hand we already have multiple offers for future years.
In conclusion, I reiterate my thanks to all of you and to our friends from ATURJET. Hoping this congress will be as successful as you wish.
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In attendence:
Proffessor Ilber Ortayli - Director General Topkapı Museum.
Eugen Curteanu - Secretary of State, Ministry of Regional Development & Tourism for Romania.
Omayma El Husseini – Egyptian Ministery of Tourism
Nevine Mahmoud - Egyptian Ministery of Tourism
Members of FIJET from more than 38 countries
