Tijani Haddad

Tunis, Tunisia (November 22, 2010) – By special request of the Secretary General of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Tijani Haddad, the President of FIJET (Fédération Internationale des Journalistes et Ecrivains du Tourisme), was invited to become a Special Advisor to the UNWTO.

In asking him to accept the prestigious appointment, UNWTO Secretary General, Taleb Rifai, noted Mr. Haddad’s outstanding achievements in tourism and journalism along with his “extensive experience” in sustainable tourism.

Mr. Haddad gratefully accepted the kind invitation by Mr. Rifai. "This is an important opportunity to bring a new level of importance to FIJET and I expect it to be only the beginning of a lasting cooperation with the UNWTO," said Mr. Haddad. "It is also my hope that we can work to bring the world community of travel writes together through events aimed at furthering the profession."

In a letter dated November 15, 2010, in which he offered the important post, Mr. Rifai said, "I am writing to you to express my intention to benefit from the wealth of your extensive experience in the field of tourism. Your successful leadership as Chair of the UNWTO Executive Council and the work you have done in your own country, Tunisia, as Minister of Tourism, as well as on the international level, particularly in the area of journalism, are very well recognized."

"In view of your rich and extensive experience in promoting and developing sustainable tourism, I would be grateful if you would agree to become a Special Advisor to the Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). I look forward to receiving your kind acceptance."

Now celebrating its 56th continuous year, FIJET (Fédération Internationale des Journalistes et Ecrivains du Tourisme. In English it is the World Federation of Travel Journalists and Writers) is the oldest association of travel journalists and writers in the world. With more than 700 members in over 40 countries, it is also one of the largest such organizations.

Each year, FIJET holds an annual Congress (the location is different each year) during which members discuss an issue of importance to the world travel community, conduct the business of this international organization and collect information and material about the host country for use in articles and stories that are published in major newspapers, magazines and broadcast stations around the world.

The official announcement of Romania as the location of the World Congress in 2011 was made in Istanbul, Turkey during the Opening Ceremony of the 52th World Congress. Last year (2009), FIJET journalists gathered in Shanghai to celebrate their 55th year. In 2008 the World Congress was in the country of Slovenia.

Members of FIJET are screened professionals actively engaged in journalism related to tourism as writers, editors, publishers, photographers and/or book authors for recognized print and broadcast media throughout the world.

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