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3rd Africa Peace Through Tourism Conference, Zambia, Feb. 2005
Founder IIPT

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IIPT and ATA Present the
3rd Africa Peace Through Tourism Conference
Lusaka, Zambia, Feb. 6-11, 2005

LOUIS J. D'AMORE
Founder and President
, International Institute for Peace through Tourism

 

From an address at the World Travel Market

World travel market takes place each year at the same time that people in England and many other parts of the world are commemorating remembrance day. Each year, as we come into London we can see veterans solemnly honoring their fallen brethren from past wars. Remembrance day this year is particularly poignant as we are honoring fallen brothers and sisters of a current war. A war that shows no sign of an end in sight.

A war where civilian casualties far out number military casualties.

A war that holds the future of a proud people and civilization hostage.

We commemorate the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month as it was on that day, exactly 84 years ago, that the treaty of Versailles was signed ending hostilities of World War I. When Lloyd George announced the armistice in the House of Commons here in London &endash; he did so stating "that thus, this fateful morning, came to an end all wars."

And yet, nearly a century later, in a talk at Georgetown University, former President Bill Clinton said:

"Don't you think its interesting that in the most modern of ages, the biggest problem is the oldest problem of human society,

the fear of the other. And how quickly fear leads to distrust &endash; to hatred &endash; to dehumanization &endash; to death."

Speaking at roughly the same time, on World Tourism Day last year, Pope John Paul II, almost in direct response to Clinton's statement said:

"Tourism puts us in touch with other ways of living, other religions, and other perceptions of the world and its history. This helps people to discover themselves and others, both as individuals and communities, immersed in the vast history of humanity, heirs to and responsible for, a world that is both familiar and strange. This generates a new vision of others that frees us from the risk of remaining closed in on ourselves."

We are at a critical cross roads in history; a time when it is more important than ever before that we fulfill this vital function and role of the travel and tourism industry &endash; a role that only travel and tourism industry can perform.

 It is time to mobilize a new visionary leadership within the travel and tourism industry &endash; an industry that we all boast is the world's largest industry. As the world's largest industry, travel and tourism represents a powerful social, cultural and economic force. And with this comes a responsibility. A responsibility that the leadership shaping this powerful force be exercised with courage and wisdom, so that the enormous social, cultural and economic power that this industry represents be harnessed for the benefit of all human kind &endash; toward a just and equitable world - where all are fed, have shelter, and hope for the ancient vision people of all faiths pray for &endash; peace on earth, good will towards men.

The men and women who have joined with us on stage this morning are primary examples of this new visionary leadership &endash; and there are many others. What remains is that we link arms together to become a global force for "World Peace through World tourism"

There are already many travelers as well who are leading the way by example. A recent time survey found that 93% of Americans would like to make a difference.

And indeed, this has been reflected in travel statistics. There is a new wave of what can best be called "Volunteer Tourism." Volunteer tourism has doubled since 9-11 &endash; and will likely double again over the next few years.

Volunteers are coming together in areas of need to help build housing &endash; to build community centers &endash;medical and dental centers &endash; schools and libraries &endash; to deliver medical supplies and services. One person I met just a week ago organizes 200 medical missions a year from 70 medical schools in the U.S.

Volunteers are responding with compassion, care, and clothing to people ravaged by earthquakes and floods; and visiting orphans &endash; victims of aids &endash; refugees and innocent victims of conflict.

What these volunteers are discovering is that they are having the most meaningful, satisfying and rewarding experiences of their lives. They are discovering as Gandhi has said. and Tolstoy before him &endash; that "life finds meaning in service to others."

Referring back to that same speech by former President Bill Clinton at Georgetown University &endash; he also said:

"We have seen how abject poverty accelerates conflict. How it creates recruits for terrorists and those who incite ethnic and religious hatred. How it fuels a violent rejection of the economic and social order on which our future depends."

The Second IIPT African Conference on Peace through Tourism will focus on this issue with the theme:

Community Tourism &endash; Gateway to Poverty Reduction

The Conference will include an Investors Forum, an Educators Forum, and a Youth Leadership Forum. A special effort is being made to identify an "Africa 100" &endash; 100 young people who show promise of becoming future leaders of the African travel and Tourism industry. The "Africa 100" will participate in both the youth leadership forum and conference.

A central feature of the conference will be a Government &endash; Industry &endash; Donor &endash; NGO roundtable with a goal of reaching consensus on a collaborative strategy to harness travel and tourism as a leading force for poverty reduction.

Your assistance in helping us to promote this conference would be greatly appreciated.

Next year, 2004 &endash; will be the 10th anniversary of the U.N. International Year of the Family. When you think about it &endash; we are in a kind of "global family reunion business" &endash; serving persons who are interested in learning more about other members of the global family, their land, their history, and their culture. As you prepare your company's plans for the coming year you might consider:

How your marketing message might reflect the reality that we are one global family &endash; sharing a common home &endash; planet earth.

You might consider:

Initiatives that promote cross-cultural understanding, the preservation of heritage and world monuments.

Initiatives that contribute to:

- poverty reduction

- healing of the wounds of conflict, and

- support for volunteers who are contributing their time and energy to help build a better world.

Through travel, people are discovering one another and the beauty of all God's creation, and in the process &endash; they are discovering themselves. By creatively nurturing this act of discovery, the travel and tourism industry is truly becoming the world's first global peace industry &endash; an industry that promotes and supports the belief that every traveler is potentially an ambassador for peace.

Thank you and god bless you all

 

The Zambia Success Story ...
by Jerry W. Bird

Zambia hosts the 3rd Africa ATA IIPT Peace Thrugh Tourism Conference in February 2005. Africa Travel Association's Prestige Magazine to publish a "GRAND TOUR "OF ZAMBIA" edition, with year-round, long-term worldwide distribution!

What an amazing country!

We made so many lasting friendships during our month-long stay in Zambia, we've become lifetime ambassadors, eager to spread the good news at every opportunity. Example: Africa Travel Magazine's Zambia Congress edition, with Victoria Falls on the front cover, is getting prime circulation in North America, Africa and beyond. A huge opportunity occurred in August, when the Zambia Edition was inserted as part of Africa Travel Magazine's “SADC 14-Nation Heads of State Summit” Issue -- the official magazine for all delegates at the SADC Summit in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. In November 2003, it is official magazine for the African Wildlife Foundation Symposium in Washington, DC sponsored by the Corporate Council on Africa (CCA). These are just a few of the ways, ATA benefits its host countries and advertisers by extending the reach, influence and prestige of the magazine. What else? AfricaTravel Magazine has a booth at the "Adventures in Travel Expo" in New York (America's biggest, most influential travel market) January 9-11.

 

Mighty Mosi-O-Tunya, " the smoke that thunders," was an awesome sight, and our travels on the Zambezi river beyond Victoria Falls by canoe safari, motor launch, car ferries and the African Queen, left an impression we will remember vividly and talk about for years. One factor that stood out in my mind immediately, was the wide selection of quality operators, representing wilderness camps, lodges and game reserves throughout the land, once known as Northern Rhodesia. Thanks to the Zambia National Tourism Office, we had the opportunity of visiting several camps and game lodges, with such musical names as Chaminuka, Protea, Mfuwe, Kanyemba and Chiawa.



Zambia National Tourist Board reopens North American Office in New York City.
This event was announced at a press b reak fast for U.S. media and an evening reception for the travel industry and business community. Photo - left to right: Charity Chanda Lumpa, Managing Director, Zambia National Tourist Board (ZNTB); H.E. Patrick K. Kalifungwa, Minister of Tourism, Environment and Natural Resources, Zambia; Mataa Margaret Makungo, Director of the new ZNTB office in New York; H.E. Professor Mwela Musambachime, Ambassador of Zambia to the United Nations; and Mira Berman, ATA Executive Director.


Profiles of Zambia in World Media
Africa Travel Magazine's Zambia "Success Story" will continue to grow in length and depth all year, as our reams of notes, treasured photos and mementos become transformed into words and pictures for broadcast, print and Internet media. The message (below) from Zambia's genial Minister of Tourism and Natural Resources, Hon. Patrick Kalifungwa (right)sets the stage for "Ethno Tourism." His warm personality combined with his ministry staff's dedication, won friends and influenced people before, during and after the congress. These efforts signal greater rewards to come for Zambia Tourism, as ATA members spread the word about this exciting destination near and far.

Zambia's President active at ATA 28th Congress. Photo: The event was opened by President H.E. Levy P. Mwanawasa, who later welcomed delegates at the State House in Lusaka. Photo (left to right) H.E. Martin Brennan, U.S. Ambassador to Zambia; Ms. Mira Berman, Executive Director, ATA; Hon. Zakia Hamdani Meghji, Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism, Tanzania, and ATA President; H.E. Levy P. Mwanawasa, President, Republic of Zambia. From SADC 14 Nation Heads of State Edition.

The ATA 28th International Congress was a Double Header - or what American humorist Al Capp would have called a "Double Whammy" in terms of excitement, anticipation, enthusiasm, networking opportunities and the magic of serendipity! Zambia's outstanding success as a host country has laid a firm foundation for future marketing achievements across North America and beyond. Both Lusaka and Livingstone lived up to their advance billing as host cities by way of hospitality, attractions, location and guest facilities. The Zambia National Tourist Office operated as true professionals, from their pre event tour of the USA, to the day we said good-bye at Lusaka International Airport.

This week's mail included a "good news" letter from Alexis and Maria at Alendo Travel Tours and Car Hire in Lusaka. Following our trip throughout Zambia, by coincidence we left the Lusaka International Airport on the same aircraft, as they were off for a trip to Australia. We just received news about a new baby girl in their household.

More late news: Chris Wood of Maplanga, the Wilderness Camp Operators, has just relaunched his company's website http://www.maplanga.co.za . Their new e-mail address is mapad@cybertrade.co.za . webTel/Fax: 011 794 1446.

For starters, Africa Travel Magazine has showcased Zambia Tourism in its prestigious 14-Nation SADC Heads of State Summit issue this August. Inside the attractive cover is a 32 page insert, plus photo highlights from the ATA 28th Congress In Lusaka and Livingstone. The special SADC issue mentions President H.E. Levy P. Mwanawasa's panel on Air Transportation. Zambia will also shine like a star in Africa Travel Magazine's 7th Cultural and Ecotourism issue in December, one of the year's biggest editions. Also covered is the 2nd IIPT-ATA Africa Peace Through Tourism Conference in Dar es Salaam.

 

Zambia Adventures in Travel
Speaking of adventure, our entire month in Zambia was nonstop action, including a "Lower Zambezi River Safari" at Riccardo Garbaccio's Kanyemba Camp. Just picture our editors skimming the river's surface in three fiberglass canoes, dipping our oars deep in the water like old time Voyageurs, dodging hordes of snorting hippos that resembled islands of 'blubber and eyeballs' ... floating menacingly on the Zambezi surface,as hungry crocodiles lurked near the grassy shore. You wouldn't care to fall overboard during this three- hour super adventure. A kinder, gentler river excursion took place above Victoria Falls near Livingstone, as our entire troop boarded the African Queen and Zambezi Queen riverboats, where we were royally entertained. During the cruise we viewed a typical Zambian sunset that lit the sky like few others I've seen, and in an instant the moon and stars appeared as if ordered by a stage director.

Photo (above): Some of the many animals encountered on a typical wildlife drive at Chiawa camp on the Lower Zambezi. We enjoyed similar game drives at Kanyemba on the Lower Zambezi, and Mfuwe in South Luangwa National Park. Game was plentiful where we stayed at Protea Lodge and Cheminuka near Lusaka. The sequence below is from Mfuwe Lodge, a Bushcamps Company.

Game drives were a key part of the action at the lodges we visited, and that made each stay a true learning experience. Guides and drivers were well schooled in the seemingly endless variety of flora and fauna and knew each name, every footprint in the sand. Yes, we had anxious moments for several days running, with our vehicle stopped in the midst of a herd of elephants. We expected at least one of them to charge, but managed to luck out. More than once our safari vehicle was parked within twenty feet of a (seemingly) sleeping lion. Here in Zambia, safari guests can view most of the Big Five up close, along with a wide variety of game animals, impalas and their cousins being the most prolific.

Mfuwe Lodge School Project
Andy Hogg, Managing Director of Mfuwe Lodge in South Luangwa National Park is not only a superb host, he is devoted to a great cause. In 1999, The Bushcamp Company and Mfuwe Trails set up a project whose aim is to become involved with the local communities by supporting education. The key project, involved Chiwawatala Primary School in the Mfuwe area and Chilongozi School, in a remote area close to their bushcamps. details. Close to Chiwawatala school, near Mfuwe Airport, is a factory that produces some of the finest tapestries and wearable art I have seen in my travels. Projects like this, plus American Students for Peace and Miracle Corners of the World are signs of a new generation taking positive action.

Flightseeing in Southern Africa Skies
Zambia is a great place to get around, looks impressive from a seat in the clouds, and is well served by its scheduled and chartered airlines. At Lusaka International airport we spent a good part of a day meeting with the airport authority and with Charles Tembo of Zambian airways, a company that is making great strides. A lady who contributed greatly to our trip, the flight to and from Mfuwe in south Luangwa in particular, was Christabella Mwansa (above) of Airwaves Aviation. Since Airwaves flies fly to many places of interest, we left a generous supply of magazines in her capable hands for distribution. Thanks to Christabella, personal copies were delivered by air to managers at event the most remote camps.

Zambia's Famous Doors of Hospitality: One of the standout personalities on our tour was Julie Limpic (left) of Jul's Guest House and Vehicle Rental Service in Lusaka. While staying at Jul's first class facilities, we met her son Trevor and enjoyed several interviews in her office. What is truly impressive in terms of enterprise and in initiative, is how she built the business in Zambia. Proof of her untiring effort and creativity were apparent in two prestigious awards and trophies she received for outstanding achievement in the business community and travel tourism sector. What made me especially pleased and proud to have been in her company was that Jul was there at the Lusaka International airport to see us off.

 

The Lusaka InterContinental Hotel proved to be an ideal congress headquarters, as did Livingstone's Zambezi Sun Resort. The food at Lusaka's Holiday Inn earned well deserved praise. As a touch of Zambia hospitality the manager welcomes guests from the hotel, plus local and visiting business community, with a cocktail party. On two Wednesdays in a row, we won the lucky draw. I am pleased to say, the Real Africa and its people won our hearts completely. Dev Malhotra, General Manager of Lusaka's Taj Pamodzi Hotel and his team, including Sales Manager Martha N. Namwinga, (above right) hosted a " bon voyage" dinner in our honor.

Doris Shupekile Kofi (left) of Zambia's National Tourism Board was a special guest, and for good reason. She was our key contact for the entire period and did a superb job. Prior to becoming a publisher, I worked in public relations for decades with governments, industry associations and world class corporate clients, and rank Doris among the tops in many respects. Speaking of quality facilities and service, this fall when we hope to return, the Taj Pamodzi will have already completed its extensive renovations program. The following morning, after close to a month combining congress business and social activities, tours on the country's highways, skyways and waterways, and meeting new friends, we said good-bye to Zambia, vowing to return soon and often. I am sure many ATA congress delegates were equally impressed with the hospitality, attractions and facilities.

On the journey we sampled every type of lodging, from Caesar's The Emperor Casino Hotel at Jo'burg Airport, to Lusaka's Inter-Continental Hotel, the Holiday Inn, Taj Pamodzi Hotel, the multifaceted Mulungushi Village complex, Chita Lodge and Jul's Guest House. At Livingstone, we stayed at Sun International's Zambezi Sun - a stone's throw from the mighty falls. Wildlife Lodges we enjoyed included Chaminuka and Protea in the Lusaka area, Kanyemba and Chiawa (tented camp) on the Lower Zambezi, and Mfuwe Lodge in South Luangwa National Park near the Malawi border.

 

Capturing Zambia's Colorful History: We spent several hours of quality time with the management at the Lusaka Museum, which has a major development financing, expansion and enhancement program underway. On the spacious grounds surrounding the building and on its display floors, this site will be transformed into a true “people place” - one of Southern Africa's prime attractions. This impressive museum building is part of a modern complex that's indicative of what's happening in this progressive city. Recent history, when Zambia was known as Northern Rhodesia is carefully documented, ethnic artifacts and paintings abound, and a variety of local arts and crafts are displayed to attract visitors. Other facilities we plan to visit next time are the Livingstone Monument, the Von Lettow Vorbeck Memorial and the Railway Museum in the town of Livingstone

Lifelong Learning Experience
One powerful lesson I've learned in the last decade with this magazine, is that once an African country hosts one of our prestige events, many doors start to open. This occurs in America, Europe and beyond as our web site of over 1,100 pages expands its reach and influence. As positive achievers say, "good news travels fast," and with our team it happens even more swiftly, thanks to ATA's active chapters, focused media support and powerful industry partnerships. Working closely with the Africa Travel Association, often as co-hosts, are such organizations as ASTA, ARTA, RETOSA, the United States Tour Operators Association, Corporate Council for Africa, World Tourism Organization, World Ecotourism Society and the International Institute for Peace Through Tourism. How successful was the event? Many of us gave it a 10. We've added several pages of Zambia ATA Congress Highlights, which may be viewed now or later.
Photo (above): Editor (center) with delegates from South Africa and Guinea, Louis D'amore, IIPT second from left.

On the Road Again ... In summary, our memorable, month-long, marathon tour into the heart of Southern Africa was filled with moments to remember.

We flew via Cathay Pacific Airlines from Vancouver, Canada to JFK International, New York City.

... via South African Airlines to Johannesburg, SA and Lusaka, Zambia.

... via Airlink Charter to Livingstone- Victoria Falls.

... via Airwaves Cessna to South Luangwa National Park, Zambia.

... and return via SAA, with business stopovers in Johannesburg and New York.

In between, we participated in one of the most spirited, productive and fruitful (ATA) Congresses to date - where the focus was on "Ethno Tourism- and its role in Job Creation." This was the first ATA event to be held at two separate venues, which kept us all on the go. We made more great friends this trip than any time in the past (the local people are terrific) and we will enjoy telling their stories in words and pictures in our coming editions of Africa Travel Magazine in print, on radio and on this web site.

Bring on the encore! The Editors

Read highlights of the ATA Congress in Zambia


Footnotes
Remembering Zambia's Historic Moment. Muguette Goufrani echoes my sentiments about Zambia, when she says,"Of all mail we've received in eight years at Africa Travel Magazine, and keepsakes from my career as travel professional in Africa and around the world, one beautifully engraved invitation (left) has special significance. It was from the Zambian Embassy inviting us to attend the country's official Independence ceremonies. We were living in Cote d'Ivoire at the time, I worked for Air Afrique and my mother was with the US Embassy. We gratefully accepted Zambia's invitation and helped celebrate that landmark in Africa's history. The hospitality we shared that day encouraged me to visit Zambia two years later. This year has been my encore - a rendezvous with many friends in Zambia. We are planning a RETURN TRIP and hoping to encourage as many ATA members and guests to accompany us as possible.


From the Minister: "Dear ATA Delegates. I extend to you all the warmth and friendliness of the people of Zambia. In particular I welcome you to Lusaka, the Capital City and Livings tone, the Tourist and Adventure Capital of Zambia, home of the Victoria- a must see falls - and the 28th African Travel Association Congress. Travel dynamics have placed responsibilities on the traveler to not only derive maximum satisfaction from a destination visited but also to ensure that the visit is beneficial to the host community and takes care of future needs. Therefore this year's theme; "Ethno-Tourism: A key to sustainable development and job creation", seeks to encourage destinations to utilize their cultural heritage for the sustained livelihoods of their rural or indigenous people. Africa has a unique and diverse cultural heritage which if well exploited can give an added appeal to the region.

I am aware of you tight program. However, your visit to Zambia will not be complete if you did not visit the Victoria Falls (locally known as Mosi-O-Tunya " the smoke that thunders"), participate in Livingstone's adventure activities (white water-rafting, elephant Back-ride tours, micro-light, abseiling, river-boarding, bungi-jumping etc.), walk the wilderness and experience the abundance of wildlife of South Luangwa National Park, canoeing in the Lower-Zambezi National Park etc. Let this visit be the most memorable of your lifetime. Welcome."

Read highlights of the last ATA Congress in Zambia







For more information on the Africa Travel Association, (212) 447-1926, fax (212) 725-8253, e-mail africatravelasso@aol.com

Photos on this page by Robert Eilets, Karen Hoffman and Muguette Goufrani