Dr. Alain St. Ange Speaks for the World Tourism Network on World Tourism Day On A Roller Bike

While ministers celebrate World Tourism Day in Georgia at a Gala Dinner and enjoy the best food and wine this country, famous for its wine, has to offer, Dr. Alain St. Ange delivers his Roller Bike message on Peace and Tourism on World Tourism Day.

It's more than a symbolic gesture; this carnival-inspired approach is slightly different. WTN is a little different as a new organization coming in from the sideline with a message that SMEs matter in tourism.

Episode Transcript

(00:00):
Welcome to another episode of our podcast,where we delve into the latest happenings in the world of tourism.

(00:08):
Today, we're exploring a unique and inspiring event that took place on World Tourism Day.
While ministers gathered in Georgia to celebrate World Tourism Day with a lavish Gala Dinner,
indulging in the finest food and wine that this renowned wine-producing country has to offer,

(00:28):
Dr.
Alain St.
Ange took a different route.
He delivered a powerful message on Peace and Tourism,
but he did so in an extraordinary way—on a roller bike.
This carnival-inspired approach wasn't just a spectacle;
it was a meaningful gesture that captured the essence of his message.

(00:53):
Dr.
St.
Ange's roller bike journey was more than a symbolic act.
It represented a vibrant and dynamic perspective on tourism,
one that emphasizes the importance of peace and the interconnectedness of global communities.
His message resonated deeply,highlighting how tourism can be a force for good in fostering understanding and unity.

(01:21):
Adding to the uniqueness of this event was the involvement of the World Tourism Network (WTN).
As a relatively new organization,WTN is making waves by focusing on the significance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the tourism industry.

(01:42):
Their advocacy for SMEs underscores the idea that every player in the tourism sector,
no matter how small,has a vital role to play.
World Tourism Network is now four years old,and 26,
000+ ordinary travel and tourism stakeholders in 133 countries have joined this initiative,

(02:07):
first known during COVID-19 as Rebuilding Travel.
It was founded by eTurboNews publisher Juergen Steinmetz together with PATA, Dr.
Taleb Rifai, Dr.
Peter Tarlow, and Alain St.
Ange on the sidelines of a canceled ITB trade show in Berlin in 2020.

(02:31):
These 26,000+ members,mostly Small and Medium-Sized Businesses,
together with known tourism leaders,tourism boards,
and ministers of tourism,are supporting this initiative that had been running the sidelines and in the backroom of big tourism politics and developments.

(02:54):
For World Tourism Day,celebrated today,also by numerous WTN Chapters around the world with a special initiative,
Dr.
Alain St.
Ange,the outspoken former Minister of Tourism from Seychelles,
is sharing his thoughts on this important day.

(03:16):
He was trying to speak from a roller bike while driving the streets of the smallest capital city in the world,
Victoria,in this sunny Indian Ocean paradise,away from the world's trouble spots.
St.
Ange said,"As the World at large marks Tourism Day 2024,

(03:37):
it remains important to reflect that distractions are thrown out the window and let the industry professionals dig to consolidate their industry.
" “Tourism is an Industry and not an Activity,” said Alain St.
Ange.
We need to see tourism professionals rally to ensure it works,

(03:59):
from the highest Office as Secretary General of World Tourism to those working in the private sector,
including our beach boys,lifeguards,taxi drivers,GMs,
and regional and national tourism leaders.
This is one of the largest industries in the world .

(04:20):
” "Tourism & Peace is the tagline dedicated to Tourism Day 2024,
and this line is,of course,timely with wars raging on between Ukraine and Russia,
between Gaza,Lebanon,and Israel,and also here in Africa in Sudan.
"A new tagline will do little to send the right message into the needed arena.

(04:45):
The world of tourism needs more.
It needs its tourism professionals to be heard on a wider geopolitical network and to lead the industry,
and then a new tagline of Tourism & Peace will be heard clearly and very loudly.
" Commenting on St.

Anges' words,WTN Founder and Chairman Juergen Steinmetz added (05:04):
"We're small,
not yet on the level of the big,powerful organizations,
but we're proud to be part of this important global community of leaders and able to speak out when necessary.
I am equally proud of my team here at eTurboNews,which provides an undisputed independent and sometimes critical voice for those who don't always have a voice.

(05:35):
We need your support.
Being independent and outspoken has cost us tremendously in lost advertising and being banned at UNWTO events,
but it's worth every dime.
I would like to encourage everyone who appreciates our work in this industry,
which includes striving for peace and communication,

(05:58):
to support us with advertising and sponsorship and join the World Tourism Network as a paying member.
Alain has shared our vision from the beginning,and we're privileged to have him address our global members and supporters with his thoughts and guidance.
Dr.
Alain St.

(06:19):
Ange's participation and his roller bike message brought a refreshing and engaging element to World Tourism Day,
reminding us all of the powerful impact tourism can have on promoting peace and supporting small businesses.
As we wrap up today's episode,let's take a moment to reflect on the innovative ways we can contribute to a more peaceful and inclusive world through tourism.

(06:46):
Thank you for tuning in,and until next time,keep exploring and embracing the diverse beauty our world has to offer.