writes Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Thome of Uganda
aTP- Arab tourism portal News- Alain St. Ange, one of the leading candidates for the position of Secretary General of the UNWTO – elections are held in May to determine the successor for Dr. Taleb Rifai who after two terms of office is stepping down at the end of the year – came for a flying visit to Uganda on invitation of the East Africa Tourism Platform and from the Ugandan Minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu.
On the opening day of Uganda’s showcase promotional tourism expo was he able to not just perform his function as key note speaker, when EATP launched their new tourism portal website, but then also participate in a panel discussion and later in the day in a ministerial round table, all part of the #POATE2017 proceedings on opening day.
During his various interactions did St. Ange come across as a credible candidate from Africa, embracing diversity and a non discriminatory approach to making his vision of ‘Tourism For All’ a reality.
St. Ange has now gathered a wave of endorsements from around the world with growing private sector support but also from important associations like GIHP (Groupement pour l’insertion des personnes Handicapees Physiques) of France.
Said St. Ange to this correspondent while in Kampala:
‘In Seychelles we respect the people with a disability, we have moved to realise that their strength is their difference, and we prefer to refer to them as the handi-abled as we open doors for everyone.
Today is some part of the world the state of tolerance is at its lowest with rhetoric based on discrimination of colour, race, religion, politics and sexual preference seen as being terrible. There is hate, there is poison.
Together we can work with the press for a new departure to sideline those who need help accept that tourism and the world of tourism is for all’
He then went on to speak about the electoral procedure when he added: ‘I appreciate that it is the Minister of Tourism of the countries with a seat on the Executive Council of the UNWTO who will be casting a vote in the May elections, but believing in Democracy it is important to let those who have worked with me for tourism to also echo their feelings as they speak to their own Governments about their ideal choice.
I am thankful for this democratic approach of endorsements for the coming election for the seat of Secretary General for the UNWTO by the frontline team of tourism.
They have worked with me for tourism and they know me well. They all remain the motor behind tourism and what makes tourism tick’.
St. Ange then concluded his interview by adding: ‘If elected as Secretary General I will raise the cause of tourism for all as a must for a UN body.
My strategies to help not only the disabled traveller, but also to help the person with a disability find work in the tourism industry are clear.
We all know that travel produces long term health benefits with leisure opportunities relieving stress. We also know finding employment for people with disabilities is a must as we grow up and respect people…simple.
My vision also includes the setting up of regional UNWTO offices to directly benefit member states and allow an immediate response should any type of event make this necessary.
Imagine how the wider East Africa could benefit from such a presence in terms of support’.
