The International Institute for Peace through Tourism (IIPT) is proud to announce that HE Akel Biltaji, Special Advisor to HM King Abdullah II, will be moderating this year’s IIPT event at World Travel Market in a panel discussion on:

Building Bridges of Collaboration for Sustainable Tourism Development in the Mediterranean Region.

HE Akel Biltaji is the former Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Jordan, a member of IIPT’s International Advisory Board, and IIPT Ambassador at Large. Featured speakers on the panel will include: UNWTO Secretary General, Dr. Taleb Rifai; HE Nayef Al-Fayez, Jordan Minister of Tourism and Antiquities; HE Mohamed Hisham Abbas Zaazou, Minister of Tourism, Egypt; and Mr. Elhamy ElZayat, Chairman and CEO, EMECO Travel, Egypt.

The Mediterranean region is the world’s most-visited destination. UNWTO projections are that it will be adding 10 million more international arrivals a year for a total of 500 million by 2030. The region is currently challenged with economic downturns in source markets, political transitions of the Arab Spring in Northern Africa, preserving natural and cultural heritage, and the impacts of climate change.

The session will explore opportunities for collaborative strategies to achieve sustainable tourism development in support of the UN Millennium Development Goals; attracting visitors from new and emerging markets; and nurturing tourism, culture, the arts, and sport in promoting a “Culture of Peace” throughout the region.