New York City, NY – AAI Board member Sandy Dhuyvetter was master of ceremonies for this this year’s ITB event in Berlin Germany commemorating the 25th anniversary of the International Institute for Peace through Tourism First Global Conference: Tourism – A Vital Force for Peace.

The IIPT 25th Anniversary event will pay tribute to 10 “Peace Makers” of the past 100 years; highlight achievements of the Peace through Tourism Movement over the past 25 years; and present IIPT planned “legacy projects” of the 25th anniversary year.     The IIPT 25th anniversary commemoration is in support of the “World War I Centenary” with its theme of “No More War” and takes place:

Ms. Dhuyvetter remarked, “I am very honored to be introducing these important peace makers during this time of the 100 year commemoration of World War I. It is a very personal story for me as my father was 12 years old when the invading army came in and took over his home in Belgium.” Dhuyvetter will be returning to Belgium directly after the event to produce a number of short documentaries.

Among the recipients are: Zoltan Somogyi, Executive Director, Program & Coordination, World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), will be a featured speaker and in addition Geoffrey Lipman, President, International Coalition of Tourism Partners (ICTP): Elke Dens, Marketing Director, Visit Flanders; Ivy Chee, Regional Director – East Asia, Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA); and Nigel Pilkington, Director, Public Relations & Communications, Skal International. Speakers will share their perspectives on “Building a Culture of Peace through Tourism.”

IIPT Founder and President said, “IIPT is most proud to support the Great War Centenary with its theme of ‘No More War’ – and to welcome Zoltan Somogyi and other leaders of the travel and tourism industry to our 25th anniversary event. As one of the world’s largest and fastest growing industries, the collective voice of travel and tourism leaders can be a powerful force for peace and justice in the 21st century.”

About IIPT
IIPT is dedicated to fostering and facilitating tourism initiatives that contribute to international understanding and cooperation, an improved quality of environment, the preservation of heritage, poverty reduction, and the resolution of conflict – and through these initiatives, help bring about a more peaceful and sustainable world. IIPT is committed to mobilizing travel and tourism, the world’s largest industry, as the world’s first “Global Peace Industry,” an industry that promotes and supports the belief that “Every traveler is potentially an Ambassador for Peace.”
www.iipt.org

About Sandy Dhuyvetter TravelTalkMEDIA
Sandy Dhuyvetter is the executive producer and host of TravelTalkRADIO, BusinessTravelRADIO and Breaking Travel News. Sandy also published TravelTalkMEDIA newsletter. The programming is distributed in 185 countries using satellite feeds to radio stations and online streaming, Sandy combines the sparkle of travel with lifestyle trends and today’s news since 2001.  Even arm chair travelers will feel Sandy’s insatiable curiosity breathe life into her programs. Guests and topics are relevant and offer a mix of difficult subjects and serious fun. Sandy is also on the board of directors of Airline Ambassadors International Non profit organization.