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The funding was due to the
excellent preparatory work by Canadian partners Tourism
Montreal and University of Quebec as well as
George Washington University and National
Geographic Magazine - all Affiliate Members of the
Organization. He particularly singled out the leadership of
Andre Vallerand, Chairman of the Affiliate's Destination
Council for his vision and commitment to the idea of a
Centre of this kind. Frangialli said "this is an
important landmark in the step by step creation of the new
Centre of Excellence for Destinations (CED) which is due to
be formally launched at the UNWTO Assembly in Cartagena,
Colombia, in November. Now we shall be seeking launch
partners from UNWTO worldwide membership to ensure that
this initiative results in a truly global
Centre." He added "the CED will be an
important addition to the work of the organization in this
field to bring global principles of quality, sustainability,
competitiveness and training to the local level. It will
also focus the activities of our Affiliate Members
Destination Council. Its main areas of activity in helping
UNWTO pursue excellence in tourism Destinations will be
research recognition and global quality coherence. It's
overarching goal will be to support UNWTO's Global Code of
Ethics for Tourism and help inculcate it into destination
management and visitor behaviour." The project is being
spearheaded by Andre Vallerand, Chairman of UNWTO's
Destination Council and representative of Tourism Montreal
and University of Quebec's Francois Bedard. For further information
please contact: UNWTO Press and
Communications Department T: (34) 91-567-8193 / (34)
91-567-8194 / F: (34) 91-567-8218
UNWTO “Centre of Excellence” for Destinations
takes Another Step Forward
Montreal/Madrid
: The Secretary-General of UNWTO, Francesco Frangialli,
welcomed the commitments of the Federal Government of
Canada and the Government of Quebec to provide
start up funding for a planned Centre of Excellence for
Destinations to be located in the City of
Montreal.
