Waca marks 45 years - Opening Speech from Waca President. Sea Cliff hotel Zanzibar

                             

   Maga. R. Ramasamy.President World Airlines Club Association

Minister of Tourism in Zanzibar,

WACA Members of Honor, Fellow Executive Committee Members and their Assistants,

Delegates and Participants of the 45th AGA Ladies and gentlemen,

Karibu-

On behalf of the World Airlines Clubs Association I have the immense pleasure to welcome you all in Zanzibar commonly known as the Spice Island for the 45th Annual General Assembly and also to mark the 45th Jubilee of the association which is being duly hosted by the Regional team of Africa/Indian ocean Islands and Middle East.

Zanzibar has been chosen to give you as World travelers the opportunity to discover this island of the Indian Ocean after many of us enjoying the warmth and hospitality of the other islands of the Indian Ocean like Mauritius and Seychelles. I know that after your visit here you will talk much of your good experiences and memories to your colleagues at work, friends and family at home, thus promoting the place where you visited to others. The words of mouth is the best publicity.

We are very grateful to have participants coming from different part of the globe right from Caribbean islands, America, Canada, Europe, Asia, Australia, Middle East and Africa ad Indian Ocean Islands.

Through this kind of event, we at WACA are also demonstrating the public the important contribution the airlines are giving for better understanding among the peoples of the world and also to provide social and economic causes to the benefit of the travel and tourism industry and the community in general.

Travel and Tourism industry is now considered as the world’s largest industry with worldwide revenues and bringing economic and social development throughout the world. When it is properly conceived, planed and managed, the industry can bring not only economic and social benefits but other benefits as well such as cultural and historical heritage, protection of environment to countries and regions throughout the world.

We were privileged as main stakeholders of the Tourism sector, to celebrate the World Tourism day on the 27th September and the theme this year which was proclaimed by the WTO Tourism & Sustainable Energy: Powering Sustainable Development.

The World Airlines Clubs Association was pleased to associate itself with this year’s celebration by participating at one the mini international conference on the theme itself with a view to bring an awareness of the importance of sustainable energy linking with Travel and Tourism and to highlight the steps taken so far by the International tourism community to power the sustainable development . Tourism today is at the forefront of some of the world’s most ambitious and innovative clean energy solutions with a view to bring the carbon emissions down:

 the aviation industry is implementing cutting-edge technologies to make aircraft lighter than ever before;

 commercial flights are beginning to use biofuels in their fuel mix;

 and energy saving light bulbs are increasingly being implemented in hotel rooms worldwide;

and tour operators are asking for energy efficiency throughout their supply chains. Just to mention few initiatives taken so far.

  On the other hand, WACA together with the International Institute of Peace through Tourism is very pleased to join hands together and promote the Credo of the Peaceful and responsible traveler.

  By our participation in WACA events, we are affirming our personal responsibility and commitment to : Journey with an open mind and gentle heart Accept with grace and gratitude the diversity we encounter Revere and protect the natural environment which sustains all life Appreciate all cultures we discover Respect and thank our host for their welcome Offer our hands in friendship to everyone we meet Support the travel services that share these views and act upon them and, By our spirit, words and actions, we encourage others to travel the world in peace.

Tourism is a vital force for Peace. Through responsible tourism we can build a sustainable world and whilst developing the community tourism we are opening a gateway to poverty reduction.

Ladies and gentlemen, we are so privileged to be in Zanzibar and by our presence we want to be part of the initiative of making Zanzibar one among of the top tourism destinations of the region whilst being responsible on all fronts.

  Ladies and gentlemen, dear delegates, I am sure you will make the most of your stay here and now you can add Zanzibar on your list of places your visited and be the ambassadors of the country for others to come and experience the Zanbari warmth and hospitality.

Asante Sana -

Thank you for your attention I wish you well. God bless you all.