WTTC honors former Jordanian tourism minister and UN Tourism chief Taleb Rifai
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has presented its Icon Award to former Jordanian Tourism Minister Dr. Taleb Rifai, recognizing his efforts to unite governments and businesses behind global tourism.
The award was presented at the weekend during WTTC’s 26th Global Summit at a gala dinner in the Maltese capital Valetta attended by more than 1,000 delegates, including over 200 leading industry CEOs and government ministers.
Dr Rifai, who served as Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization from 2010 to 2017, is credited with bringing the private sector closer to the heart of international tourism policymaking.
In remarks to Jordanian media, Dr. Rifai said of the recognition: “This honor belongs to Jordan as much as it belongs to me, because it reflects what our country has always offered the world: hospitality, heritage and a belief in openness.”
He added: “I hope this recognition will inspire Jordanians, particularly young people working in tourism, to see that Jordan can take a leading role on the global stage when it leads with its people and values.”
On the role of tourism at a time of conflict in the region, he said: “Tourism cannot end wars, but it keeps alive the human connections that conflict seeks to sever and gives people on all sides a stake in stability. Its role today is quieter and more practical: sustaining livelihoods, preserving our shared heritage and demonstrating that the future of any region is built on openness to the world, not division.”
“I also believe, and I have often stated, that the core business of tourism is to make the world a better place.”
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has presented its Icon Award to former Jordanian Tourism Minister Dr Taleb Rifai, recognizing his effort for uniting governments and businesses behind global tourism.
The Icon Award honors individuals whose lifetime contribution has shaped destinations, institutions or the sector itself, leaving a lasting impact on the industry and the communities it supports.
Dr Rifai served as Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization from 2010 to 2017.
During his tenure, he also built a close partnership between WTTC and the World Tourism Organization. That alliance became the basis for their joint advocacy before more than 80 heads of state and government.
A landmark example was the Tourism Open Letter and Golden Book initiative, which brought heads of state and industry executives together to champion tourism and became a model for public-private cooperation.
Dr Rifai also championed tourism as a force for peace and cultural exchange, inspiring policymakers and industry leaders alike.
Gloria Guevara, President & CEO of WTTC, described Dr Rifai as “one of Travel & Tourism’s greatest champions” who understood that the sector’s future depended on governments and businesses working together, and who devoted his career to making that partnership a reality”.
“… His legacy of collaboration, optimism and global leadership continues to benefit our sector today,” she said in a WTCC press release.
Dr Rifai’s career across government, international organizations and global advocacy helped establish Travel & Tourism as a vital contributor to economies and societies worldwide. In Amman he served as Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, Minister of Information, and Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, before going on to lead the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) as Secretary-General. The award, part of WTTC’s celebration of leaders who have shaped the modern sector, recognizes his commitment and his standing as one of its most respected global leaders.
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has presented its Icon Award to former Jordanian Tourism Minister Dr. Taleb Rifai, recognizing his efforts to unite governments and businesses behind global tourism.
The award was presented at the weekend during WTTC’s 26th Global Summit at a gala dinner in the Maltese capital Valetta attended by more than 1,000 delegates, including over 200 leading industry CEOs and government ministers.
Dr Rifai, who served as Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization from 2010 to 2017, is credited with bringing the private sector closer to the heart of international tourism policymaking.
In remarks to Jordanian media, Dr. Rifai said of the recognition: “This honor belongs to Jordan as much as it belongs to me, because it reflects what our country has always offered the world: hospitality, heritage and a belief in openness.”
He added: “I hope this recognition will inspire Jordanians, particularly young people working in tourism, to see that Jordan can take a leading role on the global stage when it leads with its people and values.”
On the role of tourism at a time of conflict in the region, he said: “Tourism cannot end wars, but it keeps alive the human connections that conflict seeks to sever and gives people on all sides a stake in stability. Its role today is quieter and more practical: sustaining livelihoods, preserving our shared heritage and demonstrating that the future of any region is built on openness to the world, not division.”
“I also believe, and I have often stated, that the core business of tourism is to make the world a better place.”
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has presented its Icon Award to former Jordanian Tourism Minister Dr Taleb Rifai, recognizing his effort for uniting governments and businesses behind global tourism.
The Icon Award honors individuals whose lifetime contribution has shaped destinations, institutions or the sector itself, leaving a lasting impact on the industry and the communities it supports.
Dr Rifai served as Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization from 2010 to 2017.
During his tenure, he also built a close partnership between WTTC and the World Tourism Organization. That alliance became the basis for their joint advocacy before more than 80 heads of state and government.
A landmark example was the Tourism Open Letter and Golden Book initiative, which brought heads of state and industry executives together to champion tourism and became a model for public-private cooperation.
Dr Rifai also championed tourism as a force for peace and cultural exchange, inspiring policymakers and industry leaders alike.
Gloria Guevara, President & CEO of WTTC, described Dr Rifai as “one of Travel & Tourism’s greatest champions” who understood that the sector’s future depended on governments and businesses working together, and who devoted his career to making that partnership a reality”.
“… His legacy of collaboration, optimism and global leadership continues to benefit our sector today,” she said in a WTCC press release.
Dr Rifai’s career across government, international organizations and global advocacy helped establish Travel & Tourism as a vital contributor to economies and societies worldwide. In Amman he served as Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, Minister of Information, and Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, before going on to lead the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) as Secretary-General. The award, part of WTTC’s celebration of leaders who have shaped the modern sector, recognizes his commitment and his standing as one of its most respected global leaders.
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has presented its Icon Award to former Jordanian Tourism Minister Dr. Taleb Rifai, recognizing his efforts to unite governments and businesses behind global tourism.
The award was presented at the weekend during WTTC’s 26th Global Summit at a gala dinner in the Maltese capital Valetta attended by more than 1,000 delegates, including over 200 leading industry CEOs and government ministers.
Dr Rifai, who served as Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization from 2010 to 2017, is credited with bringing the private sector closer to the heart of international tourism policymaking.
In remarks to Jordanian media, Dr. Rifai said of the recognition: “This honor belongs to Jordan as much as it belongs to me, because it reflects what our country has always offered the world: hospitality, heritage and a belief in openness.”
He added: “I hope this recognition will inspire Jordanians, particularly young people working in tourism, to see that Jordan can take a leading role on the global stage when it leads with its people and values.”
On the role of tourism at a time of conflict in the region, he said: “Tourism cannot end wars, but it keeps alive the human connections that conflict seeks to sever and gives people on all sides a stake in stability. Its role today is quieter and more practical: sustaining livelihoods, preserving our shared heritage and demonstrating that the future of any region is built on openness to the world, not division.”
“I also believe, and I have often stated, that the core business of tourism is to make the world a better place.”
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has presented its Icon Award to former Jordanian Tourism Minister Dr Taleb Rifai, recognizing his effort for uniting governments and businesses behind global tourism.
The Icon Award honors individuals whose lifetime contribution has shaped destinations, institutions or the sector itself, leaving a lasting impact on the industry and the communities it supports.
Dr Rifai served as Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization from 2010 to 2017.
During his tenure, he also built a close partnership between WTTC and the World Tourism Organization. That alliance became the basis for their joint advocacy before more than 80 heads of state and government.
A landmark example was the Tourism Open Letter and Golden Book initiative, which brought heads of state and industry executives together to champion tourism and became a model for public-private cooperation.
Dr Rifai also championed tourism as a force for peace and cultural exchange, inspiring policymakers and industry leaders alike.
Gloria Guevara, President & CEO of WTTC, described Dr Rifai as “one of Travel & Tourism’s greatest champions” who understood that the sector’s future depended on governments and businesses working together, and who devoted his career to making that partnership a reality”.
“… His legacy of collaboration, optimism and global leadership continues to benefit our sector today,” she said in a WTCC press release.
Dr Rifai’s career across government, international organizations and global advocacy helped establish Travel & Tourism as a vital contributor to economies and societies worldwide. In Amman he served as Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, Minister of Information, and Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, before going on to lead the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) as Secretary-General. The award, part of WTTC’s celebration of leaders who have shaped the modern sector, recognizes his commitment and his standing as one of its most respected global leaders.
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WTTC honors former Jordanian tourism minister and UN Tourism chief Taleb Rifai
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