Dr. Taleb Rifai, the Secretary-General of World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is invited by Institute for Tourism Studies (IFT) to deliver a public lecture “Tourism - One Billion Tourists, One Billion Opportunities” to IFT students, scholars, tourism professionals and local residents at IFT on 8 September 2012.
IFT became the first educational institution to be granted the TedQual Certification by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in 2000. The Institute has constantly conducting exchanges and cooperation with top tourism professionals worldwide and striving to provide learning opportunities for students and industry practitioners to gain global tourism knowledge. In the lecture, Dr. Taleb Rifai shares his extensive visions on the major trends shaping tourism demand and development and what it takes for destinations, companies and professionals in Asia to stay ahead of the game. Meanwhile, he also gives recommendations and guidance to young talents about their future career.
The public lecture is delivered as part of Dr. Taleb Rifai’s visit to Macao in September 2012. Dr. Taleb Rifai was elected as Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in October 2009 and began his four-year term on the 1 January 2010. Dr. Rifai’s background combines solid political experience and technical knowledge in the field of tourism, as well as experience in the work and functioning of International Organizations. His background also provides him with extensive economic, business and academic experience. Prior to his current post, Dr. Taleb Rifai was the Assistant Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO) for three consecutive years, responsible for the overall supervision and implementation of the International Labour Standards, and advising on labour markets and employment policies, particularly in the Middle East region. From 1999 to 2003, he served in several ministerial portfolios in the Government of Jordan, as Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, the Minister of Information and the Minister of Tourism and Antiquity respectively. During his term as Minister of Tourism and Antiquity, Dr. Taleb Rifai established Jordan’s first Archaeological Park in the ancient city of Petra in collaboration with UNESCO and the World Bank. He also realised several large projects in Jerash, the Dead Sea and Wadi Rum. As Minister of Tourism, he was the Chairman of the Jordan Tourism Board, President of the Ammon School for Tourism and Hospitality and was elected Chairman of the Executive Council of the UNWTO in 2001.
During the public lecture, Dr. Taleb Rifai discusses opportunities within the ever-changing tourism industry. By the end of 2012, the world will see over 1 billion tourists crossing international borders. In Asia alone, there are over 200 million tourists a year. This trend has brought considerable economic growth, job openings and immense development opportunities. Tourism is not only one of the fastest growing economic sectors of our time, but also one of the fastest changing. From new source markets to mobile technologies, much is changing in the tourism sector. In concluding his lecture, Dr. Taleb Rifai emphasised the immense opportunities that lie ahead for Macao and look forward to Macao’s turning into a world center of tourism and leisure.
IFT has been striving to provide internationalised study environment to students by inviting renowned scholars, experts and industry professionals world-wide to give lectures. Besides, students can widen their horizon by participating in exchange programme, global internship, summer international exchange programme and more, in order for students to better prepare for stepping into the tourism industry in the future.
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Institute for Tourism Studies