IIPT Australia

The International Institute For Peace Through Tourism,

IIPT Australia Chapter – Formed in 2001

Committee:

Gail Parsonage, IIPT President Australia (parsonage@iipt.org)

Vice-President and Hon. Secretary: Maureen Griffiths, Monash University

Hon. Treasurer and Public Officer: Daphne Lowe-Kelly

Publicity: Charlene Bennetts, Intrepid Travel.

General Committee: Stephen Schwer, Tourism Centralia Australia

Dellwyne Harkness, Tourism Lecturer

Griffith Macey, Youth Leader

30th IIPT Anniversary, Parliament House Sydney. L to R: Walter Nand, (VP SKAL Sydney), Sue Francis (SKAL President Sydney) Hon. Adam Marshall, (Minister for Tourism NSW), Gail Parsonage (IIPT President Aust.), Chris Flynn (PATA Australia)

The Australian Chapter formed in 2001. It is based on a membership structure but also has good partnerships with all aspects of the Australian Tourism Industry including, Government Bodies, Tourism Associations, Principles and Agents, Academic Sector and Consumers.

2nd Australian IIPT Peace Park. Q Station, Sydney Harbour National Park

ACTIVITIES:

It partnered with the City of Sydney in organizing two events for East Timor and through our members helped to promote and assist in developing tourism products for this developing country.

The Chapter has organised 3 National Conferences which brought together academic experts and industry leaders to discuss the Tourism Industry’s role in promoting peace

Initiated a “Peace through Tourism” Undergraduate Program at Sydney University.

Sent a delegation to the “IIPT Travel for Peace Tour” to Jordan, visiting the UNHCR Syrian Refugee Families

Collaborates with SKAL Australia in promoting Tourism Networking Functions
Ben Sherman, Chairman of World Indigenous Tourism Alliance, was the Guest Speaker at the 10th Anniversary Australian Chapter

Celebrated the 30th IIPT Anniversary at Parliament House Sydney in collaboration with SKAL and PATA.

Participated with our Coalition Partner, World Expeditions, in their Annual Responsible Tourism Symposium

Initiated with SKAL the first Australian IIPT Peace Park in Leura, in the World Heritage Listed, Blue Mountains.

The second Australian IIPT Peace Park has been dedicated at Q Station, an historic and iconic tourism destination, located on the foreshores of Sydney Harbour National Park.

Co-ordinating with several universities to promote the “IIPT Tourism Student Peace Award.”