City of Peace Archives - International Institute For Peace Through Tourism IIPT

Romania, Bucharest IIPT City of Peace

Thu, 12 May 2022 16:07:39 +0000

Bucharest, Romania is the world’s first Capital City to be declared an IIPT/Skal City of Peace. The dedication of Romania as a City of Peace took place in a ceremony earlier this year with the dedication of Bucharest’s Herăstrău Park as an IIPT/Skal Peace Park. Herăstrău Park is the largest park in Bucharest with one of the largest open air museums in Europe (the Village Museum – muzeul-satului.ro). The event was an integral part of the Second Young Skal International Symposium that brought together young professionals in the field of tourism from more than 10 countries.

During the ceremony, Young Skal Bucharest, Skal International Romania, the General Council of Bucharest and the Lakes, Parks and Entertainment Administration (APLAB) designated a “bosco sacro” (peace grove) in Herăstrău Park, planting 12 trees as symbols of peace, endurance and rejuvenation. The participants were asked to write messages related to peace on small pieces of paper and hang them in the newly planted trees.

Two commemorative plaques were also installed in the park, one in English and one in Romanian. They are dedicated to the values supported by Skal International: Peace, Friendship, Solidarity and the Promotion of common interests in the field of Tourism. The ceremony was closed with the release of white peace doves by Mrs. Marianne Krohn, Vice President of Skal International; Mr. Răzvan Pîrjol, President of Skal International Romania; Andrei Mihăilescu, President of Young Skal Bucharest: and representatives of the General Council of Bucharest.

The ceremony aimed at drawing attention to the contribution of tourism in the development and maintenance of world peace and promoting tolerance, cultural diversity and the protection of the natural environment. Organizers emphasized that tourism promotion should begin with tourist destinations being appreciated not only by visitors, but foremost by the local communities. ”I challenge you to love the places you live in and speak of them with pride. We all know how important promotion is in the field of tourism. If we as tourism professionals do not promote the destinations we come from we cannot expect others to promote them”, stated Ms. Anamaria Răvar, member of Young Skal Bucharest and coordinator of the ceremony.

The ceremony was attended by approximately 60 persons including representatives of Skal International: Mrs. Marianne Krohn, Vice President; Mr. Salih Cene, Vice President; Mr. Nik Racik, former President; Ms. Ann Lootens,former Vice President and Skal International Romania: Mr. Răzvan Pîrjol,President; Mr. Antoni Kuhnen, Honorary President; and Mr. Călin Ile, Secretary General. Twenty members of Young Skal Clubs around the world: Germany, Bulgaria, Turkey, Sweden, Finland, Spain, Italy, and Belgium also participated together with PhD students from the Bucharest University of Economic Studies; 20 members of Young Skal Bucharest; two representatives of the Bucharest General Council and of the Lakes, Parks and Entertainment Administration: Mr. Gabriel Fătu and Mr. Mihai Peptan; and 10 journalists and travel bloggers. The ceremony benefitted from a large coverage in the media.

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Peace Through Tourism now a reality in China’s Danzhai Wanda Village

Sat, 02 Mar 2019 07:30:19 +0000

Danzai Wanda, locate in the Province of Guizhou, Southwestern China, was dedicated in December 2017 as an “IIPT Global Town of Peace“

Orchestrating the ceremony was Ms. Haybina Hao, Honorary Mayor of the Village for the week. Haybina set for herself a goal to create greater international awareness of Danzhai Wanda Village as an international tourism destination and its impressive contribution to poverty reduction.

Haybina is formerly Vice President, International Development, U. S. Tour Association. In this capacity, she played an instrumental role in increasing tourism from China to the United States and assisted in establishing a tour operator’s reception system for inbound Chinese tourists. She is recognized as a China tourism expert in both the U.S. and China.

Haybina’s week as Honorary Mayor was focused on achieving “A Dialogue between Danzhai and the World.” The December event featured greeting videos and letters sent from 11 international destinations and tourism organizations congratulating Danzhai Wanda Village for its success in attracting some 3 million visitors in less than 6 months since its opening this past July.

The ceremony also featured the dedication of Danzhai Wanda as an “IIPT Global Town of Peace” during which IIPT Founder and President, Louis D’Amore stated: “The founders and administrators of Danzhai Wanda are to be congratulated on their impressive award winning achievements in such a short period of time.”

Danzhai Wanda General Manager and IIPT President by Global Peace Park commemorative stone

He continued: “As 2017 is the UN International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development and Peace, of particular significance is Danzhai Wanda’s contribution to UN Sustainable Development Goals one and four: to reduce poverty and provide for quality education. As a result of your efforts, 40,000 lives have been enhanced, raising each of them above the poverty line. And with the dedication today of Danzhai Wanda as an IIPT Global Town of Peace – your contribution to UN Sustainable Development goal sixteen – to nurture peace and mutual understanding.”

Located in the southwestern province of Guizhou, Danzhai County is one of the most undeveloped areas in China. Although endowed with spectacular natural scenery and an incredible diversity of ethnic cultures, Danzhai is a largely unexplored destination for tourists due to its previous inaccessibility.

Danzhai Wanda Village is one part of a three-pronged poverty alleviation scheme by the Wanda Group that also includes a poverty alleviation fund and Guizhou Wanda Vocational College with an enrollment of 400 students. Wanda will hire 50% of the graduates from the vocational school. Danzhai Wanda Village, which includes a hotel and town district built in the distinctive Miao architectural tradition, is expected to provide up to 3,000 jobs.

Ms. Hao’s mayorship also resulted in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for a sister district relationship between Danzhai Wanda Village and Deadwood National Historic Landmark District in South Dakota, United States. The MOU marked the first sister district relationship in China to focus on tourism-related connections with international destinations.

About IIPT
The International Institute for Peace through Tourism (IIPT) is a not for profit organization dedicated to fostering travel and tourism initiatives that contribute to international understanding, cooperation among nations, an improved quality of environment, cultural enhancement and the preservation of heritage, poverty reduction, reconciliation and healing wounds of conflicts; and through these initiatives, helping to bring about a peaceful and sustainable world. It is founded on a vision of the world’s largest industry, travel and tourism – becoming the world’s first global peace industry; and the belief that every traveler is potentially an “Ambassador for Peace.”

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South Africa dedicate 7 Towns as IIPT Peace Towns

Sun, 13 May 2018 09:57:43 +0000

IIPT is proud to announce that seven towns in South Africa will be declaring themselves as IIPT Peace Villages on 24 August – Opening Day of the UNWTO General Assembly as Secretary General Dr. Taleb Rifai, co-hosting Ministers, Hon. Sylvia Masebo, Zambia, Hon. Walter Mzembi, Zimbabwe and other dignitaries come together to re-dedicate the IIPT International Peace Park at Victoria Falls.

Olympic Gold Medal swimmer, Chad le Clos; IIPT member, Bernadette Nickol; Miss South Africa, Melinda Bam; and Lou D’Amore

By declaring themselves as IIPT/Skal Peace Towns each Town agrees that they will be actively committed to promoting values of tolerance, non-violence, gender equality, human rights, youth empowerment, environmental awareness, and sustainable social and economic development.

As well, three special initiatives have been dedicated as IIPT/Skal Peace Initiatives: Dinokeng Game Reserve – as an IIPT/Skal Nature Conservation Peace Park; Norbert Schling – Studio 14 “Peace through Art”; and Peterson Mahlangu – “Refilwe Peace Tours”

Knysna – A spectacular tourism destination In Western Cape Province in the heart of the Garden Route that adheres to international standards of sustainable tourism and each year features the Knysna Oyster Festival. Knysna boasts several world class golf courses an artist colony and a haven for yachting enthusiasts.

Cullinan – Home of the Cullinan diamond mine that produced the world’s largest diamond, the “Cullinan Diamond”. Diamond mine tours are a major tourism attraction of Gauteng Province.

Rayton – The Rayton Meander, launched in June 2013, offers world class wedding and conference venues, lodges, horse ranches, dairy farms, Bed & Breakfasts, bass fishing, camping and two Museums – the Willem Prinsloo Agricultural and Sammy Marks museums.

Refilwe – Home of the Refilwe Community development initiative and a welcoming spirit towards international volunteers.

Overwacht – Home of a proud Khoisan community, the original inhabitants of Southern Africa whose origins can be traced back 100,000 years.

Alexandra Township – The mother and father of townships in South Africa. The development of Alexandra Township dates back to 1912. It was the only place where black people could buy free-hold land at the time. The Township includes a house where Nelson Mandela stayed.

Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa – Proposed by Skal Cape Winelands.

Stellenbosch is a college town and the proud capital of the Western Cape wine region. The city was founded in 1685 and is South Africa’s second oldest city, promoting itself as the “most inspiring and innovative town in Africa” and dedicating itself to the values of peace, human rights and sustainable development.

Other peace initiatives in South Africa include:

Dinokeng Game Reserve – IIPT/Skal Nature Conservation Peace Park

The first free-roaming Big 5 residential game reserve in Gauteng Province, South Africa (and probably in the world) next to an urbanized area. A private/public initiative opened in 2011.

Norbert Schling – Studio 14 “Peace through Art”

Nominated for the “Artists’ World Magazine International Artist of the Year Award, and winner of the most People’s Choice Awards in the past year.

Peterson Mahlangu – “Refilwe Peace Tours”

Refilwe Community Ambassador providing guided tours of Refilwe and empowering youth with entrepreneurial skills for the further development of tourism in Refilwe.

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China, Danzhai Wanda Village Dedicated as IIPT Global Town of Peace

Sat, 12 May 2018 18:12:55 +0000

Danzhai Wanda Village, Guizhou, China was dedicated this week as an IIPT Global Town of Peace. Orchestrating the ceremony was Ms. Haybina Hao,Honorary Mayor of the Village for the week. Haybina set for herself a goal to create greater international awareness of Danzhai Wanda Village as an international tourism destination and its impressive contribution to poverty reduction.

Watch two minute video: https://www.facebook.com/danzhai.wanda/videos/1797653910258533/

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South Africa, Pietermaritzburg IIPT City of Peace

Sat, 12 May 2018 17:16:05 +0000

Pietermaritzburg, South Africa has great significance for the IIPT World Symposium as it marks the location where non-violent resistance had its beginnings more than 120 years ago. It is where Mahatma Gandhi boarded a train to travel to Pretoria in May 1983. Gandhi had a first class ticket but was ordered by a white man to move from first class to third class. Gandhi refused and was thrown off the train. The incident catalyzed the beginning of the non-violent resistance movement as Gandhi decided to stay in South Africa and fight the oppression of Indians in that country. It was during this struggle that he developed his unique resistance movement known as Satyagraha.

Today a bronze statue stands in Church Street, Pietermaritzburg depicting Gandhi forever striding forward. The statue was unveiled in 1993 by Archbishop Desmond Tutu marking the centenary since Gandhi was thrown from the train.

IIPT and Skal International are cooperating in a campaign leading up to the IIPT World Symposium to encourage cities, towns and villages across South Africa to declare themselves as IIPT/Skal Peace Cities, Towns and Villages. A goal of 50 IIPT/Skal Peace cities, towns and villages has been set to be achieved by 14 February, 2015 – symbolic of the African Union 50th Anniversary.

Each IIPT/Skål Peace City,Town or Village will be actively committed to promoting values of tolerance, non-violence, gender equality, human rights, youth empowerment, environmental awareness, and sustainable social and economic development. Collaboration between and among IIPT/Skål Peace Towns and Villages will be encouraged as well as information sharing regarding Peace Town/Village initiatives.

Skål International is the world’s largest membership organization of travel and tourism industry executives with some 17,000 members in 400 chapters in 87 countries, and members from each sector of the industry – several of these chapters are in South Africa.

The IIPT/Skål Peace Cities, Towns and Villages initiative builds on the foundations of more than 400 IIPT Peace Parks that have been dedicated to Peace in cities and towns throughout the world beginning in 1992 with IIPT’s “Peace Parks Across Canada” project commemorating Canada’s 125th anniversary as a nation.

Other South African IIPT/Skal Cities, Towns and Villages in South Africa are: Knysna – A spectacular tourism destination In Western Cape Province in the heart of the Garden Route featuring the annual Knysna Oyster Festival.

Stellenbosch, Western Cape – Proposed by Skal Cape Winelands – a college town and the proud capital of the Western Cape wine region. Founded in 1685, Stellenbosch is South Africa’s second oldest city, promoting itself as the “most inspiring and innovative town in Africa” and dedicating itself to the values of peace, human rights and sustainable development.

Skills Village 2030 – noteworthy for implementing a practical framework for workplace experience using festivals and events to identify and bring to market commodities, goods, services and experience unique to the local community.
Cullinan – Home of the Cullinan diamond mine that produced the world’s largest diamond, the “Cullinan Diamond”. Diamond mine tours are a major tourism attraction of Gauteng Province.

Rayton – offering world class wedding and conference venues, lodges, horse ranches, dairy farms, Bed & Breakfasts, bass fishing, camping and two Museums – the Willem Prinsloo Agricultural and Sammy Marks museums.

Refilwe – Home of the Refilwe Community development initiative and a welcoming spirit towards international volunteers. (see banner photo)

Oerwacht – Home of a proud Khoisan community, the original inhabitants of Southern Africa whose origins can be traced back 100,000 years.

Alexandra Township – The mother and father of townships in South Africa dating back to 1912. It was the only place where black people could buy free-hold land at the time. The Township includes a house where Nelson Mandela stayed.

Other peace initiatives in South Africa include the Dinokeng Game Reserve – IIPT/Skal Nature Conservation Peace Park – the first free-roaming Big 5 residential game reserve in Gauteng Province, South Africa (and probably in the world) next to an urbanized area. A private/public initiative opened in 2011.

South African Cities, Towns and Villages interested in dedicating themselves to peace are invited to contact: Bernadette Nickol: email: bernadette@nickolandpartners.com

Join us in commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the African Union and 20 years of South African democracy by dedicating your city, town of village to Peace. Please contact Louis D’Amore, email: ljd@iipt.org for more information and registration form with a copy to Bernadette Nickol, email: bernadette@nickolandpartners.com

Join us in commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the African Union and 20 years of South African democracy by dedicating your city, town of village to Peace. Please contact Louis D’Amore, email:ljd@iipt.org for more information and registration form with a copy to Bernadette Nickol, email: bernadette@nickolandpartners.com

Towns and villages in other regions of the world interested in becoming part of the IIPT/Skal Peace Cities/Towns/Villages Global initiative in support of the World War I Centenary and its theme “No More War” are also invited to contact Louis D’Amore, email: ljd@iipt.org with a copy to Elizabeth Smith, email: Elizabeth.Smith@iipt.org

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Mandeville dedicated as the Caribbean’s first IIPT Peace Town

Sat, 12 May 2018 16:51:56 +0000

The town of Mandeville in Central Jamaica was dedicated as the first IIPT Peace Town in the Caribbean this past month during the IIPT Caribbean Community Tourism Study Tour and Conference.

Brooks Park Sports and Recreational Complex was dedicated as a “Peace Park” as a symbol of Mandeville’s commitment to peace and a Peace Garden started with the planting ten Ortanique seedlings a hybrid of the orange and tangerine fruit having its origins in Manchester.

IIPT Founder and President Louis D’Amore was present for the event together with the Mayor of Mandeville, Brenda Ramsay; Custos of Manchester Sally Porteous; IIPT Caribbean Chapter President Diana McIntyre Pike; Harry Daley, Senior Superintendent, representing the Hon. Peter Bunting, Minister of National Security; Mr Tony Freckleton, Chairman. South Coast Resort Board and Ms. Maxcine Headley, distinguished President of the Kiwanis Club of Mandeville.

IIPT Founder and President, Louis D’Amore cuts the ribbon on the Peace Plaque officially opening Brooks Park as an IIPT Peace Park. Sharing in the unveiling of the plaque from left to right are Superintendent of Operations for Area 3, Harry Daley, Custos of Manchester, Hon. Sally Porteous; D’Amore and Her Worship the Mayor of Mandeville, Brenda Ramsay. Photos by Gregory Bennett.

In declaring itself as the Caribbean’s first IIPT/Skal Peace Town, Mandeville agrees to be actively committed to promoting values of tolerance, non-violence, gender equality, human rights, youth empowerment, environmental integrity, and sustainable human, social and economic development. Mandeville’s declaration as an IIPT/Skal Peace Town has the support of the Business Community and key organizations within the town including the Kiwanis Club.

Her Worship the Mayor of Mandeville, Mrs. Brenda Ramsay told the audience: “This concept of a Peace park, although not new, is relatively new to this side of the world. As we approach the 200th anniversary of Manchester as a parish we are adding another accolade to our repertoire; in addition to having the first Golf Course and Tennis Club (and) the first Horticultural Society in the Western Hemisphere. I therefore gladly lend my support in promoting Mandeville as the first Peace Town in the Caribbean.”

Dr. Clifton Reid, Chairman of the Brooks Park Board stated: “Let’s start the first peace epidemic in this country, starting with Manchester. Just as how these fledgling trees will grow so I hope this peace movement will grow. I intend to work very hard for peace. It doesn’t stop here, plans are in place to continue the celebrations, such as putting together a group of individuals to launch various competitions including a peace poem, craft, peace song and games competition. This was truly a well-supported occasion which speaks to Peace.”

Planting of Peace Tree. Photos by Nicholas Baumer

Mr. D’Amore expressed the significance of the Mandeville Peace Town dedication within the overall goal of IIPT/SKAL to dedicate 500 peace towns and villages thoughout the world by 21 September 2014, the UN International Day of Peace.

The event was chaired by Mrs. Vivien Morris-Brown, Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC). In addition to the inspiring talks of the Town’s leaders mentioned above, participants in the dedication were entertained with a stunning performance by internationally acclaimed Dub Poet Yasus Afari, who performed a special poem written for the occasion:

“let us redouble the efforts of peace, justice, truth and right, war and violence must cease”.

Other performances came in the form of dance by the Institute of Theatre Arts in Mandeville and another Peace Poem entitled “You are the Environment” performed by Sharon Parris Chambers of Letsdoitinthecaribbean.com. accompanied by Bunny Hewitt, drummer.

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Australia Hobart City of Peace and Peace Park Inducted by IIPT and SKAL International

Thu, 26 Apr 2018 07:59:16 +0000

Hobart City of Peace and Peace Park Inducted by International Institute for Peace through Tourism and SKAL International Hobart

IIPT, International Institute for Peace through Tourism Australia and SKAL International Hobart Australia, inducted the City of Hobart – capital city of the State of Tasmania, Australia, into the IIPT/SKAL Peace Cities Project.

Gail Parsonage IIPT President Australia, Anna Reynolds, Mayor of Hobart, Alfred Merse, SKAL Australian President

Mayor of Hobart, Councilor Anna Reynolds, was welcomed by Alfred Merse, SKAL Australian National President and Gail Parsonage, IIPT President Australia, to the worldwide network of IIPT/SKAL Cities of Peace.

Skal International and IIPT realized that their values and organisations could support a positive and dynamic concept of PEACE going beyond the traditional passive notion of peace simply being the absence of conflict.

Under this project, appropriate cities that were aspiring, or currently actively demonstrating key elements of what would be considered the credentials of a Peaceful City, would be invited to join a worldwide collection of Cities that want to identify themselves as an IIPT/SKAL City of Peace.

The key elements of a Peaceful City are to actively promote values of tolerance, non-violence, gender equality, human rights, youth empowerment, environmental awareness, and sustainable social and economic development.

In addition to Hobart now being a designated a City of Peace, an IIPT/SKAL Peace Promenade has also being designed to be incorporated into a new development at Macquarie Point, Hobart. This will be the first time that an area is being specifically designed to incorporate and highlight the values of Peace and Reconciliation into a new major city development and tourism precinct area.

The Hobart IIPT/SKAL Peace Promenade will be added to the Global network of iconic tourism landmarks, which demonstrate the commitment of extending the hand of friendship and peace and welcoming all peoples. It will showcase Tasmania’s strengths in arts, culture, design, tourism and science and will educate visitors to the cultural, environmental and reconciliation values of peaceful travel, and establish a focal point for ceremony and other community based events.

Sarah Clark, a horticulturist for the Macquarie Point Development Project, where the Peace Promenade will be incorporated, was given the mission to produce and design the initial choice of plants and trees. The space will include a plaque of the IIPT Credo of the Peaceful Traveller and she said, “We chose white flowers as a fitting symbol for peace and the olive trees are a universal sign for peace. These are mixed with Australian native plants that are Australian aboriginal medicinal and edible plants and flowers which merge into the peace promenade. I incorporated the pond for a feeling of tranquillity with the sound of flowing water. I used recycled wood from the Macquarie Point site for the seating to fit with our war on waste”.

The Peace Promenade, whilst temporarily in wicking beds, will eventually be planted into the soil as a feature of the Macquarie Point Development and a new tourism precinct.

SKAL Australian President, Alfred Merse said he was very pleased that his vision of Hobart joining the Lone Pine Peace Park in the Blue Mountains, and Q Station in Sydney Harbour National Park, as the third Australian IIPT/SKAL Peace Parks Project. Gail Parsonage said “more than ever, in our very troubled times, that we should continue to strive for the Tourism Industry to lead the world in Building a Culture of Peace.”

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