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Commonwealth Secretariat press release

Commonwealth Tourism Centre proposal to be discussed by Ministers in Abuja, Nigeria (27-29 April)

26 April 2005

The second Commonwealth Tourism Ministers Meeting (CTMM), taking place 27-29 April in Abuja, Nigeria, will consider an offer by Malaysia to host a new Commonwealth Tourism Centre.

Commonwealth countries are seeking to realise the full potential of tourism for growth, sustainable development and poverty reduction. The new Centre would seek to boost information flows and tourism promotion initiatives for the benefit of all members of the association.

The Opening Ceremony of CTMM will be held on Wednesday 27 April in the presence of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, HE Chief Olusegun Obasanjo.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General Winston Cox said today: "The Commonwealth already plays a strong role in development and the war on poverty but we must do more through tourism. All Commonwealth countries have resources in this sector and we must now collectively see how they can be harnessed to promote development and alleviate poverty. With its strong tradition of both North/South and South/South co-operation, the Commonwealth is well placed to play an effective role in building tourism capacity. Ministers will also explore the possibilities for investment promotion activity."

The 53 members of the Commonwealth include countries with a strong demand for holidays abroad as well as those with potential to attract more tourism. Joint promotion, closer links and enhanced information provision could improve the prospects for growth in this sector.

The parallel Commonwealth Tourism Business Forum (27-28 April), organised by the Commonwealth Business Council, will focus on investment in tourism. An interactive session between Ministers and business leaders is expected to examine how the outstanding potential of member states in this sector can be showcased to investors.


Note to Editors

The Commonwealth Tourism Ministers Meeting will be held at the Nicon Hilton, Abuja, Nigeria.

A Communiqué is expected to be issued at a closing press conference on Friday 29 April at 1230 hrs (tbc). The Spokesperson for the Meeting is James Robertson (Deputy Director, Communications and Public Affairs Division, Commonwealth Secretariat) who can be contacted on +44 (0) 7921 409 712 or +234 (0) 9413 1811-40 or +234 (0) 803 901 3000 or fax on

+234 (0) 941 32417.

 

05/33  26 April 20 05

 

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ISSUED BY THE COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS DIVISION
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