More massive trade support for tourism Olympic peace

Lord Michael Bates walked for Olympic Peace

IIPT brings four more media organizations to the party

The International Institute for Peace through Tourism (IIPT) has announced that eTurboNews, the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), and BC Pictures have each joined as media partners in support of the London 2012 Olympic Truce Campaign.

The UN-designated, six-week period of peace will run from July 25 to September 9, at the request of the UK government, unanimously supported by all 193 UN member states in a historic UN resolution last October. The campaign is promoting support from all sectors of the world travel and tourism industry to join with both the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the United Nations in a call for a cessation of conflict and all acts of violence in an observance of the London 2012 Olympic Truce.

The key concept driving the program is that global peace can be realized through the linking of tourism, sport and environmental organizations collaborating on a global scale. Leading by example is Patron of the campaign, Lord Michael Bates, who recently completed an epic 3,000-mile walk from Athens to London to raise awareness to the importance of the Truce (http://www.walkfortruce.org ).

In agreeing to partner in the campaign, SATW President, Betsa Marsh, stated: "Since its origins on the plains of Olympia, the Olympics have been a time to lay down swords and settle any rivalries on the athletic field. Thousands of years later, the Olympic goal of "Faster, Higher, Stronger" also leads us to "Better: to our better nature when we observe the Olympic Truce and urge others to join us."

Bea Broda, BC Pictures Producer, added: "Throughout history, the Olympics have been known to foster peace between the citizens of the world. It is my wish that this tradition always continues, and I applaud efforts to ensure that not only is friction avoided at world famous events like the Olympics, but that more seeds of world peace are planted and nourished during these golden opportunities for cultures to celebrate their common ground."

eTurboNews, which supported the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Campaign is again keen to support the 2012 campaign. Thomas Steinmetz, Publisher, commented: "Without peace, tourism cannot exist, and we, at eTurboNews, are very proud to continue our pledge of support for the Olympic Truce."

The campaign is calling for:

• One minute of silence during the Opening Ceremony of the Games to mark global peace.
• Support to bring up to 42 teenagers from conflict zones and areas of violence from around the world to London during the Games to train as youth peace ambassadors.
• Individuals and organizations to become Olympic Peace Makers to help make this campaign a huge success.

Individuals and/or organizations wishing to support the campaign are invited to write: [email protected] or [email protected] .

More information on the campaign and its components is available at: http://www.london2012olympicpeacecampaign.org/ .
Valere Tjolle