UNWTO, French Gov. Sustainable Island Development

Paris (France) – May 10, 2013 – At the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) being held in Dubai, at the Ministerial Forum of the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the Director of Ile de la Reunion Tourisme (IRT), Mr. Pascal Viroleau, met with Mr. Taleb Rifai, Secretary General of the UNWTO.

It was decided that the next meeting on the development of tourism for island states would be held at a conference taking place from September 11-13 in Reunion.

More than 150 international professionals will discuss this issue, which will not only advance but also highlight Reunion to the world media.

Mr. Rifai confirmed his participation which will put the meeting on a global scale for these exchanges.

The other islands of the Indian Ocean will also be present at these meetings and will have the opportunity to strengthen even further the synergy and cooperation links established under the concept of the Vanilla Islands.

PHOTO (L to R): Mr. Ahmed Adeeb Abdul Gafoor, Minister of Tourism for the Maldives; Mr. Michael Sik Yuen, Minister of Tourism for Mauritius; Mr. Alain St.Ange, Minister of Tourism for Seychelles; Mr. Taleb Rifai, Secretary-General for UNWTO; and Mr. Pascal Viroleau, Director of Ile de la Reunion Tourisme

Media Contact:
Pascal Viroleau
Director, Ile de la Reunion Tourisme (IRT)
Tel: +33 810 160 000
Fax: +262 262 21 00 21
Email: P.VIROLEAU@reunion.fr
Web: www.reunion.fr/en/modules/home.html