Jackie Chan Joins UNWTO to Fight for Tourism
MACAU, CHINA, 13 June, 2006 - Action film hero Jackie Chan has a new cause to fight for as the World Tourism Organization's (UNWTO) first "Asia-Pacific Tourism Ambassador". In his new role, Jackie Chan will help promote tourism as a means of fighting poverty throughout the region.
"I am really honoured to receive this Asia-Pacific Tourism Ambassador award," said the actor. "I will do my best to achieve the tasks you have given me: to promote tourism in a healthy and sustainable way, and to help people who are less fortunate through tourism."
Mr. Chan said he has travelled the world making his films and, in that way, has tried to turn the spotlight on different tourism destinations. But he promised that from now on, in his new capacity, he would do a better job.
"Now when I slide down a building, I will make sure it becomes a tourist attraction," he joked.
Jackie Chan, already an honorary professor at the School of Hotel and Tourism Management of Hong Kong Polytechnic University, received a plaque today from UNWTO Secretary-General Francesco Frangialli at a brief ceremony held in Macau to celebrate his appointment.
"I am extremely happy that UNWTO Tourism Ambassador Jackie Chan will officially join us to promote Asia and the Pacific as a prime tourist destination and help communicate important messages about poverty alleviation," said Mr. Frangialli.
In addition to being Asia's most popular martial artist, film director, actor and stuntman, Jackie Chan is active in numerous charities in Asia. In Hong Kong, he sponsors the Jackie Chan Charitable Foundation to help impoverished children and the elderly, and made substantial contributions to help with the fight the SARS epidemic in 2002.
Please note: The release and photo will be uploaded on UNWTO website on Friday morning.
For further information please contact:
UNWTO Press and Communications Department
T: (34) 91-567-8193 / F: (34) 91-567-8218
[email protected], www.unwto.org
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