International Council of Tourism Partners (ICTP) supports the War on Terror
EUROPEAN UNION, July 19, 2005. The International Council of Tourism Partners (ICTP) is unequivocally supporting the International Community's war on terror and expressing our sympathy for the families of the victims of the London bombing and solidarity with those engaged in the response.
As Prime Minister Blair so clearly said at Gleneagles - it is the fight for hope and decency against indiscriminate murder and hatred. Put another way it is civilization against barbarism.
There is a time in life when you have to say what it is you stand for. ICTP is in no doubt of its position and the position of the tourism sector. We are a compassionate industry whose first thoughts and actions are always for the victims and their families - often our customers and our own people. Tourism, which usually suffers early because of its size and omnipresence, always bounces back rapidly and continues its growth path at the leading edge of the service sector.
But we acknowledge the need for massive ramp up in security & ask only:
o That the industry not be burdened unfairly with costs for a problem, which is societal, not sectoral.
o That parallel measures be taken on simplifying and speeding up processes to ensure that congestion & red tape doesn't dampen demand. And that a maximum focus is placed on technology and training to reduce the impact on the quality of the traveler's experience.
o That poor counties, who cannot afford the equipment and do not yet have the skill sets to achieve intensified standards of security and facilitation, are supported with infrastructure, funds and capacity building.
Above all we agree that there is a link between Terrorism and Poverty. Not that poverty is the sole cause of terrorism - which is more closely related to intolerance and hatred. But poverty is a fertile breeding ground for the disease. World leaders action to eliminate debt, double aid and achieve real fair trade is a massive step in the right direction.
ICTP's central mission is to support the UN Millennium Development Goals and the UNWTO Global Code of Ethical Tourism. And so, even as we grieve with the people of Britain and decent civilized people everywhere, we salute the G8 and Prime Minister Blair for decisive action to strengthen the war on poverty and to keep it's focus on Africa, while responding to the horrendous, mindless aggression in London.
Geoffrey Lipman
President ICTP
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
