UNWTO Deeply Regrets the Passing of Antonio Enr'iquez Savignac
Former Secretary-General
MADRID, Spain, February 9, 2007. The Secretary-General regrettably announces the passing away of Antonio Enr'iquez Savignac, former UNWTO Secretary-General, yesterday in Mexico. Mr. Enr'iquez Savignac was "an extraordinary human being and one of the architects of the development and modernization of our organization. He will be dearly missed by everyone who knew him", Mr. Francesco Frangialli said.
During his time at UNWTO (1990-1996), Antonio Enr'iquez Savignac emphasized the importance of tourism as a dynamic sector and a pivotal player in the field of economic development. He continued being actively involved with the organization as Honorary Secretary-General and member of the UNWTO Strategic Group.
"This is a sad time for all of us in the tourism industry, who had the privilege and good fortune of working with him. Many countries have benefited from UNWTO under his leadership. I am proud to have been his deputy, colleague and friend, and to have lead the organization in the direction that he indicated", Francesco Frangialli said.
Born in Mexico in 1931, Antonio Enr'iquez Savignac pioneered the inclusion of the private sector in national and international tourism policies. During his extensive career he held key positions in the field of tourism development, banking, as well as in national and international economics and finance, before becoming Secretary (Minister) of Tourism in Mexico.
He was the visionary and implementer of the world renowned Canc'un tourism development, which attracted domestic and foreign investment and spilled over its benefits to the general economy. Alongside similar projects throughout his country, Mexico is today a leading international tourism destination.
Drawing from this experience he joined UNWTO and shared his profound understanding of the links between tourism, economic progress and community development. Antonio Enr'iquez Savignac put UNWTO on track towards the challenges of sustainable tourism in the 21st century.
The UNWTO family shares the grief of his family, friends and collaborators in Mexico and throughout the world.
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 
