Montreal, March 8, 2011 – Mr. André Vallerand, President of the World Centre of Excellence for Destinations (CED), has been appointed Special Advisor on Destination Management to the Secretary General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Mr. Taleb Rifai.
As part of his new duties, Mr. Vallerand will act as advisor on all policies and innovations on the development and strengthening of tourism destinations worldwide. “Priority will be given to creating tools for leaders of Destination Management Organizations, to help them effectively cope with the new challenges of international competition, sustainable development, access to market and access to knowledge”, noted Mr. Vallerand.
Currently a Chairman of the Board of Directors of the computer firm FACILITÉ Inc. (since 2004) and a Chairman of the UNWTO Destination Council, Mr. Vallerand also sits on the UNWTO Strategic Committee and was President of the UNWTO Affiliate Members from 2004 to 2006.
An economist by training, Mr. Vallerand was a member of the National Assembly of Quebec from 1985 to 1994. During this period, he was in charge of many ministries, among which the Ministry of Tourism (from 1989 to 1994).
About the CED
With its headquarters located in Montréal, the CED began operations in February 2007. The CED is a non-profit organization dedicated to the research and creation of tools to support the development of sustainable tourism for destinations around the world. The CED was created with the support of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the National Geographic Society. For further information, please visit the CED website at: www.ced.travel
About UNWTO
The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations and the leading international organization in its field of competence. Its membership includes 154 countries and 7 territories and more than 400 Affiliate Members representing the private sector, educational institutions, tourism associations and local tourism authorities. For more information, please visit the UNWTO website at: www.unwto.org
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Source: World Centre of Excellence for Destinations (CED)
Information: Nathalie Laberinto
(+1) 514-871-1115 (ext. 226)
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