The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is deeply saddened by the passing of Basil Atkinson, former President of UNWTO’s predecessor, the International Union of Official Travel Organizations (IUOTO).

Mr Atkinson dedicated his life to travel and tourism and was one of the key figures behind turning UNWTO into the global, intergovernmental, organization it is today.

Appointed IUOTO President for the period 1963-1965, Mr Atkinson worked closely with the Secretary-General Robert Lonati to ensure the success of the 1963 landmark United Nations Conference on International Travel and Tourism in Rome.Mr Atkinson led the field in seeking intergovernmental status for IUOTO and to ensure that the organization fulfilled its role as the main instrument of the United Nations for the promotion and development of tourism.

UNWTO joins all those who knew Mr Atkinson in sending sincere condolences to his family and friends.

Obituary - Basil Atkinson

Contacts:

Principal Media Officer: Marcelo Risi

Tel: (+34) 91 567 81 60

UNWTO Communications Programme

Tel: +34 91-567-8100

Fax: +34 91-567-8218