15 Oct 2025
Special Webinar Lecture: The Darkest Day In Global Tourism History
On 02 November 1995, exactly 30 years ago next month, I was the sole travel industry journalist from Asia sitting in a Tel Aviv convention centre in the midst of the world’s leading hoteliers (Bryan Langton, Chairman and CEO, Holiday Inn Worldwide; Bob Collier, CEO, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts; Tomasso Zanzotto, CEO, Hilton International) listening with rapt attention to a powerful keynote speech by the late Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin.
The co-winner of a 1994 Nobel Peace Prize, the late PM was then spearheading negotiations with the Palestinians in pursuit of a just and durable peace in the Middle East. In his inspiring speech to the 33rd annual congress of the International Hotel Association, he talked about saving the young generation from the scourge of war, and flagged Travel & Tourism as a primary economic beneficiary of peace.
He glowingly foresaw a Holy Land criss-crossed with tourists, pilgrims and visitors from across the Abrahamic faiths — exactly in line with the Congress’ circular theme of “Peace Promotes Tourism Promotes Peace.”
A mere 48 hours later, PM Rabin was assassinated — NOT by one of the usual gang of suspects, but ONE OF HIS OWN HOMEGROWN RELIGIOUS EXTREMISTS.
I remember that fateful night well.
A hotel congress which opened on a celebratory high note ended with death and despair.
The historic significance of that tragic week has never, repeat NEVER, been recognised by Travel & Tourism.
A monumental failure of leadership and moral judgement.
I will mark the 30th anniversary of that cold-blooded murder with this special webinar lecture featuring detailed insights on how dreams of peace turned into nightmares.
I will unveil memorable images, speeches and presentations, the hopes and aspirations, and the tragic ending.
In an era when religious extremism poses a clear and present danger to the future of Travel & Tourism and the Young Generation, learning the lessons of history is of overarching importance.
The Travel & Tourism industry needs to decide whether to resurrect Rabin’s vision or see his killer’s macabre goals realised, as is currently happening.
Join me for this landmark lecture to learn more and a forthright, constructive, respectful discussion on The Way Forward.
For Mature Audiences ONLY.