PAPAL TELEGRAM FOR 20TH WORLD TOURISM DAY

VATICAN CITY, JUN 19, 1999 (VIS) - Pope John Paul has sent a telegram to the promoters of the 20th World Tourism Day, to be held next September 27 on the theme "Tourism: protection of the world's heritage for the new millennium." In it he expressed his appreciation for "the timely subject chosen that makes it possible to reflect on the extraordinary heritage at humanity's disposal and on the need to promote political options responsibly aimed at protecting its integrity."

The telegram, released by the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People in English, Spanish, French and Italian, continues: "Tourism favors people's contact with nature and with culture; it promotes valuing environmental resources and presents the beauties of creation as a heritage common to the whole human family. ... Christian tour operators' commitment must be reinforced so that ... they will foster the sense of responsibility in people for the care and correct use of this valuable and vital heritage."

Archbishop Stephen Fumio Hamao, council president, wrote in letter accompanying the telegram, that "the Church's participation in this Day is an important opportunity to make the Christian vision of tourism known and to remind the faithful about their responsibilities both as tourists and with regard to tourists." The World Tourism Organization coordinates these days.

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