Jackie Chan Fights for Asia-Pacific Tourism
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Action film hero Jackie Chan has been named the World Tourism Organization's (UNWTO) first "Asia-Pacific Tourism Ambassador". In his new role, Jackie Chan will help promote tourism as a means of fighting poverty throughout the region.
"I am really honored to receive this Asia-Pacific Tourism Ambassador award," said Chan. "I will do my best to achieve the tasks you have given me: to promote tourism in a healthy and sustainable way, and to help people who are less fortunate through tourism."
Chan’s genre films include The Tuxedo (2002), Chin gei bin (2003) [aka Vampire Effect (USA: DVD title)], The Medallion (2003), Around the World in 80 Days (2004) and San wa (2005) [aka The Myth (International: English title)]. He has traveled the world making his films, he said, and, in that way, has tried to turn the spotlight on different tourism destinations. Now he promises, in his new capacity, he would do a better job.
"Now when I slide down a building, I will make sure it becomes a tourist attraction," he joked.
On Tuesday, June 13, Chan received a plaque today from UNWTO Secretary-General Francesco Frangialli at a brief ceremony held in Macau to celebrate his appointment.
"I am extremely happy that UNWTO Tourism Ambassador Jackie Chan will officially join us to promote Asia and the Pacific as a prime tourist destination,” said Frangialli, “and help communicate important messages about poverty alleviation,".
In addition to being Asia's most popular martial artist, film director, actor and stuntman, Chan is an honorary professor at the School of Hotel and Tourism Management of Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and is active in numerous charities in Asia. In Hong Kong, he sponsors the Jackie Chan Charitable Foundation to help impoverished children and the elderly, and made substantial contributions to help with the fight the SARS epidemic in 2002.
