Former UNWTO Secretary-General Antonio Enríquez Savignac Passes Away

Last week in Mexico, Mr. Antonio Enríquez Savignac, former UNWTO Secretary-General, passed away. Mr. Enríquez Savignac was “an extraordinary human being and one of the architects of the development and modernization of our organization. He will be dearly missed by everyone who knew him”,  said current UNWTO Secretary-General Mr. Francesco Frangialli.

During his time at the UNWTO (1990-1996), Antonio Enríquez Savignac emphasized the importance of tourism as a dynamic sector and a pivotal player in the field of economic development. He continued being actively involved with the organization as Honorary Secretary-General and member of the UNWTO Strategic Group.

“This is a sad time for all of us in the tourism industry, who had the privilege and good fortune of working with him. Many countries have benefited from the UNWTO under his leadership. I am proud to have been his deputy, colleague and friend, and to have lead the organization in the direction that he indicated,” Francesco Frangialli said.

Born in Mexico in 1931, Antonio Enríquez Savignac pioneered the inclusion of the private sector in national and international tourism policies. During his extensive career he held key positions in the field of tourism development, banking, as well as in national and international economics and finance, before becoming Secretary (Minister) of Tourism in Mexico.

He was the visionary and implementer of the world renowned Cancún tourism development, which attracted domestic and foreign investment and spilled over its benefits to the general economy. Alongside similar projects throughout his country, Mexico is today a leading international tourism destination.

Drawing from this experience he joined the UNWTO and shared his profound understanding of the links between tourism, economic progress and community development. Antonio Enríquez Savignac put the UNWTO on track towards the challenges of sustainable tourism in the 21st century.

See other recent news regarding: UNWTO, Tourism