07 October 2009

Sarkozy Backtracks at World Tourism Assembly

President Sarkozy enjoying a toast with President Nursultan Nazarbayev

French and Kazakhstani presidents operated a tightly choreographed diplomatic move yesterday at the UN World Tourism Assembly in a game of 'Sarkozy Says'.

What would the president of the world's most important tourism destination say to the assembled masses of tourism ministers and other high level tourism officials gathered in Astana, Kazakhstan? Speculation was rife.

Security had been ratcheted up a couple of notches at the Independence Palace where the event was being held.

President Sarkozy was in Astana to conclude a reported 12billion euros' worth of deals with his opposite number, president Nursultan Nazarbayev, and a short visit to the tourism assembly was scheduled. In the Palace of Independence, members of the French tourism delegation, headed by Jacques Augustin, were keeping their cards close to their chest - but a few well-chosen presidential words were expected. After all, France is clearly the world's most important and respected tourism destination, and proud of it.

The 700-odd delegates from the world's major tourism destinations were in their seats early, waiting expectantly for the visit from the two presidents as the doors were flung open and the 20-strong cortege marched in.

Walking quickly and purposefully to the centre of the room, in front of the podium, as the delegates led by their Secretary General applauded - the group paused. Hands were seen to be raised from the centre of the group in semblance of waves... and the group turned on their heels and departed.

Why? What? How? Who? Was there a hidden message? Did actions speak louder than words? Was this a 'Sarkozy Snub' especially created for the world tourism industry? Had the two presidents been practicing a Military Twostep, or was it a Mazurka?

Silence reigned. The ever-urbane and articulate UNWTO Secretary General Taleb Rifai commented "So this is what it must be like to be a tourism destination" and the meeting got back to its business of organising world tourism.

The Moleski

Astana Kazakhstan