José Antonio Tazón, President of Amadeus, distinguished with WTO Plaque for Merit in Business
The World Tourism Organization recognized Tazón's "professional career at the helm of the company, a leading player in the travel services distribution industry"
Madrid, November 20, 2007: The World Tourism Organization, the United Nations agency for sustainable tourism and the leading international organization in the field of tourism, has awarded José Antonio Tazón, President and CEO of Amadeus IT Group S.A., its Plaque for Merit in Business "to recognize his professional career at the helm of the company, a leading player in the travel services distribution industry". Francesco Frangialli, Secretary General of the WTO, handed over the award at an official event held in the WTO Madrid head offices on November 19.
The recognition is in response to the WTO and its Affiliate Members Office's willingness to "honor Mr. Tazón's brilliant track record serving the global tourism industry and encouraging other members of the business community to follow his example."
José Antonio Tazón joined Amadeus in 1987, during the early days of the company. Since his appointment as President and CEO in 1990, Tazón has steered Amadeus' development and over fifteen years he has successfully positioned the company as one of the leading technology providers for the travel industry and a leading global distribution system (GDS), with operations in over 215 markets.
Throughout his career, José Antonio Tazón has been actively involved in the main industry associations. Notable memberships include: Exceltur – since the creation of the Spanish alliance for excellence in tourism in 2002; the British Travel Industry's Hall of Fame; and the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), which brings together leading figures in the global travel and tourism industry.
The Spanish Ministry for Tourism recently awarded Mr. Tazón the Medal for Merit in Tourism in the International category.
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About Amadeus
Amadeus is the chosen technology partner for providers, sellers, and buyers of travel. The company provides distribution, IT and point-of-sale solutions to help its customers adapt, grow and succeed in the fast changing travel industry. Customer groups include travel providers (airlines, hotels, car rental companies, railway companies, ferry lines, cruise lines, insurance companies and tour operators), travel sellers (travel agencies) and travel buyers (corporations and travellers). Solutions are grouped in four solution categories – Distribution & Content, Sales & e-Commerce, Business Management and Services & Consultancy.
Amadeus has central sites in
The company is majority owned by WAM Acquisition, whose shareholders are BC Partners, Cinven, Air
About the World Tourism Organization
The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO/OMT) is a specialized agency of the United Nations and the leading international organization in the field of tourism. It serves as a global forum for tourism policy issues and a practical source of tourism know-how.
UNWTO plays a central and decisive role in promoting the development of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism, paying particular attention to the interests of developing countries.
The Organization encourages the implementation of the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, with a view to ensuring that member countries, tourist destinations and businesses maximize the positive economic, social and cultural effects of tourism and fully reap its benefits, while minimizing its negative social and environmental impacts.
Its membership includes 157 countries and territories and more than 300 Affiliate Members representing the private sector, educational institutions, tourism associations and local tourism authorities.
Direct actions that strengthen and support the efforts of National Tourism Administrations are carried out by UNWTO's regional representatives (
UNWTO is committed to the United Nations Millennium Development Goals, geared toward reducing poverty and fostering sustainable development.
