The World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) announced on 3rd July 2020 that fashion designer Giorgio Armani is the new UNWTO Special Ambassador for Responsible Tourism.
The UNWTO which is based in Madrid, Spain acknowledged the announcement in a statement:
“Giorgio Armani is a global reference for his timeless designs and creativity as well as for his profound commitment to social responsibility and respect for the environment. His fashion brand is inspired by the concept of substance and the conviction that sustainability means creating a system capable of enduring through time, with respect for all the resources and the awareness that the future of generations to come depends on the choices of today.
The designer understands that the change of the fashion industry is necessary and strives to use the platform of his fashion company to contribute directly and indirectly to the transformation of the industry so that it can best serve and support its communities.”
Mr Armani was presented with a special plaque to acknowledge his continued commitment to the environment and the community, demonstrated through a number long-term initiatives. The Secretary-General of the UNWTO Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili thanked the designer for preserving jobs throughout the recent difficult times of the COVID-19 pandemic and for his generosity in supporting front-line workers.
Upon receiving the plaque, Mr Armani said:
‘I am genuinely pleased to have been honoured in this way by an organisation that believes that people should be encouraged to see the beauty of the globe in a respectful and responsible manner. It has been a sense of responsibility for our community that has helped my country through this terrible pandemic, and this too is what has driven me to play my small part in helping those engaged in the fight against the virus, and the fight against the economic challenges it has posed.
A belief in community – the global community – and an appreciation of the humanity we all share are what will help us build a better future for ourselves and the generations to come, through being mindful of the important things in life, like the preciousness of the environment and our duty to protect it. It is therefore an honour to take up the role of Ambassador of Responsible Tourism.’
Giorgio Armani most recently showed support to the local community with his response to the COVID-19 pandemic, offering support to Italian hospitals by pledging a large donation as well as switching all of Armani’s Italian production plants to manufacturing single-use medical overalls. The designer has often spoken of his wish to support the community in Italy and even wrote a public letter to healthcare workers that was published in national newspapers in Italy.
