Action film star Jackie Chan has become the World Tourism Organisation’s (WTO) first Asia-Pacific tourism ambassador.
WTO secretary-eneral Francesco Frangialli announced Chan's appointment at a ceremony in Macau on 13 June.
Chan’s new role will be to help promote tourism in a healthy and sustainable way as a means of combating poverty throughout the Asia and Pacific region.
“I am really honoured to receive the Asia-Pacific Ambassador title," he said. "I will do my best to achieve the tasks you have given me. Now, when I slide down a building, I will make sure it becomes a tourist attraction.”
Frangialli added: “I am extremely happy that Jackie Chan will be officially joining us to promote Asia and the Pacific as a prime tourist destination and help communicate important messages about poverty alleviation.” Details: www.world-tourism.org