The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is deeply saddened by the passing away of Joop Ave, former Minister of Tourism, Post and Telecommunications of Indonesia.

Mr Ave, who passed away on 5 February 2014 at the age of 79, was one of the key figures of the Indonesian tourism sector, and instrumental in setting the path for its modern development.

Born in Yogayakarta in 1934, Mr. Ave dedicated his long career to the Indonesian state, working in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and serving as the Director General of the Protocol and Consular Affairs Department before being appointed Director General of Tourism in 1982. He also served as Chairman of the ASEAN Sub-Committee on Tourism between 1983 and1986 and the PATA Board of Directors between 1984 and 1986.

In 1993, Mr. Ave was appointed Minister of Tourism, Post and Telecommunications, a position he would come to hold for five years. The same year, he also served as the President of the 10^th Session of the UNWTO General Assembly. As a Minister, he pioneered the international promotion of tourism in Indonesia and established hospitality standards. A tourism enthusiast at heart, Mr. Ave wrote several books about the tourism and hospitality industry. He was also active in many conservation initiatives for Indonesian culture. 

UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai:  “The international tourism community will always remember Joop Ave as a man of both great vision and action. His remarkable legacy will without a doubt continue to serve as an inspiration for all tourism professionals.”

UNWTO joins all those who knew Mr Ave in sending sincere condolences to his family and friends.

Obituary – Joop Ave 

Contacts:

Senior Media Officer: Marcelo Risi
Tel: (+34) 91 567 81 60

UNWTO Communications and Publications Programme
Tel: +34 91-567-8100
Fax: +34 91-567-8218