CRO TOURISM MINISTER SPEAKS AT PANEL DISCUSSION IN CRANS MONTANA

CRANS MONTANA, June 28 (Hina) - Croatia wants to develop quality tourism based on sustainable development, Croatian Tourism Minister Pave Zupan Ruskovic said at a round table discussion at the 13th business and political forum at Crans Montana. #L# "Croatia is an excellent example for tourism as the key lever of development. During the war, tourism in Croatia practically did not develop at all, but with its return improvements in other sectors of society have become visible as well. Our goal is to develop quality tourism, based on sustainable development," said the minister at the panel discussion on tourism as a key development lever, which was also attended by Morocco's and Rwanda's tourism ministers. Zupan Ruskovic said sustainable development in tourism meant the building of such infrastructure which would not harm the environment. She also announced progress in the privatisation of tourist facilities. The 13th Crans Montana Forum, which focuses on responses to the frustrations of the 20th century and a more humane world, started at the Swiss Alpine resort on Thursday. A member of the Crans Montana Forum's management board, Geoffrey Lipman (expert on tourism), said developing countries had to develop tourism as a strategic sector which would attract international financial sources and help fight underdevelopment and poverty. Croatia's European Integration Minister Neven Mimica, Public Works Minister Radimir Cacic, and officials from the economy and foreign ministries will address the forum today. Croatia's tourist offer will be presented at Crans Montana at a Croatian Tourist Board pavilion. President Stjepan Mesic will arrive at Crans Montana this evening. The forum, which is to last until Sunday, is attended by some 1,200 businessmen, representatives of states, international organisations, and non-government associations from more than 120 countries. Croatia, Rwanda, and Ivory Coast have guest status at the forum. (hina) rml