International Tour Management Institute (ITMI) graduates spent the Martin Luther King Holiday in the first business day of ITMI¡¯s 25th Symposium and Reunion, but the philosophy of Dr King was not far from their thoughts.

Speaking at the opening lunch, Sacramento Convention and Visitors Bureau President and Chief Executive Steve Hammond reminded the audience of tour directors and operators of the importance of travel to broker peace and tolerance.

¡°It dawned on me as I started my day at the Martin Luther King Walk¡­I believe in peace through tourism,¡± Mr Hammond said.

Mr Hammond presented ITMI President Ted Bravos with a proclamation from Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson.

Reading from the proclamation (with borrowed reading glasses), Mr Hammond said the qualities espoused therein, reiterated Dr King¡¯s call for peace and tolerance.

¡°Ted Bravos has inspired over 7,000 individuals dedicated to becoming travel and tourism ambassadors of good will who act as a vehicle for creating a more peaceful and harmonious world by helping travelers on every continent gain a deeper understanding and respect for the diversity of religions, cultures and connections to our environment¡­¡±