Short biography Jean Marc Mignon
Born in 1947, in Paris, France.
Graduate of the Higher Institute of Translation and Interpreting of the Catholic University of Paris (ISIT), with Spanish as first foreign language and English as second (1972).
Graduate of the Spanish chamber of Commerce of Paris.
Work experience:
Minor jobs from 1972 to the end of 1973.
1974 until 1991: in the French association “Club des 4 Vents”, specialized in youth exchange programs and travel.
In charge of programs with Spain and United States from 1974 until 1979
Deputy manager from 1979 until 1982
General manager from 1982 until 1991
Since 1991: General Manager of the U.N.A.T. (National Union of Associations of Tourism) in France, which is gathering the whole non profit sector involved in tourism in France (2.000 associations).
Elected mandates
President of F.I.Y.T.O. (Federation of International Youth Travel Organizations) from 1987 until 1997, and member of the Executive committee from 1981 to 1987 and from 1997 until
2002.
Vice president of B.I.T.S. (International Bureau of Social Tourism) since 2002, in charge of Development.
President or board member of several associations involved in tourism in France.
City counsellor.
Fields of competence/experience
Youth travel and “Social” tourism in general.
Development of fair tourism and community tourism.
Moderator of many seminars on these matters, including for WTO (on youth travel); author of many articles in several national or international reviews.
January 2005