The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) unveils its first round of confirmed speakers for its upcoming Global Summit to be hosted by Saudi Arabia, which includes leaders from some of the world’s largest Travel & Tourism businesses, Saudi officials, and tourism ministers from around the world.
Taking place at the magnificent King Abdul Aziz International Conference Centre in Riyadh from 28 November to 1 December, the global tourism body’s highly anticipated 22nd Global Summit is the most influential Travel & Tourism event on the calendar.
Under the theme “Travel for a Better Future” the event will focus on the value of the sector, not only to the global economy but to the planet and communities around the world.
During the Global Summit, industry leaders and international government officials from across the globe will gather in Riyadh to continue aligning efforts to support the sector’s recovery and address the challenges the future poses to ensure a safer, more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable Travel & Tourism sector.
Business leaders set to take to the stage include Mr. ban Ki Moon, Arnold Donald, Vice Chair of the Board of Carnival Corporation and WTTC Chair; Anthony Capuano, CEO, of Marriott International; Paul Griffiths, CEO, of Dubai International Airports; Christopher Nassetta, President and CEO, Hilton; Matthew Upchurch, President & CEO, Virtuoso, and Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO, Diriyah Gate Development Authority, among others.
Mr. Ban Ki-Moon served as the eighth UN Secretary-General from 2007 to 2016. During his tenure, he championed sustainable development, climate change, and gender equality at the top of the UN agenda. He served as South Korean Foreign Minister from 2004 to 2006 and now serves as Deputy Chair of The Elders.
Ban will be spearheading the esteemed group of industry leaders that will gather with key government representatives from across the globe to align their efforts to support the sector’s recovery and move beyond to a safer, more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable Travel & Tourism sector.
Ms. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “We are delighted to have such influential speakers already confirmed for our Global Summit in Riyadh.
“The government of Saudi Arabia has been instrumental in the recovery of the Global Travel & Tourism sector following two years of crisis, and we are delighted to be taking our Global Summit to the Kingdom this year.
“Set to become a major tourist destination, our latest research shows that Saudi Arabia’s Travel & Tourism sector will surpass pre-pandemic levels next year and will see the fastest growth across the Middle East over the next decade.”
His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism, said: “WTTC will arrive in Riyadh as tourism enters a new era of recovery. Bringing together global leaders from both the public and private sectors, the Summit will be fundamental in building the better, brighter future the sector deserves.
“There is no doubt our ambitious investment, sustainability, and travel experience goals can be realized through global collaboration and WTTC’s Global Summit in Riyadh will provide a platform for these important conversations, while ensuring visitors enjoy the hospitality and opportunities of one of the world’s fastest-growing tourism destinations.”
The event will also welcome government speakers such as Secretary Rita Marques, Secretary of State for Tourism Portugal; the Hon. Isaac Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation Bahamas; Sen. the Hon. Lisa Cummins, Minister of Tourism and International Transport Barbados; Mrs. Fatima Al Sairafi, Minister of Tourism Bahrain; the Hon Susanne Kraus-Winkler, State Secretary for Tourism Austria; the Hon Mitsuaki Hoshino, Vice Commissioner Japan Tourism Agency, and H.E. Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Minister of Culture and Tourism Turkey, among others.
Government officials from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will also address delegates at the Global Summit. They include His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud, Minister of Energy; His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism, and Her Highness Princess Haifa Al Saud, Vice Minister of Tourism.
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