WTTC announces speakers for its 22nd Global Summit in Saudi Arabia next month
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has announced the first round of its confirmed speakers for its upcoming Global Summit, which will be held in Saudi Arabia. These speakers include executives from some of the largest travel and tourism companies in the world as well as Saudi government representatives and international tourism ministers.
The most important Travel & Tourism event of the year, the 22nd Global Summit is being held at the majestic King Abdul Aziz International Conference Centre in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from November 28 to December 1.
The event, with the slogan "Travel for a Better Future," will highlight the importance of the industry to not just the global economy but also to the environment and local communities.
Industry leaders and international government representatives from all over the world will assemble in Riyadh during the Global Summit to continue coordinating efforts to support the sector's recovery and address the challenges the future poses in order to ensure a safer, more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable travel and tourism sector.
Arnold Donald, vice chair of Carnival Corporation and chair of the WTTC, Anthony Capuano, CEO of Marriott International, Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai International Airports, Christopher Nassetta, president and chief executive officer of Hilton, Matthew Upchurch, president and chief executive officer of Virtuoso, and Jerry Inzerillo, group CEO of the Diriyah Gate Development Authority are just a few of the business leaders scheduled to speak.
“We are delighted to have such influential speakers already confirmed for our Global Summit in Riyadh," stated Julia Simpson, President and CEO of WTTC.
“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 sector, 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 of Japan Tourism Agency; and H.E. Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Minister of Culture and Tourism Turkey, among others.
At the Global Summit, representatives from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's government will also give speeches. They are Her Royal Highness Princess Haifa Al Saud, Vice Minister of Tourism, His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism, and His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud, Minister of Energy.