‘Travel for a Better Future’ will be the event theme for the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC)’s upcoming Global Summit to be hosted by Saudi Arabia. Organisers have unveiled the first round of confirmed speakers for the conference which will take place at the King Abdul Aziz International Conference Centre, Riyadh, 28 November to 1 December.
The global tourism body’s 22nd Global Summit will focus on the value of the sector, not only to the global economy, but to the planet and communities around the world. 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 and tourism sector.
Business leaders set to take to the stage include Arnold Donald, vice-chair of the Board of Carnival Corporation and WTTC chair; Anthony Capuano, CEO, Marriott International; Paul Griffiths, CEO, Dubai International Airports; Christopher Nassetta, president and CEO, Hilton; Matthew Upchurch, president & CEO, Virtuoso, and Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO, Diriyah Gate Development Authority.
Julia Simpson, WTTC president & CEO, said: “We are delighted to have such influential speakers already confirmed for our Global Summit in Riyadh.”
Simpson added that Saudi Arabia was set to become a major tourist destination, and that WTTC research shows that Saudi Arabia’s travel and 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 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 realised 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.”
To view the provisional Global Summit programme, please click here.
