Some 1,000 industry delegates congregated upon Dubai for the launch of the Global Travel & Tourism Summit, this year launched under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
With representatives from 75 countries around the world, the summit is set to address the responsibilities of the tourism industry as its global influences increase.
“As the success of Dubai has demonstrated, Travel and Tourism can be a factor for growth, for jobs, for trade, for positive change – and above all, for understanding,” said Khalid bin Sulayem, Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) Director General, at the launch of the summit.
“We know, too, that this potential puts Travel and Tourism in a powerful position of influence right around the world.
“We are consequently very glad to welcome the participants to this Global Summit,” he adds.
Organised by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), this year’s Global Travel & Tourism Summit is run under the theme of ‘World Citizens’.
With a main goal of guiding delegates to act as responsible global citizens and encourage co-operation between individuals, businesses and governments to promote change.
“While the industry’s growth is positive, without adequate planning, investment and responsible development these opportunities could be undermined and this industry’s full potential could be limited,” said Jean-Claude Baumgarten, WTTC President.
“The spotlight now turns to you as participants and guests to use the springboard that this meetings offers, for debate, for exchange and for building new relations together on how far we as an industry have come until today and on how we should develop tomorrow.”
Speakers at this year’s summit include Maurice Flanagan, Emirates Group Executive Vice-Chairman; Gerald Lawless, Jumeirah Group Executive Chairman; Qiwei Shao, China National Tourism Administration Chairman; Rob Webb, British Airways General Counsel; Dara Khosrowshahi, Expedia President and CEO; and JW Marriott Jr Marriott International Chairman and CEO.