AusLeisure

Many of the world’s business leaders, government ministers and key decision-makers in the global Travel and Tourism sector are meeting face-to-face in Cancun, Mexico from 25th – 27th April for the World Travel and Tourism Council’s Annual Global Summit 2021.

Under the theme ‘Uniting the World for Recovery’ the Global Summit will be the first global Travel and Tourism event where leaders will have gathered together since the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the sector and halted all major events around the world in March 2020.

WTTC has ensured strict world-class health and hygiene protocols are in place to protect participants, with testing available for delegates for the duration of the Summit.

Key private and public sector leaders will meet at the Moon Palace Resort in Cancun, Mexico, with thousands expected to join virtually.

They will discuss their experiences and share best practice on topics from kickstarting recovery in the Travel and Tourism sector to how to enhance sustainability and inclusivity. The Summit will act as the platform for recovery and will be the place where a roadmap will be defined to take the sector towards restarting international travel and existing in the new normal.

WTTC will also launch a major ‘Women’s Initiative’ to work towards removing existing barriers for women within the sector and to implement initiatives for greater success for women.

Delegates will also discuss digital and touchless technologies that will become a major force post COVID-19 and be critical to ensuring a safe and seamless traveller journey.

WTTC President and Chief Executive, Gloria Guevara notes “the WTTC Global Summit is the most important event in the calendar as we bring together, for the first time since the pandemic outbreak, the cream of the Travel & Tourism sector.

“The most influential leaders from both the private and public sectors will meet face-to-face for the first time in nearly a year as we begin a new chapter in the sector’s post-pandemic recovery.

“More than ever, as governments begin to reopen their economies, it is vital we share knowledge and best practice among travel leaders and political leaders to navigate our way to a responsible recovery.”

Keynote speakers include the President of Colombia 2010 - 2018, Juan Manuel Santos; tennis legend and advocate for women’s issues and the environment, Martina Navratilova; Tourism Minister of Greece, Harry Theocharis; Tourism Minister of Saudi Arabia, Ahmed Al Khateeb; Chris Nassetta, President and Chief Executive of Hilton and WTTC, and Arnold Donald, Chief Executive of Carnival Corporation amongst others.

Also among those attending are leaders from Marriott International; IHG Hotels & Resorts; Iberostar; Expedia; Google; American Express; Airbnb; Japan Airlines and TUI.

In addition, leaders from The Travel Corporation; Abercrombie & Kent; Royal Caribbean Cruises; Silversea Cruises are speaking in high-profile debates as well as over 20 government delegations led by Tourism Ministers, such as Mexico; Colombia; Spain; Greece; Portugal; Saudi Arabia; Panama; the United Kingdom; France; The Philippines and the United States.

As well as keynote addresses and debates, the WTTC Global Summit 2021 will feature the WTTC’s annual awards, which will recognise exceptional leadership during the pandemic by both countries and individuals for their outstanding contribution to the Travel and Tourism sector during a time of unprecedented challenges.

Guevara added “on behalf of WTTC and its Members, I’d like to thank our key sponsors and partners including the Government of Quintana Roo and the Mexican Caribbean, Hilton, American Express, Global Rescue, Palace Resorts, Xpansiv, HSBC, Aeromexico, PressReader, WorldReach, Expansion, Telmex; Visit Saudi and Iberia Airlines.”

Related Articles

12th February 2021 - WTTC new paper showcases tourism industry’s role in in enhancing social progress

6th February 2021 - WTTC says governments should abandon notion of ‘high-risk countries’ and instead focus on ‘high-risk travellers’

20th January 2021 - WTTC predicts over 100 million global tourism jobs could be recovered during 2021

17th December 2020 - WTTC releases major new guidelines for Inclusion and Diversity to aid tourism sector

26th November 2020 - WTTC hosts inaugural virtual AGM highlighting importance of international collaboration for COVID recovery

14th October 2020 - WTTC recognises Australia’s COVID Clean Practicing Business Program

1st October 2020 - WTTC releases guidelines for safe return to work

28th September 2020 - WTTC launches new report on tourism’s future in the wake of COVID-19

21st September 2020 - ATEC aligns with WTTC Safe Travel protocols  

19th September 2020 - The Philippines revealed as 100th destination to receive WTTC Safe Travels stamp

4th September 2020 - WTTC launches Safe Travels protocols for adventure tourism

16th August 2020 - WTTC calls for leadership from Australian Government to save tourism

25th July 2020 - Dubai and Indonesia are latest recipients of WTTC Safe Travels stamp

9th June 2020 - Global tourist destinations sign up to the WTTC  global safety and hygiene stamp

28th May 2020 - WTTC launches world’s first global safety stamp

13th May 2020 - Trip.com Group to oversee WTTC initiative to help revive tourism sector

1st May 2020 - WTTC outlines ‘the new normal’ when travelling resumes

23rd April 2020 - WTTC calls on G20 leaders to coordinate recovery for the tourism industry

17th April 2020 - WTTC commends global tourism industry for helping during COVID-19

20th September 2019 - WTTC and Deloitte unveil initiative to ensure tourism success during the digital revolution

---

Asking a small favour
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

The news we publish at www.ausleisure.com.au is independent, credible (we hope) and free for you to access, with no pay walls and no annoying pop-up ads.

However, as an independent publisher, can we ask for you to support us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine - if you don't already do so.

Published bi-monthly since 1997, the printed Australasian Leisure Management differs from this website in that it publishes longer, in-depth and analytical features covering aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues management.

Subscriptions cost just $90 a year.

Click here to subscribe.