The WTTC Global Sumit concluded yesterday afternoon, leaving countless news and important statements. The highlight has been that no less data, the MICE segment is back. Although the event has used the hybrid format, more than 600 people have been able to be physically present without surprises.
The hybrid format with delegates from more than 20 countries, authorities, presidents, leaders of tourism associations and directors of internationally renowned tourism companies, as well as the participation of more than 35 thousand attendees through the digital platform. Likewise, more than 100 international speakers from different subjects specialized in travel and tourism were presented.
More than 70% of the attendees were international visitors, including Saudi Arabia, Colombia, Spain, the United States, Panama, among others.
Much has had to do with the audacious decision of the World Travel and Tourism Council but also the great collaboration of both the public and private sectors of Cancun. Fate did not miss its chance to show the world that despite all the setbacks it is up to the task.
With the presence of Carlos Joaquín González, Governor of Quintana Roo; Gloria Guevara Manzo, President and CEO of the WTTC and Christopher Nassetta, President of the WTTC and CEO of Hilton, the Secretary of Tourism of Mexico Miguel Torruco Marqués said tourism has always evolved, innovated and demonstrated that, even against all odds, it always finds the way to embrace the spirit of discovery ”.
Gloria Guevara, President and CEO of WTTC said in her opening remarks to the delegation: “While 2020 was not the year we expected, it was a year during which people really came together. We saw our industry join forces to support our workforce and the local communities that host us.
“From using our facilities as emergency hospitals and offering hotel rooms to doctors and nurses; to provide free meals to millions and transform convention centers into medical facilities. We have seen an amazing response.
“One thing has been clear, our members, the leaders and captains of our sector have really stepped up; I am very proud. I have learned through your example that leadership is important, especially in such difficult times.
“What is clear is that we are not going back to 2019; we're moving forward. Travel and Tourism will emerge from this crisis stronger and better. But to do so, it is critical that we continue to work together to achieve both financial and social recovery. We need to be united.
“That is why we have chosen our theme for this year: Uniting the world for recovery. By turning this crisis into an opportunity, we can ensure that we are more inclusive and more sustainable.
“As we accelerate our recovery, we must redouble our efforts to remove barriers to mobility, eliminate quarantines, focus on testing, and accelerate the implementation of vaccination globally, while still supporting safety protocols.
“Our sector is one that provides opportunity, reduces poverty, brings hope, and not only changes lives, it changes the world. This is the beginning of a new chapter, the beginning of recovery. We have a lot of work to do and if we are united we can change the lives of the millions who depend on us ”.
During her speech, Gloria reminded delegates of the steady stream of initiatives that WTTC had taken during the pandemic to protect the sector and lead the way back to recovery.
Drawing on the knowledge of its members and the expertise of public health leaders, WTTC created the Global Safe Travel Protocols and Seal to learn from past pandemics and create industry consistency and peace of mind for travelers. More than 260 destinations have recognized the seal so far, including Cancun.
The WTTC also engaged with more than 150 governments to advocate for policies and measures that protect and ensure the survival of the global travel and tourism sector and its workforce.
The world tourism body also participated in a historic official G20 Tourism meeting and presented an ambitious plan to recover 100 million jobs. For the first time, the importance of the private sector in Travel & Tourism was included in the leaders' statement.
What lies ahead
The travel and tourism market has important events ahead such as FITUR, Arabian Travel Market, WTM in its different versions, the ANATO Tourist Showcase and FIEXPO, among others. This WTTC Summit experience lays the foundation for a promising future.
The road to rebuilding
As global economies seek opportunities to rebuild businesses in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, exhibition organizers and associations from around the world are coming together to form a coalition dedicated to reclaiming critical live event platforms. market, with security at the core of the collaborators' approach. As industries ranging from manufacturing to healthcare, aviation, agriculture, maritime and many others seek opportunities to recover after devastating economic hardships, the exhibits industry is dedicated to supporting trade and connecting by providing secure environments for the network and doing business.
This coalition, which is led by the global industrial association UFI, organizer of the Global Exhibition Day (GED) - June 2, 2021, and important industrial associations such as SISO, as well as the world's leading exhibition organizers Clarion Events, Comexposium, Diversified Communications, Emerald, Informa Markets, Reed Exhibitions (RX) and Tarsus, are joining forces as their clients signal a desire to return to live event experiences.
"Exhibitions and trade events are the fastest avenues to drive economic recovery after the pandemic," says Kai Hattendorf, CEO of UFI. “Especially small and medium-sized companies rely on these markets to boost their sales. As an industry, we have systems and processes in place to provide secure platforms for face-to-face trading".