WTTC reveals speakers for World Summit to be held in Saudi Arabia

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) unveiled the first round of confirmed speakers for its 22nd Global Summit in Saudi Arabia, including leaders from the world's largest travel and tourism companies, officials from the host destination, as well as tourism ministers from around the world.

The World Summit is the most influential travel and tourism event on the calendar and this year it will take place at the King Abdul Aziz International Conference Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from November 28 to December 1. Under the slogan "Travel for a better future", it will focus on the value of the sector, not only for the global economy, but also for the planet and communities around the world. 

During the Global Summit, industry leaders and international government officials from around the world will meet in Riyadh to continue aligning efforts to drive the recovery of the sector and address future challenges to ensure a safer travel and tourism sector. , resilient, inclusive and sustainable.

Business leaders taking the stage include Arnold Donald, Vice Chairman of the Board of Carnival Corporation and Chairman of WTTC; Anthony Capuano, CEO of Marriott International; Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai International Airports; Christopher Nassetta, Chairman and CEO of Hilton; Matthew Upchurch, President and CEO of Virtuoso, and Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO, Diriyah Gate Development Authority, among others. 

Julia Simpson, WTTC President and CEO, said: "We are proud to have such influential speakers confirmed for our Global Summit in Riyadh. The Saudi Arabian government has been instrumental in the recovery of the global travel and tourism sector after two years of crisis, and it is an honor to bring our Global Summit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia this year." 

According to the latest research from WTTC, Saudi Arabia's travel and tourism sector will exceed pre-pandemic levels next year and will see the fastest growing in the entire Middle East over the next decade

His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia, said:

"WTTC will come to Riyadh as tourism enters a new era of recovery. Bringing together world leaders from both the public and private sectors, the Summit will be instrumental in building the better and brighter future the sector deserves. 

" There is no doubt that our ambitious investment, sustainability and travel experience goals can be achieved through global collaboration and the WTTC Global Summit in Riyadh will provide a platform to discuss the challenges of the sector, while ensuring that visitors enjoy the hospitality and opportunities of one of the fastest growing tourist destinations in the world".

The event will also welcome government speakers such as Secretary Rita Marques, Secretary of State for Tourism of Portugal; The Honorable Isaac Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investment and Aviation of the Bahamas; Senator Lisa Cummins, Minister of Tourism and International Transport of Barbados; Ms. Fatima Al Sairafi, Minister of Tourism of Bahrain; The Honorable Susanne Kraus-Winkler, Austrian Secretary of State for Tourism; the Honorable Mitsuaki Hoshino, Deputy Commissioner of the Japan Tourism Agency, and HE Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Minister of Culture and Tourism Turley, among others. 

Government officials from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will also address delegates at the World Summit. They include His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud, Minister of Energy; His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism, and His Highness Princess Haifa Al Saud, Deputy Minister of Tourism.

To see the provisional program of the World Summit, click  here.