Within the framework of the inauguration of the 23rd Global Summit of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), the President and CEO of the organization, Julia Simpson, assured that, according to the latest data from the WTTC and Oxford Economics, global travel is increasing and all regions are recovering faster than expected, with Asia-Pacific leading the list.
In this edition, the Global Summit brings together industry leaders and government officials from around the world to continue aligning efforts for the recovery of the sector and address the challenges that lie ahead to ensure a safer travel and tourism sector, resilient, inclusive and sustainable.
Under the theme "Building bridges to a sustainable future", the event will focus on the value of the sector, not only for the global economy, but for the planet and communities.
At the opening press conference, Julia Simpson said: "Our latest data highlights the importance and resilience of our sector, which is recovering faster than expected. This trend underlines the growing demand for travel. The performance of the global sector is exceeding expectations.
Latest sector sustainability figures
WTTC recently released the latest Environmental Impact Research (ESR) data, in partnership with the Sustainable Tourism Global Center (STGC), Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Tourism.
Last year, during the WTTC Global Summit in Riyadh, the two organizations launched the collaboration and released inaugural results, including for the first time the sector's precise greenhouse gas emissions.
This represents the most comprehensive environmental data in Travel & Tourism history, including energy and water use footprint.
Not only the direct impact of the industry counts, but also the impacts of its supply chain, both within national borders and those that are integrated into the international Travel and Tourism supply chains.
According to the data, travel and tourism were responsible for 8.1% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2019, 10.6% of total global energy and 0.9% of freshwater use.
Building on the WTTC Economic Impact Report, this initiative features individualized fact sheets for each country and major world regions, as well as a dedicated microsite that allows users to explore the data in detail.
CSR data covers 185 countries across all regions and will be updated annually.
Delegates from around the world join the WTTC Global Summit
Keynote speakers include: Justin Urquhart-Stewart, global economist and renowned business commentator; David P. Pekoske, from the United States Transportation Security Administration, as well as Juliet Slot, Commercial Director of the Arsenal Football Club.
Likewise, the participation of Francis Gatare, Executive Director of the Rwanda Development Board, and Yvonne Makolo, Executive Director of Rwandair and President of the Board of Governors of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the first woman to take office, stands out. this charge.
Additionally, WTTC announced that the Summit stage will feature Ivorian football legend Didier Drogba as keynote speaker.
Considered one of the best African football players in history, top scorer of all time and former captain of the Ivory Coast national team.
WTTC members, international media and government representation from more than 45 countries will also attend the event in Kigali.