The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) is set to host its 24th Global Summit in the vibrant city of Perth, Western Australia, from October 8-10. This year’s event, themed “Ancient Land: New Perspectives,” promises to be a defining moment for the future of global tourism, bringing together influential leaders, experts, and innovators from across the globe.
The summit will feature a stellar lineup of speakers, including 68th U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and renowned conservationist Robert Irwin. Secretary Kerry, known for his experience navigating complex international politics, will join WTTC President & CEO Julia Simpson for an insightful fireside chat, where he will discuss the importance of global collaboration in building a more resilient, sustainable future for the Travel & Tourism sector.
Robert Irwin, son of the late Steve Irwin, will captivate attendees with his tales of adventure in the wild. He will highlight the crucial role Travel & Tourism can play in promoting environmental conservation, ensuring future generations can enjoy the beauty of the natural world while protecting it.
Beyond these keynote speakers, the summit will feature an impressive roster of industry leaders, including Di Bain, Chair of Tourism Western Australia; Audrey Hendley, President of American Express Travel; Matt Goldberg, President & Group CEO of Tripadvisor; Jane Sun, Group CEO of Trip.com; Frank Marini, President & CEO of Railbookers Group; Jason Waters, CEO of Perth Airport; Kelly Craighead, President & CEO of CLIA; Francis Gatare, CEO of Rwanda Development Board; and Christie Travers-Smith, Head of Retail and Travel EMEA Partnerships at Google.
This year’s summit marks the first major WTTC event in the Oceania region, showcasing Australia’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, while also highlighting the country’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in tourism. The summit will officially open on October 9 with speeches from Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO; WTTC Chair Greg O’Hara; and the Hon. Roger Cook MLA, Premier of Western Australia. Together, they will set the stage for crucial discussions on shaping a more inclusive, safer, and sustainable future for the Travel & Tourism industry.
The summit also introduces the “Investors’ Nest,” a unique competition where university students from around the world will pitch their innovative ideas for sustainable tourism to a panel of Travel & Tourism investors. The winning pitch will be announced at the conclusion of the summit, providing a platform for the next generation of tourism leaders to showcase their vision for a sustainable future.
With official government delegations from over 25 countries, including representatives from several G20 nations, the 24th Global Summit of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) is poised to be a significant event for the global Travel & Tourism industry. The event promises to be a defining moment for the future of global tourism, shaping a safer, more resilient, and sustainable future for the sector.
