The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) is gearing up for its 24th Global Summit, set to take place in the stunning city of Perth, Western Australia, from October 8-10, 2024. This year’s summit, themed “Ancient Land: New Perspectives,” promises to be a pivotal event for the future of sustainable travel and tourism, bringing together a constellation of global leaders, industry experts, and government officials from over 25 countries.
The event will feature a star-studded lineup of speakers, including John Kerry, the 68th U.S. Secretary of State, and Robert Irwin, the renowned conservationist and TV personality. These prominent figures will share their insights on navigating the international political landscape, fostering global alliances, and the critical role of tourism in environmental conservation. Their presence underscores the summit’s focus on building a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future for the travel and tourism sector.
One of the highlights of the summit will be a fireside chat between John Kerry and Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO. Kerry will delve into his perspectives on global diplomacy and the importance of international cooperation in achieving a more sustainable future for the planet. His insights are expected to provide valuable perspectives on how tourism can be a driving force for positive change.
Robert Irwin, carrying the legacy of his legendary father, Steve Irwin, will bring his passion for wildlife conservation to the stage. Irwin will share his experiences from the wild, emphasizing the crucial role the travel and tourism industry can play in protecting our planet’s biodiversity. His keynote address is sure to inspire attendees to consider the environmental impact of their travels and how the industry can actively contribute to global conservation efforts.
Beyond these headline speakers, the WTTC Global Summit will feature a robust lineup of industry experts and business leaders from across the world. Audrey Hendley, President of American Express Travel, Matt Goldberg, President & Group CEO of Tripadvisor, and Jane Sun, Group CEO of Trip.com, are just a few of the many notable figures who will discuss the latest trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the future of travel. These leaders will delve into topics like sustainable travel solutions, digital transformation, and the evolving role of technology in the tourism industry. Their insights are expected to help shape a post-pandemic travel landscape that prioritizes sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity.
The summit will also welcome official government delegations from over 25 countries, including several G20 economies. High-ranking officials from nations such as Argentina, Australia, China, Mexico, South Africa, and the United States, along with Nigeria, Peru, Philippines, Thailand, and the UAE, will be in attendance. The presence of these government representatives underlines the importance of tourism to national economies and the sector’s potential to drive growth, create jobs, and foster sustainable development worldwide.
This year’s summit also introduces an innovative platform called the Investors’ Nest, designed to empower the next generation of tourism leaders. University students from around the world will have the opportunity to pitch their sustainable tourism ideas to a panel of Travel & Tourism investors in a “Shark Tank”-style competition. This initiative aims to inspire and encourage the development of fresh, sustainable ideas for the future of the industry.
The winning student pitch will be announced during the final session of the summit, providing recognition and potential funding opportunities for their innovative proposals. The Investors’ Nest highlights WTTC’s commitment to nurturing future talent and advancing sustainable practices in the industry.
WTTC President & CEO Julia Simpson expressed her excitement about the 24th Global Summit, stating that it will be a critical event for the future of the travel and tourism sector. Simpson’s vision for the event centers on fostering collaboration, innovation, and resilience across the industry, especially as the travel sector continues to recover from the pandemic and faces new challenges such as climate change and shifting consumer preferences.
The 24th WTTC Global Summit promises to be a pivotal event for the future of sustainable travel and tourism, with a focus on innovation, conservation, and global cooperation. The inclusion of high-profile speakers like John Kerry and Robert Irwin, along with business leaders from across the industry, ensures that attendees will gain valuable insights into the trends and strategies that will define the future of travel. As the world looks to recover from the global pandemic, this summit will play a key role in shaping a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future for the Travel & Tourism sector.
