The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has announced that “Building Bridges to a Sustainable Future” will be will be the key theme for its 23rd Global Summit that will take place November 1-3 in Kigali, Rwanda.
According to the WTTC, this year’s summit is taking place in Africa for the first time, recognising the “phenomenal growth” the Travel & Tourism sector across the continent has witnessed in recent years.
“Rwanda is the perfect venue for our Global Summit, as the sector embarks on a significant new chapter,” WTTC President & CEO Julia Simpson said.
Africa has the world’s youngest population and by 2033 $1 in every $13 created in Africa will come from Travel & Tourism and 1 in 17 jobs will be in the sector, data by the WTTC has revealed.
“This demonstrates the huge potential the continent’s sector has for new jobs and new economic growth for young people across Africa,” Simpson added.
Photo source: City of Kigali
Co-hosted by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), the annual event is the most influential on the Travel and Tourism calendar that brings together thousands of industry leaders and experts and key government representatives to continue aligning efforts to support the sector’s growth and move beyond to a safer, more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future.
“Africa has some of the most spectacular tourism properties and experiences in the world, and the sector plays a significant role in the continent’s continued economic development by creating millions of jobs,” Rwanda Development Board CEO Francis Gatare said.
Agenda
The 2023 Global Summit will include sessions on resilience and sustainable growth, the growing impact of AI and understanding new and emerging markets.
The WTTC highlights that the summit will cover the key challenges and opportunities facing the Travel & Tourism sector.
According to Simpson, the WTTC’s Global Summit is a “rallying cry” for leaders, innovators, and change-makers from all corners of the globe to come together and craft a new vision for the sector.
“It’s an unparalleled opportunity to be at the forefront of shaping a sector that is not only resilient but is also committed to the principles of sustainability and inclusivity,” she said.
On his part, Gatare said that this year’s WTTC Global Summit will provide a “great platform” to build bridges across the tourism and travel ecosystem and co-design a sustainable future for the sector to achieve its full potential.
Press here for the program of the WTTC 2023 Global Summit.
