WTTC Launches Global Summit Programme

“The success stories in travel and tourism belong to those with vision who demonstrate that strategies based on solid long-term plans can override transient storms. As one of our founding Members, Bill Marriott, would say 'Drive Change - rather than being driven by it'," said Jean-Claude Baumgarten, president, World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). The organisation recently launched the programme of the 4th Global Travel & Tourism Summit that is scheduled to take place in Doha, Qatar from May 1-3, this year. This forum will discuss priorities for change and how best to make them happen. On stage as panellists and as experts 'in the hot seat' will be numerous top travel and tourism executives, government ministers and high-profile commentators including:

• Akbar Al Baker, CEO, Qatar Airways and Chairman Qatar Tourism Authority
• Giovanni Bisignani, director general and CEO IATA
• Philippe Bourguignon, co-chief executive officer, World Economic Forum,
• Billy Campbell, president, Discovery Networks US
• Dr Michael Frenzel, chairman, TUI A.G.
• Stelios Haji-Ioannou, founder and chairman, EasyGroup
• David Scowsill, chief executive officer, Opodo
• Vincent A Wolfington, chairman & CEO, Carey International and new chairman, WTTC

The Summit will explore the central theme of 'Driving Change' from a variety of different perspectives. A panel of industry CEOs will discuss how they intend to define their new strategies for the changing environment in the travel and tourism industry. Ministers of tourism from around the world will bring public sector insight into the implementation of strategies to promote the successful growth of travel and tourism industry while ensuring preservation of the social, cultural and natural environment. Technology and investment in the industry will also be subjects under discussion, as well as the rapidly emerging markets for growth. The summit will explore the sector's impact on other industries and how the industry is affected by trends in economic, political and social developments worldwide. The media plays a significant role in shaping public opinion and beliefs and the effect of its reporting of events on the sector will also be up for debate.