United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
WTTC confirms summit speakers and programme
Expedia chief executive Dara Khosrowshahi, Easyjet founder Stelios Haji-Ioannou and TUI chairman Dr Michael Frenzel will be among the speakers at the World Travel & Tourism Council summit in Washington in April.
They head a list of high-profile industry figures who will address delegates at the Global Travel & Tourism Summit between April 10-12.
Carlson chairman and chief executive Marilyn Carlson Nelson, British Airways head of UK sales and marketing Alan Burnett and Marriott International chairman and chief executive JW Marriott Jr will also be among the speakers.
The summit programme has also been revealed.
Day one, April 11, will open with a debate on the identity of travel and explore why the social and economic impact has not been fully recognised.
Delegates will then discuss how demographics are changing the industry before looking at aviation, and how it can deal with the social, security and environmental challenges. The day ends with a debate on innovation and technology at a resort, security and distribution level.
The second day begins with a breakfast session looking at the natural and health disasters that have impacted the industry and asking what contingency plans governments and the international community have in the event of further catastrophes.
It will then assess the future development of destinations and what lessons can be learned from the past.
The summit concludes with a “globally-renowned keynote speaker” who will offer a view from outside the travel and tourism industry.
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
Robert Terrell: A Journey Through BB King’s Influence
Rochelle Hicks: Celebrating Mississippi’s Musical Legacy
Exploring Jacksonville with Katie Mitura: The Flip Side of Florida
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Boy falls to death on cruise ship
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Woman dies after going overboard in English Channel