WTTC announces main speakers for 23rd Global Summit in Rwanda

Kigali will host world's top travel and tourism voices

The World Travel & Tourism Council gears up for its 23rd Global Summit in Kigali on 1-3 November.

The Summit's theme underscores the sector's significance beyond revenue: its impact on the planet and global communities. 

Business leaders from across the globe will collaborate on future-proofing the sector, ensuring resilience, inclusivity and sustainability.

The event will see three heads of state speak as well as a vice president.

Other keynote speakers will include Justin Urquhart-Stewart, global economist and renowned business commentator, David P. Pekoske, Administrator of the United States Transport Security Administration and Juliet Slot, chief commercial officer of Arsenal Football Club.

Francis Gatare, CEO of the Rwanda Development Board, Yvonne Makolo, CEO of Rwandair and chair of the board of governors of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the first woman to take on this role, are also expected to present.

WTTC speakers will include Gloria Fluxa, vice chairman and chief sustainability officer of Iberostar, Julie Shainock, global managing director for travel, transport logistics and hospitality of Microsoftand Matthew Upchurch, president & CEO of Virtuoso.

Julia Simpson, president and CEO of WTTC, said: “We are delighted to announce that such heavyweight and influential figures will be joining us in Kigali next week. 

“This is our first Summit on the African continent. Rwanda's dedication to the Travel & Tourism sector's resurgence after challenging times is commendable. The nation's rapid growth trajectory positions it as an upcoming tourism hotspot.”

Under the theme “Building Bridges to a Sustainable Future” the event will focus on the value of the sector, not only to the global economy, but to the planet and communities around the world.

Government dignitaries, including South Africa's tourism minister, Hon. Patricia de Lille, Tanzania's minister of natural resources and tourism, Hon. Angellah Jasmine Mbelwa Kairuki and Ukraine's tourism development chairperson, Hon. Mariana Oleskiv, will also attend.