First speakers confirmed for WTTC global summit

The World Travel & Tourism Council global summit will welcome industry leaders to the Philippines

Bosses from Carnival Corporation, Marriott, Google, Intrepid Group, Clia and Radisson are among those confirmed for next month’s World Travel & Tourism Council global summit. They will be joined at the hybrid gathering, running from 20 to 22 April 2022 in the Philippines, by tourism ministers from around the world, including Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Thailand, Japan, the Maldives and Barbados.

More than 20 government representatives are due to attend to continue aligning efforts to support the sector’s recovery from the pandemic and move to a safer, more resilient, inclusive and sustainable future. South Korean politician Ban Ki-Moon, who served as the eighth secretary-general of the United Nations between 2007 and 2016, will address delegates virtually. 

The event will be addressed by Indonesian/Dutch activist Melati Wijsen, who founded Bye Bye Plastics, a global movement powered by young people to end the use of plastic bags, when she was 12-years-old.

Speaker Melati Wijsen was named one of the ‘world’s most influential teens’ by Time magazine in 2018

WTTC president and chief executive Julia Simpson said: “We are delighted to have such influential speakers already confirmed for our global summit in Manila. Melati is an inspiration to us all. A real changemaker, who from such a young age, has been instrumental in raising awareness of the damage caused by plastic and has inspired young people around the world to lead change.

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“After more than two years, the region is perfectly positioned to post the losses caused by the pandemic. WTTC’s global summit will act as a catalyst to drive forward the recovery of a sector that is critical for both the economy and jobs.”

Philippine tourism secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat added: “Preparations are underway to ensure the success of WTTC’s global summit in Manila, which serves as the light at the end of tunnel following a long period of darkness for global tourism. 

“It is heartening that these inspiring individuals have joined our efforts to bring the industry onward to full recovery.”

More speakers for the 21st annual summit will be announced over the coming weeks.