WTTC adopts sustainability theme for November's Global Summit

The event will take place in Africa for the first time next month

The 23rd WTTC Global Summit will take place in the Rwandan capital on Kigali from 1 to 3 November 2023.

The theme of the World Travel & Tourism Council’s annual summit is ‘Building Bridges to a Sustainable Future’.

Topics up for discussion will include resilience and sustainable growth, the growing impact of AI and understanding new and emerging markets.

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WTTC predicts that the travel and tourism sector will contribute more than US$300 billion to Africa’s economy by 2033 and jobs in the sector will grow to reach more than 36 million.

Organisation president and chief executive Julia Simpson said: “This 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.”

“Rwanda is the perfect venue for our global summit, as the sector embarks on a significant new chapter. Africa has the world’s youngest population and by 2033, US$1 in every US$13 created in Africa, will come from travel and tourism and one in 17 jobs will be in the sector. This demonstrates the huge potential the continent’s sector has for new jobs and new economic growth for young people across Africa.”

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Rwanda Development Board chief executive Francis Gatare added: “While this important gathering will take place in Rwanda, it is for the whole continent. 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.

“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.”