WTTC Global Summit concludes,next in Hainan,China

Abu Dhabi :  “The private and public sector must come together and focus on long term strategies, infrastructure and initiatives, not just short term goals, to ensure that our industry is ahead of the growth curve” says David Scowsill, the President & CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council.

 In his closing speech at the 13th WTTC Global Summit in Abu Dhabi, Mr Scowsill explained that, by 2050, there will be 3 billion people enjoying middle class wealth – meaning more middle class consumers, enjoying more travel, creating more jobs and generating more GDP. He said the growth opportunities ahead should be a wake-up call to the private and public sector to join together and plan sustainable, long term strategies: 

By 2023, WTTC forecasts that Travel & Tourism’s total economic contribution will account for 10% of global GDP, $10 .5 trillion US dollars and 1 in 10 jobs. Total travel & Tourism employment is forecast to add over 70 million jobs over the next decade, with two-thirds of those additional jobs in Asia. Asia will continue to lead growth of the industry, with annual average growth of over 6%.

The WTTC 13th Global Summit has seen Government Ministers and public and private sector executives from all around the world come together in Abu Dhabi over the last two days (9-10 April) to discuss the many issues and challenges facing the industry in the immediate and long term. In his closing speech,

The theme of this year’s Summit has been ‘A Time for Leadership’. Ending his speech, Mr Scowsill put out a rallying call to the one thousand delegates present: “The art of leadership is to create a vision, to embrace that vision and drive it to completion. As leaders in our industry, we must continue to work together to drive our vision and to elevate the cause of Freedom to Travel, to influence policies for growth and boldly plan for a Tourism for Tomorrow. The message is clear going forwards. Travel & Tourism has a vital role to play in shaping the future and the industry needs to be at the forefront of shaping that future”.

Four international organisations were recognised for their work in leading sustainable tourism initiatives in the glittering Tourism for Tomorrow Awards ceremony during the 13th annual World Travel & Tourism Council Global Summit.

The Destination Stewardship award was won by Peaks of the Balkans –Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro.

The second award of the night, the Conservation Award, was won by &Beyond, South Africa. 

The third category is the Community Benefit Award, and was won by Ten Knots Development Corporation/El Nido Resorts, the Philippines. 

The Global Tourism Business Award was won by Air New Zealand, New Zealand. 

The World Travel & Tourism Council’s Global Summit was held on the 9th and 10th April 2013, at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi. Keynote speakers included Mubarak Al Muhairi, Director General, Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority and former US President Bill Clinton. Next summit will be in Hainan,China.- WTTC