Historic WTTC Recovery and Leadership Cruise Ends in Egypt | News
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has successfully completed its first-ever Recovery & Leadership Cruise event aboard Crystal Serenity by Crystal Cruises, making history with a historic gathering of global travel and tourism leaders during the transit of the Suez Canal, one of the world’s most strategically important trade corridors. Former presidents, ministers, CEOs, investors and international policymakers gathered at a defining moment for the sector.
The three-day program, organized by the Egyptian government and sponsored by the Antonio Lefebvre Foundation, Coral Travel Group, Crystal Cruises and Abercrombie & Kent, brought together some of the most influential figures in global travel and tourism, including WTTC Chairman Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, WTTC President and CEO Gloria Guevara, Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy, former President of Mexico Felipe Calderón, former President of Argentina’s Mauricio Macri and Italy’s former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi.
Government representatives in attendance included US Special Presidential Envoy for Tourism Nick Adams; Harris Whitbeck, Guatemala’s Minister of Tourism, as well as private sector leaders including Audrey Hendley, president of American Express Travel; Jennifer Wilson-Buttigieg, chief policy officer at Chase Travel; Jerry Inzerillo, group CEO of Diriyah Company; Frank Marini, president and CEO of Railbookers; Enrique Ybarra, Founder and CEO of City Sightseeing Worldwide; Richard Attias, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the FII Institute, and renowned Egyptologist Dr. Zahi Hawass.
Against the backdrop of the ongoing recovery in the Middle East and renewed global confidence in the region, the WTTC Leadership Cruise served as the first major global platform committed to accelerating the recovery of the travel and tourism sector through stronger public-private partnerships.
At a time of heightened geopolitical tension, the event sent a powerful message: that the Middle East remains open, resilient and central to the future of global travel and tourism.
From strategic discussions on restoring connectivity, seamless cross-border travel, labor and talent shortages, and destination management, to high-level conversations on leadership during crises and the future of high-quality tourism, the program focused on the critical actions needed to move from recovery to long-term sustainable growth.
The event also placed Egypt firmly at the center of this global conversation, spotlighting the country’s continued rise as a leading destination and its long-term tourism strategy. Sessions with Ahmad Youssef, CEO of the Egyptian Tourist Authority, and renowned Egyptologist Dr. Zahi Hawass, reinforced Egypt’s unique position where culture, heritage and tourism strategy come together to drive sustainable growth.
The passage through the Suez Canal served as a powerful symbol of global connectedness and resilience, reflecting the industry’s shared commitment to rebuilding trust, restoring traveler confidence and strengthening international cooperation.
Gloria Guevara, President & CEO of WTTC, said: “This event was created to bring together world leaders at a crucial time for travel and tourism. As we have said from the beginning, rebuilding trust requires strong coordination between governments and the private sector. Over these three days, leaders from around the world came together not only to discuss the recovery, but also to define the actions needed to achieve this recovery.
This historic first Leadership Cruise marks an important milestone for WTTC and for the Middle East, reinforcing the region’s role as a driver of global growth, resilience and opportunity in travel and tourism.”
Manfredi Lefebvre, Chairman of WTTC, said: “This first-ever WTTC Leadership Cruise represents much more than a historic meeting; it reflects our industry’s determination to move forward with confidence and clarity.
Bringing world leaders together in Egypt, aboard Crystal Serenity and through the Suez Canal, sends a strong message that travel and tourism remains one of the most resilient sectors in the world. Recovery requires leadership, partnership and a long-term vision, and this event demonstrated just that.”
Ahmed Youssef, CEO of the Egyptian Tourism Authority, added: “It was an honor to participate in the WTTC Leadership Cruise and share Egypt’s vision for the future of tourism. Egypt combines its extraordinary heritage with innovation, investment and sustainable development to create diverse, world-class travel experiences. Through strong public-private partnerships and a commitment to seamless connectivity and cultural preservation, we are positioning Egypt as the unparalleled diversity-leading global destination for the next generation of travelers. WTTC continues to play an important role in shaping a more resilient and more connected future for global tourism.”
Throughout the programme, discussions consistently returned to the same message first outlined at launch: recovery must be built on resilience, rebuilding trust and rebuilding confidence.
The WTTC Leadership Cruise has now created a new platform for that mission, proving that leadership and collaboration in times of uncertainty remain the most powerful drivers of progress.
As the industry looks ahead to the next decade of transformation, the event leaves behind not only a successful first edition, but also a renewed sense of confidence that Travel and Tourism can continue to lead the economic recovery, create jobs and strengthen global stability.
The very first WTTC Leadership Cruise has ended and has made history.
For more information, visit wttc.org
