WTTC convenes travel and tourism leaders at global event in Egypt to accelerate sector recovery | News
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) will bring together a select group of global travel and tourism leaders in Egypt in early May for a leadership event on board Crystal Serenity, taking place during the transit of the Suez Canal, one of the world’s most critical trade and connectivity corridors.
The three-day program, organized by the Egyptian Government and sponsored by the Antonio Lefebvre Foundation, Coral Group and Abercrombie & Kent, brings together ministers, CEOs and global industry leaders at a crucial time for the sector, with a clear priority: accelerating the recovery through coordinated leadership between governments and industry leaders.
Participants include senior figures from across the global travel and tourism sector, including ministers and policymakers from key markets including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Latin America and across Europe.
At a time of increased geopolitical tension in the Middle East, the WTTC meeting sends a clear signal of confidence in the region and strengthens the sector’s role as an engine of stability and economic growth. The discussions will directly address the impact of current challenges, with a special strategic roundtable on policies to accelerate recovery in the Middle East, reflecting the urgency for coordinated action across both the public and private sectors.
Over the course of the programme, heads of state and industry leaders will participate in high-level discussions on geopolitics and global travel, labor and talent shortages, seamless cross-border travel, high-quality tourism and destination management – all crucial to unlocking the next phase of sector growth.
The program also spotlights Egypt’s continued growth as a global destination, with a special session outlining the country’s long-term tourism strategy and investment priorities, cementing the country’s position at the forefront of the sector’s recovery.
Manfredi Lefebvre, Chairman of WTTC, said: “Egypt remains one of the world’s most attractive destinations and a perfect destination to host this WTTC Leadership Cruise. As industry leaders, it is our duty to move forward with confidence and clarity and continue to champion the sector’s unique appeal. Hosting this event on board the Crystal Serenity reflects our unwavering belief in the resilience of travel and tourism and underlines the critical importance of sustainable partnership and investment in shaping the future of our sector.”
Gloria Guevara, president and CEO of WTTC, said: “While geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are impacting travel flows globally, our research shows that travel and tourism is one of the most resilient sectors, which can recover quickly if there is strong coordination between governments and the private sector.
This event represents the first major global platform dedicated to recovery, bringing together governments and industry leaders to accelerate progress and unlock opportunities worldwide.
The focus now is on accelerating the recovery and ensuring sustainable growth in the long term. This will require continued collaboration, investment and clear leadership to support destinations and unlock the full potential of travel and tourism in the years to come.”
Against the backdrop of the Suez Canal transit, this initiative represents more than a high-level meeting. It reflects a collective commitment from the entire global travel and tourism sector to move forward with confidence, strengthen international cooperation and shape a more resilient and sustainable future for the sector through unified global action.
