The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has announced the theme and agenda for its 23rd Global Summit: “Building Bridges to a Sustainable Future”.
Scheduled from 1-3 November 2023, this year’s summit will be hosted in Kigali, Rwanda, marking its debut on the African continent, a nod to the region’s impressive growth in the Travel & Tourism sector.
Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “This Global Summit is a clarion call for global leaders, innovators, and pioneers to converge and envision a renewed future for the sector. It’s a golden chance to lead the transformation of a sector that embodies resilience, sustainability, and inclusivity.”
She further highlighted Rwanda’s significance as the chosen venue, emphasizing the continent’s youthful demographic and the projected economic contribution of Travel & Tourism in Africa by 2033.
The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) will co-host this influential annual event, which attracts thousands of industry stalwarts, experts, and government representatives. The summit aims to foster collaboration, ensuring the sector’s growth while emphasizing safety, resilience, inclusivity, and sustainability.
Francis Gatare, CEO of the Rwanda Development Board, expressed pride in hosting the inaugural WTTC Global Summit in Africa. He emphasized the continent’s rich tourism offerings and the sector’s pivotal role in Africa’s economic trajectory.
The summit’s agenda is comprehensive, addressing resilience, sustainable growth, the burgeoning influence of AI, and insights into emerging markets.
Recent Economic Impact Research from WTTC paints a promising picture for Africa’s Travel & Tourism sector. By 2033, the sector is predicted to inject over $300BN into Africa’s economy, with job opportunities soaring to over 36 million. Rwanda’s contribution is projected at more than $2.1BN, supporting nearly 568,000 jobs, underscoring its dedication to sustainable tourism and its diverse offerings.
Rwanda’s ambitious goals include doubling its tourism revenues from last year’s $445MN to over $800MN, positioning itself as a premier luxury ecotourism destination.
The 2023 WTTC Global Summit is poised to be the nexus of change, a platform where innovation meets opportunity, and the future trajectory of Travel & Tourism is charted anew.
