Influencers to tackle travel security, collaborative economy, oil price and exchange rate impacts and the balance between technology and human interaction.The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is excited to announce the programme for its 16th Annual Global Summit 2016, taking place in Dallas, Texas, 6-7 April 2016.
David Scowsill, President & CEO, said: “The influence of the recent geopolitical shifts, global sustainability accords, and technological developments, together with ever-demanding consumers, is transforming the way businesses work, transact and report. These are interesting times for this sector: challenges around safety triggered by terrorist attacks and migration have sparked many debates on border security; new technologies have continued to drive visa facilitation and retailing opportunities; exchange rate movements have put major pressures on key markets; oil price fluctuations have brought some benefits for consumers and some hardships for economies.”
The thought-provoking Summit Programme will address the theme Travel Beyond Boundaries, inviting renowned influencers on stage to discuss the issues that are impacting the unsteady global economic climate in general and this sector in particular.
Mr. Scowsill added: “I am extremely pleased that the US government is expressing its commitment to Travel & Tourism as the Summit welcomes Penny Pritzker US Secretary of Commerce, who will address the importance of public and private partnerships.”
Further WTTC Global Summit Programme highlights include:
•Jeremy Rifkin, Advisor to the European Union, President of the Foundation on Economic Trends, will share his views on how technology is changing business as he discusses Global Mega Trends.
•Jeffrey Sachs, American Economist and Director of the Earth Institute at Columbia University, will address Disease and Migration and the role of the Travel & Tourism sector in tackling these two major global issues.
•PW Singer, Security Specialist, will talk about Cyber and Data Security, and whether the current demand for enhanced security warrants giving up some of our personal freedom.
•Barry Diller, CEO & Chairman, IAC and Founder of Expedia, will be interviewed on his predictions for the future of Travel & Tourism, along with the latest trends shaping our sector.
The 2016 Global Summit will be fully livestreamed, so that anyone anywhere in the world is able to follow this year’s exceptional programme.
The World Travel & Tourism Council is the global authority on the economic and social contribution of Travel & Tourism. It promotes sustainable growth for the sector, working with governments and international institutions to create jobs, to drive exports and to generate prosperity. WTTC’s annual Global Summit brings together over 1,000 delegates to discuss the opportunities, challenges and issues facing the industry, while its Tourism for Tomorrow Awards recognise the industry’s power to be a positive force in sustainability.
The sector is a key driver for investment and economic growth globally. By the end of 2015, Travel & Tourism will contribute US$7.8 trillion or 9.8% of global GDP, once all direct, indirect and induced impacts are taken into account. The sector will account for 284 million jobs, 9.5% of total employment, or one in eleven of all jobs on the planet.
For 25 years, WTTC has been the voice of this industry globally. Members are the Chairs, Presidents and Chief Executives of the world’s leading, private sector Travel & Tourism businesses. These Members bring specialist knowledge to guide government policy and decision-making, raising awareness of the importance of the industry as an economic generator of prosperity.
