LONDON—In line with most expert predictions, World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) research suggests that global travel and tourism will continue to grow at a steady annual rate of 4.2 per cent over the next 10 years.
“Against such an optimistic background, the travel and tourism sector faces new and immediate challenges,” said Jean-Claude Baumgarten, WTTC president, at the official opening of a major trade fair in Portugal. “It is time to ask ourselves whether the industry is ready to manage this growth. Are the conditions in place for this growth to generate wide prosperity, or will opportunities be squandered and tensions mount because barriers are allowed to persist? Also, is growth to be pursued purely for profit, or is the travel and tourism sector capable of acting as responsible world citizens, balancing business needs with cultural, social and environmental factors?”
Under the theme, “Breaking Barriers, Managing Growth,” these issues will be addressed directly at the Global Travel & Tourism Summit, which will take place in Lisbon, Portugal from May 10 to 12, 2007.
“The travel and tourism industry recognizes the role that it must play to manage this growth responsibly and invest now for a sustainable future,” the Portuguese Secretary of State of Tourism, Bernardo Trindade, said at the launch. “The Portuguese government is committed to help the Council and its members to voice this message to the global community.”
The world’s most influential business and political leaders will convene to foment a strong collaboration between the public and private sector and to ensure that the travel and tourism industry as a whole works together to combat climate change and environmental issues that are looming over the future of such a dynamic and prosperous industry.
Confirmed speakers at the WTTC Summit include: The Honorable Aníbal Cavaco Silva, President of Portugal; The Honorable José Socrates, Prime Minister of Portugal; The Honorable Manuel Pinho, Minister of Economy & Innovation, Portugal; The Honorable Bernardo Trindade, Secretary of State for Tourism, Portugal; Geoffrey Kent, Chairman, World Travel & Tourism Council; and Jean-Claude Baumgarten, President, World Travel & Tourism Council.
Many world renowned travel industry dignitaries also will speak at the May event.
Go to WTTC.
