WTTC announces keynote speakers for its 23rd World Summit in Rwanda

04-11-23

• From November 1-3, Kigali will host the world's leading voices in the travel and tourism sector

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), is moving forward with preparations for its 23rd Global Summit, where industry leaders and government officials from around the world will gather in the Rwandan capital to continue aligning efforts for the sector's recovery and address the challenges ahead to ensure a safer, more secure, resilient, inclusive and sustainable travel and tourism sector.

WTTC announced that three Heads of State and one Vice President will take the stage during the event, which will take place November 1-3 in Rwanda's capital.

Keynote speakers include Justin Urquhart-Stewart, global economist and renowned business commentator; David P. Pekoske of the U.S. Transportation Security Administration; and Juliet Slot, Commercial Director of Arsenal Football Club.

Also noteworthy is the participation of Francis Gatare, Executive Director of the Rwanda Development Board, and Yvonne Makolo, Executive Director of Rwandair and Chair of the Board of Governors of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the first woman to assume this position.

In addition, WTTC announced that the Summit stage will feature Ivorian soccer legend Didier Drogba as keynote speaker. Regarded as one of the greatest African soccer players in history, all-time leading scorer and former captain of the Ivory Coast national team, Drogba will share his experience growing up in West Africa and his continued fight for social progress, as after retiring from professional soccer, Drogba continues to inspire and change lives.

Julia Simpson, President and CEO of WTTC, said, "We are proud to announce that such important and influential figures will be joining us in Kigali. This is our first summit on the African continent. Rwanda's dedication to the resurgence of the travel and tourism sector after difficult times is truly commendable. The nation's rapid growth trajectory positions it as an upcoming tourism hotspot."

Under the theme "Building Bridges to a Sustainable Future," the event will focus on the value of the sector, not only to the global economy, but to the planet and communities.

The theme of the Summit underscores the importance of the sector beyond revenue: its impact on the planet and global communities.

WTTC speakers include Arnold Donald, Chairman of the WTTC Board of Trustees; Greg O'Hara, Founding Director and Partner of Certares; Gloria Fluxa, Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer of Iberostar; Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio, Chairman of Heritage Group and Co-Chairman of Abercrombie; Kent, Kent, Julie Shainock, Global Managing Director of Travel, Transportation Logistics and Hospitality at Microsoft; and Matthew Upchurch, President and CEO of Virtuoso.

Government dignitaries, including South Africa's Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille; Tanzania's Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism, Angellah Jasmine Mbelwa Kairuki; and Ukraine's President of Tourism Development, the Honorable Mariana Oleskiv, will also participate.