THE World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) upcoming 2014 global summit will examine the role of the industry as a force for good in the world.
Key speakers at the event, to be held this month in Hainan, China, will include former United Nations secretary general Kofi Annan, American businessman and film producer Jeffrey Katzenberg, Chinese basketball legend Yao Ming, economist Dame DeAnne Julius as well as dozens of industry leaders.David Scowsill, WTTC president and CEO, said: “We have another outstanding line-up of speakers at our summit in Hainan who will help us to answer some big questions: Can we rely on middle class growth in Asia to drive our industry forward globally? Are the industry’s perceptions of China still relevant in the face of China’s phenomenal economic and social developments? As travel and tourism increasingly has to compete with other industry sectors for natural and governmental resources, is the economic message the right one? What is the role of travel and tourism in the trade agenda? Or as a driver of peace, mutual understanding and security? There is a lot to talk about, and some outstanding speakers to help us address the biggest global issues affecting our industry.”The summit will take place on April 24 and 25, with an opening reception on April 23.Hainan lies is China’s southernmost province and has an emergent and thriving tourism industry.