The World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) 22nd Global Summit opened yesterday (November 28) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in what is set to be the largest event in its history with an estimated 3,000 people taking part.

Addressing media from around the world, Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, announced that the event taking place this week is set to break all records, with more international business leaders and foreign government delegations attending than ever before.

Simpson also revealed over the next five years, WTTC Members are set to invest more than $10.5 billion dollars in the Kingdom.

Speakers taking to the stage include former UK Prime Minister Theresa May, the UK’s second woman Prime Minister after Margaret Thatcher, and the first to hold two of the Great Offices of State.

Former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon will also address delegates. During his tenure, he championed sustainable development and gender equality at the top of the UN agenda. He was also instrumental in securing the Paris Climate Agreement, rallying global leaders behind climate action - an historic achievement for global diplomacy.

Actor, filmmaker, and Golden Globe winner, Edward Norton, will also speak during the Global Summit. An advocate for renewable energy and a strong supporter of the African Wildlife Foundation, Norton will take part in a unique Q&A session.

Simpson said: “Our Global Summit will be our biggest ever in terms of business leaders, international media and governments from around the world. Our event is bringing together many of the world’s most powerful Travel & Tourism business leaders to discuss and secure its long-term future, which is critical to economies, jobs, and livelihoods around the world.”

Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism for Saudi Arabia, said: “The Kingdom is proud to welcome the 22nd WTTC Global Summit to Riyadh. With more government ministers and world leading CEOs than ever before, it will be a true display of the future we want to create. A future founded in public and private sector partnership, with sustainability and innovation at its core.”

Under the theme “Travel for a Better Future” the event will focus on the value of the sector, not only to the global economy, but to the planet and communities around the world.

WTTC has extended its thanks to its sponsors: Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia, GLOBAL+rescue, Puerto Rico Tourism Company, Diriyah, Saudi Tourism Authority, Tourism Development Fund, Al Kohzama, Aseer Development Authority, Jeddah Central Development Company, Marriott International, NEOM, Red Sea Global, Saudia, Air Connectivity Program, AlUla, Bateel, Sharqia Development Authority, The Bicester Collection, Umm Al-Qura University, Al Khorayef Events, Boutique Group, Future Look ITC, Joudyan, Radisson Hotel Group, SEERA, Soudah Development, Al Faisaliah Hotel, bondai, Emirates, Hilton Riyadh Hotel & Residences, Jareed Riyadh and Le Guepard. – TradeArabia News Service