Perth welcomes tourism experts to the opening of The World Travel & Tourism Council summit

Perth welcomes tourism experts to the opening of The World Travel & Tourism Council summit

Perth has welcomed hundreds of tourism experts, investors, operators and specials guests to the opening reception and media conference of The World Travel & Tourism Council summit at Crown today.

Among the speakers are the 68th United States Secretary of State John Kerry who will headline the world’s biggest travel and tourism conference and conservationist and TV personality who is Robert Irwin set to take to the stage.

WTTC president and CEO, Julia Simpson and WTTC chair Greg O’Hara, the Hon. Roger Cook MLA, Premier Western Australia, will offically open the Global Summit tomorrow, 9 October.

WA Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism Rita Saffioti welcomed the more than 800 delegates to the conference.

“We are looking forward to showing you the highlights of Perth – Australia’s sunniest capital city – and beyond,” she said.

“With many of the global travel and tourism industry’s most senior leaders attending the Global Summit, we are pleased to leverage this event to show the world that Western Australia is both an emerging global leader in travel, tourism and trade, and a world-class holiday and business events destination.

“Tourism is a key economic driver for Western Australia with the latest figures showing record-breaking visitor spend in our State of $18.3 billion (year ending June 2024).

“The 2024 Global Summit’s theme of ‘Ancient Land: New Perspectives’ is a perfect fit for Western Australia’s cultural heritage and incredible natural offerings. Dreamlike experiences and epic landscapes await visitors in every region of our grand and diverse State – which boasts more than 12,500km of coastline, bubble gum pink lakes, horizontal waterfalls, tall-timber forests, the world’s oldest and largest outdoor art galleries, wildflowers, wineries, whale sharks and quokkas – the happiest animal in the world.

“As a State, we continue to prioritise sustainable tourism, which is why we are so proud of our new Electric Vehicle Highway, spanning 6,600km across our remarkable Western Australia.

“Events are also a crucial part of our strategy, and one of the annual event highlights which will be taking place in Perth during the summit. ‘EverNow: A Festival During Kambarang’ is a uniquely Western Australian, multi-sensory festival which draws inspiration from the State’s rich biodiversity, creativity and our First Nation’s people’s enduring connection to the land – and Iam pleased it is set to be part of your summit experience.

“We are proud to be the first Australian host city of this high-profile business event, which showcases our State’s incredible tourism offerings, while also celebrating our State as Australia’s Western Gateway and driving interest in our tourism investment opportunities.”

Boorna Waanginy: The Trees Speak at EverNow: A Festival During Kambarang’ in Kings Park last night.

Simpson will invite Secretary Kerry to share insights in navigating the international political landscape, forging strong alliances, and facilitating international cooperation for a more resilient and sustainable future.

Meanwhile, Robert Irwin will share stories from his adventures in the wild, and how travel and tourism can play a vital role in creating a future where nature is enjoyed while being protected and celebrated.

Under the theme “Ancient Land: New Perspectives,” this year’s Global Summit will spotlight Australia’s rich cultural heritage and natural wonders, emphasising its innovation and sustainable growth.

Industry trailblazers from across the globe will come together in the West Australian capital to continue efforts for a safer, more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future in travel and tourism.

Other notable speakers include Di Bain, Chair, Tourism Western Australia; Audrey Hendley, President, American Express Travel; Matt Goldberg, President & Group CEO, Tripadvisor; Jane Sun, Group CEO, Trip.com; Frank Marini, President & CEO, Railbookers Group; Jason Waters, CEO, Perth Airport; Kelly Craighead, President & CEO, CLIA; Francis Gatare, CEO, Rwanda Development Board; Christie Travers-Smith, Head of Retail and Travel EMEA Partnerships, Google, and many other business leaders from around the world.

“We are delighted to have such influential speakers confirmed for our Global Summit in the beautiful city of Perth,” Simpson said. “This is our first ever major event in the Oceania region, and it will bring together many of the world’s most powerful leaders in our sector to discuss and secure its long-term future, which is critical to economies and jobs around the world.”

Official government delegations from around the world and representing more than 25 countries will be in attendance, with delegations from several G20 economies, including Argentina, Australia, China, Mexico, South Africa, and the U.S.

Delegations from other major economies include Nigeria, Peru, Philippines, Thailand, and the UAE, will also be participating, with the Deputy Prime Ministers of the Bahamas and Fiji also in attendance.

A new addition to WTTC’s Global Summit, the Investors’ Nest will see university students from around the world pitch their ideas for sustainable tourism to Travel & Tourism investors in a Shark Tank-style format. The winner will be announced during at the end of the Global Summit.

The World Travel & Tourism Council recognises the Whadjuk people of the Noongar Nation, where the Global Summit is being held, and joins Tourism Western Australia in recognising Aboriginal peoples as the traditional custodians of Western Australia. “We extend our deepest respects to the Elders, both past and present, and express our admiration for the rich diversity and enduring cultures of Aboriginal communities across Australia and embrace their vital role and ongoing contributions.”

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