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Writes Nkeletsang Morapedi
Kigali, Rwanda: The 23rd Global Summit of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) is set to shine in Kigali this week, taking place from November 1 to 3. The event will feature the esteemed presence of Didier Drogba, the Ivorian footballing legend.
Recognized as one of the most distinguished African football players in history, Drogba, the former top scorer and captain of the Ivory Coast national team, will share his life experiences growing up in West Africa and his ongoing commitment to driving social progress. Beyond his celebrated football career, Drogba remains a powerful force for inspiration and transformation.
In an exciting lineup, the 23rd Global Summit will also host three Heads of State, along with a Vice-President, as they share their insights and perspectives. Notable keynote speakers include Justin Urquhart-Stewart, a globally renowned economist and business commentator, and David P. Pekoske, the Administrator of the United States Transport Security Administration. Additionally, Juliet Slot, Chief Commercial Officer at Arsenal Football Club, will add to the depth of expertise.
The distinguished roster of speakers extends to include Francis Gatare, the CEO of the Rwanda Development Board, and Yvonne Makolo, CEO of Rwandair and Chair of the Board of Governors of the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Yvonne Makolo is notably the first woman to hold this prestigious position.
The summit’s overarching theme underscores the multifaceted significance of the travel and tourism sector, focusing not only on economic aspects but also on its impact on the environment and global communities. Business leaders from around the world will come together to deliberate on strategies for ensuring the sector’s future resilience, inclusivity, and sustainability.
Prominent figures representing WTTC at the event include Arnold Donald, WTTC Chair; Greg O’Hara, Founder and Managing Partner of Certares; Gloria Fluxa, Vice Chairman and Chief Sustainability Officer of Iberostar; Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, Chairman of Heritage Group and co-chair of Abercrombie and Kent; Julie Shainock, Global Managing Director for Travel, Transport Logistics, and Hospitality at Microsoft; and Matthew Upchurch, President & CEO of Virtuoso.
Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, expressed her excitement, stating, “We are delighted to announce the participation of these influential figures in our Kigali summit. This marks our first summit on the African continent, and we applaud Rwanda’s unwavering commitment to the resurgence of the travel and tourism sector following challenging times. The nation’s rapid growth trajectory positions it as an emerging tourism hotspot.”
The event’s theme, “Building Bridges to a Sustainable Future,” emphasizes the sector’s value not only to the global economy but also to the planet and communities worldwide. During the Global Summit, industry leaders and international government officials from around the world will converge in Kigali to continue their collaborative efforts in supporting the sector’s recovery and addressing future challenges. Their goal is to ensure a safer, more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable Travel & Tourism sector.
Esteemed government dignitaries, including South Africa’s Tourism Minister, Hon. Patricia de Lille; Tanzania’s Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism, Hon. Angellah Jasmine Mbelwa Kairuki; and Ukraine’s Tourism Development Chairperson, Hon. Mariana Oleskiv, will also grace this significant occasion.