GEOFFREY KENT, chairman of the World Travel & Tourism Council and founder, CEO and chairman of Abercrombie & Kent, speaks to CHERYL MANDY before the global summit in Brazil
HOW optimistic are you regarding the forthcoming summit in Brazil?
For the last 20 years, WTTC has been promoting the fact that the travel and tourism Industry is one of the biggest economic drivers in the world, representing more than 10 per cent of the world GDP and employing close to 230 million people directly or indirectly all over the world.
In order to raise the awareness among governments, WTTC has developed an economic model which shows the economic impact of the travel and tourism industry in 181 countries. Following the tragedy of September 11, WTTC members and other leading global and industry figures have met for an annual global travel and tourism summit.
The theme of each summit varies according to the country it is held in and is often relative to the economic situation. The summits held in Doha, New Delhi, Washington, Lisbon and Dubai had their own distinct priorities. This year’s summit takes place at a time where our industry is having to cope with an unprecedented international situation, it also takes place in a country which represents one of the emerging travel and tourism economies.
What do you hope to achieve at this year’s summit?
Brazil was chosen as a venue for its highly symbolic value in terms of future growth. As I have mentioned, each summit has its own unique dynamic – this year’s summit will demonstrate how important it is for governments and the private sector to form lasting partnerships to ensure the future of our industry.
President Lula fully understands the importance of this summit and has given it his full endorsement; he will also be present at the summit.
For the last 10 years WTTC has been a leading advocate for the importance of public private partnerships and has pressed to make this a reality. This year in Brazil all delegates will have the opportunity to debate how to achieve this goal.
Last year’s event in Dubai attracted more than 1,300 heads of government, industry leaders and media – surpassing all previous attendance records.
What numbers are you expecting this year?
The Summit in Dubai was exceptional because of the venues available and because of the attraction of such a unique destination. Brazil does not at present have this level of development; however it is essential that WTTC is present in Latin America at this stage of its development as a one of the key economies for the future. This year we anticipate that there will be close to 600 delegates.
Which countries are most highly represented?
The presence of Latin America will be, of course, significant but mature markets and emerging ones like China, India and, of course, Dubai and Abu Dhabi will be well represented.
What will be the major thrust of the summit bearing in mind the theme “Real Partnerships – Energizing Economies” and the global downturn?
In a time where we all try to find a way out of this crisis, travel and tourism has a role to play in these times of change and both public and private sector, will define a new way to cooperate.
Will there be more speakers than those on the website?
The list of speakers on our website is growing day by day, however it is a matter of WTTC policy to list only those who have confirmed their attendance. Once their attendance has been confirmed, the website will be updated.
What are the highlights of the summit in your opinion?
At the end, we want our participants to come back with a regained confidence in the future of our industry and a will to start to create a new environment for change and progress.
The WTTC’s 9th annual Global Travel & Tourism Summit takes place in Florianópolis in the Brazilian state of Santa Catarina on May 15 and 16.