Kigali, Rwanda: The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) Communications has announced an impressive lineup of speakers for the 23rd World World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit, and the star attraction is none other than Ivorian football legend, Didier Drogba.
Drogba, widely recognized as one of Africa’s greatest football players and the all-time top scorer and former captain of the Ivory Coast national team, will be sharing his journey growing up in West Africa and his ongoing efforts in social progress.
Even after retiring from professional football, Drogba continues to inspire and make a positive impact on the world.
The 23rd Global Summit is set to take place in Kigali, Rwanda, from November 1st to 3rd. This gathering is not just about football, but it brings together the world’s top voices in travel and tourism.
The event will host three Heads of State and a Vice-President, along with other notable keynote speakers. Among them are Justin Urquhart-Stewart, a renowned global economist and business commentator; David P. Pekoske, Administrator of the United States Transport Security Administration; and Juliet Slot, Chief Commercial Officer at Arsenal Football Club.
Additionally, the lineup includes leaders like Francis Gatare, 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), making her the first woman to hold this role.
The summit’s theme goes beyond revenue, focusing on the sector’s impact on the planet and global communities. Business leaders from around the world will collaborate to ensure the resilience, inclusivity, and sustainability of the travel and tourism industry.
The WTTC speakers 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, saying, “We are delighted to announce that such heavyweight and influential figures will be joining us in Kigali next week.”
She continued, “This is our first Summit on the African continent, and Rwanda’s dedication to the Travel and tourism sector’s resurgence after challenging times is commendable. The nation’s rapid growth trajectory positions it as an upcoming tourism hotspot.”
Under the theme “Building Bridges to a Sustainable Future,” the event aims to highlight the value of the travel and tourism sector, not only to the global economy but to the planet and communities worldwide.
The Global Summit will see industry leaders and government officials from across the globe convene in Rwanda’s capital to work on supporting the sector’s recovery and addressing future challenges to ensure a safer, more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable Travel and tourism sector.
Government dignitaries, including South Africa’s Tourism Minister, Hon. Patricia de Lille; Tanzania’s Minister of Natural Resources & Tourism, Hon. Angellah Jasmine Mbelwa Kairuki; and Ukraine’s Tourism Development Chairperson, Hon. Mariana Oleskiv, will also be present at this prestigious occasion.
Click here for more details on the summit.