In a historic announcement during the closing session of the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) Global Summit in Kigali, Western Australia was revealed as the host for the 2024 summit, marking the first time the event will venture into Oceania.
Scheduled for late 2024, the 24th Global Summit will take place in Perth, in collaboration with Tourism Western Australia. The announcement concluded the first-ever Global Summit held in Africa, with over 1,200 delegates in attendance in Kigali, Rwanda.
The influential event featured prominent speakers such as global economist Justin Urquhart-Stewart, David P. Pekoske of the United States Transport Security Administration, and Juliet Slot, Chief Commercial Officer of Arsenal Football Club. With participation from more than 45 countries, the summit solidified its status as the most influential Travel & Tourism event on the calendar.
Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, acknowledged the success of the Kigali summit, stating, “The success of this year’s Global Summit in Kigali is testament to the power of Africa’s Travel & Tourism sector. Through Rwanda, the continent has well and truly put itself on the map.”
Looking ahead to 2024, Simpson expressed excitement about heading ‘Down Under,’ stating, “Western Australia and the beautiful city of Perth have always been popular destinations, and we’re sure attendees will enjoy a real taste of quintessential Australian hospitality.”
Tourism WA Managing Director Carolyn Turnbull emphasized the significance of hosting the 24th WTTC Global Summit, noting its potential to showcase growth ambitions and investment opportunities to WTTC’s influential members. This includes CEOs of key travel businesses such as airlines, global hotel operators, investors, and cruise lines.
Turnbull stated, “The effect of hosting this event goes far beyond the immediate economic impact generated from delegate spend; this event will open avenues for conversation around inbound trade and product investments, new inbound aviation routes, and the development of high-value tourism product business opportunities.”
During the Kigali summit, WTTC launched its Africa report, addressing challenges and opportunities in the region’s Travel & Tourism sector. The ground-breaking Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging report, tracking DEIB in the sector, was also introduced, highlighting effective practices and future recommendations.
Thami Nkadimeng, the moderator of the Global Summit, was recognized as one of the 2023 Top 100 Most Influential People of African Descent under 40, aligning with the United Nations General Assembly resolution 68/237.
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