Over 1,100 industry leaders converge in Dubai for Global Travel and Tourism Summit

    Dumped value of 'ID':
'154052';

Dumped value of 'images_loop':
[
    {
        'caption' => 'The two-day summit opened this morning in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, under whose patronage the event is being hosted at the Madinat Jumeirah. Also in attendance were HH Sheikh Maktoum Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Chairman of Dubai Media Incorporated; HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Foundation for Events Management and Organisation; and HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President Civil Aviation Department and Chairman of Emirates Group as well as other dignitaries. ',
        'col' => 'picture',
        'name' => 'wtt.jpg',
        'url' => '/1/56081-wtt.jpg'
    }
];

The two-day summit opened this morning in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, under whose patronage the event is being hosted at the Madinat Jumeirah. Also in attendance were HH Sheikh Maktoum Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Chairman of Dubai Media Incorporated; HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Foundation for Events Management and Organisation; and HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President Civil Aviation Department and Chairman of Emirates Group as well as other dignitaries.

Keenly followed by industry observers worldwide for its insightful outcomes, the convention has been facilitated by a unique public and private sector partnership comprising Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), Emirates Group, Jumeirah Group and Nakheel.

Declaring the event open, Geoffrey JW Kent, Chairman, World Travel & Tourism Council and CEO, Abercrombie & Kent, spoke about the changing demographics of WTTC membership, saying: 'In the early days, WTTC members were predominantly North American and Anglo-Saxon. Over the years, as Travel and Tourism growth swept across Europe, so did our membership to include an expanding number of European members.

'We are very proud that more than 10% of our membership today comes from the Middle East - marking the significant growth of Travel and Tourism in this region, and its growing share in the global market. Working together, our members are focused on a unified aim - to raise awareness of the strategic importance of Travel and Tourism.'

Emphasizing the importance of the tourism and travel sector, Kent highlighted the industry currently accounts for around 10% of the global GDP and eight per cent of the total employment worldwide - one in every 12 jobs in the world today is generated by travel and tourism activity, representing 11 per cent of total world exports and more than nine per cent of capital investment across the globe.

In his special welcome address, Khaled bin Sulayem, Director General of DTCM, said: 'Dubai's phenomenal success has vindicated travel and tourism as a vital sector for ensuring continuous growth, employment opportunities and trade expansion, while impacting positive change.

'Last year, Dubai received seven million hotel guests. Dubai hotel establishments registered 84 per cent occupancy, which is the highest in the world. Over 120 airlines serve Dubai International Airport, flying to more than 200 destinations. Nearly 34 million passengers used the airport in 2007, accounting for 27 per cent of the total air traffic in the Middle East and Africa.'

He added:

'The industry serves to inter-link the world and foster a greater understanding among us as global citizens. We are all aware that this potential places Travel and Tourism in a powerful position to influence opinion makers around the world. It is our privilege to welcome some of the industry bests to Dubai for the global summit that is set to redefine the profile of travel and tourism.'

Jean-Claude Baumgarten, President of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), expressed his appreciation to the Dubai government and the Summit Patrons for their support in realising the eighth edition of the event in Dubai.

He said: 'While the industry's growth is positive, there is an urgent need for meticulous planning, sustained investment and responsible development to ensure the sector's manifold potential is not undermined or curtailed. The spotlight now turns to you as participants and guests to use the springboard that this meetings offers, for debate, for exchange and for building new relations on how far we as an industry have come until today and on how we should develop tomorrow.'

Under the theme of World Citizens, the Summit's format of The Round will facilitate an open exchange of ideas, aimed at informing and inspiring individuals, businesses and governments along a path that will guide them to act as responsible global citizens in a rapidly evolving world, and more importantly, with renewed energy and commitment.

The chief deliverable of the Summit will be a maximal agreement on the priority areas for responsible Travel and Tourism for the industry, host communities, governments and for travellers - each playing a vital role as global citizens.

Key messages will be listed from one session to the next to ensure a clear, coherent and constructive line of discussion towards attaining the overall aim of how challenges can be met through shared partnerships, innovation and creativity. It will also chart areas where industry and governments can constructively influence planning, investment, education, development and the actual practice of travel and tourism.