- Date
- 1–3 November 2023
- Venue
- Kigali Convention Centre
- Location
- Kigali, Rwanda
WTTC's annual Global Summit is the most influential event in the travel and tourism calendar, and in 2023 industry leaders gathered once again to discuss the sector's value not only to the global economy, but also to the planet and communities.
WTTC hosted its 23rd Global Summit in Kigali, Rwanda from 1st – 3rd November, 2023. More than 1,200 delegates attended the first-ever Global Summit in Africa.
Africa has some of the most spectacular tourism properties and experiences in the world, and the Travel & Tourism sector plays a significant role in the continent’s continued economic development by creating millions of jobs.
The 2023 Summit theme was Building Bridges to a Sustainable Future.
Remember to share your experience at the Global Summit on social media using the hashtag #GSRwanda.
On Demand
With thanks to our event host and partners.
Featured Speakers
Greg O'HaraFounder & Senior Managing Director, Certares
Gloria Fluxà ThienemannVice-Chairman & Chief Sustainability Officer, Iberostar Group
Sébastien BazinGroup Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Accor
Francis GatareChief Executive Officer, Rwanda Development Board
Yvonne MakoloChief Executive Officer, RwandAir
Discover Kigali, Rwanda
For two days, delegates from over 45 countries gathered to discuss priorities for the global travel and tourism sector and how we can work together to promote sustainable travel that preserves our environment and biodiversity. Known as the land of a thousand hills, Rwanda’s stunning scenery and warm, friendly people offer unique experiences in one of the most remarkable countries in the world.
Programme
Theme: Building Bridges to a Sustainable Future.
Wednesday 1 November
1 session
- Global Leaders’ DialogueWTTC members, ministers & heads of delegations
Thursday 2 November
13 sessions
- Opening Ceremony
- Opening Speech
- Presidential Remarks
- Clearing the PathwaySession 1 · Connect · Panel
Friday 3 November
8 sessions
- A New Source: Understanding New and Emerging MarketsSession 4 · Promote · Panel
- With Open ArmsSession 4 · Promote · Panel
- From the Boardroom to the StadiumSession 4 · Promote · Panel
- Climate ActivismSession 5 · Protect · My story
The Global Leaders’ Dialogue brings together ministers and CEOs in a moderated exchange. Leaders will share their priorities and concerns in order to identify opportunities for mutual support and greater public-private partnership. WTTC forecasts estimate Travel & Tourism investment will increase by 11.5% in 2023 and return to pre-pandemic levels in 2025. At the same time, surveys have found that environmental risks represent half of the top 10 global risks and the industry is seeing increasing scrutiny of its social impacts. In this context, the 2023 dialogue will focus on investment in sustainability. Framed by data and insights on investment as well as the environmental and social impact of Travel & Tourism, decision-makers will share their respective experiences and priorities in aligning investment with wider objectives related to nature, people, and communities. Continuing to create a more sustainable sector remains a priority and one that can only be achieved through effective public-private collaboration.
Cultural performance
Speakers
Arnold DonaldChair, World Travel & Tourism Council
Francis GatareChief Executive Officer, Rwanda Development Board
As the world’s second-largest and second-most populous continent, Africa has plenty to offer in Travel & Tourism – from inspiring tourism experiences to lessons in being Guardians of Nature. It also has the world’s youngest population with the UN reporting that 70% of sub-Saharan Africans are under the age of 30. It is truly a continent of promise. Two Heads of State and a Vice President will share opening remarks and their vision for the future of Africa.
Speakers
H.E. Prosper BazombanzaVice President, Republic of Burundi
H.E. Samia Suluhu HassanPresident, United Republic of Tanzania
H.E. Paul KagamePresident, Republic of Rwanda
With global international arrivals in Q4 of 2023 expected to reach 96% of 2019 levels, connectivity and access to incredible destinations is crucial. Furthermore, the reopening of key markets has injected much-needed tourism flows into the value chain. What are the barriers to increased connectivity in Africa and the world? What are the lessons the global community can apply to other regions to ensure travel continues to drive the global economy as it has for decades?
Speakers
Patricia de LilleMinister of Tourism, South Africa
Paul GriffithsChief Executive Officer, Dubai Airports
Alfred MutuaMinister of Wildlife & Tourism, Kenya
Larry MadowoInternational Correspondent, CNN
Technological advancements have continued to permeate modern life and work, with new research stating that AI is expected to see an annual growth rate of 37% between 2023 and 2030 and create 97 million new jobs by 2025. How are technological advancements enhancing Travel & Tourism or are they hindering it? What are the accommodations our sector must make to ensure we remain at the forefront of modern society and continue to exceed consumer expectations?
Speakers
Yves IradukundaPermanent Secretary, Rwanda Ministry of ICT & Innovation
Nelson BoyceManaging Director: Travel, Google
Julie ShainockGlobal Managing Director for Travel, Transport Logistics and Hospitality, Microsoft
Mark AntipofChief Growth Officer, HBX Group
Peter GreenbergTravel Editor, CBS News
Communities are integral to Travel & Tourism and creating a truly wonderful experience for travellers. In fact, 79% of Gen-Z and Millennial survey respondents say they would love to experience a day in the life of locals and 69% of all respondents agreed that they would spend more on a holiday if they knew it supported the local community. However, promises of skills development programmes without real benefits harm communities. What are the interventions that truly enable SMEs, youth, and wildlife to prosper? How is the sector improving the talent pool and recruiting labour?
Speakers
Jerry InzerilloGroup Chief Executive Officer, Diriyah Company
Dianne BainChair, Tourism Western Australia
Satya AnandPresident for Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International
Anita MendirattaFounder, Anita Mendiratta & Associates
The Travel & Tourism sector is a key connector, facilitating meaningful connections between people and even the planet. Expert leaders share how the sector continues to facilitate amazing connections across the Travel & Tourism value chain and how the sector can grow more sustainably and inclusively.
Speakers
Matthew UpchurchPresident & Chief Executive Officer, Virtuoso
Rosette RugambaFounder & Managing Director, Songa Africa
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for more resilient and sustainable tourism models, which require a collaborative effort between investors, businesses, and governments. With 13% of people spending more money on holidays since the global pandemic, the industry’s challenge is to keep up with the pace of demand. To ensure scalability and competitive advantage, organisations must focus on technology and ESG. How are Travel & Tourism investments changing in today’s economy and what are the challenges and opportunities leaders are facing?
Speakers
Greg O’HaraFounder & Senior Managing Director, Certares
Manfredi Lefebvre d’OvidioChairman, Heritage Group, & Co-Chair, Abercrombie & Kent
Mariana OleskivChairperson, Ukraine State Agency for Tourism Development
Tania HabimanaAnchor, CNBC Africa
Understanding global consumer demand is crucial to long-term success as is understanding how these demands change over time. For example, many countries in Africa – home to the world’s youngest population – are heavily investing in empowering younger generations and creating exciting new opportunities to tap into this market. Globally, traveller demand ranges from a heavier focus on mental health to higher demand for adventure tourism. Which trends are here to stay? Which trends are worth investing in to meet future travellers’ needs?
Speakers
Bert FolManaging Director: Africa, Radisson Hotel Group
Caroline MoultrieManaging Director, MMGY
Tom StarrGlobal Vice President: Destinations, Amadeus- Larry MadowoInternational Correspondent, CNN
The travel experience begins when you leave the house making how you get there just as important as where you go. In fact, 75% of travellers would prefer to use biometric data over passports and boarding passes indicating their preference for smoother processes from the time they leave home. From Sustainable Aviation Fuels and data-enabled processing at points of entry, what are the solutions needed to tackle the unique challenges facing the aviation industry?
Speakers
Yvonne MakoloChief Executive Officer, RwandAir
James HoganChairman, Knighthood Global
Gary RenfrowAssistant Administrator for International Operations, USA Transportation Security Administration- Peter GreenbergTravel Editor, CBS News
The hospitality industry has had a remarkable recovery, with reports stating over 3 billion hotel rooms were sold in the period January to August 2023 – a 10.8% increase compared to last year. In addition, 87% of survey respondents would appreciate it if their accommodation provider enabled them to learn more about local culture and history. As the hospitality industry continues to adapt to create even more immersive holidays and remarkable guest experiences, how is this industry evolving to meet the demands of the modern traveller?
Speakers
Sébastien BazinGroup Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Accor
Gloria Fluxà ThienemannVice-Chairman & Chief Sustainability Officer, Iberostar Group
Andrea GrisdaleFounder & Chief Executive Officer, IC Bellagio
Paolo BarlettaChief Executive Officer, Arsenale Spa- Larry MadowoInternational Correspondent, CNN
Sport is a fantastic unifier and travel is an incredible connector of people. In fact, the global sports tourism market was valued at US$587.9 billion in 2022 and is anticipated to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 17.5% from 2023 to 2030, highlighting the huge attraction of this industry. In terms of revenue, the football segment dominated the market with a share of over 37% in 2022. When destinations combine the love of sport with unique destinations, they can create new and varied experiences for travellers. How are sports partnerships changing the face of destination marketing and to what end? What lessons can Rwanda share from its journey with sports partnerships?
Speakers
Amadou Gallo FallPresident, Basketball Africa League
Setti SolomonChief Strategy & Communications Officer, Rwanda Development Board
Juliet SlotChief Commercial Officer, Arsenal Football Club- Tania HabimanaAnchor, CNBC Africa
The UN estimates India’s population has overtaken China as the most populous country and Indian travellers are said to be among travellers who spend more. Additionally, 64% of global survey respondents say they have been inspired to visit a destination they saw on a tv show or movie suggesting newer marketing opportunities for destinations. With new source markets and sources of inspiration, what are the emerging source markets for the next decade and where are travellers finding inspiration to travel?
Speakers
Fawaz FarooquiManaging Director, Cruise Saudi
Ashish SanghrajkaPresident, Big Five Tours & Expeditions
Olivier GranetChief Executive Officer, Kasada Capital
Nikolina AngelkovaMinister of Tourism of Bulgaria (2014-2020)- Anita MendirattaFounder, Anita Mendiratta & Associates
For travel to flourish and achieve its sustainable and inclusive goals, the public and private sectors must work with local communities to create destinations that are inspiring to visit and wonderful to live in. Travel executives agree that supporting local communities resonates most with their customers, accounting for 66% of respondents, emphasising the importance of a positive social impact beyond jobs and economic opportunities. What can public sector leaders from across the globe learn from each other about building and maintaining innovative, sustainable, and inclusive destinations?
Speakers
James ThorntonChief Executive Officer, Intrepid Travel
Rodney EllisCommissioner, Harris County, Texas
Daniel FentonExecutive Vice President, JLL Hotels & Hospitality
Debbie FlynnManaging Partner, Global Travel Practice Leader, Finn Partners- Larry MadowoInternational Correspondent, CNN
Business travel was worth over US$946.6 billion and accounted for 19% of travel spending in 2022. As recovery gains momentum so, too, does this key segment. From business trips to large events, what are the factors that make a destination truly competitive in the MICE industry and how are large events modifying destinations’ unique selling points?
Speakers
Aurore MunyangajuMinister of Sport, Rwanda
J.D. O’HaraChief Executive Officer, Internova Travel Group
Raki PhillipsChief Executive Officer, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority
Victor WilliamsChief Executive Officer, NBA Africa- Tania HabimanaAnchor, CNBC Africa
Land degradation due to extreme rainfall and water scarcity is heavily affecting communities; in fact, about 76% of Rwandan women rely on farming as their primary source of income. In this personal account, a young Rwandan leader shares how she is using innovative sustainable solutions to reduce the climate change knowledge gap, especially among youth, and ensure sustainable development.
Speakers
Ineza Umuhoza GraceFounder, The Green Protector and Loss & Damage Youth Coalition
By empowering the next generation of Travel & Tourism leaders, the sector is able to push the boundaries of innovation and design purpose-driven solutions. Recent winners of the Global Sustainable Hospitality Challenge share their innovative solutions to overcome today’s most pressing issues as travel strives to protect nature. Winners of the 2023 Sustainable Hospitality Student Challenge
Travel & Tourism is one of six economic sectors with over 80% of its goods and services dependent on nature. As such, our sector must be a Guardian of Nature and grow in a Nature Positive way by supporting biodiversity. What are the steps private sector leaders, governments, youth, and communities can take together to restore nature, prevent further harm to nature and decarbonise operations while effectively managing, and growing tourist flows?
Speakers
Michaella RugwizangogaChief Tourism Officer, Rwanda Development Board
Hamish KeithChief Executive Officer, EXO Travel
Keith VincentChief Executive Officer, Wilderness Safaris- Anita MendirattaFounder, Anita Mendiratta & Associates
Travel & Tourism enables people to share and discover new and different cultures. Indeed, an inclusion and diversity survey found that more than half of travellers surveyed said it’s important that the company they book with is committed to Diversity & Inclusion practices. As WTTC’s newly launched report on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging emphasises, it is imperative to embrace and value differences to create a more inclusive and equitable society. How are Travel & Tourism leaders addressing discrimination to create workplaces and travel experiences where all people feel welcomed, valued, and empowered to succeed?
Speakers
Jeffrey RutledgeChief Executive Officer, AIG Travel
Nombulelo GuliweActing Chief Executive Officer, South African Tourism
Billy KolberPartner & Head of Strategy, HospitableMe
David BurgessPresident & Chief Executive Officer, Miles Partnership
John SageChief Executive Officer, Accessible Travel Solutions- Tania HabimanaAnchor, CNBC Africa
Announcement of the 2024 host.
Speakers
- Francis GatareChief Executive Officer, Rwanda Development Board
Watch the sessions
You can now catchup and re-watch sessions from the Rwanda Global Summit on demand.
Welcome to Rwanda WTTC Summit Host 2023 Copyright © World Travel & Tourism Council
Welcome to Rwanda WTTC Summit Host 2023 Copyright © World Travel & Tourism Council
WTTC's Global Summit Rwanda Teaser
2023 Global Summit Rwanda
WTTC Global Summit in Rwanda - Summary of Highlights
WTTC Global Summit in Rwanda - Day 1 Highlights
WTTC Global Summit in Rwanda - Day 2 Highlights
WTTC Global Summit in Rwanda - Day 3 Highlights
Winners of the Sustainable Hospitality Challenge at #GSRwanda
Rwanda Development Board's Chief Tourism Officer on WTTC in Rwanda
WTTC to Host 23rd Global Summit in Kigali, Rwanda
Photos
Photo albums on Flickr, day by day.
Global Summit Report
The 23rd WTTC Global Summit, held in Kigali, Rwanda, brought together key industry leaders and stakeholders to discuss the future of global Travel & Tourism.
This event report highlights key figures, prominent speakers, and main stage discussions that addressed critical topics facing the Travel & Tourism sector.
It also showcases notable side events, and the impactful discussions that shaped this major gathering of global Travel & Tourism professionals.
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See Highlights From Previous Summits
WTTC hosts a Global Summit each year in a different destination. You can learn more about our other summits, as well as watch videos and highlights, from the cards below.
