WTTC European Leaders Forum heads to Lisbon, Portugal

The World Travel & Tourism Council has announced that global leaders from the industry will meet at the first WTTC European Leaders Forum in Lisbon, Portugal on September 11th.

Hosted by Ana Mendes Godinho, secretary of state for Tourism in Portugal, and Turismo de Portugal, this invitation-only event will bring together the chief executives and regional leaders of the top tourism companies from across Europe, along with tourism ministers and regional experts.

The WTTC European Leaders Forum will engage a select group of leaders who will discuss four of the key issues facing the region’s tourism sector: tourism’s role in sustainable urban development, tourism and the future of work, unlocking investment in Europe’s tourism, and supporting innovation in tourism.

Godinho will be joined by Thomas Cook Group chief executive Peter Fankhauser and Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC Cruises, among a host of other guests.

Gloria Guevara, president and chief executive, WTTC, said: “We are delighted to be holding our first WTTC Europe Leaders Forum in Lisbon, Portugal.

“Europe is the largest and most mature tourism market in the world, with tourism generating €1.8 trillion to European economies and supporting 36.6 million jobs.

“Throughout Europe, tourism creates jobs, drives economic growth and helps build better societies.”

She added: “The outputs from the European Leaders Forum will inform WTTC’s future work in the region and provide a unique and exclusive space for networking amongst the leaders in attendance.

“We look forward to a productive and engaging forum and thank Ana Mendes Godinho and Turismo de Portugal for their continued support.”