The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC)\u2019s 2019 Global Summit was a salient reminder of some of the most pressing issues in safety and sustainability around the globe\u2014and the power our industry has to address them. Held in Seville, Spain, this year\u2019s event took on the theme of \u201cChangemakers,\u201d intended to celebrate the people and ideas that are defining the future of the travel and tourism sector.<\/p>\n
As a member of the WTTC, our CEO Robin Ingle travelled to Spain to take part in this year\u2019s Summit, where he had the chance to meet with former U.S. President Barack Obama, the headline speaker for the event.<\/p>\n
The future of the travel industry<\/strong><\/p>\n Obama joined Chris Nassetta, president and CEO of Hilton as well as chairman of the WTTC, for a discussion on the social, cultural, and economic value of tourism. Among other reflections, Obama helped to highlight the importance of sustainable travel and how travel breaks down boundaries, building understanding around the world.<\/p>\n The discussion at this year\u2019s event looked ahead into the future of travel, including the vast opportunities that new and upcoming technology will be bringing to our industry\u2014for example, the possibilities around using biometrics for seamless cross-border travel. Attendees also looked at growing travel segments and emerging tourism opportunities that could help to guide their path as they grow and expand their services to suit our changing world.<\/p>\n