A proud and busy WTTC CEO Julia Simpson and Gloria Guevara, the former CEO and current advisor of the Saudi Tourism Minister told journalists about groundbreaking data revealed by the World Travel and Tourism Council and paid for by Saudi Arabia.
WTTC’s pioneering research shows that in 2019 the sector’s greenhouse gas emissions totaled just 8.1% globally.
The divergence of the sector’s economic growth from its climate footprint between 2010 and 2019 is evidence that Travel & Tourism’s economic growth is decoupling from its greenhouse gas emissions.Â
MOUs were signed by ministers, by CEOs of the largest companies in travel, and new initiatives were started yesterday.
Ideas were exchanged at high-level panel discussions at the beautiful Ritz Carlton Convention Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is learning every day how to make the largest industry in the world, travel, and tourism better.
To do this the kingdom needs resources. Such resources are imported in hiring the best, the most experienced minds in the world to shape a path to a better future – and together.
There were more ministers of tourism and more CEOs than ever attending the WTTC summit.
The host, the minister of tourism for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, His Excellency Ahed Al-Khateeb told an audience of top leaders to take this opportunity and come together.
Saudi Arabia’s priorities are clear to work for a safer, more resilient, and more sustainable future for the sector. This includes the future of youth as future leaders of the sector.
The minister said, he was proud of the achievement and rapid development the industry is witnessing with a little help from his kingdom.
The key for Saudi Arabia is to work together.
The minister summarized it: “Our sector must put the planet first. Our sector will create 126 million jobs in the next decade, which is a lot of lives we can touch and change – if we do it right. “
“Tourism is a shared multi-country, multi-stakeholder commitment, so no one would be left behind.”
This was echoed by UNWTO Secretary-General Zololikashvili and other leaders on the first summit day.
The setting was gigantic and no money was spared to make delegates feel at home, and give importance to the travel and tourism industry.
Spanish performer and songwriter Enrique Iglesias closed the gala dinner last night and everyone agreed. His performance was way too short.
It appears Saudi Arabia just showed the world who and where the new leaders are for the global travel and tourism industry- and again everyone seems to be united, together and agreeable.
A busy second summit day is about to start.
