London, UK – As millions of inhabitants in the new emerging tourism source markets prepare to venture within and beyond their borders for the first time, well-seasoned markets and global businesses continue to generate more and more travel. However, the speed and vigour of this global Travel & Tourism growth is not being met with adequate levels of planning, facilitation and development.

WTTC President Jean-Claude Baumgarten stated, “Travel & Tourism is enjoying exceptional growth across the world. By the end of this year, Travel & Tourism is set to account for 10.3 per cent of global GDP and more than 234 million jobs. Going forward, WTTC forecasts show continued growth across the world, averaging 4.6 per cent per annum globally over the next ten years.”  Jean-Claude Baumgarten continued, “It is time to ask ourselves - Has the industry fulfilled its promises? Are we all exemplary world citizens? What are the environmental, social and cultural implications of the continued growth of the industry? How can the public and private sector work together towards a sustainable future?”

These are just some of the questions that will be discussed when chairmen, CEOs and presidents of the world’s foremost Travel & Tourism companies assemble with Ministers,  senior government officials and media from across the world at the Global Travel & Tourism Summit in May 2007.

On the first day of World Travel Market, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) launched the theme of the 7th Global Travel & Tourism Summit. The annual gathering will take place in Lisbon, Portugal May 10 to12, 2007. The debate will be around the theme Breaking Barriers – Managing Growth.

The Portuguese Secretary of State of Tourism Bernardo Trindade said at the launch, “In order to sustain an industry like Travel & Tourism, it is absolutely imperative that our planet is protected. As an industry, we must manage growth responsibly and invest now for a sustainable future, reconciling economics, the environment and social and cultural priorities. Lisbon will provide the ideal platform to encourage global leaders to broadcast a message of strength and unity for the Travel & Tourism industry.”

Set in WTTC’s signature ‘in-the-round’ format, the Summit will steer away from traditional speeches and presentations, instead preferring to address issues head on, through debate. The event provides a unique platform for discussion between the leading public and private sector decision makers who will shape the future of one of the world’s largest industries – Travel & Tourism.
 

About The World Travel & Tourism Council

WTTC is the forum for business leaders in the Travel & Tourism industry. With Chief Executives of some one hundred of the world's leading Travel & Tourism companies as its Members, WTTC has a unique mandate and overview on all matters related to Travel & Tourism.

WTTC works to raise awareness of Travel & Tourism as one of the world's largest industries, employing approximately 230 million people and generating over 10 per cent of world GDP.

For further information please contact WTTC PR & Communications Coordinator Louise Oram on +44 20 7481 8007 or at louise@wttc.org or visit the website www.GlobalTravelTourism.com