Dallas will host the WTTC Global Summit in April this year

World Travel & Tourism Council president David Scowsill has announced the theme of this year’s Global Summit will be “Travel Beyond Boundaries”.

The programme will focus on how tourism will respond to the biggest issues of the moment - migration, climate change, terrorism, security and border policies.

The Global Summit celebrates 25 years of WTTC’s sector advocacy and will take place in Dallas, Texas, on April 6th–7th.

The Summit brings together government officials and Chief Executives of the world’s leading Travel & Tourism businesses, to extend the boundaries of the sector and to debate the key issues of the day.

Scowsill said: “I am excited to announce that this year’s Global Summit will explore travel beyond boundaries.

“It will address how the sector can continue to grow and be a force for good, while facing up to major issues that are having a profound impact on the world.

“I am extremely pleased to confirm that we will see speakers of the highest calibre on stage. 

“Not only will we hear from the key business decision makers, but in this important year for the United States we are welcoming key members of the Obama administration to demonstrate their commitment to tourism.”

Speaks for this year’s event include Expedia chairman Barry Diller, Air Asia chief executive Tony Fernandes, Enrique de la Madrid, Mexico minister of tourism, and Bill Marriott, chairman of the board, Marriott International.

Also on stage at the event will be Taleb Rifai, secretary general, United Nations World Tourism Organisation.

Phillip Jones, president, Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau, said: “I am thrilled for Dallas to be hosting this year WTTC’s Annual Global Summit.

“The city will be hosting over 500 leaders from within the tourism sector, and emphasise the economic and social importance of tourism to Dallas.

“Holding the Summit in Dallas is a recognition of the city’s status as a major international hub and will show how the city has increased its connectivity with a growing number of direct flights out of DFW International Airport over the last years.

“We are looking forward to welcoming all delegates for this elite event in April.”