UNWTO ministers to discuss mega event hosting at WTM 2014

2 October 2014

The 2014 UNWTO and WTM Ministers’ Summit at World Travel Market will put a spotlight on the essential connection between tourism and mega events, looking in particular at how such events can create a lasting legacy.

Tourism and mega events are closely interlinked in today’s globalised society, yet they need to include careful prep, during and post-event strategies and be fully part of the long-term development plan of city, country or region in order to be successful in leaving a legacy in the host destinations.

In what promises to be an interesting debate, tourism ministers from around the world and private sector representatives will participate in a discussion around the theme ‘Tourism and Mega-Events: building a lasting legacy’.

Charles Hodson, anchor of CNN International’s flagship business programme World Business Today will moderate the debate.

The 2014 edition of the UNWTO/WTM Ministers’ Summit will debate the following issues:

How to measure the impact of mega events on tourism destinations.

How to ensure adequate infrastructure development and planning.

How to promote environmentally sustainable events.

How to translate the hosting of mega events into strong destination brands.

How to promote community engagement and invest in human capital.

Speakers include representatives from countries that have hosted major sporting events in recent years, including Derek Hanekon, minister of tourism for South Africa and Vinícius Nobre Lages, minister of tourism for Brazil.

Also on the panel will be representatives of government tourist offices, including VisitBritain chairman Christopher Rodrigues and Qatar Tourism Authority chairman Issa Mohammed Al Mohannadi.

Qatar will host the 2022 football World Cup.

They will be joined on the panel by experts from global hotel groups, travel companies and event organisers, including Thomas Waldner, project director, Donauinselfest – a free music festival in Vienna, which hosts more than three million people in three days.

The discussion will be further enriched by the participation of more than 150 Ministers and aides poised to attend the event.

World Travel Market, senior director, Simon Press, said: “The UNWTO and WTM Ministers’ Summit is a fixture in the calendar for ministers and private sector to debate the key issues facing the industry.

“Major sporting events have the potential to increase the host country’s tourism industry, but it is important the tourism industry makes the most of such opportunities.

“To do this the private and public sector must work together for the benefit of both sides. I am delighted WTM is again able to facilitate such an important conversation.”

Now on its eighth year, the UNWTO/WTM Ministers’ Summit is part of the World Travel Market Ministers Programme, bringing together tourism ministers and leading tourism experts to debate each year key issues affecting the future of the sector.