The WTTC has declared its global lineup of speakers at the upcoming 23rd Global Summit in Rwanda, which will host many diversified voices including not just industry leaders and government officials, but also Ivorian footballing legend Didier Drogba.

Hosting the top tourism voices, the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), a leading global tourism organisation, has announced the lineup of speakers for its 23rd Global Summit to be held in Kigali, capital of Rwanda from November 1-3.

According to a press statement by WTTC, a major highlight of the event will be the presence of Ivorian footballing legend Didier Drogba. Regarded as one of the greatest African football players in history, Drogba will share his experience of growing up in the West African country and his continued fight for social progress.

WTTC adds that three Heads of State will also take to the stage at the 23rd Global Summit and a Vice-President. Other keynote speakers include Justin Urquhart-Stewart, global economist and renowned business commentator, David P Pekoske, Administrator of the United States Transport Security Administration, Juliet Slot, Chief Commercial Officer at Arsenal Football Club.

Under the theme Building Bridges to a Sustainable Future the event will focus on the value of the sector, not only to the global economy, but to the planet and communities around the world.

WTTC adds that during the Global Summit, industry leaders and international government officials will gather in Rwanda’s capital to support the sector’s recovery and address the challenges the future poses to ensure a sustainable tourism sector.

The summit’s theme underscores the sector’s significance beyond revenue to its impact on the planet and global communities. Business leaders from across the globe will collaborate on future-proofing the sector, ensuring resilience, inclusivity and sustainability, adds the statement.

It goes on to say that speakers from WTTC include Arnold Donald, WTTC Chair, Greg O’Hara, Founder and Managing Partner Certares, Gloria Fluxa, Vice Chairman and Chief Sustainability Officer, Iberostar, Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, Chairman of Heritage Group and co-chair of Abercrombie and Kent, Julie Shainock, Global Managing Director for Travel, Transport Logistics and Hospitality, Microsoft and Matthew Upchurch, President and CEO of Virtuoso.

“We are delighted to announce that such heavyweight and influential figures will be joining us in Kigali next week. This is our first Summit on the African continent. Rwanda’s dedication to the travel and tourism sector’s resurgence after challenging times is commendable. The nation’s rapid growth trajectory positions it as an upcoming tourism hotspot,” says Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO.

The statement adds that government dignitaries, including South Africa’s Tourism Minister, Patricia de Lille, Tanzania’s Minister of Natural Resources & Tourism, Angellah Jasmine Mbelwa Kairuki and Ukraine’s Tourism Development Chairperson, Hon. Mariana Oleskiv, will also be present at the occasion.