WTTC Global Summit Prepares for Tourism for Tomorrow Awards

Tourism for Tomorrow has to balance the needs of ‘people, planet and profits’ and consider the consumption of resources and possible impacts on society and the wider world.

That will be the strong message from world-renowned environmental speakers to more than eight hundred senior private and public executives from the tourism industry at the World Travel & Tourism Council Global Summit in Abu Dhabi.

The Global Summit at the Jumeirah at Eithad Towers will include a keynote address from President Bill Clinton, founder of the William J. Clinton Foundation and 42nd president of the United States.

Speakers including Daryl Hannah, American actress and activist, Jonathan Porritt, founder director, Forum for the Future, David de Rothschild, adventurer and environmentalist, Laura Turner Seydel, Captain Planet Foundation, Costas Christ, chairman of the Judges, Tourism for Tomorrow Awards and Dr. Christoph Weber, chief executive, Jatro will be among the other speakers.

They will be discussing what the industry can do to ensure it impacts natural and cultural environments in a positive way, provides benefits to all sectors of society, attracts and develops a skilled workforce to support growing demand, stimulates consumer demand for sustainable products and uses the latest technology to find innovative solutions to future challenges.

Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority, which is hosting the Summit along with Etihad Airways, the UAE’s national carrier, says a sustainable tourism industry is at the heart of the emirate’s tourism strategy.

The Summit will also be an opportunity to recognize tourism businesses, which are flying the flag for sustainable practices. WTTC’s Tourism for Tomorrow Awards is one of the highest accolades in the global tourism industry, recognizing sustainable tourism best practices in businesses and destinations worldwide.

Award applications were received this year from 46 countries, representing all continents. Finalists in four categories have been selected, ranging from entire countries, to global hotel groups, international airlines, luxury tour operators and small eco-lodges.