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Dear Industry Colleagues and Friends,
This special report provides a summary of some of the highlights from The World Travel & Tourism Council's Global Summit 2013.
The World Travel & Tourism Council is the global authority on the economic and social contribution of Travel & Tourism. It promotes sustainable growth for the industry, working with governments and international institutions to create jobs, to drive exports and to generate prosperity. In 2012 Travel & Tourism accounted for 260 million jobs globally. At US$6.6 trillion (9.3% of GDP) the sector is a key driver for investment and economic growth. For more than 20 years, the World Travel & Tourism Council has been the voice of this industry globally. Members are the Chairs, Presidents and Chief Executives of the world's leading, private sector Travel & Tourism businesses. These Members bring specialist knowledge to guide government policy and decision-making, raising awareness of the importance of the industry as an economic generator of prosperity.
The World & and Our place in it: A Time for Leadership
The World Travel & To  urism Council's Global Summit - the most influential event on the annual Travel and Tourism industry's international calendar - which began its 13th edition in the UAE capital yesterday, has returned to the home of hospitality, according to His Excellency Mubarak Al Muhairi, Director General of Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi).
Welcoming the gathering of almost 1,000 industry leaders, including Keynote Speaker, President Bill Clinton, to Abu Dhabi, Al Muhairi said the staging of the summit in the UAE capital represented a key milestone in the Emirate's tourism evolution. Read more...
President Bill Clinton
By Claire Malcolm, Abu Dhabi
Addressing international delegates on the first day of the 13th annual World Travel & Tourism Council Global Summit, hosted by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) and Etihad Airways, former US President Bill Clinton put the ball firmly in the court of the high profile audience, challenging industry leaders to take the mantle of economic responsibility with tourism as the game changer. Read more...
The Airline Panel: "Turbulence or clear skies ahead? "
James Hogan, CEO Etihad and Willie Walsh, CEO International Airline Group were joined by Tony Tyler, Director General & CEO IATA. A feisty and upbeat panel was held on key topics for the airline sector. Read more...
Technological innovations for Travel 
The technology section provided a range of interesting insights from four speakers from Facebook, TripLingo, TourWrist and Qunar. We have summarised some of their main points.
Read more...
Sir David Frost Entertains
By Claire Malcolm, Abu Dhabi
Sir David Frost, renowned journalist and interviewer, entertained high-profile delegates and guests with humorous anecdotes from the world's most famous leaders and politicians, during a special session on the final day of the Summit. Raucous laughter emanated from the audience after Sir Frost quipped about his many interviews over the years, which range from - most famously - former US President Richard Nixon, former UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and former President of South Africa Nelson Mandela. Read more...
Growth requires process liberalisation and people investment
By Claire Malcolm, Abu DhabiConnectivity at all levels, from a united industry front when it comes to lobbying for procedural change to renewed focus on the development of human capital was the message delivered today by representatives from across the travel and tourism industry. Read more...
Winners of Tourism for Tomorrow Awards Announced at Summit
Peaks of the Balkans, &Beyond, Ten Knots Development Corporation/El Nido Resorts and Air New Zealand win at prestigious awards.
By Alice Johnson, Guest Reporter at the WTTC
Abu Dhabi
Four international organisations were recognised for their work in leading sustainable tourism initiatives in the glittering Tourism for Tomorrow Awards ceremony, held on Tuesday night during the 13th annual World Travel & Tourism Council Global Summit. Read more...
This was an exellent event extremely well organised by the WTTC and generously hosted by The Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority & Etihad Airways in the luxurious Jumeirah Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi.
The Global Summit 2104 will be held in the Hainan Province of China.
Best regards,
Duncan Alexander
Director
The Travel Marketing Store
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