The 25th World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit kicked off today (October 8) in Perth, marking a significant milestone for Western Australia. The event, hosted for the first time in Australia, will bring together global leaders, industry experts, and government officials to discuss the future of travel and tourism.
Rita Saffioti, Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Tourism of Western Australia, addressed the summit during the opening press conference, emphasising the importance of supporting tourism products and revitalising the tourism industry.
"We have embarked on an agenda to improve the aviation industry in Australia," said Saffioti, noting that since COVID-19, Western Australia has established many direct flights to boost connectivity. She highlighted the nation's commitment to promoting tourism through cultural, sporting, and business events, citing high-profile events like Coldplay's exclusive performances, international football, and UFC events as key draws.
Saffioti also reinforced the government's dedication to supporting regional and Indigenous tourism, which are essential to Australia's tourism identity. "We want to build our tourism industry and ensure continuous growth through more investments," she added.
Meanwhile, Julia Simpson, President and CEO of WTTC, underscored the global significance of the travel and tourism sector, which is set to surpass pre-pandemic levels this year. "The sector now represents 10 per cent of the global economy and supports over 300 million jobs," Simpson noted while stressing the need for sustainable travel practices.
She called for accountability and data-driven analysis in the industry's efforts to reduce environmental impacts. "We need governments to reinvest tax revenues from tourism into sustainability initiatives," she urged, emphasising the importance of economic growth aligned with green tourism practices. She also highlighted that the global travel and tourism industry's GHG emissions were 6.7 per cent in 2023, a reduction from the 7.8 per cent recorded in 2019.
The 24th World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit is being held in Perth (Boorloo), Western Australia, from October 8 to 10, 2024. As an influential event in the travel and tourism calendar, this summit will bring together industry leaders and key government representatives to foster collaboration and work towards a safer, more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future for the sector.
Supported by the WA Government, the three-day conference will feature keynote speakers, including former US Secretary of State John Kerry and Australian environmentalist Robert Irwin. High-profile figures such as TripAdvisor CEO Matt Goldberg, Trip.com CEO Jane Sun, and American Express Travel President Audrey Hendley will also share their insights. With over 800 registered attendees, the event is set to boost the local economy, as business delegates typically spend more than leisure visitors.
Perth is an ideal location for the WTTC Global Summit, with its deep respect for cultural heritage, commitment to sustainability, and focus on the First Nations people. The theme for this year, "Ancient Land: New Perspectives," highlights the city's ability to bridge traditional values with modern tourism innovation, making it a perfect venue for discussions on the future of global travel.