Highlights From the WTTC Global Summit in Rwanda

WTTC opened its first-ever Global Summit in Africa on November 2, 2023, with more than 1,200 delegates attending the event in Kigali, Rwanda.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “The success of this year’s Global Summit in Kigali is a testament to the power of Africa’s Travel & Tourism sector. Through Rwanda, the continent has well and truly put itself on the map."

One of the major topics at the WTTC Global Summit was the travel industry's strong recovery:

“Our latest data highlights our sector’s enduring appeal and resilience and is recovering faster than anticipated," said WTTC President and CEO Julia Simpson. “This trend underlines the longstanding consumer appetite for travel, and despite China's full recovery potential yet to be realized, the global sector’s performance is exceeding expectations.” 

The summit was focused on sustainability with the tagline: "Building Bridges to a Sustainable Future"

WTTC revealed details of its Environmental Impact Research data (ESR). The groundbreaking data covers 185 countries and can serve as a benchmark for building toward a more eco-friendly travel future.

The WTTC Global Summit panel ‘Unlocking Opportunities for Travel & Tourism Growth in Africa’ discussed the tourism potential for the continent. 

Research found that this "powerhouse sector" is expected to grow by 6.5% per year over the next decade and infuse the continent with $168 billion over the next 10 years.

WTTC also launched its groundbreaking Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging report. This report tracks DEIB in the Travel & Tourism sector and highlights effective practices and recommendations for the future.

Kenny Porpora, HospitableMe Partner and Head of Education, said: “This first-of-its-kind survey shows the tourism sector's commitment to building a more inclusive world through travel. The insights we’ve gained through this survey make it clear that inclusivity remains both a core strength and formidable challenge for the travel industry. We are here to extend our hand to industry leaders, urging them to harness these findings and join us on a transformative journey. Together, we can shape a future where every traveller, employee, and stakeholder feel genuinely seen, valued, and welcomed.”

Many delegates in attendance at the WTTC Global Summit were able to experience the beauty of Rwanda firsthand on trips that explored the country's beautiful biodiversity--be it gorilla trekking in the mountains or on safari in Akagera National Park. 

Next year's summit will take place in Perth, Western Australia in late 2024.