United Nations ministers will address the challenges of the economic downturn as well as the issues of climate change and poverty at this year’s World Travel Market.
The second annual United Nations World Tourism Organisation Ministers’ Summit will take place on Tuesday 11 November 2008 at the international event at ExCeL London.
UNWTO secretary-general, Francesco Frangialli, said: “A new and more demanding economic scenario has emerged in recent times. While factoring this into the international tourism agenda, we must not lose sight of the unaffected challenges of climate change response and the fight against poverty. The long-term starts today and the tourism sector must act now and face up to the economic uncertainty with all of its constructive potential.”
WTM chairman Fiona Jeffery, said: “We are moving into extremely challenging times and it is important that strategically we do not forget the big picture and long term goals whilst dealing in a very different economic climate.
“The Ministers’ Summit, part of WTM’s Ministerial Programme working with the UNWTO, aims to keep these long term goals at the forefront of our industry and provide a timely forum for discussion, debate and leadership.”
More than 45,000 travel professionals, senior management and buyers are expected to attend World Travel Market 2008 at ExCeL London.