The 13th Global Summit of the World Travel & Tourism Council is to be held in Abu Dhabi in 2013.
The Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) and Etihad Airways will be official hosts of the annual gathering of travel and tourism leaders scheduled for April/May 2013.
The decision to select the gulf nation was based on a “compelling” presentation by the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority.
Confirmation came ahead of the WTTC’s 2012 summit to be held in Japan on April 16-19 split between Tokyo and Sendai.
WTTC president and CEO David Scowsill said: “Our Global Summit is the most influential travel and tourism event of the year, bringing together almost 1,000 industry leaders to tackle some of the most pressing issues facing travel and tourism today.
“I’m very pleased that Abu Dhabi will host our 2013 Global Summit. With its distinctive Arabian hospitality and world-class infrastructure, Abu Dhabi will be an enchanting destination for our top-level delegates.”
Etihad chief executive James Hogan added: “Abu Dhabi’s global profile as a business and tourism destination rises by the day and the decision to make the emirate the venue for the Summit reflects this.”
ADTA director general Mubarak Al Muhairi said: “This is a sterling example of two stakeholders coming together to achieve success. The joint ADTA-Etihad proposition hinged on providing a unique combination of benefits – the facilities and services of a leading international business centre coupled with the attractions and recreational possibilities of a luxury destination.
“We understand the 2013 summit will include a diverse and profound programme as well as numerous opportunities for people to interact in an environment that transcends disciplinary, cultural and national barriers.