British adventurer Bear Grylls has been unveiled as keynote speaker at this week’s World Travel & Tourism Council global summit in the Philippines.
He will address delegates virtually and will follow with an audience question and answer session.
Other new speakers confirmed for the hybrid event in Manila in front of more than 1,000 delegates include US film producer and social activist Lawrence Bender and ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ novelist Kevin Kwan.
The trio are due to take to the stage tomorrow (Thursday) as part of the three-day conference.
WTTC president and chief executive Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “We are thrilled to have Bear, Lawrence and Kevin join us and add to our already impressive list of speakers at our 21st global summit in Manila.
“As the world begins to recover from the pandemic, our event will bring together many of the world’s most powerful people in travel and tourism to discuss and secure its long-term future, which is critical to economies and employment around the world.”
The organisation released its latest economic impact report showing that the sector’s contribution to the economy of the Philippines in 2021 grew 129.5.% year-on-year to reach $41 billion.
Following an 80% decline due to the pandemic, the rise saw it ranked as the world’s fourth fastest growing economy last year.
Simpson added: “Our latest economic impact report for the Philippines signals the astonishing recovery of the country’s travel and tourism sector, resulting in a massive employment boost for the sector, leading to the recovery of 1.3 million more jobs compared to the previous year.
“Our expert analysis shows that the economy has turned a corner and is firmly on the road to recovery.”