Ivorian footballing legend Didier Drogba and tourism ministers from African nations are among those due to attend the World Travel & Tourism Council annual summit in Rwanda this week.
Former Chelsea striker Drogba will share his experience of growing up in the West African country, and his continued fight for social progress at the three-day event which starts today (Wednesday) in Kigali.
Other keynote speakers include global economist and business commentator Justin Urquhart-Stewart, US Transport Security Administration administrator David Pekoske and Arsenal chief commercial officer Juliet Slot.
Other speakers include Rwanda Development Board chief executive Francis Gatare and Yvonne Makolo, chief executive of Rwandair and Iata board of governors chair.
The tourism ministers of South Africa and Tanzania are due to attend the WTTC’s 23rd summit along with Ukraine’s tourism development chair Mariana Oleskiv.
Industry leaders involved represent companies such as Abercrombie and Kent, Iberostar and Virtuoso.
The summit’s theme of ‘Building Bridges to a Sustainable Future’ underscores the sector’s significance beyond revenue with its impact on the planet and global communities.
WTTC president and chief executive Julia Simpson said: “We are delighted to announce that such heavyweight and influential figures will be joining us in Kigali next week.
“This is our first summit on the African continent. Rwanda’s dedication to the travel and Tourism sector’s resurgence after challenging times is commendable. The nation’s rapid growth trajectory positions it as an upcoming tourism hotspot.”